Christmas in Olde Jonesborough

Experience the magic of the holidays in Historic Jonesborough during Christmas in Olde Jonesborough, a festive month-long celebration filled with family fun, Santa, local shopping, and holiday cheer. Each Saturday from November 29 through December 20, Tennessee’s Oldest Town will transform into a Christmas wonderland with lights, music, and activities for all ages.

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree beside the Washington County Courthouse on Friday, November 28, at 6 p.m. The evening will feature a welcome from Mayor Kelly Wolfe, an opening prayer from Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, performances by David Crockett High School’s Madrigal Singers, and a county-wide choir of Washington County elementary students. Local performer, Paul Harris, will share a special Christmas story before the grand lighting of the town’s 60-foot Frasier Fir. Each family will receive a candle to light as the town goes dark in anticipation of the tree’s lighting, a truly magical moment on Main Street, Jonesborough.

Step into a whimsical world during Whoville Christmas on Saturday, November 29 , from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet the Grinch at the Christopher Taylor Cabin, take selfies, and enjoy “green treats” as you stroll through streets adorned with Whoville-themed decorations. At 1 p.m., show off your holiday spirit by joining the Cheermeister Contest in front of the Courthouse, featuring fun challenges such as best Christmas attire, cookie decorating, and a holiday sing-along. Registration is free at JBOChristmas.com.

Also on November 29, support local businesses during Small Business Saturday. Stop by the Shop Small Welcome Tent beside the Courthouse to pick up a free Shop Small gear and Jonesborough swag while supplies last. Enjoy browsing the Christmas Marketplace on the Plaza of the International Storytelling Center, featuring handmade gifts from local artisans. Inside, kids can enjoy crafts, face painting, and “Whoville Hair Styling.” Downtown restaurants and local food trucks will offer seasonal treats, and free gift wrapping will be available for purchases made in downtown shops or at the Marketplace.

Bring your furry friends for A Doggone Christmas on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 200 visitors will receive a JBO pet bandana at the information tent beside the Courthouse. Enter your pup in the Costume Contest at 1 p.m., sponsored by Appalachian Highlands Humane Society and Tennessee Tails Pet Boutique, with prizes for Best Holiday Costume, Ugliest Christmas Sweater, and Pet/Owner Lookalike. Afterward, join the Pet Parade down Main Street. Bring a pet donation to receive a handmade dog treat and an entry into a $500 pet-themed raffle basket. Enjoy shopping at the Christmas Marketplace, featuring pet-themed gifts, and take photos with Santa in his sleigh, with donations benefiting the Humane Society. Proceeds from hot drink sales at the Jonesborough Paws in Blue tent will help fund local K9 programs.

Head to the Jonesborough Visitors Center for a day full of family fun at Santa’s Christmas Village on Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can shop for gifts for family and friends at the Santa Mart, where every item costs just $1, sponsored by Andrew Johnson Bank of Jonesborough. Kids can also make free crafts, create gift tags, and enjoy treats at Frosty’s Top Shop, hosted by the Kiwanis of Jonesborough and Daniel Boone High School Key Club. Free gift wrapping will be offered by the David Crockett Civinettes, and Santa will be available for photos by the Courthouse. Be sure to drop off letters to Santa in the North Pole Mailbox by December 17 to receive a reply before Christmas. The day concludes with the Jonesborough Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., traveling through the festively decorated historic district from Boone Street to Main Street.

Wrap up the season with the Church Stroll on Saturday, December 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit historic churches throughout downtown for live music, seasonal treats, tours, and festive activities. Santa will make one more stop by the Courthouse to collect last-minute wish lists before heading to the North Pole. The Christmas Marketplace will also be open on the Plaza of the International Storytelling Center for last-minute shopping from local artisans.

Throughout the Christmas in Olde Jonesborough series, enjoy festive music, local shopping, handmade gifts, delicious eats from food trucks and downtown restaurants, and free gift wrapping for your downtown purchases. Santa’s Mailbox is located beside the Courthouse, and letters dropped off by December 17 with a return address will receive a reply from Santa by Christmas Day.

For complete details on all events, visit JBOChristmas.com or call 423.753.1010. Celebrate the joy, community, and timeless charm of the season in Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town and your Christmas destination!