The Historic Site In Alabama That Takes You Back In Time To Experience A Pioneer Christmas
By Lisa Battles|Published November 15, 2023
×
Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Start the holiday season on the right foot with a step back to a pioneer Christmas in Alabama. By the right foot, I mean at the slowest pace possible. That’s before your calendar fills with commitments, your brain bogs down with shopping lists, and your body aches from baking. If you’re like me, it’s a welcome idea to first go celebrate much simpler times at LaGrange Historic Site’s annual Christmas in the Country event in Leighton. Typically held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the 2023 edition is Nov. 17 and 18. Here’s what you can expect.
In a picturesque setting on "Little Mountain" off Highway 157 near White Oak, the LaGrange Historic Site overlooks much of North Alabama's Tennessee Valley at an elevation of 400 feet. While a recreated pioneer village is located on the land today, it is where LaGrange College once stood. The college was the state's first chartered college to welcome students in January 1830.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
While The University of Alabama received its charter ten years prior, it did not open to students until a year after LaGrange. In 1855, the college's leaders moved the school to Florence to form what eventually became the University of North Alabama. The college on this site retained its name and became a highly prestigious military academy that Union troops burned during the Civil War.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
Advertisement
The site hosts the Recall LaGrange Civil War reenactment each May. The pioneer village today includes a welcome center; a plantation log kitchen; a country store, post office, and blacksmith shop; a smokehouse; a log barn; a chapel; and an 1880 log cabin that can be reserved for overnight stays during other times of the year.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
Advertisement
Adorned with swags, wreaths, garlands, and bows, all of these structures create a magical journey into Christmases past when The LaGrange Living Historical Association hosts the annual Christmas in the Country event. The hours are always from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
The event began years ago as a simple Christmas open house where people could see the village decked out in natural, hand-made decorations. These days there's a lot more to it! Visitors will enjoy music by the Stampede band, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, and shopping among vendors.
A big draw for this event, the bake sale offers up a full spread of homemade delights. It's a great opportunity to snag special treats for your Thanksgiving gathering – if you can wait that long (and care to share)! Remember, it's the season of giving ...
Besides baked goodies like cakes of all kinds and crispy, fruity fried pies, you can shop for a selection of crafts and decor items to deck your own halls.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
There's no shortage of inspiration, whether lightbulb moments for your own decor or just the sense of take-it-easy nostalgia that comes with the atmosphere.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
Advertisement
Meanwhile, craftspeople will do demonstrations and offer work for sale, including blacksmiths who will sell their art at the site's country store. A chainsaw artist, Angie Chaney of Spring Valley, will create sculptures onsite both days and also display a selection of her other works.
While Christmas in the Country may seem a bit early for some, it is the ideal kick off for folks in Colbert County and beyond. Join friends for hot chocolate, fellowship, and hayrides to the antebellum cemetery. Along the way, you'll get unique views of the newly refurbished and freshly lit Christmas Star over the valley.
Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
Want to learn more about LaGrange College’s history? You’ll find that and more on the LaGrange Historic Site website and stay current on events by following the Lagrange College Site Park Facebook page.
We’d love to hear your memories about Christmas in the Country at LaGrange Historic Site or your plans to start a new tradition this year. A return to simpler times will relax the mind. If that inspires you to relax your body, too, consider booking a spa escape package at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in nearby Florence.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
