A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Finding festive holiday events in North Carolina isn’t hard to do. The Tar Heel State is positively brimming with wintertime magic, from twinkling light displays to frozen waterfall hikes and just about everything in between. This year, there’s one event in particular that belongs at the top of your itinerary: Tryon Palace’s Holiday Cheer. In celebration of the landmark’s 250th year, Tryon Palace will host two Saturdays of festivities, including live performances, a fireworks display, and endless holiday merriment. It’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season and renew your appreciation for North Carolina’s history.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendar for December 12th and 19th, when Tryon Palace will host its first-ever Holiday Cheer event.
As you might imagine, Tryon Palace will look a bit different this year. The property will be observing heath regulations to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible. All attendees must practice the 3W's while on the grounds: Wear, Wait, and Wash.
As many North Carolina residents know, Tryon Palace is the state's first permanent capitol building. Stepping foot on the Palace grounds is a bit like stepping back in history.
Construction of the Palace was officially completed in 1770, at which time it was the home of Royal Governor William Tryon and his wife, Margaret. The Palace served as the inaugural site of four state governors: Richard Caswell,
Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Speight. In 1798, a fire devastated the original Palace building.
So what exactly can visitors look forward to when they attend Tryon Palace's Holiday Cheer?
To start, you'll love noticing every detail that has gone into both the reconstruction of the Palace itself, which took place in the 1950s, as well as the exterior décor that harkens back to the Colonial period.
While you're there, you'll want to be sure to make time to enjoy the views. Even during the colder months, the 16 acres of gardens make for the most enchanting setting.
Next up on the itinerary are performances by the Fife and Drum corps, Jonkonnu — the 18th-century military encampment — and traditional circus performers.
And finally, the evening will conclude with an unforgettable display of black powder fireworks. It's hard to imagine a more fitting celebration of Tryon Palace's 250 years of history.
Have you ever visited Tryon Palace over the holidays? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experiences there! For more information, be sure to visit the Tryon Palace website or follow along on Facebook.
