2024 Holiday Schedule of Events in Downtown New Bern

Holiday Schedule of Events in Downtown New Bern

A full calendar of holiday events begins next week in downtown New Bern. The events below are free (with the exception of ice skate rental) and open to the public and are expected to bring hundreds of residents, families and visitors to New Bern to celebrate the season. We encourage everyone to attend as we join the community in the march towards the holidays and the start of a brand-new year!

Community Tree Lighting

Friday, November 29^th at 6pm (activities & music begin at 5pm)

Union Point Park

Join us at Union Point Park for family fun! Activities will begin at 5pm with local choirs and singers providing holiday entertainment.  The tree lighting will begin promptly at 6pm. We’ll welcome Santa, who will arrive on a New Bern Fire-Rescue firetruck. He’ll ask for the crowd’s help as he flips the switch and lights up the tree. Parks & Recreation staff will begin assembling the 26-foot tree on Monday, November 25. The event will also include holiday music and special season’s greetings from the City. After Santa lights the tree, he’ll head to Bear Plaza to greet families and find out what kids want for Christmas.

Ice Skating

All season long (kickoff event Friday, November 29^th, 1pm-8pm)

Union Point Park

The ice-skating rink opens on Friday, November 29^th for the official kickoff to the holiday season. The rink, made of synthetic ice, can accommodate 40 skaters at a time. As a reminder, roller blades, in line skates, and skateboards are not allowed. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver and adhere to rules for safe skating. Liability waivers can be completed and submitted electronically from the city website. Ice-skating sessions last approximately 30 minutes and the fee to skate is $5, which includes skate rental. For hours of operation and announcements of special skate nights, visit www.newbernnc.gov/iceskating. Hours of operation are subject to change based on weather. The ice-skating rink is presented by the City of New Bern, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, and Swiss Bear, Inc.

Downtown New Bern Air Show

Saturday, November 30 at 4:30pm (weather permitting)

Union Point Park

The Titan Aerobatic Team joins us for a holiday air show over downtown. This free event is sponsored by Buddy & Wendy Stallings and lasts approximately one hour. Ghost Writer Air Shows and Rob Holland return to perform their high-flying stunts and to talk to the crowd while they’re flying the planes! Don’t miss this display of aviation acrobatics and creativity. Attendees are encouraged to gather at Union Point Park, Council Bluff Green and along the Riverwalk downtown to see the show. The rain date for this event is Sunday, December 1^st.

Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7th at 10am

Downtown New Bern

The City is excited to host the annual Christmas parade again this year, with a new route! The parade will begin at George & Cypress Street and come down Pollock Street, ending at E. Front Street.  The parade is a holiday favorite of music, marching bands, community groups and performances for all ages. Families are encouraged to bring their children, friends, and loved ones and line the route to witness the sights and sounds of the season. Santa Claus has confirmed he will come down from the North Pole to join us for this festive event. Register your vehicle or float by visiting www.NewBernNC.gov. The deadline to register to participate is Friday, November 29^th. Categories include: government officials, animals, military/veterans, antique tractors, civic/nonprofits, public safety, antique cars (must be at least 25 years old), commercial, entertainment and other.

Coastal Christmas Flotilla

Saturday, December 7th at 5:30pm

Union Point Park

On Saturday, December 7th, the Neuse and Trent rivers will light up for the season with the 40^th annual Coastal Christmas Flotilla which begins at 5:30pm. See all the lighted boats parade by and help determine the winners! Be sure to enjoy food, sweets and hot cocoa at the park, too. Boats will gather at the Alfred Cunningham Bridge downtown prior to the flotilla and will be escorted north up the Neuse River. Once they reach Council Bluff Green, they will turn around and head back. Best viewing spots include Council Bluff Green south to the park, and the Riverwalk behind the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center east to Union Point Park. The deadline for boaters to register for the flotilla is Sunday, December 1^st.  This event is presented by New Bern Parks & Recreation. Register online at www.NewBernNC.gov.

Holiday Movie in the Park

Friday, December 13^th, beginning at dusk (approx. 5:30pm)

“The Santa Clause”

Parks & Recreation will feature a holiday Movie in the Park this year on Friday, December 13^th. Come watch “The Santa Clause” at Union Point Park. The movie begins at dusk, approximately 5:30pm. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks and lots of other goodies are available for sale on site. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and join us for a fun, festive night!

New Year’s Eve Block Party

Tuesday, December 31st

Activities kick off at 5:30pm

Craven/Pollock streets

Again this year, the City will host the annual New Year’s Eve Block Party on Tuesday, December 31^st. Join us downtown for the bear drop as we count down to midnight and the start of a new year. Stay tuned for more details on this special event. The New Year’s Eve Block Party is presented by the City of New Bern, E&J Automotive, GFL Environmental, Inc., SIA Group, and WCTI News Channel 12.

The events above are free and open to the public (with the exception of ice skate rental). For information or questions about New Bern Parks & Recreation’s holiday events, visit our website at www.newbernnc.gov or call us at (252)639-2901. And be sure to follow us on Facebook @newbernpr or @cityofnb for special holiday announcements.

Mark your calendar to visit Santa’s House in Bear Plaza for the Beary Merry Christmas Santa Experience when families and kids can stop by and share a holiday wish. Santa will open his home several times each week from Friday, November 29^th through Tuesday, December 24^th. Reservations for a specific date and time can be made online by visiting www.bearymerryevents.com/christmas.

And don’t forget about the holiday lights display at Union Point Park. After Thanksgiving, lighted shapes and characters will be lit up every evening during park hours. Union Point Park is open daily until 11pm. You don’t want to miss the lighted tunnel, life size figurines and all the other holiday fun at the park. Bring the whole family!