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New Bern, North Carolina: A Holiday Celebration Guide
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 5:43 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
New Bern, North Carolina: A Holiday Celebration Guide
Travel + Leisure’s feature on New Bern, penned by travel journalist Nicholas Sparks, paints a picture of a town where history, Southern hospitality, and holiday traditions intertwine. The article, published in the “Holidays” section, serves as a one‑stop guide for visitors looking to experience New Bern’s seasonal charm, from the vibrant Fourth of July fireworks to the quiet, candle‑lit Christmas market on Main Street.
1. Why New Bern is a Holiday Destination
New Bern, founded in 1710, is North Carolina’s oldest city and a living museum of colonial America. Its cobblestone streets, brick facades, and waterfront promenade along the Neuse River give it a distinctly “Old World” feel. Sparks explains that the town’s rich history naturally lends itself to celebrations that honor the past while embracing contemporary flair. The article notes that the city’s calendar is filled with festivals, parades, and themed events that draw locals and tourists alike, making it a year‑round destination for those seeking a blend of cultural and festive experiences.
2. Seasonal Highlights
a. Fourth of July – “The City’s Fireworks and Feasts”
New Bern’s Independence Day is a flagship event. The article describes the city’s annual “Riverfest,” where a flotilla of decorated boats and a synchronized fireworks display over the Neuse River create a spectacular show. Sparks mentions that the event also features a street fair, live music from local bands, and a special “Revolutionary Dinner” featuring period‑styled cuisine. The atmosphere is described as “electric” and inclusive, with a strong sense of community pride.
b. Halloween – “Spooky Streets of the Queen City”
New Bern’s Halloween festivities tap into its colonial past. Sparks highlights the “Ghost Tour” that takes visitors along haunted historic homes and streets. The tour, narrated by local actors, provides spooky anecdotes about the town’s founders and early settlers. The article also mentions the annual “Trick‑or‑Treat Parade,” where costumed performers roam Main Street, adding a festive, family‑friendly element to the spooky celebrations.
c. Thanksgiving – “Gracious Grub and Community Giving”
While not as widely publicized as other holidays, Thanksgiving in New Bern is a quiet, heartfelt affair. Sparks writes about the “Thankful Table,” a city‑wide meal shared in the historic Old Town Square. Local restaurants partner with shelters to provide a free Thanksgiving feast for families in need. The article stresses the communal spirit and the town’s emphasis on generosity during the holiday season.
d. Christmas – “Twinkling Main Street and Holiday Markets”
The Christmas season turns New Bern into a holiday postcard. Sparks details the “Twilight Fest” where Main Street is lit with thousands of twinkling lights, and the city hosts a “Christmas Market” featuring handcrafted gifts, artisanal food stalls, and live caroling. The highlight is a “Nativity Spectacle” performed in the historic St. James Church, drawing large crowds and providing a serene end to the festive season.
e. New Year’s Eve – “Neuse River Countdown”
Sparks describes New Bern’s New Year’s Eve as a “family‑friendly” affair with a countdown event on the waterfront. The event includes a live DJ, a fireworks display, and a “River Parade” where local schools and community groups display floats. The article notes that many visitors come to watch the sunset over the river, making for a reflective and joyous start to the new year.
3. Culinary Highlights During the Holidays
Sparks underscores New Bern’s food scene as a key draw during the holiday seasons. The city is known for its seafood, particularly the local delicacy of “New Bern Oyster Chowder.” The article lists several holiday‑specific menus:
- The Heritage Café serves a Thanksgiving turkey dinner with a side of colonial‑style stuffing.
- Fisherman’s Wharf offers a “Seafood Spectacular” during Christmas with shrimp, scallops, and a signature “Neuse River Crab Dip.”
- The Queen City Bistro runs a seasonal “Holiday Brunch” featuring Southern pastries, sweet potato pancakes, and a “Pancake‑with‑a‑Side‑of‑Bacon” breakfast.
Sparks also highlights the town’s coffee shops, which run special “holiday latte” drinks featuring peppermint, cranberry, and pumpkin spice.
4. Cultural Attractions to Pair With Holiday Events
Beyond the celebrations themselves, Sparks suggests visiting the town’s historic sites to deepen the holiday experience:
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens: During Christmas, the gardens host a “Winter Wonderland” light show.
- Carteret County Museum: The museum’s exhibit on “New Bern Through the Ages” offers a contextual backdrop to the town’s holiday celebrations.
- Burgwin Museum & Visitor Center: This local history museum offers special holiday tours focusing on the colonial era and its celebration of Independence Day.
The article encourages visitors to explore these sites on days without holiday events to get a fuller sense of the town’s rich cultural fabric.
5. Practical Tips for Visitors
Sparks wraps up the article with useful tips:
- Accommodations: The town offers a range of options from boutique hotels (e.g., The Grand Gritty Inn) to bed‑and‑breakfasts in historic homes.
- Transportation: The city’s “River Run” shuttle runs during major holiday events, making it easy to move between attractions without a car.
- Timing: If you’re planning to catch a fireworks show or a holiday market, arrive early—both crowds and parking fill up quickly.
- Dress: Winters can be chilly along the waterfront; layered clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.
6. Final Thoughts
In “New Bern, North Carolina Holidays,” Nicholas Sparks delivers a concise yet engaging guide to the town’s seasonal highlights. He emphasizes how New Bern’s historical setting amplifies the festive atmosphere, whether it’s a Fourth of July fireworks display or a quiet, candle‑lit Christmas market. The article balances practical travel advice with evocative descriptions that capture the town’s charm. For anyone looking to experience a holiday in a place that feels both “old” and “new,” New Bern appears as a compelling choice—where every celebration is steeped in history and hospitality.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/new-bern-north-carolina-holidays-nicholas-sparks-11858309 ]
