Unicoi: ‘Christmas at the Caboose

Unicoi, Tenn. —  The Town of Unicoi is mixing up a different type of Christmas magic this year with its new “Christmas at the Caboose,” which will be held Saturday, December 12, from 6-9 p.m. at the Tourist Information Center (106 Unicoi Village Place).

This COVID-friendly event will take the place of the town’s typical annual events including the Unicoi Christmas Parade, Christmas at the Cabin and the “Taste of Unicoi” Christmas Open House, all of which were canceled in light of the pandemic.

“We’ve held the community’s safety as the top priority through all of this,” said Town of Unicoi Mayor Kathy Bullen. “Each event was analyzed for potential COVID risks and we think this will be a safer option for everyone.”

“Christmas at the Caboose” will include a free drive-thru light display, created by professional designer Gabriel’s Christmas in Jonesborough, around the Mountain Harvest Kitchen and a Christmas Village where guests can enjoy Christmas cakes, treats and hot chocolate while favorite Christmas characters frolic to the sounds of the season.

Santa and Mrs. Clause will be flying into the valley for a special visit and children will be allowed to place their “Letters to Santa” in his mailbox before catching their very own stocking! Santa will use a slide to deliver presents down to the children from atop the historic Clinchfield CRR 1111 caboose to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

“We think this is going to be a fun way to herald the Christmas season,” said Communications and Programs Director Ashley Shelton. “One outdoor event will be much safer than the typical events we host while still giving residents a chance to celebrate with their neighbors.”

“That sense of community is important to our residents,” Mayor Bullen added. “So it’s crucial to find ways to adapt to this pandemic and reorganize our events accordingly.”

“We’ve done that by setting up stations throughout the village,” said Shelton. “After guests experience the drive-thru light display, they can park and rotate through the village stations before heading back home to warm up.”

The Buffalo Pavilion will transform into the “Snowflake Snack Shack” and will serve delicious Christmas cakes, hot chocolate, and other tasty treats such as s’mores packs that families can use at nearby fire pits.

“We’re going to have three fire pits scattered throughout the village so guests have room to spread out while roasting marshmallows and keeping warm,” said Shelton. “Everything will be socially distanced, grill sticks will be disposable and of course our food handlers will be taking even more precautions.”

After sweet treats and gifts from Santa Clause, families are encouraged to swing by “Santa’s Landing Zone” to take a photo with Santa’s antique sleigh and his favorite reindeer, Mary. Local photographer Valerie Haney, with Views by Valerie, will be on site to capture guests’ Christmas moments and help preserve them for years to come!

Guests may park in the MHK and Visitor Center parking lots while visiting the Christmas Village but masks and social distancing will be required when out of vehicles. No physical interaction with Santa or other characters will be allowed.

Special thanks to event partners Gabriel’s Christmas, Mountain Commerce Bank, Ledford Funeral Home, Bank of Tennessee, Los Jalapenos, Jones and Church Farms, Tsubaki Nakashima, Unicoi Wine and Spirits, Clinchfield Credit Union, Farm Bureau, H&H Auto, IW Trailers, Whistle Stop Deli and Catering, Crackerbee’s Antiques, Views by Valerie, Unicoi Police Department and the Unicoi Volunteer Fire Department for their generosity and support of this special community event.

For more information, visit UnicoiTN.net or follow the town on Facebook at facebook.com/townofunicoitn. To speak to a coordinator, make a donation or volunteer at the event, contact Patricia Bennett at (423) 735-0517 or email questions to recreationaide@unicoitn.net.