The Many Holiday Festivals In Jonesborough, Tennessee, Are The Best Way To Celebrate The Season
By Chris Dodge|Published November 21, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
You need a couple of key factors to have a proper Christmas town in Tennessee. The first is to have a town dressed for the holidays; by setting the stage you create an environment for Christmas cheer to abound. The second thing you need is a calendar filled with festive events — when people gather together in celebration there is a buzz and excitement in the air which is paramount to a good holiday season. The third factor is the people who attend; with such an amazing community here in Tennessee we really know how to love each other well, and when we gather together you know we are about to have a good time. So that’s the list (and we checked it twice) and low and behold: Jonesborough checks all of those boxes for the ideal Tennessee Christmas town!
When it comes to a decorated town for Christmas, Jonesborough is second to none. The lanterns lining the brick-covered sidewalks alone make a charming glow over this historic downtown.
Then add the illuminated Christmas trees, wreaths hung with care, and storefront windows bursting with holiday decor and you have a winning combination for the perfect Christmas town. I love to walk the streets and let myself get caught up in the charm and the Christmas spirit; it is undoubtedly infectious.
Jonesborough is filled with unique stores and restaurants on the main street running through downtown. One of my favorites is The Lollipop Shop; this retro candy store goes all out with decorations. They do well to set an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and childhood fun -- I highly recommend a trip down memory lane at this fantastic candy store.
Another store that celebrates the holidays year-round is Gabriel's Christmas. Naturally, this is the time of year when this store thrives and showcases some truly amazing displays, and you better believe they deck the halls when November rolls around.
Need a quick caffeine boost or a bite to eat while exploring the town during the day? Main Street Cafe has a charm that equally matches the historic town itself and is worth a visit -- even if it's just a grab-and-go.
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As far as holiday events are concerned, Jonesborough has a very full calendar. Before the turkey from Thanksgiving has a chance to digest fully, the holiday events are on and take place almost every weekend leading up to Christmas Day.
The first event of the season is Whoville Christmas. This celebration turns historic Jonesborough into the winter wonderland found in the whimsical tales of Dr. Seuss. Come dressed as a Who and join other popular characters who come to life from the story with Santa and the Grinch. A live telling of the story will be done in the afternoon and after, be sure to browse the holiday market for some unique Christmas gifts. At night they perform the annual lighting of the Christmas tree beside the courthouse and it is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
This is absolutely the cutest event of the year where your doggie friends can walk from shop to shop and receive special treats in preparation for the costume contest in the afternoon. Stick around later for the pup parade to witness all of the furry companions line up to showcase their most festive costumes.
Not only is nighttime a wonderful time to stroll downtown to look at the twinkling lights, but the Christmas parade is yet another event brimming with illuminated Christmas joy.
Taking place once the sun sets, the Jonesborough Christmas parade is one of the only nighttime parades in the area and I can tell you it is highly anticipated. I would recommend coming early because the streets will fill up fast as the whole community gathers to celebrate the holidays in a spectacular display of lights and holiday jubilee.
With a town like this that is so beautiful and full of joy, you might not ever want to leave. If you want to extend your visit, I recommend staying at the Historical Eureka Inn. This place has been newly renovated a perfect setting to enjoy the historic nature of this incredible small town.
When you are looking for things to do in the winter, look no further than this fantastic Christmas town in Tennessee. Jonesborough is saturated in small-town charm and it only gets enhanced when it comes time for the holidays. So make sure you plan your trip around the Jonesborough calendar of events and get ready for an amazing Christmas celebration!
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