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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will be alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The park will kick off the festivities with the Overmountain Christmas Open House on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature several craft vendors and makers, providing an opportunity for persons on your shopping list. Also, you can check out the many new items in the park’s gift shop.

The event will feature historically dressed carolers, historical presentations and dance demonstrations, and a Christmas craft project for kids. The excitement will conclude with a story from Santa Claus and plenty of time for everyone to visit with the big man himself.

Overmountain Christmas Open House Schedule:

10 a.m. Vendors Open

10:30 a.m. How to brew a proper cup of tea

11 a.m. English Country Dancers

11:30 a.m. Appalachian Irish Dancers

1 p.m. English Country Dancers

1:30 p.m. Christmas Carolers

2 p.m. Kids’ Christmas Craft

2:30 p.m. Storytime and Visit with Santa

3 p.m. Vendors Close, Open House Ends

As part of the Tennessee State Parks “After Thanksgiving Day Hike” program, Sycamore Shoals will host a hike on Friday, Nov. 29, beginning at 10 a.m. Join park ranger Taylor Moorefield for “Walking in Frontier Footsteps,” a special guided walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the walking path. Discover the historical events that took place surrounding Sycamore Shoals and their significance to the formation of Tennessee and America. Portions of the walk will include ground that may not be flat or solid for people with mobility challenges. Please dress appropriately for the weather and meet in the picnic area beside the Visitor Center. The hike is free, but registration is required as space is limited. Sign up at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals.

The park will round out its seasonal festivities with an event that has become a community holiday favorite, “Christmas at the Carter Mansion.” Step back in time to the year 1780 and enjoy a colonial Christmas celebration at the beautiful and historic John and Landon Carter Mansion. Join the Carter family and their friends for a glimpse into a simpler time, when Christmas was the grandest celebration of the entire year. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the 18th century as your guide escorts you, by lantern light, through the oldest frame house in Tennessee, decorated with bright greenery and soft candlelight for the holidays. Visit with historic interpreters as they transport you to a Colonial American Christmas. “Christmas at the Carter Mansion” is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and a new tour starts every 20 minutes with the last tour starting at 8:20 p.m. General admission is $14, ages 12 and under, $10. Tours are by reservation only. Registration is required.

The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

You can also drop in anytime during opening hours for a visit at the park visitors center and museum at 1651 West Elk Ave.