It’s November, and that can mean only one thing… the spectacular holiday season is here in New Bern! Our hometown is known for its Beary Merry Christmas, with music, shows, shopping, movies, and of course, Santa. Here are a few recommendations for family activities to enjoy during this magical time of year.

O Christmas Tree

The holiday season officially kicks off on Friday, November 28, at the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Union Point Park! Once the tree is lit at 5:45 p.m., stay for the parade down Middle Street, block party and arrival of Santa Claus. With food trucks, music and more, this is a wonderful way to welcome in the season with family and friends.

Run, Run, Rudolph

Whether you are participating in the Fourth Annual Trail to Tryon, presented by Weyerhaeuser, or cheering the runners on, this year’s race is sure to be the best one yet! While the past three races have been held on or near Veteran’s Day, this year’s race takes place on December 6 to take advantage of the holiday splendor of New Bern. You still have time to register for the holiday half-marathon, 10k or 5k races. After the post-race celebration, head over to the Downtown Christmas Parade along George Street to Pollock Street. The fun continues later at 5:30 p.m. with the 41st Annual Coastal Christmas Flotilla at Union Point Park.

Silver Bells

One of my favorite New Bern traditions occurs on Friday, December 12, 6 – 8 p.m. The Live Window Display showcases the creative minds of our local shops, as the windows are transformed into spectacular stories of the holidays. Bring out the entire family for an evening of window shopping while taking in the sights of the season. Grab dinner either before or after your stroll, or enjoy some delicious treats at Bear City Fudge or Cow Café.

These activities are just a few of the holiday happenings in New Bern. To be sure to enjoy all these delights (and more) to have a classic time, check out Visit New Bern.

By Caramia Valentin, The Sun Journal

February 3, 2025

Representatives from the Craven County Tourism Development Authority, Tryon Palace and Weyerhaeuser presented a $5,000 check from the Trail to Tryon proceeds to the American Legion Post 539 in New Bern.

The 2024 Trail to Tryon Race on Nov. 9 attracted around 460 participants who traveled through New Bern in a half marathon, 10K or 5K, said Seth Plank, a portfolio analyst for Weyerhaeuser.

Since its inception in 2022, Weyerhaeuser has been the presenting sponsor for the race, along with many other sponsors.

Melissa Riggle, executive director for the TDA, said partners like Weyerhaeuser contributed to the success of Trail to Tryon.

“We’ve had great partners with Weyerhaeuser and Tryon Palace and all of our other sponsors, Chad Sittig Insurance Agency, Trader Construction,” Riggle said. “It has just really come to be this great annual event, so in our third year, we are super proud to present proceeds to our beneficiaries, who have been doing great work in this region for our local veterans.

“We want to do everything we can to support them, and we’re so proud that this can do that year after year.”

American Legion Commander Liz Hartman and American Legion representative Dave Nelson were at Tryon Palace recently to receive the check on behalf of the organization.

Hartman said funds from Trail to Tryon help the American Legion provide financial assistance to veterans in the form of rent payments, car payments and grocery gift cards. Additionally, the funds help send area children to Americanism programs to learn about the United States Constitution and American history.

“I think a lot of times when you see these checks, you think it’s just money, but I want everyone to realize that the $5,000, that’s essentially from Weyerhaeuser, it’s literally changing lives in the community,” Hartman said, during the presentation. “For the American Legion, this isn’t just money, this is people’s lives that Weyerhaeuser has changed.”

Plank was involved in Trail to Tryon as a participant in the first two years but volunteered to help on race day and speak at the start of the race. 

“The event was great, and I was happy to help,” Plank said. “On behalf of Weyerhaeuser, it’s been a great honor to be the presenting sponsor and help out the last few years.”

This year, Trail to Tryon is scheduled for Dec. 6 in New Bern. Riggle said the new festive date offers a run experience coupled with the holiday festivities New Bern has to offer.

Participants can choose between a half marathon, 10K or 5K. The half marathon costs $65 to enter, the 10K costs $45 and the 5K costs $30.

New Bern has an amazing community of Veterans from all branches of service. We appreciate all that they have done for our country and our town. This Veterans Day, we have two special events to show our appreciation.

The Inaugural Trail to Tryon in 2022 attracted walkers and runners from around the state and beyond.

Race to the Finish

Saturday, November 11 is the Second Annual Trail to Tryon, a foot race through New Bern’s historic downtown and riverfront. Participants have the choice of running or walking a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. In addition to the in-person events, you can join the fun virtually for any of the races. Weyerhaeuser is proud to again serve as the presenting sponsor, with a portion of the event proceeds benefitting American Legion Post 539. Festivities begin at 7 a.m. at Tryon Palace, with a post-celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the N.C. History Center, full of fun, prizes and excitement. For more details, click here.

March to the Finish

Now in its fourth year, the Annual March for the 22 takes place on Veterans Day with the option of a 22-mile, 22-kilometer or two-kilometer walk route. The finish line for all distances is at Union Point Park. The event is intentional in that it is a walk, so participants are doing it together to build friendships and support systems. Tickets to participate are only $22. The number 22 is very significant to the Veteran community, as an average of 22 commit suicide each day. American Legion Post 539 utilizes proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships to provide financial support and other services to Veterans throughout Craven County. For more details, click here.

While these two events support our area Veterans, there is more we can all do throughout the year. Let’s show our appreciation of what they have done for us, so we have the freedom to do all the things we do.

September is a welcome breather from the hot weather, as the nights begin to cool. However, the fun continues to heat up! Here are three things to do to amp up your enjoyment.

A Taste of Fun

Two-legged and four-legged friends are invited to MumFeast.

What began as a way to enjoy New Bern’s signature event, MumFest, during the pandemic, has become a date on the calendar to not miss. MumFeast is back for the fourth year, and it is set to be bigger and better than ever! From 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, September 29, Downtown New Bern is taken over with “Feasting in the Streets.” Be sure to make reservations early, as this is a jam-packed dining experience. MumFeast also kicks off a month of mum fun, with Mumfest and the Mumfest Concert in October.

A Play of Fun

Gather your girlfriends for a fun night out at the New Bern Civic Theatre. The Revolutionists is a story of four strong women who lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. A playwright, an assassin, a Haitian rebel and Marie Antoinette hang out, commit murder and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This hilarious comedy is about a variety of emotions, plethora of “isms” and the bond of sisterhood. It is raucous fun and sure to be a memorable time for your tribe! Performances run the weekends of September 22 and 29. For tickets, click here.

A Trail of Fun

The second annual Trail to Tryon is set for Saturday, November 11, so it is time to lace up those sneakers and start training! Weyerhaeuser is once again the presenting sponsor of this 5k, 10k and half-marathon event. The races run through the streets of Downtown New Bern and along the scenic riverfront. Afterward, the post-race celebration will be filled with food trucks, vendors, music and medal presentations. Whether you participate in the race or cheer someone on, you and the entire family will enjoy a Veterans Day to remember! To sign up, click here.

The Craven County’s Tourism Development Authority’s Sports and Events Committee’s inaugural event was a success in more ways than one.

New Bern Sun Journal

By Trevor Dunnell, January 17, 2023

Not knowing how many participants would sign up for the first Trail to Tryon 5K, 10K and half marathon, the event ran away with success, raising $2,000 the local American Legion Post 539.

The newly formed Craven County Tourism Development Authority’s Sports and Events Committee hosted Trail to Tryon Nov. 12-15 and was the committee’s inaugural event. The committee’s focus is to identify opportunities for sports-leisure events in Craven County.

Along with the $2,000 raised, Craven County Tourism executive director Melissa Riggle said over 250 runners signed up for the event as the committee had to cap the number of participants. Without knowing what to expect, the group prepared for between 75-150 runners.

“We are excited to start off the new year on such a positive note,” Riggle said. “The success was beyond what we had anticipated and from that we were able to take a portion of the proceeds and give it to a local organization. Our intent is to create visibility and sports tourism opportunities and a destination for sports in our community.”

November is always a spectacular time to experience the splendor of New Bern, and it offers a special time to recognize some of our most important residents… veterans. In recognition of the upcoming Veterans Day weekend, you have plenty of ways to show your appreciation of those who served our country.

There are a variety of ways to show appreciation during Veterans Day Weekend and all year long.

An Amazing Endeavor

You can join the efforts to raise awareness of the alarming suicide rate of veterans, an average of 22 per day. The Third Annual March for the 22 takes place on Friday, November 11, with the option of a 22-mile, 22-kilometer or two-kilometer walk route. Tickets to participate are only $22. American Legion Post 539 utilizes proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships to provide financial support and other services to veterans throughout Craven County. For more details, click here.

An Amazing Race

Another event taking place this weekend is Trail to Tryon, a foot race through New Bern’s historic downtown. Participants have the choice of running or walking a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. In addition to the in-person events, you can join the fun virtually for any of the races. Weyerhaeuser is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this inaugural event, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting American Legion Post 539. Festivities begin early on Saturday, November 12, with a post-celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the N.C. History Center, full of fun, prizes and excitement. For more details, click here.

Amazing Ways to Show Appreciation

You do not need to lace up your running shoes to honor veterans this weekend (or any other for that matter). There are a variety of opportunities to show your appreciation to those who have served and protected our country. Buy a veteran you know a cup of coffee. Treat them to a home-cooked meal. Shop at a veteran-owned business. Write them a handwritten note. A small gesture can have a large impact. More ideas may be found here.

New Bern is home to many veterans. Let’s make sure they know we appreciate all that they have done for our town!