Anyone who has visited my home state of Tennessee knows how beautiful the state is for driving on the scenic highways across the state through neighboring Alabama. There are so many little towns that offer the charms of southern hospitality across the state and there is no better time to check out the small towns than the holiday season.
Visitors from near and far can experience the enchantment of a bygone era this Christmas by attending festivities in the quaint towns nestled within Nashville’s Big Back Yard, situated along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Here are some noteworthy highlights.
Little Linden Christmas
Linden, Tenn.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, Dec. 2
Main Street Shops in the charming town of Lindenwill host A Little Linden Christmas. Local merchants, as well as other vendors, will be open for holiday shoppers, while enjoying Christmas music and festivities. The historic Commodore Hotel will serve Christmas Tea at 3 p.m.
Christmas in Hohenwald
Hohenwald, Tenn.
7 p.m. CST, Dec. 7
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, Dec. 8, 9, 15, & 16
Christmas in Hohenwald kicks off at 7 p.m. CST, Dec. 7 with the 70th Annual Hohenwald Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “A 1950’s Christmas.” The festivities continue Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16 with downtown shopping and small-town Christmas charm.
A Stroll Through Christmas Past
Clifton, TN
5 – 8 p.m. CST, Dec. 9
Set in the beautiful Tennessee River town of Clifton, this event promises arts and crafts, delicious food, and music. There is a sense of awe and wonder as guests experience small town life and a stroll through Christmas past.
Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
Leiper’s Fork, TN
2-5 PM CST, Dec. 9
The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade has earned acclaim as an “almost world-famous” holiday tradition, attracting visitors from both nearby and distant places to partake in its distinctive holiday merriment. This parade seamlessly combines the essence of traditional Christmas spirit with the warm, down-home charm of Tennessee.
A Muscle Shoals Soul Christmas with Mike FarrisFlorence, AL
7 – 10 p.m. CST, Dec. 16
Grammy, Americana and Dove Award Winner, Mike Farris lights up the season each year with his acclaimed holiday show; “Mike Farris Sings! The Soul of Christmas!” at the Shoals Community Theatre. With Mike and his world-class ,10-piece band, this experience is unlike any other and guaranteed to get you into the celebratory spirit.
It’s A Dickens Christmas, Y’all
Tuscumbia, AL
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST, Dec. 9
Snow will be falling, firepits burning, horse-drawn carriages waiting to provide nostalgic rides along the downtown streets of Tuscumbia, AL. This is a festival reminiscent of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The event is free, though admission is charged for some events.
You can create your own southern holiday traditions with your family by attending these magical events this holiday season.