December 2010 Events in Tennessee
November 8, 2010By Laura Gallagher
Sewanee Senior Center Christmas Bazaar – Nov. 29-Dec. 3, Sewanee Senior Center, Sewanee
Christmas bazaar for all! Lunch served at noon, reservation suggested. CONTACT: 931-598-0774
Clarksville Trees of Christmas – Dec. 1-17, Smith-Trahern Mansion, Clarksville
Constructed in 1858 before the Civil War, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were so popular at that time. Twenty Christmas trees will be decorated and on display throughout the historic mansion. CONTACT: Barbara Brown, 931-801-0822
Carols in the City – Dec. 3, Historic Downtown Cleveland
Main street Cleveland lights the community Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square and welcomes Santa Claus. The crowd then walks to the historic downtown churches for a musical presentation on the steps of each church. CONTACT: Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, 423-472-6587
Christmas at the Carter Mansion – Dec. 3-4, Elizabethton
Spend the evening in this 18th-century home on the frontier, featuring the beautiful interior craftsmanship decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780s. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments and music highlight the evening. CONTACT: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 423-543-5808
A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 3-4 & 10-11, 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. CONTACT: Rocky Mount Museum, 888-538-1791
Christmas on the Mountain – Dec. 3-5, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville
A weekend of Yuletide fun, Christmas carols and gifts for the little ones. Activities for children and adults alike include traditional Christmas decorating, tea parties and a three-day mountain craft show. Don’t be surprised if Saint Nick drops by. CONTACT: Fall Creek Falls Nature Center, 423-881-5708
Christmas in Our Town – Dec. 4, Liberty Square, Sparta
Refreshments, entertainment, carolers, music and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 931-836-3552,
18 th-Century Christmas at Old Fort Loudoun – Dec. 4, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, Vonore
This 18th-century Christmas will have actors in authentic costumes. CONTACT: Fort Loudoun, 423-884-6217
Adopt a Tree at Warriors’ Path State Park – Dec. 4, Kingsport
Come help plant our future woodlands. For every tree you plant in the park, you get to take one home to plant. CONTACT: Warriors’ Path State Park, 423-239-6786
4th Annual Elves Holiday Workshop – Dec. 4, Livingston
Features Christmas crafts, shows and food. CONTACT: 931-823-5475
Merry Tuba Christmas – Dec. 4, Harriman
Tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather to pay tribute to composers who have embraced these instruments. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages and levels of ability are encouraged to participate. CONTACT: 865-882-3446
Christmas by the River – Dec. 4, 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
Winter Chili Festival – Dec. 4, Jamestown
Participants compete in a chili cook-off. Events include music, pictures with Santa, give-a-ways and more. Proceeds go to the Fentress County Children’s Center. CONTACT: Fentress County Chamber of Commerce, 931-879-9948
Yulefest: A 1780 Christmas – Dec. 4, 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. Hear the reading of the Christmas Story and special music. CONTACT: Historic Mansker’s Station, 615-859-3678
Oaklands Candlelight Tour of Homes – Dec. 4, Murfreesboro
Tour of Homes features beautiful and historic private homes and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum. Stops along the our will be festively adorned historical homes and churches. Additionally, the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Murfreesboro Camp #33 will present living history demonstrations on the lawn of the mansion. CONTACT: Oaklands Historic House Museum, 615-893-0022
12th Annual Confederate Christmas Ball – Dec. 4, Memorial Building, Columbia
Step back in time and fill your dance card as you swirl on 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
Christmas in the Country – Dec. 4, Exchange Place, Kingsport
Fresh mountain greenery and wreaths, baked goods and crafts. Ends with a traditional Yule Log Ceremony on an 1800s living history farm. CONTACT: Exchange Place, 423-288-6071
Old-Fashioned Christmas – Dec. 4, Centennial Park, Dayton
The event features the Christmas Arts Showcase, where artists and crafters open their downtown shops and demonstrate their creative process. Features food, pictures with Santa, Christmas parade, and caroling at the historic courthouse after the parade. CONTACT: Dayton Chamber of Commerce, 423-775-0361
33rd Annual Progressive Dinner – Dec. 4-5, Jonesborough
Offers an elegant multi-course dinner and tour of the finest historic homes in Tennessee’s oldest town. Reservations required. CONTACT: 423-753-9580
Rockwood Annual Christmas Tour of Homes – Dec. 4-5, Rockwood
Tour historic homes and buildings decorated for the holidays. Includes caroling, holiday food, historic character portrayals and Civil War re-enactments. CONTACT: Rockwood 2000, 865-354-2877
Santa Excursion Train – Dec. 4-5 & 11-12, Oak Ridge
Who needs a sleigh? Catch a ride with Santa Claus on the Secret City Excursion Train. CONTACT: 865-241-2140
19th-century Cherokee Christmas – Dec. 5, Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland
This event features live history presentations, Cherokee arts & crafts demonstration, storytelling and Christmas carols. Red Clay State Historic Park is the last eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation. CONTACT: Red Clay State Historic Park, 423-479-0339
Candlelight Tour of Homes – Dec. 5, Macon County
Candlelight Tour sponsored by the United Women of Macon County. CONTACT: Linda Tucker, 615-666-2094
North Pole Excursion Train With Santa – Dec. 5 & 11, Tennessee Central Railway Museum, Nashville
Come join Santa on this wintertime train ride to Lebanon. CONTACT: Tennessee Central Railway Museum, 615-244-9001
Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Birthplace – Dec. 9, Cordell Hull Birthplace & State Historic Park, Byrdstown
Celebrate the holidays the way they were enjoyed in the late 19th century, the time period in which former Secretary of State Cordell Hull lived in this rural area on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. CONTACT: Cordell Hull Birthplace & State Historic Park, 931-864-3247
Oaklands Home School Holiday Tour – Dec. 9, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Murfreesboro
This Victorian Holiday Christmas Tour includes a tour of the mansion decorated for the holidays and customs from the 1800s. Reservations are required. CONTACT: Oaklands Historic House Museum, 615-893-0022
Christmas in the Park – Dec. 10-11, Pickwick Landing State Park, Pickwick Dam
Features a vendors market, light displays, carriage rides and Santa. CONTACT: Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, 731-925-2363
Community Christmas Choir – Dec. 10-11, Chapman’s Chapel Nazarene Church, Pelham
The eighth annual Christmas cantata, “The Christmas Song” will be presented at 7 p.m. each evening. The choir, comprised of singers from several different area churches, will help you celebrate the season. CONTACT: 931-467-3491
Christmas at Historic Rugby – Dec. 11, Rugby
Visit beautifully decorated historic homes to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life. Features classical music, caroling, hot wassail and a four-course Victorian dinner at the Harrow Road Café. Reservations required for dinner. CONTACT: Historic Rugby, 423-628-2441
Spirits of Christmas Past – Dec. 11, Grandpa’s House on Ritter Farm, Red Boiling Springs
Storytelling with International Toastmaster Karen Davis and guests. CONTACT: 615-699-2738
Crockett Christmas – Dec. 11, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, Limestone
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: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, 423-257-2167
Christmas in Olde Loudon – Dec. 11, 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
Candlelight Christmas Tour at Fort Southwest Point – Dec. 11, Kingston
Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of the 18th-century. People will be dressed in authentic period clothing, and the event includes bagpipes serenades, and a night-time firing of the cannon. CONTACT: Mike Woody, 865-376-3641
Christmas in the Valley – Dec. 11, Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic Site, Pall Mall
Annual holiday celebration in Sgt. York’s hometown of Pall Mall. Events will be held at the York General Store and the York home, and includes a visit from Santa, choir singing and lantern walk. CONTACT: 931-347-2664
At Home With Santa – Dec. 11, Jonesborough
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
Dickens of a Christmas
Dickens of a Christmas – Dec. 11-12, 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: Heritage Foundation, 615-591-8500
Historic Harriman Christmas Tour – Dec. 11-12, Harriman
Come visit the town that Temperance built! Tour decorated Victorian homes and historical buildings. CONTACT: Donna Demyanovich, 865-882-9230
Granville Country Christmas – Dec. 11-12, 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: Granville Museum, 931-653-4511
Holiday Tour of Homes – Dec. 12, Jonesborough
Tour elegantly decorated homes and churches throughout the historic district. CONTACT: Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 423-753-1010
Santa’s Last Blast – Dec. 17, Downtown Paris
One of the last chances for youngsters to visit with Santa. Craft booths, Christmas stories and hot chocolate, live music and more provide holiday fun for the whole family. CONTACT: 731-642-9271
Happy 116th Birthday Shiloh – Dec. 29, Shiloh
A birthday celebration to commemorate the establishment of the Shiloh National Military Park. CONTACT: 731-925-8181
