Soon the lights will be sparkling from atop the historic, antebellum Rutherford County Courthouse, festive music will fill the air and the buildings will be cheerfully decorated in anticipation of the upcoming fun and festive holiday season in downtown Murfreesboro.
Nearly a month of special activities will start Saturday, Nov. 29, beginning with the annual Downtown Christmas Open House, the celebration of Small Business Saturday and, new for this year, the free Holly Trolley Shopping Tours. The public can park and climb aboard the delightful red-and-green Holly Trolley from 1-5 p.m., and get on and off at will. Many of the independent merchants will have refreshments, special savings during the event and offer extended hours to their customers until 6 p.m., with restaurants closing later. The businesses participating will have whimsical red-and-green balloon topiaries next to their front doors.
Don't miss this opportunity to discover the festive spirit and charm of the heart of Rutherford County. Wave goodbye to parking hassles and ride the jolly Holly Trolley for a relaxing afternoon of stress-free shopping, personalized service and a selection of thoughtful and creative gifts and services in unique, 'hipstoric' downtown. And, like adding sprinkles on your Christmas cookie, complete your downtown holiday experience at one of the outstanding area restaurants offering a wide palate of food selections and spirits.
The route of the Holly Trolley Shopping Tour will cover a large part of downtown going north to the Oaklands Historic House Museum, south to Vine Street, east to Academy Street and west to Memorial Boulevard.
Shoppers can complete their gift list Saturday, Dec. 13, when the Holly Trolley Shopping Tour will be offered again with later hours from 1-5 p.m.
The first weekend in December will continue the merriment with the lighting of the giant official Rutherford County Christmas tree on the east courthouse lawn, Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Larry Flowers, WSMV-TV Channel 4 news reporter for Rutherford County, will serve as the evening's emcee. Joining him on stage will be former 'American Idol' contestant, Skyler Dixon. She will headline a local bill of talent including choirs from Scales and Overall Creek elementary schools, as well as St. Paul's Episcopal Church in addition to some unannounced surprises. Of course, the stars of the evening will be Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will join local elected officials and guests in pulling the switch to light the magnificent evergreen.
Afterward, Santa will be meeting and greeting boys and girls inside the courthouse until 8 p.m. This Friday marks the return of free horse-drawn carriage rides until 8:30 p.m., departing on the west side of the courthouse.
Both pictures with Santa and the free carriage rides will continue for the next two weekends.
