Press Releases

During the Civil War at Christmas 1862 most people thought the war would be over. Instead, it was at Kinston’s doorsteps. Join volunteers and staff at CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center Friday, Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., for a unique theater presentation, “A Walk Through Christmas Past.” 

Join Gov. Roy Cooper at the State Capitol for the annual tree-lighting tradition on Thursday, Dec. 12! 

North Carolina’s Executive Mansion, the “people’s house,” will open its historic doors again for the beloved annual Holiday Open House from Dec. 12 through Dec. 15.

Enjoy a glimpse of how an eastern North Carolina Christmas was celebrated during the Civil War at the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in Four Oaks. It will host a Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season at the Governor’s Western Residence Holiday Open House, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 12-3 p.m., 45 Patton Mountain Rd, Asheville. Governor and Mrs. Cooper are expected to be at the residence to welcome guests during the event. 
 

Christmas traditions will be rekindled during Christmas in Halifax! Decorated homes and churches, living history, along with a lively Christmas parade will fuel a festive atmosphere for all Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m-4 p.m. 

Chapel Hill musician John Santa may call himself "an accidental bluegrass musician," but he knows the roots of the music in North Carolina.
 

You can escape the commercialization of many Christmas celebrations and delight in something that highlights the simplicity of Christmas past at Horne Creek Historical Farm.

The warm glow of candlelight and festive greenery will welcome visitors to “O Blessed Season!” at House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site. The Alston House will be decorated for Christmas and opened to the public Saturday, Dec. 7. 

Experience Christmas Candlelight Tours at Aycock Birthplace Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 with costumed interpreters who explain rural Christmas traditions and demonstrate open-hearth cooking. Tours will be given from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission for ages 5 and older is $3; ages 4 and under are free.