RALEIGH — As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, monthly events in North Carolina are being held in the lead-up to celebrations planned for the state and federal level in 2026.
Deadlines for the America 250 North Carolina grants for towns and municipalities have been extended to Dec. 16. These grants are intended to fund America 250 N.C. programming and activities in the coming year. Questions about the grants can be directed to Dan Brosz at [email protected].
December’s America 250 events in North Carolina include:
Yuletide by Lantern
Dec. 6, Historic Halifax
25 St. David St., Halifax
Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Free entry
An “authentic Christmas of long ago” with interactive historical vignettes decorating homes, public buildings and taverns.
A Light in the Darkest of Nights
Dec. 6, Brunswick Town/ Fort Anderson
8884 St. Phillips Road S.E., Winnabow
Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Free entry
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson offers a “peaceful evening amongst the ruins of St. Philips Church as it is decorated in its holiday finest, with candlelight and greenery.”
German Christmas in Colonial Carolina
Dec. 7, Alamance Battleground
5803 South N.C. 62, Burlington
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Free entry
A chance to learn about North Carolina’s German communities’ traditions, foodways and culture through the special event, “German Christmas in Colonial Carolina.”
Holiday Open House: A Colonial Christmas
Dec. 7, Museum of the Albemarle
501 S. Water St., Elizabeth City
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Free entry
The Museum of Albemarle will hold its annual Holiday Open House. This year’s theme is Colonial Christmas on Saturday, and visitors can experience Colonial Christmas through seasonal hands-on activities, games and attractions like a petting zoo and Christmas trees from each of the 13 counties.
An 18th-Century Christmas
Dec. 8, Brunswick Town/ Fort Anderson
8884 St. Phillips Road, S.E. Winnabow
Hours: 1-5:30 p.m.; Ticket purchase required
An exploration of how American colonists celebrated Christmas, including games, food, beverages and hands-on activities. Experience an “authentic period candlelit service” in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church beginning at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $5 per adult and free for children 12 and under. Purchase online at tinyurl.com/nsj-18thcentury
The American Revolution Experience
Dec. 11- 29, Cape Fear Museum
814 Market St., Wilmington
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; Free entry
The event, hosted by Wilmington’s Stamp Defiance Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust, is an “innovative pop-up exhibition” of displays and interactive digital kiosks to bring our nation’s founding to life.
“O Blessed Season” Candlelight tours
Dec. 13, House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
288 Alston House Road, Sanford
Hours: 3-6:30 p.m.; Ticket purchase required
Step back in time and experience an 18th-century Christmas. Interpreters will portray members of the community who have gathered for a festive party during the holiday season among fresh greenery and candlelight. Purchase online at tinyurl.com/nsj-candelight.
Old Christmas in Historic Bath
Dec. 28, Historic Bath
207 Carteret St., Bath
Hours: Bonfire 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bonfire story time 5-7 p.m.; Free entry
Experience an “Old Christmas Season” and learn about the traditions in the Tarheel state in the early 19th century, such as cooking over an open hearth, making ornaments and decorating a tree. Visitors can play games and drink cider at a bonfire or listen to story time.
