MURFREESBORO – The 2010 Candlelight Christmas Tour will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a “Silver Bells” experience.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association invites you and your family to attend the 25th annual Candlelight Christmas in Historic Murfreesboro on the evenings of December 9 and 10 from 4 until 8:30 p.m.

This event is a progressive dinner embellished with delicious North Carolina specialties, featuring roasted turkey, country ham, seafood bisque, holiday breads, and homemade desserts.

The tour includes visits to the following buildings and homes in Murfreesboro’s 12-block National Register Historic District:

Roberts-Vaughan House (ca 1790)

Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana

Chowan University Campus (ca 1850s)

Murfree-Smith Law Office/Historic Gift Shop (ca 1800)

Agriculture and Transportation Building

William Rea Museum (ca 1790)

Evans Tinsmith Shop

Vincent-Deale Blacksmith Shop

Winborne Country Store (ca 1870)

John Wheeler House (ca 1814)

Murfree Center

Hertford Academy (ca 1811).

Candlelight Christmas in Historic Murfreesboro is filled with sights, fragrances and the joyful sounds of Christmas, in addition to all the trimmings to portray the Christmas season with unique cuisine, unsurpassed scenery and lively music.

Come see North Carolina trees decorated with twinkling lights and silver bells as the Historical Association celebrates the 25th anniversary of the tour. Candlelight Christmas in Murfreesboro has become a seasonal tradition as each year nearly 200 volunteers spread Christmas cheer.

From the lonesome sounds of an Appalachian fiddle to the melodic harp, music is woven into the Christmas season.  Toe tapping mountain music will fill the air as the Potecasi Creek String Band performs traditional Carolina ballads at the Vincent-Deale Blacksmith Shop.  Dr. Chris White and Frank Harris will play the piano and clarinet at the Hertford Academy. Also, the Captured Hearts will sing at the Agriculture Building.  Look for the harpist, Rosemary Gadsby at the Roberts-Vaughan House. Chowan University is planning entertainment with a choir, a bell choir and more. And don’t forget Mrs. Langston at the Country Store. There are additional entertainers along the way at the John Wheeler House and the Rea Museum.

The sit-down dinner will be soothed with the sounds from the organist, Pam Woodard.

Along the candlelit paths, you’ll chat with old friends and make new ones. Ride on a horse-drawn wagon or a decorated tram to the holiday dinner. For the finale, walk across the street to the Hertford Academy to a table laden with homemade desserts.

For tickets or more information, contact the Murfreesboro Historical Association at 398-5922.

Individuals, families, church groups, and civic organizations are urged to join in the celebration.  Tickets are $27.00 per adult and $10.00 for children under 12 (5 years and under are free). Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in advance. Checks, cash, or credit cards are accepted.