A Christmas tree lighting, holiday music, a presentation of the “Nutcracker,” and an open house of historic Henegar House are among the events planned for the evening.
The 12-foot hemlock tree at the corner of Market and Water streets will be lit beginning at 6 p.m., according to Natalie Winningham, one of the organizers of the event.
Several local church choirs, including Watson’s Chapel and Cumberland Presbyterian Church, will be performing. A campfire will be lit to help attendees stay warm as they listen to the music and watch the presentation of the “Nutcracker.” There will be marshmallows to roast, and cookies and cider will be also be available.
Across the street from the tree lighting is the old bank building. Members of the Tennessee Youth Ballet, under the direction of Heidi Longwith, will be performing the first act of the “Nutcracker” in the street-level front windows of the building.
While the program is free to the public, individuals and groups are urged to “bring presents for the less fortunate.”
From 7:30 to 9 p.m., the activities will move to the Henegar House for a Christmas Open House.
A tour of the house will be offered with Civil War re-enactors on hand. The house tour is $20.
The re-enactors will include members of the Tellico Chapter Daughters of Confederacy, Joe Barkley as General William T. Sherman and Karen Barkley as Mrs. Henegar.
Those taking the tour are invited to taste whatever is cooking on the fire at the back of the house.
Also on hand for the evening will be the Knoxville Women’s award-winning a cappella show chorus, Smoky Mountain Harmony.
Winningham urged the community to “come and bring the Christmas spirit.”
