The Town of Jonesborough will host Christmas in Olde Jonesborough, a month-long holiday series of events and activities. The series will kick off the afternoon of Friday, November 27 in downtown Jonesborough with events held the following four Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Santa will also be on site in his sleigh beside the Washington County Courthouse each Saturday for pictures and visits with children. Attendees are encouraged to bring letters to Santa and drop them off in the mailbox by Wednesday, December 16 to receive a reply from the jolly old man himself before Christmas. Free gift wrapping will also be offered inside the International Storytelling Center during the Saturday events for any purchases made in the downtown.
Holly Dolly Sip & Stroll
November 27, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in Historic Jonesborough with a festive twist straight out of Whoville! Join us for the Whoville Wholiday Shop & Hop on Friday, November 27, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy a cheerful stroll through Downtown Jonesborough and visit more than ten treat stops featuring delicious Dolly Parton-themed goodies. Attendees can also visit a build-your-own Hot Chocolate Bar, complete with a variety of fun toppings. Horse & Carriage rides will be available for a ticket punch or $5 per person.
While participating, take time to shop small and explore Jonesborough’s many locally owned boutiques, stores, and restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts while supporting the merchants who make Tennessee’s Oldest Town so special.
Lighting of the Tree
November 27, 6 p.m.
The annual Lighting of the Tree ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. Christmas themed programming will lead up to the official lighting of the Fraser Fir tree beside the Washington County Courthouse downtown.
Shop Small Weekend
November 27, 28
Get an early start supporting small businesses with Shop Small Friday on November 27 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
You’re invited to join the shop local movement and discover Jonesborough’s downtown shopping district during Small Business weekend. For more information call 423.753.1010
Whoville Christmas
November 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Events continue with Whoville and Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 28 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.. Grab shop small ‘swag’ at the welcome tent next to the Washington County Courthouse. Take a photo with the Grinch at the cabin and get a “grinch treat”.
Cheermeister Competition
Do you think your family or group of friends have what it takes to be dubbed Jonesborough’s Holiday Cheermeister?
Saturday, Nov. 28, during Whoville Christmas, teams can participate in the Jonesborough Cheermeister Competition at 1 p.m. in front of the Courthouse.
Each team will designate one person to compete in a different leg of the competition. If there are less than five people in the group, participants will double up on activities. These include:
• Best Christmas attire
• Best wrapped gift
• Sing loud for all to hear holiday sing-a-long
• Cookie decorating contest
• Christmas cookie-eating contest
If the Cheermeister competition is too close to call the teams will participate in Grinch trivia to break the tie.
Your team MUST check in at the tent beside the courthouse by 12:30 p.m. on Saturday or we will pass your spot off to another team.
Heritage Alliance Hosting Readings of the Grinch
November 28th Readings at 1:15 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:45 pm
The Heritage Alliance invites you to gather ‘round this holiday season for a special reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! inside the historic Chester Inn Museum. Join us on Friday, November 28th, as this classic tale comes to life in the cozy parlor of one of Jonesborough’s most beloved landmarks. Visitors can enjoy readings at 1:15 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:45 pm, along with a festive treat while supplies last. Step inside the beautifully decorated Chester Inn and experience the warmth of community and storytelling that has been a holiday tradition for generations. This family-friendly event is free, but donations to support the Heritage Alliance and the preservation of local history are always appreciated. Seating inside the parlor is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event Details:
- Location: Chester Inn Museum Parlor, 116 W. Main St.
- Admission: Free, donations appreciated
Space is limited inside the Chester Inn, and seating will be on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy Jonesborough’s downtown holiday decorations and festivities.
Doggone Christmas
December 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas is Going to the Dogs!
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dog Treat Stops
Attendees can check in at the information tent beside the courthouse and get a treat bag to collect your dog treats! There will be signs on the doors of stores that are pet friendly and offer a free pet treat. During Doggone Christmas visit each of these stops so your furry friend can get a treat! Some locations will have the treats outside as they can’t have pets inside restaurants.
1 p.m. Pet Costume Contest
There will be a Costume Contest sponsored by Appalachian Highlands Humane Society and Tennessee Tails Pet Boutique with prizes in both large breed and small breed categories that takes place at 1 pm. including Ugliest Christmas Dog Sweater, Best Holiday Costume and Pet/Owner Lookalike. No prior registration is necessary for the costume contest.
Santa’s Christmas Village
December 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Santa Mart will be located inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center where kids can shop for friends and family. These holiday gifts will cost only $1. Free Gift Wrapping by the David Crockett Civinettes for the Santa Mart purchases will be available inside the auditorium of the Visitors Center.
Activities continue downtown with meeting Santa and drop off wishlist letters in Santa’s Mailbox by the Courthouse. Kids will get a reply by Christmas if a return address is included with the letter and the letter is dropped off by December 16. Shoppers can stroll along Main Street to holiday music and have their downtown purchases wrapped for free at the International Storytelling Center.
Folks can also shop for Handmade Holiday Gifts from local artisans at the Christmas Marketplace located on the plaza at International Storytelling Center. Inside kids can take advantage of free Face Painting by Judy Butterfly and make a Ornament to take home.
Christmas Parade
December 12, 6 p.m.
What better opportunity to spend time with family and friends than to grab a cup of hot chocolate, throw on mittens and hats and gather on Main Street in downtown Jonesborough to watch the annual lighted nighttime Christmas Parade. Continuing with tradition, the parade will take place on the second Saturday in December. Make plans to be a part of Jonesborough’s Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12th at 6 p.m. in downtown Jonesborough.
Folks of all ages will gather along Boone and Main Streets downtown in anticipation of the arrival of floats, bands, classic cars, dancers and, of course, Santa Claus as they make their way downtown. This year’s theme is “Vintage Christmas”. As one of the only nighttime parades in the area, Jonesborough takes advantage of the beautiful small-town setting in the historic downtown area as the setting stage for the event.
Incorporation of live music and lights is highly encouraged for all participants.
Christmas Parade Awards:
- Grand Champion Award – “The Christmas Classic Grand Champion”
- Best Walking Group – “The Jingle Bell Rock Award”
- Community Giving Award – “The Heart of Christmas Award”
- Best Vehicle/Float – “The Classic Christmas Cruiser Award”
- Best Youth Entry – “The Santa’s Little Helpers Award”
- Most Creative Entry – “The Tinsel Town Award”
- Most Festive Entry – “The Holly Jolly Christmas Award”
Christmas Church Stroll
December 19, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The series wraps up on Saturday, December 19th with the Christmas Church Tour. Stroll through town and visit participating churches in downtown Jonesborough. Attendees can view decorated sanctuaries and enjoy music. Each church is located within easy walking distance of downtown.
Jonesborough Christmas Market
Located on the International Storytelling Center Plaza from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. you will find local craft vendors and artists. Items will include homemade soaps, hand knitted items, handmade jewelry, women’s clothing and accessories, and woodworking. Each week the market will feature different vendors for you to explore!
Other Christmas Events
2026 Soups & Songs
November 30, 6 p.m.
This annual fundraiser kicks off the holiday season each year, always falling on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year the date is November 30th. The McKinney Center and the cast of the StoryTown Radio Show present this unique event which brings together food, art, music, and storytelling.
Guests are warmed in body and spirit as they are treated to a delicious dinner of soup, salad, bread, and cookies. Afterwards, they’ll be invited to kick back and enjoy a special version of the Radio Show featuring holiday carols, festive songs, and heartwarming stories. Musical acts for this year’s event include the Jonesborough Novelty Band, violinist Chloe Suarez, and the Thankful Baptist Church Mass Choir. Each guest receives a beautiful, hand-made ceramic ornament.
All the soups are prepared locally, with at least one vegetarian option available. Guests may continue to fill their bowls, trying one or all the delicious offerings.
Tickets to this fundraising event are $35, and will support the McKinney Center’s special programming, including the StoryTown Radio Show. The doors open at 5:45 pm, soup service begins at 6:00 pm, and the show will start around 6:45 pm.
Seating is limited to 125, and purchasing tickets well in advance is recommended, as the event regularly sells out ahead of time.
Holiday Makers Faire at Mill Spring Makers Market
December 5th, 10 a.m.
Mill Spring Makers Market in Downtown Jonesborough is excited to host their next Makers Faire event on Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Holiday Makers Faire is a bi-annual juried event featuring 70+ of the region’s best artists, makers and creatives. The outdoor market will take place along Spring Street and throughout Mill Spring Park in Downtown Jonesborough and include demonstrations, a food truck and lots of holiday cheer. You’ll find a great selection of unique handmade goods including pottery, fine art, furniture & wood crafts, jewelry, clothing, artisan chocolates and more. You’re sure to find great gift ideas and stocking stuffers for those on your list.
Entry to the Faire is free and parking can be found nearby at the Jonesborough Library, behind the Courthouse and throughout downtown. Be sure to follow Mill Spring Makers on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and other information about their store, located at 144 E. Main St. in Downtown Jonesborough.
Contact Melinda Copp at millspringmakers@gmail.com for more information.
48th Annual Progressive Dinner
December 5th
The magic of Tennessee’s oldest town comes alive during the Progressive Dinner hosted by the Heritage Alliance. This year’s dinner takes place on the evening of Saturday, December 5th. Multiple seating times are available at 4:00pm, 5:30pm, and 7pm.
Now in its 48th year, the Progressive Dinner is a unique event, combining fine food, rich history, and great entertainment. Proceeds from the Progressive Dinner help ensure that the educational programs of the Heritage Alliance remain accessible to a wide range of audiences. Proceeds from this year’s event will help with new exhibits and interpretation in the Jonesborough & Washington County History Museum.
Order of locations will be:
- Oak Hill Schoolhouse
- TBD
- McKinney Center
- Wells-Hylton House
The Progressive Dinner has become a traditional start to the holiday season for many people throughout East Tennessee and surrounding states. Seasonal music by several of our area’s finest musicians, including the ever popular Jonesborough Novelty Band, gourmet food, memorable camaraderie, and great fun are the hallmarks of this popular event. The Progressive Dinner typically sells out, so make sure you get your tickets today!
Storytime with Santa
December 13th & 20th
Santa’s Workshop is a hands-on holiday adventure where children can build and decorate their own wooden Christmas house, a fun allergy-friendly twist on the classic gingerbread house. All supplies, decorations, and materials will be provided. Mrs. Claus will also be serving snacks to keep creativity flowing.
Santa’s Workshop will be held on December 13th and December 20th, with sessions offered from 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. This festive experience is $10 per child.