Christmas on Main - Where Small-Town Magic Lights up the Season!

Sheila Caldwell
4 days ago
3 min read

Saturday, December 6, 2025

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in the mountains—and in Mountain City, our award-winning annual Christmas on Main has become one of the most heartwarming holiday traditions in the region. From sunrise to evening starlight, Main Street transforms into a festive wonderland filled with great food, local makers, live entertainment, family activities, and the magic of the season.

Whether you're a longtime community member or planning your first holiday visit to Johnson County, this is the day you’ll want to mark on your calendar.

A Morning Made for Memory-Making

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Start your day the hometown way—at the VFW Breakfast Buffet! Enjoy all-you-can-eat biscuits & gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, and more. Nothing warms a December morning like a hearty breakfast, and this one comes with a purpose: proceeds support Johnson County veterans.

After breakfast, stroll to the Johnson County Welcome Center for the Farmers Holiday Market from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. From candles and baked goods to local produce and handmade crafts, it’s the perfect spot to find unique, locally made gifts.

At 10:00 AM, head upstairs for the Festival of the Trees Open House, where over 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees create a dazzling seasonal display. While you're there, cast your vote for your favorite tree—every vote supports the Johnson County Historical Society. Children can also drop off their letters to Santa! FREE EVENT.

Festive Fun All Afternoon

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Bring the kids to the Welcome Center for the beloved Cookie Walk with Santa. For just $5, little ones receive a cookie bag, a warm holiday drink, and lots of merriment. Santa will be waiting to hear all their Christmas wishes, and families are welcome to take their own photos. Proceeds benefit the Johnson County Historical Society. There is no admission charge for children who just want to visit with Santa Clause.

Starting at 11:00 AM, the Christmas Village opens on the Courthouse lawn with food trucks, craft vendors, warm drinks, and handcrafted goods. Pair your visit with stops at our downtown restaurants and shops—including Mountain City Antiques, Silverstone Hams, Know Better Coffee, Cornett Family Furniture, Nalley’s Shirt Shop, and many more.

Whether you’re hunting for handmade presents or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, downtown Mountain City will be buzzing all day long.

Evening Magic You Won’t Want to Miss

5:30 PM – Annual Christmas Parade

The hallmark of the day! This year’s parade theme, “Light of the World,” celebrates the beauty and warmth of the holiday season in Appalachia. Expect glowing floats, classic Christmas music, local performers, and of course—Santa Claus riding in style.

6:45 PM – Christmas Tree Lighting & Live Entertainment

After the parade, gather at the Christmas Village for our annual tree lighting, live holiday music by Randy Dandurand, and a spirited performance by the Stateline Stompers. It’s a magical moment that brings our entire community together.

7:00 PM – Heritage Hall Theatre

Cap off the evening with the Johnson County Community Theatre’s live radio-style production of “The Bishop’s Wife.” A heartwarming story filled with faith, love, and Christmas miracles, it’s the perfect ending to a perfect holiday day.Spend the Day With Us

Spend the Day With Us

Christmas on Main is more than an event—it’s an experience. It’s the joy of running into friends, the sparkle of decorated windows, the scent of cinnamon and warm cocoa, the sound of carols on the breeze, and the magic of sharing a day that feels like stepping into a classic Christmas town.

We invite you to spend the entire day with us on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Whether you come for breakfast, the parade, the shopping, or the tree lighting, you’ll find something special waiting for you at every turn.