Christmas in Olde Jonesborough

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough offers something for all!

Historic Jonesborough gets spruced up for the holiday season with a month-long series of events and activities. Christmas in Olde Jonesborough will feature a different theme every Saturday from November 30 to December 21. Downtown is also the place to shop local for everyone on your list.

Each Saturday will offer a variety of events from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. along with music, storytelling and extended holiday shopping hours in Tennessee’s Oldest Town. Santa will also be on site in his sleigh beside the 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 15th and receive a reply from the jolly old man himself. The Christmas Market will be available on the Plaza of the International Storytelling Center featuring handmade crafts, jewelry and holiday items. Free gift wrapping will also be offered inside the Storytelling Center during the Saturday events on any purchases made in downtown.

The series will kick off with Whoville and Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30 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”. Catch a movie inside the theater at the International Storytelling Center and also enjoy a reading of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Chester Inn Museum. Then at 6pm, 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 official lighting of the Spruce beside the Washington County Courthouse in downtown. Support local businesses by shopping local for Small Business Saturday in downtown Jonesborough and enjoy extended shopping hours from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. plus special incentives, give-a-ways at various business, and free gift wrapping.

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough continues on Saturday, December 7 with Doggone Christmas from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, treat station 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. Donations will also be accepted for the Washington County Humane Society so please bring something to add to the back of the sleigh.

A new spin on one of our most popular events, join us for Fun with Frosty & Friends on December 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. throughout town.  Lots of family fun including Pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, children’s activities, Santa Mart, games and more.  The much-anticipated Jonesborough Lighted Christmas Parade will take place that evening starting at 6 p.m. The parade will travel through the festively decorated historic district from Boone Street to Main Street.

The series wraps up on December 21 with the Christmas Church Tour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Stroll through town and visit participating churches in the downtown historic district. See their beautifully decorated sanctuaries and enjoy music, hand bells and more. Grab a guide at the International Storytelling Center to begin your tour. Each church is located within easy walking distance of downtown and make sure to stop in the shops to get your last-minute gifts while you’re in town. For more information on Christmas in Olde Jonesborough, call 423-753-1010 or visit www.jbochristmas.com.