Celebrate Christmas like it's 1880

RUGBY, Tenn. (WVLT) - On the first two Saturdays in December, the historic settlement of Rugby, Tennessee, comes alive with Christmas spirit and visitors can celebrate the holidays as if it were still 1880, the year the town was settled. WVLT Photojournalist Kayla Fuller was there December 1st to capture the festivities.WVLT Photojournalist Kayla Fuller was there December 1st to capture the festivities.

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.

Christ Church Episcopal presents seasonal music both Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. EST (3:30 Central) in the 1887 church. New for 2018 is a kids event, "Tea With Mrs. Claus," which will include storytelling, hot chocolate and cider, cooking decorating, and a chance to write Santa a letter. The cost is $10 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult ($5.00).

Historic Rugby and the Morgan-Scott Project have also teamed up for a gift drive directed at teenagers. Most toy drives collect gifts for younger children, and the organization finds itself short of gifts for needy teens. Visitors may drop off donated gifts at boxes throughout the village.

"Christmas At Rugby" is a chance to relax and really get into the spirit of the season," noted Teresa Bowman, Executive Director.

"This is one of the most popular events of our year, as villagers and visitors all join together to enjoy each other's company and recall how Christmas has been celebrated for more than a century."

Festivities run from 4 until 8 pm Eastern. Admission is $10 adults, $6 for Historic Rugby members, and $4 children K-12.

In addition, the Harrow Road Café will host its traditional Christmas Dinner. Reservations are available from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. The Café will be offering a choice of Slow Roasted Beef or a Special Recipe Glazed Ham, a holiday soup, and a traditional holiday dessert. Reservations are required. Cost is $30 per person. To make reservations, call 423-628-2441.

Rugby is located just off State Scenic Hwy. 52, 16 miles southeast of Jamestown and 35 miles from either Interstate 40 or I-75 in East Tennessee on the southern edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.