Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
Tinsel and trim, ribbon and lights, our historic town is ramping up for holiday festivities. Embracing the seasonal spirit with a dazzling array of events which aim to leave the community bathed in a warm glow of celebration; from the grandeur of the Tree Lighting Ceremony to the whimsy of the Parade, the flavorful delights of the Wassail Walk, and the timeless elegance of the Candlelight Tour of Homes, Jefferson transforms into a winter wonderland, beckoning locals and visitors to partake in the magic of the season.
The heart of the town, Lions Club Park, becomes the focal point of holiday merriment as the community gears up to gather for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday. Skip Torrans, President of the Lions Club, recalled his years celebrating the seasons gone by.
“The park is standing room only,” he said. “Everyone comes down from the parade and it really is quite a sight.”
Touching on the history of the Enchanted Forest, he said “the event was part of the Historic Jefferson Foundation that began in the early 90s. In 2013 the Lions Club took over the event.
“[The Lion’s Club has] been working with the Jefferson ISD agriculture department so that the student can earn class credit and scholarships,” Torrans said, explaining that students help with the tree setup.
When asked what his favorite part of the event is, this Lions Club lead explains, “We find a kid to help lead us with the count down. There is a big switch that is flipped and I am at the breaker box flipping that switch so that trees light up. It really is a lot of fun for me.”
The luscious North Carolina trees decorated by local Jefferson businesses and residents, provide a picturesque background for music and singing.
However, the appearance of Santa is the highlight that the children seem to look forward to the most. Setting the stage for an evening of community, togetherness, and festive cheer.
An additional occasion on the list is the Wassail Walk. Local shops are hosting a sensory journey through Jefferson’s charming streets. Wassail stations, positioned throughout the town at local participating businesses will offer a delightful array of warm, spiced cider. Each sip a celebration of tradition and community. These shops play a vital role, contributing their creativity and dedication to make each event a resounding success.
With their open doors and festive decorations, they set out to compete with their unique wassail recipes, adding a touch of culinary flair to the evening. The intoxicating aroma is sure to fill the air as attendees have the chance to savor the rich flavors, fostering a sense of camaraderie and conviviality. The Wassail Walk exemplifies Jefferson’s commitment to preserving cherished customs and creating an immersive holiday experience.
The Historic Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes will hold its 41st annual celebration in transporting participants into a world of timeless elegance next Thursday. Historic residences, adorned with the soft glow of candlelight, open their doors the weekends of November 30-December 2n and again December 7-9. These tours give a chance for attendees to take in the architectural marvels and holiday traditions within.
Guides, donned in period attire, led visitors through a curated selection of homes, sharing tales of their rich histories and festive decorations. From Victorian opulence to Southern charm, each residence told a story of holidays past, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivated the imagination.
The Steamboat Inn is one of the homes featured on this year’s tour.
“I am very excited to meet new and wonderful people to enjoy the season with,” said Lana Musik, owner of the Steamboat Inn.
The Ukrainian native also shared, “I love seeing the creativity and the beautiful decorations with the colors of the season. We have ordered ornaments and toys from the Ukraine to add to our home so we can share in the different ways that we celebrate Christmas.”
Lana adds that even with the war, the people of Ukraine are still trying to live their ordinary lives despite the destruction that has rattled their homeland.
What makes this holiday extravaganza truly special is the sense of unity and joy that flows through the community. Families, friends, and neighbors came together to celebrate the season, forging bonds and creating memories. The community-wide effort, from the grandeur of the Enchanted Forest to the intimate elegance of the Candlelight Tours, Jefferson’s seasonal environment provides a backdrop to make many memories throughout the weeks to come.
See a brief description of the homes in next week’s Jimplecute.