DEC. 4 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE & CRAFT FAIR Rose Center, Morristown Celebrate the season with music, dance and good food. Buy your Christmas presents and decorations from the finest craftsmen of the region. CONTACT: Robert Lydick, (423) 581-4330, postmaster@rosecenter.org, rosecenter.org
DEC. 4 CAROLS IN THE CITY Historic Downtown Cleveland Mainstreet Cleveland lights the community Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square and welcomes Santa Claus. CONTACT: (423) 472-6587, mainstreetcleveland.com
DEC. 4 CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT HIGH TEA DINNER Grey Gables Bed ‘n Breakfast Inn, Rugby A five-course dinner with entertainment. Visit the historic 1880s Victorian Village of Rugby while at the Inn. CONTACT: (423) 628-5252, greygablestn@highland.net, www.rugbytn.com
DEC. 4 & 11 CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY Livingston Town Square, Livingston Features carriage rides, Christmas music, and Santa. CONTACT: (931) 823-2218, www.overtonco.com
DEC. 4-5 CROCKETT CHRISTMAS Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, Limestone A living history event that provides visitors with a glimpse of Christmas past on the frontier. The birthplace cabin will be decorated in pioneer spirit. Traditional music will be provided along with hot wassail and edibles common to that time period. CONTACT: (423) 257-2167, www.tnstateparks.com
DEC. 4-5 CHRISTMAS AT THE CARTER MANSION Elizabethton Spend the evening in this 18th-century home on the frontier decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780s. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments and music highlight the evening. CONTACT: (423) 543-5808
DEC. 4-5 & 11-12 A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats A visit to Rocky Mount Living History Museum provides a glimpse back to an earlier time. Music, dancing, decorations, and sacred tales will all be part of your experience on this magical candle-lit evening. CONTACT: 888-538-1791, www.rockymountmuseum.com
DEC. 4-6 CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville Activities for children and adults alike include traditional Christmas decorating, tea parties and a mountain craft show. CONTACT: Fall Creek Falls Nature Center, (423) 881-5708, www.tnstateparks.com
DEC 4-JAN. 3 (Saturdays and Sundays) HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT THE UT GARDENS University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville The 4,000-square-foot railway display features 10 garden-scale model trains running through a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape, complete with rivers and waterfalls and decorated for the holiday season. CONTACT: Beth Willis, (865) 974-2712, ewillis2@utk.edu, http://utgardens.tennessee.edu
DEC. 5 CHRISTMAS IN OUR TOWN Liberty Square, Sparta Horse and buggy rides, entertainment, carolers, music, and more. CONTACT: (931) 836-3552, www.sparta-chamber.net
DEC. 5 18th-CENTURY CHRISTMAS AT OLD FORT LOUDOUN Ft. Loudoun State Historic Park, Vonore This 18th-century Christmas will have actors in authentic costumes. CONTACT: (423) 884-6217, fortloudoun@tds.net, www.fortloudoun.com
DEC. 5 ELVES HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Livingston Features Christmas crafts, shows and food. CONTACT: Thelma Danner, (931) 823-5475, www.overtonco.com
DEC. 5 MERRY TUBA CHRISTMAS Harriman Tuba and euphonium players gather to pay tribute to composers who have embraced these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages and levels of ability are encouraged to participate. CONTACT: Dr. Joseph H. Williams, (865) 882-3446, www.tubachristmas.com
DEC. 5 CHRISTMAS WITH THE LINCOLNS Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum, Harrogate Christmas with the Lincolns features a play that tells the Lincolns’ story of Washington during the Civil War years and visits Union and Confederate encampments. CONTACT: Carol Campbell, (800) 325-0900 ext. 6439, carol.campbell@lmunet.edu, www.lmunet.edu/museum.htm
DEC.5 CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Hohenwald Tours of homes decorated for the holidays. CONTACT: Paula Spears, (931) 796-3091, pmspears@utk.edu
DEC. 5 CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER Savannah See Savannah bedecked in all its Christmas splendor. Luminary-lit historic district, children’s activities, Victorian Tea Party, carriage rides, wine tasting, art exhibit, music, and more. CONTACT: (800) 552-3866, www.tourhardincounty.org
DEC. 5 WINTER CHILI FESTIVAL Jamestown Participants compete in a public choice chili cook-off. Events include music, pictures with Santa, give-a-ways, and more. Proceeds go to the Fentress County Children’s Center. CONTACT: (931) 879-9948, www.bigsouthfork.org
DEC. 5 YULEFEST: A 1780 CHRISTMAS Historic Mansker’s Station Frontier Life Center, Goodlettsville Welcome the holiday season with lively music and entertainment in 1780s fashion. Tour the Bowen Plantation House and Mansker’s Station. CONTACT: (615) 859-3678, www.manskersstation.org
DEC. 5 OAKLANDS CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Murfreesboro Tour of Homes features beautiful and historic private homes and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum. CONTACT: (615) 893-0022, info@oaklandsmuseum.org, www.oaklandsmuseum.org
DEC. 5 CONFEDERATE CHRISTMAS BALL Memorial Building, Columbia Step back in time and fill your dance card as you swirl the floor to authentic reels, promenades and waltzes popular during the 1860s. On site dance instructions, string band, and light refreshments. CONTACT: Tammy Hatcher, (931) 698-3876
DEC. 5 CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY Exchange Place, Kingsport Fresh mountain greenery and wreaths, baked goods and crafts. Ends with a traditional Yule Log Ceremony on an1800s living history farm. CONTACT: (423) 288-6071, www.exchangeplace.info
DEC. 5 “CHRISTMAS IS COMING” – A CONCERT OF HOLIDAY CAROLS Rebecca Johnson Theatre, Rugby Experience all the warmth of Christmas through the Christmas carols sung by the Don Breakbill Choir. Begin your evening with dinner at the Harrow Road Café. CONTACT: (423) 628-2441, rugbylegacy@ highland.net, www.historicrugby.org
DEC. 5 VISIONS OF CHRISTMAS: 1859 Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City Join the Haynes family as they celebrate an Antebellum Christmas with tours throughout all of the historic buildings. CONTACT: (423) 926-3631
DEC. 5 OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Centennial Park, Dayton Features the Christmas Arts Showcase where artists and crafters open their downtown shops. Features food, pictures with Santa, pet pageant, parade and caroling. CONTACT: (423) 775-0361 www.mainstreetdayton.org
DEC. 5 & 12 NORTH POLE EXCURSION TRAIN WITH SANTA Tennessee Central Railway Museum, Nashville Come join Santa on this wintertime train ride to Lebanon. CONTACT: (615) 244-9001, www.tcry.org
DEC. 6 CARTER HOUSE CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Franklin Evening tour of homes, churches and other buildings decorated for the holidays. CONTACT: (615) 791-1861, carterhouse1864@aol.com, www.carterhouse1864.com
DEC. 6 ROCKWOOD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Rockwood Tour historic homes and buildings decorated for the holidays. Includes caroling, holiday food, historic character portrayals and Civil War reenactments. CONTACT: (865) 354-2877, www.rockwood2000.com
DEC. 6 SANTA EXCURSION TRAIN Oak Ridge Who needs a sleigh? Catch a ride with Santa Claus on the Secret City Excursion Train. CONTACT: (865) 241-2140, www.southernappalachia.railway.museum
DEC. 5-28 ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES Ocoee Whitewater Center, Copperhill See trees entered in categories such as Most Imaginative, Best Children’s Tree, Best Homemade Ornaments, Best Nature Theme, Best Historical Theme and Most Community Spirit. CONTACT: James Whitener, (423) 496-0102
DEC. 5-31 CHRISTMAS IN OLD APPALACHIA Museum of Appalachia, Norris A winter wonderland awaits within split-rail fences. Christmas in turn-of-century structures including a dirt-floored pioneer cabin, the gaily decorated Homestead House, and an old log schoolhouse. CONTACT:, (865) 494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org
DEC. 6 19th-CENTURY CHEROKEE CHRISTMAS Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland This event features live history presentations, including pioneer Christmas cooking, Cherokee arts & crafts demonstration, storytelling and Christmas carols. Red Clay State Historic Park is the last eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation. CONTACT: (423) 479-0339, www.mainstreetcleveland.com
DEC. 6 HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR IN THE GROVE Williamson County Community Center, College Grove Features an Historic Holiday Home Tour, Christmas tree lighting, holiday musical performance, and Christmas parade. CONTACT: (615) 368-3456
DEC. 6 CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Macon County Candlelight Tour sponsored by the United Women of Macon County. CONTACT: Linda Tucker, (615) 666-2094, www.maconcountytn.com
DEC. 6-23 CLARKSVILLE TREES OF CHRISTMAS Smith-Trahern Mansion, Clarksville Constructed in 1858 during the troubled pre-Civil War era, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Twenty Christmas trees will be decorated and on display throughout the historic mansion. The Open House will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. CONTACT: Martha Pile, (931) 648-5725, www.clarksville.tn.us
DEC. 7 COVE LAKE’S 25th CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Cove Lake State Park, Caryville Cove Lake’s Christmas in the Park features over 2,500 luminaries, the Lighting of the Tree, firework display, refreshments, children’s crafts and activities, caroling, dance team performances and Santa’s Land. CONTACT: (423) 566-9701, www.tnstateparks.com
DEC. 10 OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT THE BIRTHPLACE Cordell Hull Birthplace & State Historic Park, Byrdstown Festivities include old-fashioned holiday music, lantern-lit trail hikes, refreshments and seasonal decorations in the restored birthplace cabin. CONTACT: (931) 864-3247, www.friendsofcordellhull.org
DEC. 11-12 CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Pickwick Landing State Park, Pickwick Dam Features a vendors market, light displays, carriage rides and Santa. CONTACT: (731) 925-2363
DEC.12 CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC RUGBY Rugby Visit beautifully decorated historic homes to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life. Features classical music, caroling, hot wassail, and a sumptuous four-course Victorian dinner at the Harrow Road Café. Reservations required. CONTACT: (423) 628-2441, rugbylegacy@highland.net, www.historicrugby.org
DEC. 12 SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PAST Grandpa’s House on Ritter Farm, Red Boiling Springs Storytelling with International Toastmaster Karen Davis and guests. CONTACT: Rita Watson, (615) 699-2738, grandpashouse@ nctc.com, www.grandpas-house.com
DEC.12 GRANVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Granville Museum & Sutton General Store, Granville Features Christmas music, antique toy show, Festival of Trees, Christmas tree lighting, A Taste of Christmas, Santa, and more. CONTACT: (931) 653-4511
DEC. 12 CHRISTMAS IN OLDE LOUDON Historic Downtown Loudon Step back in time at historic Loudon with games, food, parade and fun for the entire family. CONTACT: Lynda Randolph, (865) 458-9020, thelyrictheatre@bellsouth.net, www.lyricloudon.com
DEC. 12 CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR AT FORT SOUTHWEST POINT Kingston Experience the sights, sounds and flavors common to the people of the 18th century. People will be dressed in authentic period clothing, and the event includes bagpipes serenades, and a nighttime firing of the cannon. CONTACT: Mike Woody, (865) 376-3641, www.southwestpoint.com
DEC. 12 CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic Site, Pall Mall Annual holiday celebration in Sgt. York’s hometown of Pall Mall. Events include a visit from Santa, choir singing, lantern walk, and holiday refreshments and decorations. CONTACT: (931) 347-2664, www.sgtyork.org
DEC. 12 AT HOME WITH SANTA Jonesborough Children and parents will enjoy visits with Santa, games, crafts, and carriage rides. A Santa Mart is available with volunteers to help children buy and wrap surprise gifts for family members. CONTACT: 866-401-4223, info@historicjonesborough.com, www.historicjonesborough.com
DEC. 12-13 DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Franklin A Victorian-themed Christmas with more than 200 costumed characters re-enacting the work of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Victorian crafts, food, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and Scrooge. CONTACT: (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com
DEC.12-13 HISTORIC HARRIMAN CHRISTMAS TOUR Harriman Come visit the town that Temperance Built! Tour decorated Victorian homes and historical buildings. CONTACT: Donna Demyanovich, (865) 882-9230, www.cornstalkheights.com
DEC. 13 HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES Jonesborough Tour elegantly decorated homes and churches throughout the historic district. CONTACT: (423) 753-1010, www.historicjonesborough.com
DEC. 13 LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS TOUR Elkton The public will visit six private log cabins and homes all decorated for Christmas. CONTACT: (931) 468-0668, www.elktonhistory.net
DEC. 18 SANTA’S LAST BLAST Downtown Paris One of the last chances for youngsters to visit with Santa. Craft booths, Jack Foddrill and his birds, s’mores, reindeer goats, Christmas stories and hot chocolate, live music and more. CONTACT: (731) 642-9271, www.visitdowntownparis.com
DEC. 24 OLD COUNTRY STORE CHRISTMAS EVE BREAKFAST Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, Jackson Christmas Eve Breakfast takes place for its 25th year at the famed Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store. CONTACT: (800) 748-9588 ext. 114, caseyjonestn@yahoo.com, www.caseyjones.com
DEC. 29 HAPPY 115th BIRTHDAY SHILOH Shiloh A birthday celebration to commemorate the establishment of the Shiloh National Military Park. CONTACT: (731) 925-8181, www.tourhardincounty.org
DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW & BALL DROP Gatlinburg For the 22nd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748, www.gatlinburg.com
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