Discover the magic of the holiday season in Murfreesboro, TN, where an array of festive events awaits locals and visitors alike. Experience the vibrant Murfreesboro Christmas Parade as it winds through historic downtown, or journey back in time with Christmas at Cannonsburgh Village, offering authentic 19th-century celebrations.
Don’t miss the Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour, which illuminates the magnificent antebellum architecture with period-accurate decorations. Whether you’re seeking nostalgic charm or lively festivities, Murfreesboro’s Christmas events provide unforgettable experiences for all.
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The Top Christmas Events in Murfreesboro
- Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
- Christmas at Cannonsburgh Village
- Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour
- ChristmasFest
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Christmas at the Avenue
- Holiday Marketplace
- Christmas on the Square
Murfreesboro Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas at the Avenue
What to Expect:
Open-air shopping center transformed into a holiday destination
Description:
The Avenue Murfreesboro transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas at The Avenue. This open-air shopping center buzzes with holiday energy as storefronts compete in a festive decoration contest. Twinkling lights adorn trees and buildings, creating a warm glow throughout the complex. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians and dance troupes on weekends. The centerpiece of the celebration is a towering Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments representing local charities. Shoppers can find unique gifts while supporting small businesses and artisans from across Middle Tennessee. Christmas at The Avenue blends retail therapy with community spirit.
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Holiday Marketplace
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made gifts and artisanal products
Description:
Murfreesboro's Holiday Marketplace showcases the best of local craftsmanship and artisanal products. This carefully curated event brings together talented makers from across Middle Tennessee, offering a diverse array of unique gifts. Visitors can browse handcrafted jewelry, small-batch food products, and one-of-a-kind home decor items. The marketplace emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly options, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness in the community. Artisans demonstrate their skills on-site, allowing shoppers to witness the creation process firsthand. This event not only provides a platform for local creators but also celebrates the rich tradition of handmade goods in the region.
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Murfreesboro Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Live stage adaptation of the beloved animated special
Description:
The timeless charm of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes to life on stage in Murfreesboro. This live adaptation faithfully recreates the heartwarming story and iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations. The production features a local cast bringing Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts gang to life, complete with Snoopy's playful antics and Linus's wise words. Audience members can hum along to Vince Guaraldi's jazz score, performed live by talented musicians. The show explores themes of friendship and the true meaning of the season, resonating with viewers of all ages. This performance offers a nostalgic journey back to the simplicity of childhood Christmases.
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Murfreesboro Other Holiday Activities
Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and businesses
Description:
Murfreesboro's annual Christmas parade transforms the city streets into a lively procession of holiday cheer. Local organizations and businesses showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats, while marching bands fill the air with festive tunes. The parade route winds through historic downtown, passing by landmarks that have witnessed over two centuries of holiday celebrations. You can join the crowd lining the streets, waving to participants and catching candy tossed from floats. This cherished tradition brings together residents and visitors alike, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
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Christmas at Cannonsburgh Village
What to Expect:
19th-century village recreation with period-accurate holiday celebrations
Description:
Step back in time at Cannonsburgh Village, where Christmas celebrations transport visitors to the 1800s. This living history museum comes alive with authentic 19th-century holiday traditions. Costumed interpreters demonstrate forgotten crafts and share stories of yuletide past. The village's rustic buildings, including a gristmill and one-room schoolhouse, are adorned with simple yet charming decorations true to the era. Visitors can participate in candle-dipping workshops, learning the art of creating light sources essential to early settlers. Cannonsburgh Village offers a unique glimpse into how Tennessee pioneers celebrated the season.
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Christmas at Cannonsburgh Village
Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour
What to Expect:
Antebellum mansion tour by candlelight with period decorations
Description:
Oakland's Christmas Candlelight Tour illuminates the grandeur of antebellum architecture and holiday traditions. The historic mansion, built in 1815, glows with the soft light of candles, creating an intimate atmosphere. Each room showcases period-accurate decorations, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Southern Christmas celebrations. Guides in period attire lead small groups through the halls, sharing tales of the Maney family's holiday customs. Visitors can admire the intricate details of Victorian ornaments and learn about the symbolism behind traditional decorations. This tour provides a rare opportunity to experience the elegance of a bygone era during the holiday season.
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Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour
ChristmasFest
What to Expect:
Multi-day festival combining modern and traditional holiday activities
Description:
ChristmasFest in Murfreesboro blends contemporary holiday fun with time-honored traditions. This multi-day extravaganza features a diverse array of activities, from ice skating on a temporary rink to artisan craft demonstrations. Local food vendors serve up seasonal treats, filling the air with the aroma of spiced cider and roasted chestnuts. Children can participate in hands-on workshops, creating their own ornaments using techniques passed down through generations. The festival grounds come alive with the sounds of local choirs and musicians performing both classic carols and modern holiday hits. ChristmasFest celebrates the evolving nature of holiday celebrations in Middle Tennessee.
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Christmas on the Square
What to Expect:
Historic town square celebration with community tree lighting
Description:
Christmas on the Square centers around Murfreesboro's historic courthouse, transforming the heart of the city into a holiday hub. The event kicks off with the lighting of a majestic community Christmas tree, a tradition dating back over a century. Local shops around the square open their doors late, offering special promotions and festive window displays. Street performers, including carolers and musicians, entertain crowds with holiday classics. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa while admiring the courthouse's architectural details highlighted by strategic lighting. This celebration brings together residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community in the city's historic core.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood (nearby Nashville event) (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a luminous winter spectacle
Description:
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens transforms into a luminous winter spectacle, captivating visitors with over a million twinkling lights. This Nashville tradition showcases the historic mansion's architecture through creative illuminations. Stroll through themed gardens, each telling a unique holiday story through light displays. You can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while admiring the towering poinsettia tree in the visitor center. Cheekwood's history dates back to 1929 when it was built as the Cheek family's private estate, now serving as a cultural centerpiece for the community.
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Holiday Lights at Cheekwood (nearby Nashville event)
Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas (nearby Nashville event) (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Massive indoor holiday celebration with ice sculptures and shows
Description:
Gaylord Opryland Resort's A Country Christmas transforms the sprawling complex into an immersive holiday experience. The centerpiece is ICE!, featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures depicting beloved holiday scenes. Visitors can zoom down ice slides and marvel at the craftsmanship of international ice artisans. The resort's atrium gardens sparkle with millions of lights, creating a lush indoor oasis. Live performances, including dinner shows and concerts, showcase Nashville's musical heritage with a holiday twist. This event blends Southern hospitality with world-class entertainment, offering a distinctly Nashville take on Christmas celebrations.
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Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas (nearby Nashville event)
Nashville Christmas Parade (nearby Nashville event) (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Star-studded parade featuring country music celebrities
Description:
The Nashville Christmas Parade marches through the heart of Music City, blending holiday cheer with country music star power. This televised event features elaborate floats, many showcasing Nashville's musical heritage. Country music celebrities serve as grand marshals and perform on specially designed stages. Marching bands from across the region fill the streets with festive tunes, while dance troupes showcase high-energy routines. The parade route passes by iconic Nashville landmarks, including the Ryman Auditorium and Broadway's honky-tonks. This event, dating back to 1927, highlights Nashville's unique position as both a holiday destination and the capital of country music.
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Nashville Christmas Parade (nearby Nashville event)
Franklin Christmas Parade (nearby Franklin event) (Franklin)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with a focus on local history and traditions
Description:
Franklin's Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday celebrations with a nod to the area's rich history. Floats and performers wind through the city's picturesque Main Street, lined with buildings that have witnessed over two centuries of Christmas festivities. Local schools, businesses, and community groups showcase their creativity with handcrafted floats, many incorporating themes from Franklin's Civil War era past. Antique cars and horse-drawn carriages add a touch of nostalgia to the procession. Spectators can admire the town's beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, adorned with simple yet elegant decorations. This parade embodies the warmth and charm of a traditional Southern Christmas.
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Franklin Christmas Parade (nearby Franklin event)
Christmas Tree Lighting (nearby Smyrna event) (Smyrna)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with focus on local talent and traditions
Description:
Smyrna's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brings the community together for an evening of holiday spirit and local pride. The event centers around the illumination of a towering evergreen, adorned with ornaments crafted by local schoolchildren. Area choirs and musicians perform a mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday songs, showcasing the town's musical talent. Visitors can sample seasonal treats from local vendors, supporting small businesses. The ceremony often includes a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by a notable community member, a tradition dating back several decades. This event kicks off the holiday season in Smyrna, fostering a strong sense of community and shared traditions.
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Christmas Tree Lighting (nearby Smyrna event)