The Christmas season is upon us and, for many in Tipton County, that means parades, breakfasts with Santa and lots of Christmas lights!
Here’s your 2019 guide to local Christmas events:
Christmas City
When: Nov. 28 though Dec. 26
Where: Rose of Sharon Church campground, 3065 Candy Lane, Burlison
What: For three decades Christmas City has been a tradition in Tipton County. Drive through a mile of Christmas lights and non-secular displays (Wednesdays-Sundays, 5:30-10 p.m.). On Friday and Saturday nights Santa will visit and the Express Train will run from 6-9 p.m. Concessions are also available.
Cost: Except for concessions, everything is free though many who visit leave donations in the box at the end.
Brighton Christmas parade
When: Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Brighton
Route: The parade begins at Brighton Elementary, travels south on Old Hwy. 51, turns right on Woodlawn, right on Main Street, right on Kenwood, left on Old Hwy. 51 and returns to BES.
Atoka Tree Lighting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Adkison Park, where Kimbrough and Atoka-Munford meet Main
What will happen: The town’s official tree will be lit, free hot chocolate and cookies will be available and the Atoka Elementary chorus will be performing.
Covington Christmas parade
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Route: The parade route begins at Covington High School and floats travel west on Sherrod, north on Main, around the square and south on College to return to the high school.
Polar Express Night
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Covington Civic Center
What: Get your golden ticket ($8 for the first child, $5 for additional children) for The Polar Express. Wear your pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies beginning at 5:30 p.m. Don’t forget to get your photo with the train outside on Main Street. For more information, call 901-475-7179.
Dickens Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 8 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: On the square in Covington
What will happen: Celebrate the Christmas season in Victorian-era style! Merchants will be dressed in period costume, carriage rides will be available, carolers will be singing and surprises await!
Polar Express Fun Day
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Huffman Mason Law Firm, 131 W. Liberty Avenue, Covington
What: Sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of Tipton County, this is a Polar Express themed fun day for a magical experience, complete with a hot chocolate, cookie decorating station, designing a bell necklace and making a holiday ornament for your Christmas tree. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Santa will also visit.
Cost: Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door, and proceeds benefit the Junior Auxiliary of Tipton County Crown Club. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Up Town Curls Salon and Spa, 122 West Pleasant Ave., Covington, TN.
Christmas Tour of Homes
When: Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Liberty Hall Event Center, at the corner of East Liberty and North Maple in Covington, is the host venue
What: Benefitting the Carl Perkins Center, the tour of homes takes visitors to several residences in Tipton County.
Cost: Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 901-475-1515.
My Kind of Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Munford
What: The event will begin with Munford’s annual Christmas parade, which starts at the corner of Doctor’s Drive and Munford Avenue, then goes west down Munford Avenue, south on Tipton Road and ends at the Church of Christ. Afterward, the city’s tree lighting ceremony will take place in City Park, the Munford High School band and choir will perform and Santa will be available for visits and photos.
Santa’s Ride
When: Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13
What: What began as a suggestion in a Facebook group has turned into one of the most-anticipated events in Atoka each year. Santa takes a two-night ride through the subdivisions and ends his journey with hot chocolate and visits at the Town Hall Fire Station on Friday night.
Route: The route can be found at the town’s website.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
