Knoxville is very proud of its seven Historic House Museums, and they all have many opportunities to learn about life in this region from various eras. The holiday season is especially festive with open houses and other events. Let’s get to it to see what each of these homes have to offer during the yuletide season!
James Whites Fort
Open House - Experience the sight, sound, and smells of an old-fashioned Christmas in the 1800s. Enjoy some holiday treats with decorations from the frontier era with fruit and greenery. Self-guided tours and demonstrations on site. Free admission/donations accepted. December 3 11AM – 3PM
*December-March hours:
Monday-Friday
10AM-4PM (last admission at 3PM)
Blount Mansion
Merry & Bright Christmas Open House – Family Friendly and free to the public. Decorations featured by Knoxville Garden Club . December 2 5PM – 8PM
Craighead-Jackson House will also be open.
*January-February hours:
Tours by appointment only, call 865.525.2375
Ramsey House
Christmas Candlelight Tours are December 2 & 3 from 6:30-9:30pm.
Join Historic Ramsey House for this special holiday tradition! At this annual event, enjoy a tour of Historic Ramsey House, decorated with fresh greenery and candles. Visit with our blacksmith in the Blacksmith Shop while you enjoy holiday treats, hot cider, and a warm bonfire (weather permitting)! Reenactors in period dress will greet tours every 15 minutes.
Tickets are $15 per adult and $13 for children 5-17. Children 5 and under are free. Historic Ramsey House members receive $2 off per ticket!
Reservations are required in advance. Click here to register!
Christmas Wreath Workshop is December 11th at 1:00 & 4:00 pm.
Join us at Historic Ramsey House for one of our wonderful annual wreath workshop. First class starts at 1:00pm, and the second at 4:00pm. This is one that many people make a traditional part of their holiday season. Make it a family affair, a friend’s day, or just come and enjoy the benefits of a gorgeous natural greens wreath on your own. Our very special head wreath maker, Julia Shiflett, will be joined by Connie Wallace, Lis Shiflett, and more to help provide all the fixings as well as holiday treats. You need to bring a small pair of had held garden shears and garden gloves.
Cost of the class is $40 ($35 for HRH Members). Click here to register!
*January – February hours - Closed on weekdays, Saturdays by appointment only, call 865.546.0745
Marble Springs State Historic Site
Join us at Marble Springs State Historic Site for an afternoon by the fireplace with some wintertime storytelling on Saturday, December 17th starting at 12 noon until 6 pm. We will have hot cider, hot cocoa, and other refreshments to enjoy by a warm fire. We will also be making popcorn and cranberry garland to take home and decorate with. While you sip on your cocoa, relax as we regale you with wintertime stories and tales!
*January-February hours
Saturday – 10AM – 5PM / Sunday – 12PM – 5PM
Weekdays by appointment only, call 865.573.5508
Crescent Bend
No Christmas events
Winter hours TBD, call 865-335-7332
Mabry-Hazen House
Guided Candlelight Tours – The home will be decorated in the spirt of the holiday season. Christmas vendors on site, Victorian Christmas parlor games, and Victorian Christmas traditions will be shared. December 10-11. Open 6-9PM Saturday | 5-8PM Sunday Tours every half hour, 15 people maximum. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-17, free for members.
Open December 27-30, Guided tours 11AM/1PM/3PM
January/February tours by appointment only, call 865.522.8661
Westwood
Historic Westwood Holiday Candlelight Tours – Come see Historic Westwood’s halls decked with holiday splendor! Take a guided tour through the 1890 home, studio and gallery of artist Adelia Armstrong Lutz. You’ll enjoy cookies and seasonal hot beverages as you take in the ornate architectural and design details of one of Knoxville’s most impressive Queen Anne style homes.
December 3 and 4 Tours will begin at the top of each hour at 6PM | 7PM | 8PM
Tickets: Adults: $15 | Children 12 & under: $8 Tours will be limited to 75 tickets per hour. Last years event sold out. Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Winter Hours - Closed January & February, reopening in March.
