There’s just something about a small town Christmas. Unlike the hustle and bustle happening in the city, smaller town events allow you to take your time, sit a spell, and the photo ops are very Insta-worthy. Thanks to our friends over at Experience Tennessee we’ve put together a list of 12 regional small-town Christmas events.

Check out these not-to-be-missed events taking place in the south-central region of the state – most happening less than an hour from Lynchburg.

1 | Christmas at the Bridges – Waynesboro, Tenn.

4 – 9 p.m., Every Friday & Saturday through December 28

A holiday celebration the whole family can enjoy. With food trucks, walkthrough Christmas light display, hot cocoa, s’mores, and of course, pictures with Santa! https://www.thebridgestn.com

2 | Manchester’s 90’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

6:30 p.m., November 30

Enjoy a nostalgic night of Christmas like it was in the 90’s! The parade will start at 6:30 p.m. with a community tree lighting on the square following. https://web.manchestertnchamber.org/events?ce=true

3 | Centerville Christmas Tree Lighting & Festival

3 – 8 p.m., November 30

Experience the nostalgia of a small-town square while enjoying local food vendors and restaurants, music, dance demonstrations, and storytelling, all building up to the lighting of the tree. https://www.hickmancountychamber.org/events/

4 | Sounds of The Season – Tim’s Ford State Park

4:30 p.m., November 30

For a relaxing evening of music and warm cider, make your way to Tim’s Ford State Park Rec Center. Reservations are required. All proceeds go to help maintain the park and Nature Center.https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/tims-ford

5 | Mingle Jingle, Tree Lighting and Ice Skating in Downtown Pulaski

4 – 8 p.m., December 5

This is Pulaski’s 12^th annual Mingle-Jingle but the first-ever outdoor ice-skating rink on the town square. The winter wonderland activity will be open seven days a week, beginning Dec. 5, and remain open through the holiday season. The number of skaters on the rink will be limited, but spectators are welcome to join the fun with delicious drinks, engaging games and local shopping while waiting to skate. https://members.gilescountychamber.com/events

6 | Holiday Market and more in Bell Buckle

4 – 8 p.m., December 6

Dec. 6 kicks off the Holiday Market in Bell Buckle and includes their Quilted Christmas Quilt Walk from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dec. 7-14 will be the Old-Fashioned Christmas festivities. Activities includes Gingerbread House contests, free sleigh rides with Santa, and more. Bell Buckle is as quaint as it gets for Christmas nostalgia and Southern hospitality. https://bellbucklechamber.com/old-fashioned-christmas/

7 | “A Christmas in Oz” Parade in Hohenwald

Hohenwald, Tenn. – 7 p.m., December 5

2024 marks 85 years since The Wizard of Oz debuted. Hohenwald, Tenn. is spotlighting the anniversary with “A Christmas in Oz” parade. The yellow brick road leads to the 71st Annual Christmas Parade in Hohenwald. https://www.facebook.com/christmasinhohenwald/ 

8 | Christmas in Lynchburg & Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Lighting

10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., December 7

This one redlight town, home of Jack Daniel Distillery, brings a whole new meaning to small town celebrations. The day includes breakfast with Santa, bell choir performance, and wraps up with a nighttime Christmas parade and Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree lighting with a musical performance by Sam Grow. https://www.visitlynchburgtn.com/barrel-tree

9 | Little Linden Christmas

Linden, Tenn. – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., December 7

Celebrate the season with this cozy holiday event in the charming town of Linden. Enjoy festive treats, unique gifts, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and the Commodore Hotel’s Annual Christmas Tea. https://chamber.perrycountytn.com 

10 | “Christmas Through the Decades” in Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg, Tenn. – 5 p.m., December 7

The 68^th Annual Lawrence County Christmas Parade in downtown Lawrenceburg celebrates the 2024 season with “Christmas Through the Decades.” Festive floats, marching bands, Christmas characters, and Santa Claus will be featured. https://tourism.lawcotn.com/eventcalendar 

11 | Historic Home Tours in Maury County

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., December 7-8

The Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour is a tradition, dating back to the 1950’s. A variety of public and private homes will open their doors to guest during this weekend event. https://maurychristmas.org

12 | Comfort & Joy with Point of Grace

7-9 p.m., December 19

Point of Grace – Comport & Joy Christmas Tour

The award-winning trio Point of Grace continue to find their greatest joy in touring the world and meeting new friends along the way. Their Columbia show, at The Mulehouse, is the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season. Doors open at 6 p.m. https://themulehouse.com  

In addition, Shelbyville’s “A Bedford County Christmas Tree Lighting” happens from 3 – 9 p.m., Dec. 3; Fayetteville showcases Bright Lights & Festive Nights from 5-7 p.m., CST, Dec. 6; Cowan’s Christmas Market at Monterey Stations will be 5-9 p.m., Dec. 6 and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dec. 7. Centerville hosts a Christmas parade at 6 p.m., Dec. 7; Winchester holds a Rudolph Run on Dec. 14; Tullahoma and Lobelville’s Christmas Parades are taking place Dec. 6.  

For other ideas and things to do in southern, middle Tennessee this holiday season, head on over to the Experience Tennessee website and check out their events page. •

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