Christmas in Olde Jonesborough returns to Tennessee's Oldest Town

Tennessee's Oldest Town is preparing for the holiday season with more than six events and activities this year.The Town of Jonesborough invites the community to feel the magic of the holidays during Christmas in Olde Jonesborough, a festive month-long celebration filled with family fun, Santa, local shopping and holiday cheer.Each Saturday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, Jonesborough will transform into a Christmas wonderland with lights, music and activities for all ages, according to a press release from the town.All are invited to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree beside the Washington County Courthouse on Nov. 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, according to the release.Jonesborough will also host Whoville Christmas the following day on Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Grinch at the Christopher Taylor Cabin, take selfies and enjoy "green treats" as they stroll through streets adorned with Whoville-themed decorations.At 1 p.m., the town invites participants to show off their 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.On Nov. 29, guests are also encouraged to support local businesses during Small Business Saturday. Attendees are invited to stop by the Shop Small Welcome Tent beside the Courthouse to pick up a free "Shop Small" gear and Jonesborough swag while supplies last, according to the release.A Christmas Marketplace will take place 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, according to the release.Future events include opportunities for furry friends like A Doggone Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7.The first 200 visitors will receive a JBO pet bandana at the information tent beside the Courthouse. An opportunity to enter a pup into a costume contest will be available at 1 p.m., sponsored by Appalachian Highlands Humane Society and Tennessee Tails Pet Boutique. Prizes included for the event go to Best Holiday Costume, Ugliest Christmas Sweater and Pet/Owner Lookalike. Afterward, a Pet Parade will trot down Main Street.Pet donations will receive a handmade dog treat and an entry into a $500 pet-themed raffle basket. Photos with Santa will fund the humane society, and proceeds from hot drink sales at the Jonesborough Paws in Blue tent will help fund local K9 programs, according to the release.Santa's Christmas Village will also be held on Dec. 13, where 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, according to the release.The Church Stroll will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 20, with an opportunity to visit historic churches throughout downtown for live music, seasonal treats, tours and festive activities.For complete details on all events, visit JBOChristmas.com or call (423) 753-1010.