Thanksgiving is drawing near and that means that Christmas is right around the corner! Roane County is gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year in a big way, and we hope you’ll come celebrate with us!
Do you hear what I hear?
Live Christmas music can be heard throughout the county beginning December 3rd with Roane State’s winter concert and the Merry TubaChristmas concert. Have a holly jolly Christmas at Harriman’s Princess Theatre with renowned musician Jason Eskridge on December 9! Originally from Rockwood, Jason’s desire as a musician is to create music that causes the listener to love themselves, love their fellow man, think harder, think deeper, think broader, laugh until they cry, laugh when they want to cry, try something new, remember something old, and ultimately live life to the fullest. Jason brings a soulful side to celebrating Christmas, and you won’t want to miss it!
On December 10th, choose between the sweet sounds of local duo Between You and Me at the beautiful Whitestone Country Inn or the Roane Choral Society’s presentation of “An Appalachian Christmas” at the Historic Princess Theatre. Acclaimed Southern Gospel singer, songwriter and musician Gordon Mote will round out the December concert schedule at Whitestone. Blind since birth, Mote’s faith provides the foundation for his life and constantly fuels his creative spirit.
Merry Marching
Everyone loves a Christmas parade! Fortunately for us, there are FOUR in Roane County so grab your tote bags, dress warm and come ready to load up on candy! Kingston will kick off the Christmas parade season on November 28th at 7pm. Harriman’s parade takes place on December 1st at 7pm, and Rockwood’s parade is scheduled for December 5th at 7pm. Don’t forget about Oliver Springs! These charming little town’s parade will be held on December 17th.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Interested in a walking home tour? Historic Cornstalk Heights in Harriman has the best one around! Stroll through the streets of beautiful Victorian homes, step inside for a glimpse of the beautiful decorations and brief reprieve from the cold, and talk with the homeowners about why the love Christmas in Roane County! These tours take place on Saturday, December 10 from 12-6pm and Sunday, December 11 from 1pm-6pm.
On December 10 from 6pm-9pm, step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and flavors common to the people of the 18th Century while touring the only pioneer fort reconstructed on its original site. Enjoy a tour of the Cherokee Cabin, soldier’s barracks and more by candlelight. Visit the live – working Blacksmith shop. Listen in as uniformed soldiers, frontiersmen and period – dressed living history interpreters share historical facts from the time period. Experience a night time firing of the canon. Refreshments common to our ancestors in the late 1700s will be served.
Christmas Trees, Candy Canes and Crafts
Every year, the city of Harriman comes together to light the Christmas tree at the Temperance Building. Come join the Mayor and City Council as they decorate Mary’s tree on November 29th from 6pm-8pm. Bring an ornament in honor or memory of someone special to hang on the tree.Hot chocolate and other refreshments will be available.
The Kingston Christmas Bazaar is one of our favorite events! Come by the Kingston Community Center on Saturday, December 3rd 10am-3pm to do a little Christmas shopping. Make sure you bring the kids because Santa will be there! As always, this event features the ever-popular candy cane hunt and candy cane run. Don’t miss it!
The City of Harriman and the Cornstalk Heights Historic Organization are hosting the first-ever “Deck the Halls” Christmas Tree Auction benefiting the Temperance Building Restorations. The auction will take place December 5-9 from 5pm-8pm and December 10&11 from 1pm-6pm.There will also be a “Breakfast with Santa” during the event. Families will be able to come in and have breakfast and take their picture with Santa, and hopefully bid on some trees too!
As the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to stay home, but then you’d miss out on all of this! Brush up on your Christmas carols, bring out those crazy Christmas sweaters and mark your calendars because nobody does Christmas like Roane County!
