Tryon Palace Candlelight Tours - Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Candlelight Tours?
Saturdays: December 12 and December 19 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are available in 4 time slots: 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets may be purchased at the Tryon Palace Visitor Center during normal business hours – Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
OR
Tickets are available for purchase using a Visa or MasterCard by contacting Karen Pierson at 252-514-4935 or kpierson@tryonpalace.org between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday*. If you purchase your tickets this way, they may be picked up at the Tryon Palace Visitor Center any time after 9 a.m. on the date of the Candlelight (tickets will not be mailed). *Advance ticket sales by phone or e-mail must be made by 12 noon on the day before each Candlelight Tour.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets for another date?
The Candlelight Tours are held rain or shine. All ticket sales are final (no refunds or exchanges will be given).
How much do tickets cost?
$15 per adult, $6 per student (grades 1-12). Group discounts available.
What’s included?
The Candlelight Tour includes the Palace (1st floor and cellar) and Kitchen (1st floor) and all other activities taking place on site that evening.
What do the 1-hour time slots mean?
Your ticket time indicates the hour you can expect to enter the Palace to begin your tour. We suggest you get in line for your Palace tour approximately 15 minutes before the beginning of your time slot. The Palace tour takes about 20 minutes once you enter the Palace front door.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Recommended but not required.
No, you do not have to purchase your tickets in advance but there are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot, and tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Will I have to wait in line to tour the Palace? Yes.
As your ticket indicates a time block and not a specific time, you may have to wait in line for your Palace tour. We will do everything possible to make this time as short and pleasant as we can. In the event that you are physically unable to stand for extended periods of time, you may choose to sit on one of the benches in the colonnades while another member of your party waits in line for you. A limited number of wheelchairs are also available on a first come-first served basis.
Do I have to wait until my time slot to enter the grounds? No.
No, in fact we suggest that you arrive earlier in the evening than the hour indicated by your ticket time as there will also be all sorts of entertainments on the grounds, including reenactors, crafts, choral and instrumental groups, performances by the Tryon Palace Fife & Drum Corps, Colonial equilibrist Signora Bella, Otto the Sword Swallower, and Jonkonnu (an African American street celebration unique to Eastern North Carolina history), all enlivened by citizens from New Bern’s Colonial days.
Are the other houses on the site open for the Candlelight Tour? No.
Our three other historic houses – the George Dixon, John Wright Stanly, and Robert Hay Houses – are decorated for the holidays and are available for touring in the daytime only (closing at 4:00 p.m. on Candlelight evenings).Your tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so you may arrive early on Saturday or return on Sunday afternoon to tour the other three historic houses (as well as the Palace 2nd floor).
What time are the fireworks? 9 p.m.
If I’m a member of the Council of Friends, do I need to get a ticket? Yes.
Yes, as there are a limited number of tickets available for the Candlelight Tours of the Palace. Come to the Tryon Palace Visitor Center (or contact Karen Pierson by phone or e-mail) and provide your COF member number and you will receive your complimentary ticket or tickets.
* Advance ticket sales by phone or e-mail must be made by 12 noon on the day before each Candlelight Tour
Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens thanks the following sponsors:
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