November 30 - December 31 Sycamore Shoals
Winterfest: Christmas Tree Exhibit & Art Show
With an annual Winterfest theme, this event opens with a reception to view the trees, artwork and an opportunity to meet the artists. The exhibit features Fraser fir trees decorated by local organizations with handmade ornaments. The Watauga Valley Art League displays the artwork. Opening Reception November 30 at 1:30 p.m., Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
For more information: (423) 543-5808.
December 1 Cove Lake Christmas in the Park
Cove Lake’s Christmas in the Park features 2500 luminaries, the Lighting of the Tree, fireworks display, refreshments, children’s crafts and activities, caroling and an appearance from Santa Claus and friends. Children can also have their picture taken with Santa for no charge.
For more information: (423) 566-9701.
December 5 & 6 Sycamore Shoals Christmas at the Mansion
Join us for an evening of entertainment and song at this 18th century frontier landmark. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments and music highlight the evening. The mansion’s beautifuly crafted interior is decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780. Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
For more information: (423) 543-5808.
December 5 - 7 Fall Creek Falls
Christmas on the Mountain
Join us for a weekend of Yuletide fun, Christmas carols and gifts for the little ones. Activities for children and adults alike include traditional Christmas decorating, tea parties and a 3-day mountain craft show. Don’t be surprised if Saint Nick drops in.
For more information: (423) 881-5708.
December 6 Fort Loudoun Living History Weekend
This annual event provides visitors with the chance to experience the atmosphere of an 18th century Christmas in a British fortification in the Cherokee territory. The fort buildings are decorated with traditional greens such as holly and ivy. Re-enactors will be present to demonstrate daily activities. In the evening, the fort will be illuminated with candles and luminaries. Refreshments and candlelight tours begin around 6 p.m. EST. The tours will conclude with a rare, nighttime firing of the fort’s largest cannon. This is a one day event and admission is free.
For more information: (423) 884-6217.
December 6 Warriors’ Path Adopt A Tree
Everyone is invited to come to the park to help us plant future forests. For each tree seedling you plant in the park, you get to take one home to plant. Come early, as supplies of trees are limited!
For more information: (423) 239-6786.
December 6 & 7 Davy Crockett Birthplace
Crockett Christmas
Get into the pioneer Christmas spirit and join in the festivities at this living history event. View the turn-of-the century Christmas decorations that adorn the cabin and top the evening off with traditional music, hot cider and edibles around the warm campfire.
For more information: (423) 257-2167
December 6 & 7 Sycamore Shoals Christmas Garrison
Ring in the Christmas season with the Company of Overmountain Men as they celebrate with living history demonstrations of the 18th century in the backwoods of Colonial America. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST.
For more information: (423) 543-5808.
December 6 & 20 Tims Ford Saturday Night Pickins
If you play an instrument or just enjoy listening to great music Tims Ford State Park is the place to be on Saturday night. Bring your instruments and join us from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. CST at the recreation building for an evening of musical fun.
For more information: (931) 962-1183.
December 11 Cordell Hull Birthplace
Old Fashioned Christmas Join park staff as we celebrate the holidays the way they were enjoyed in the late nineteenth century, the time period in which former Secretary of State Cordell Hull lived in this rural area on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Festivities include old fashioned holiday music by Ross Moore using 14 traditional instruments, lantern-lit trail hikes, refreshments and seasonal decorations in the restored birthplace cabin. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CST.
For more information: (931) 864-3247.
December 13 & 14 Chickasaw Lighting of the Park
Come view the spectacular holiday light displays situated throughout the park. Over 2500 luminaries lining the roadways will guide your drive through the park. Cap the evening off with live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CST.
For more information: (731) 989-5141.
December 13 Norris Dam Holiday Homecoming
Come experience the atmosphere of 1900s life in the Appalachian region. Horse-drawn wagon rides and 1-mile walking tours through the rustic cabins and historical buildings highlight this event. Holiday Homecoming also features entertainment, music and demonstrations, so please dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight for your added safety. Free admission, but donations of non-perishable foods is greatly appreciated for the local mission.
For more information: (865) 426-7461.
December 19 Warriors’ Path Christmas in the Valley
Join Warriors’ Path State Park for the first annual Christmas in the Valley. Bring the whole family to learn about the cultural heritage of the Appalachians. Children will have the opportunity to learn and make holiday ornaments from around the world.
For more information: (423) 239-8531.
December 19 & 20 Cedars of Lebanon Old Time Christmas
Join Friends and family of Cedars during this look back to Christmas season traditions from the 1930’s era. Live music, homemade decorations, refreshments and a visit from St. Nicholaus himself will be highlights at Cedar’s cozy lodge.
For more information: (615) 443-2769
December 31 Montgomery Bell New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year at Montgomery Bell State Park! Sponsored by the Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park this New Year’s Eve bash features dancing and fun with music provided by Gino’s band. The ticket package for two people includes a champagne toast at midnight, a midnight breakfast catered by the Montgomery Bell Restaurant and a room at the inn for overnight accommodations. The Friends of MBSP will have additional drinks available for purchase at the event. Ticket packages are $175 and can be purchased from the Friends group. All proceeds of the event support the Friends of MBSP in their efforts to improve Montgomery Bell State Park. This event is 21 and up.
For more information contact Dana Stein, Friends Secretary, at (615) 740-6841 or friendsofmbsp@comcast.net to make your reservation.
December TBA Davy Crockett Birthplace Pioneer 10K Run
Join us for an exhilarating run through our park and the town of Limestone. This is part of the 30th annual Tennessee State Parks Running Tour and all runners must be registered.
For more information on the Pioneer 10K Run, please contact Mr. Bob Townsend (423) 257-6188 or (423) 426-6709 bobt4@earthlink.net.
January 2 Reelfoot Lake Eagle Weekends
Bring in 2009 by joining rangers from Reelfoot Lake State Park for their their first Eagle Weekend of the season. Reelfoot is home to one of the largest winter population of American bald eagles in the United States. Eagle tours on the lake will be depart 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. CST.
For more information: (731) 253-8003.
January 3 & 4 Sycamore Shoals
Old Christmas Winter Garrison
Join Hardin’s Rangers, a French and Indian War period re-enactment group, at Fort Watauga for a living history look into the 18th century. Visitors can participate in demonstrations that feature frontier life.
For more information: (423) 543-5808
|