Holiday Happenings

Holiday Happenings at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will soon be alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
The park will kick off the festivities with the “Overmountain Christmas Open House” on Saturday, November
23 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Come check off your Christmas shopping list as the park will host several
craft vendors and makers. Also check out the many new items in the park’s gift shop where you are sure to find
something for that hard-to-buy-for person in your family. Enjoy historically dressed carolers, historical
presentations and dance demonstrations, and a Christmas craft project for kids. The excitement will conclude
with a story from Santa Claus and plenty of time for everyone to visit with the big man himself.
Overmountain Christmas Open House Schedule:
10:00 Vendors Open
10:30 How to Brew a Proper cup of Tea
11:00 English Country Dancers
11:30 Appalachian Irish Dancers
1:00 English Country Dancers
1:30 Christmas Carolers
2:00 Kids’ Christmas Craft
2:30 Storytime and Visit with Santa
3:00 Vendors Close, Open House Ends
As part of the Tennessee State Parks “After Thanksgiving Day Hike” program, Sycamore Shoals will
host a hike on Friday, November 29 beginning at 10:00 AM. Join park ranger Taylor Moorefield for “Walking
in Frontier Footsteps”, a special guided walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the
walking path. Discover the historical events that took place surrounding Sycamore Shoals and their significance
to the formation of our state and country. Portions of the walk will include ground that may not be flat or solid
for people with mobility challenges. Please dress appropriately for the weather and meet in the picnic area
beside the Visitor Center. The hike is free, but registration is required as space is limited. Sign up at
tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals.
The park will round out its seasonal festivities with an event that has become a community holiday
favorite, “Christmas at the Carter Mansion”. Step back in time to the year 1780 and enjoy a colonial Christmas
celebration at the beautiful and historic John and Landon Carter Mansion. Join the Carter family and their
friends for a glimpse into a simpler time, when Christmas was the grandest celebration of the entire year. Enjoy
the sights and sounds of the 18 th century as your guide escorts you, by lantern light, through the oldest frame
house in Tennessee, decorated with bright greenery and soft candlelight for the holidays. Visit with historic
interpreters as they transport you to a Colonial American Christmas. “Christmas at the Carter Mansion” is
Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7. Tours begin at 6:00 PM and a new tour starts every twenty minutes
with the last tour starting at 8:20 PM. General admission is $14.00, Ages 12 and under – $10.00. Tours are by
reservation only. You may register at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals. We look forward to your
visit for this one-of-a-kind holiday gathering which is sure to become an annual tradition with your family! The
Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
For more information about these and other exciting events at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
please call 423-543-5808, visit us on Facebook or online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals, or
www.sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com. You can also drop in for a visit at the park visitors center and museum
at 1651 West Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643.