Imagine, peeking in the window of a charming historic home filled with the warmth of people, the twinkling lights illuminating off a freshly cut Christmas tree and the sound of your favorite carol lulling in the background. You’re kindly invited inside to hear stories passed down from the rich history that encompasses the Oldest Town in Tennessee. As live Appalachian music fills the air, you partake on a journey through some of Historic Jonesborough’s well-preserved and private homes, only open to the public during the Colors of Christmas Progressive Dinner and Tour.
The Colors of Christmas blends a holiday classic that has taken place for 40 years with the Heritage Alliance and the Town of Jonesborough’s Holiday Tour of Homes. Open to the public only once a year, the Colors of Christmas will take place on Dec. 2. Combining the two events reconnects the Heritage Alliance and Jonesborough as leaders in the historic preservation movement. This year’s event allows the opportunity for guests to experience Historic Jonesborough decked out for the holiday season in two ways: a traditional elegant four-course meal that takes guests throughout downtown Jonesborough and inside private homes and buildings with the Progressive Dinner, or for folks just wanting a peek inside the homes and buildings the Tour of Homes is also available.
Colors of Christmas opens eight historic structures, each decorated in holiday finery, complete with local musicians in various locations and tales with some of the Storytelling Capital of the World’s favorite storytellers. During Colors of Christmas’ Progressive Dinner, guests can partake in “An Elegant Repast,” a delectable four-course meal. Elaborate entertainment will also fill the space between courses, keeping the holiday spirit refreshed and relaxed.
When
Saturday, December 2
Your choice of dinner beginning at 4 or 7 p.m.
Tours open from 3 to 7 p.m.
Tickets
Progressive Dinner and Tour: $90
Dinner Only: $80
Tour Only: $15
Ticket prices will increase after Nov. 14.
Get tickets at Jonesborough.com/tickets or call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at (423)753.1010.
While You’re There
Jonesborough Mythbusting Tour
Dec. 2 at 1 p.m.
238 years of history has produced some outrageously true stories. Think you can separate the myths from the facts? Put your detective skills and knowledge to the test with us. How outrageous is Jonesborough’s history? Come along and find out!
The Uncalled for Trio in Concert
Dec. 2 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Join Bil Lepp, Kim Weitkamp, and Andy Offutt Irwin as they celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their Uncalled for Trio. With fresh stories, songs, and refreshments to follow the performance, their holiday variety show is a tradition that’s not to be missed. Reservations strongly recommended.
About the Heritage Alliance
The Colors of Christmas is a fundraiser with proceeds supporting a variety of free family events throughout the year, in addition to Heritage Alliance programs. The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences.
“This Holiday event is our main fundraiser”, Heritage Alliance Director Deborah Montanti said. “We make every attempt to keep all of our programs, but especially our K-12 field trips easily affordable. We sincerely believe that no child should be turned away from a heritage educational opportunity due to lack of funds. It is important work and we are honored to accomplish it. But we can’t do it without the support of our community.”
As the end of 2017 is nearing, over 23,000 individuals have taken part in Heritage Alliance programs and/or services. In many cases these programs are either free or extremely affordable to the public. Programs like the Oak Hill School Heritage Education Experience allow a child to reach back to a time when the classroom was a very different place. It creates connections with grandparents and great grandparents in a way a child can see and touch. The Heritage Alliance’s cemetery preservation efforts help individuals across the region find ways to honor and care for their own sacred spaces. In addition, Heritage Alliance’s community outreach programs bring programs directly to Senior Citizens, rural schools and groups of all ages.
