Best Things to Do in Edenton at Christmas

I don’t know about you, but once Halloween is crossed off my calendar, the remainder of the year races by in a frenzy.  If you love to travel and revel in holiday events outside of Christmas shopping, I have a list of the Best things to do in Edenton, NC at Christmas.

Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Edenton two times.  On my mid-December visit, I attended the Christmas Candlelight Tour, the Penelope Barker House Holiday Repast, the Cupola House Wassail Bowl, the Iredell House Homesite Groaning Board, the Chowan Arts Council – Confection Perfection, and more.

 

Best things to do in Edenton NC at Christmas

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Flotilla

Two events kicking off Edenton’s Christmas spirit include The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6th followed by the Flotilla along Edenton Bay.   The two events are the most loved by children of all ages.  Following the Flotilla, it is rumored that Santa will be stopping by for an early visit.  Concluding the festivities, Christmas Carols will also be sung by Edenton’s elementary school children.

 

Edenton Chowan Christmas Parade

Immediately following Friday’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Flotilla, The Edenton Chowan Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 10 am.   The parade promises an array of festivities and bands that will grace Edenton’s North and South Broad Street.

38th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Weekend

The Christmas Candlelight Tour is Eastern North Carolina’s most anticipated holiday event.   Thousands of visitors make their way to Edenton for the two day premier tour which features private homes from a select Edenton neighborhood.  Participating homes are beautifully decorated and reflect the owners personal family traditions and decorating styles.

The 38th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Weekend starts on Friday, December 13 and ends on Saturday, December 14th.  In addition to touring private homes decorated for the season, Edenton’s historic buildings including the The Cupola House, The Barker House and the Historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse are decorated using only natural, historically accurate decorations.  Tickets are available by calling the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center at 252-482-7800 or purchasing tickets online at ehcnc.org/events/christmas.  The self-guided walking tours are from 4-8 p.m.

The Penelope Barker House Holiday Repast

If you are visiting Edenton, NC for the first time, the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is always a great starting point.   Last year, I explored many holiday offerings in Edenton including the Barker House Holiday Repast.  The Barker House is the Christmas Candlelight Tour headquarters.  In addition to being the heart of the Candlelight Tour, the Barker House provided some delicious treats including the Christmas Candlelight Tour Homemade Eggnog, the Christmas Candlelight Tour Punch, and savory treats.  Eggnog and Punch recipes are compiled in “Take Tea” At The Barker House, a list of compiled recipes from Edenton’s Historical Commission.  The recipe book can be purchased at the Penelope Barker House.

Cupola House Wassail Bowl

The Cupola House Wassail Bowl is not to be missed. The historic Edenton home features 18th century style Christmas decor, music and a hearty cup of wassail.  The hot apple cider beverage is made with several spices and other secret ingredients.  The Medieval Christmastide English tradition states that homes would offer Christmas Carolers a hot cup of wassail to warm their hearts and soothe their throats.  Edenton continues this tradition and offers both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version of the beverage.  Not to be missed are the delicious cookies served alongside the wassail.

Inner Banks Inn

Wondering where to stay if you decide to visit Edenton for the weekend?  I highly recommend The Lord’s Proprietor Property at the Inner Banks Inn. The elegant 19th century Victorian mansion houses seven romantic rooms that includes the living area, dining room, and a full kitchen. The building exterior and common areas are beautifully decorated during the Christmas holidays.  To read more about this gorgeous Bed & Breakfast, read my Top Bed and Breakfasts to Visit in North Carolina, which includes the Inner Banks Inn.

In addition to being known as the One of America’s Prettiest Towns, visitors will immediately notice the beautiful sense of community when visiting Edenton.   Although I am not from Edenton, I have always been welcomed with friendly smiles and locals walking up to me to start a conversation.  If you are planning to visit Edenton, click here to read my Top Things to Do in Edenton NC.  My article shares a compilation of the best places to eat and explore in One of America’s Prettiest Towns.