How to Spend the Holidays in New Bern, North Carolina

"Set along the waterfront, this park provides festive light displays and food trucks with hot chocolate, coffee, and treats, plus an outdoor ice rink where those dreaming of snow and ice can rent skates for 30-minute sessions for only $5 regardless of the temperature. Like other families, we found the giant Christmas tree a great photo opportunity, and during the first weekend in December the Coastal Christmas Flotilla sails by with decorated boats parading along the Trent and Neuse rivers while vendors serve hot cocoa and sweet treats." - Trudy Haywood Saunders Trudy Haywood Saunders Trudy Haywood Saunders is a writer and editor based in North Carolina. Her work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Our State, Okra, and more. A lifelong Southerner, Trudy draws her writing inspiration from personal experiences and love for the region, focusing on culture, food, and travel in the South and beyond. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines