Each year, the historic settlement of Rugby, Tn., comes alive with Christmas spirit and celebrates the holidays as if it were still 1880, the year the town was settled.
The living Victorian-era village will bustle with children’s activities, caroling, holiday shopping and much more on Dec. 6 and 13, from 4-8 p.m. each of those Saturdays for “Christmas at Historic Rugby.” With the rerouting of Hwy. 52 diverting heavy traffic around the historic settlement, visitors to Rugby on the new “Rugby Parkway” will experience the original, quieter atmosphere of its rural Appalachian setting.
Highlights of the Victorian Christmas celebration include holiday music, hot drinks and cookies in the decorated historic buildings, a visit from Father Christmas and the sounds of carolers performing throughout the village.
Also, Christ Church Episcopal will present a choir concert of seasonal music both Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. in the 1887 church.
Refreshments including cider and traditional British wassail, a hot mulled cider, will be served. Admission for Christmas at Historic Rugby is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18. Reservations are available in advance by calling 423-628-2441, as well as admissions on arrival at the Rugby Visitor Centre. Local lodging may be found for visitors wishing to spend the weekend. For availability, visit www.historicrugby.org or call Historic Rugby.
Guests may also enjoy a traditional five-course Christmas meal at Harrow Road Café that will feature entrée choices of roast beef or Cornish game hen. Price for the meal is $29 per person and seatings are offered at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 423-628-2441 to book.