Christmas in Olde Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough’s holiday season is excited to take you on a trip through the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, offer fun to your furry friends and more during its Christmas in Olde Jonesborough event series, featuring activities every Saturday from November 25th to December 16th.

Each Saturday will offer a variety of events from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. along with caroling, visits with Santa, music, storytelling and extended holiday shopping hours in Tennessee’s Oldest Town. The public is also encouraged to bring a new or gently used gift for St. Nick to deliver to less fortunate children in the area. A festive holiday market will be available on the Plaza of the International Storytelling Center featuring handmade crafts, jewelry and holiday items. Santa will also be on site at the downtown Courthouse each Saturday for pictures and visits with children. Be sure to bring your letters to Santa and drop them off in the mailbox by December 16th and receive a reply from the jolly old man himself. We also offer free gift wrapping on any purchases made in Downtown Jonesborough during the Saturday events. Just bring your packages to the International Storytelling Center between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the above-mentioned Saturdays.

The series will kick off with Whoville on Saturday, November 25th from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. complete with the Grinch and other characters. Dress as your favorite Whoville character and get a “Grinch treat”. Then at 6 p.m., we welcome you to join us as we officially kick off the Christmas season with the Lighting of the Tree. Music and Storytelling will lead up to the lighting of the large Frasier Fir beside the Washington County Courthouse in downtown.

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough continues on Saturday, December 2nd with Doggone Christmas from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, enjoy treats and be sure to check out the pet-friendly items at the Christmas Market.

Join us at 1 p.m. for contests including Ugliest Christmas Dog Sweater, Best Holiday Costume and Pet/Owner Lookalike. The Pet Parade will begin shortly after the contests, in front of the downtown Courthouse. Donations will also be accepted for the Washington County Humane Society.

One of the season’s favorite events, At Home with Santa will take place on December 9th from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, International Storytelling Center and throughout Downtown. Pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, children’s storytelling, games and more will all be taking place. Be sure to visit Santa Mart where children can purchase and wrap gifts for family members. The much-anticipated Historic Jonesborough Christmas Parade will also take place that evening starting at 6 p.m. The lighted parade will travel through the festively decorated historic district from Boone Street to Main Street. Immediately following the parade join us at the Courthouse for the Annual Turkey Toss and maybe you’ll be one of the lucky recipients to win a free Christmas turkey, sponsored by JAMSA.

The series will conclude on Saturday, December 16th with the Christmas Church Stroll from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Churches in the downtown historic district welcome you to come into their sanctuaries and see their beautiful holiday decorations and enjoy music, hand bells and more. Hosts will also be available at each location to tell you about the history and architecture of each church. All located within easy walking distance of the downtown area, make sure to visit the shops and get all your last-minute gifts while you’re here. For more information on our Christmas events, visit www.jbochristmas.com or call the Visitors Center at 423.753.1010.