Archive for the ‘Christmas in Jefferson’ Category

Jefferson’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Monday, December 5 @ 6pm

November 26th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Victorian Santa

A Victorian Santa

 JEFFERSON’S OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS PARADE 

 MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 6:00 P.M.

Jefferson’s Annual Christmas Parade will take one back to a simpler and more idyllic time Monday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m.

Lighted floats depicting nativity scenes, carolers, and bands are but a sample of the things to see. The evening’s special guest, Santa Claus, atop a fire truck will be making a list and checking it twice.

“Some of our guests said this was very touching as it evoked childhood memories of long ago”, Juanita Wakefield Chitwood, Executive Director, Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

Originating at Lion’s Park, the parades will weave its way along Henderson, Market, Austin, Polk and finish at Brookshire’s along Broadway.

Join in on the fun as we celebrate Christmas as it was many years ago.

Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Train Day Trips in Jefferson, Texas

November 25th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Christmas Rail of Lights

Take to the Rails during the Daylight

Rail of Lights Christmas & New Year’s Train – Jefferson, Texas

In addition to the traditional evening trains, Historic Jefferson Railway has added a few day runs so that patrons can experience the beautiful ride along the Cypress Bayou River.

Day runs will be available on December 9, 12, 13 and 14 at 1:30 p.m.  No reservations necessary – there will be plenty of room available.

Tickets are now on sale for the evening trains.  As seating is limited, get your tickets early.  Make this a holiday to remember aboard the Rail of Lights Christmas Train in Jefferson, Texas.  The unforgettable ride aboard an old-fashioned steam train departs each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Thanksgiving through December 24. Passengers will enjoy lighted scenes along the Cypress Bayou River as they hear about “Christmas Traditions Around the Globe”.

Also, ring in the New Year with the Rail of Lights New Year’s Train running on December 30 and 31st. This ride will feature the dropping of the ball in Times Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers and a fantastic fire works show on every train ride.

Spend the weekend in Jefferson and stay in the Cypress Bayou RV Park, just one mile from Jefferson.  You can see lights on the river during the Christmas Trains and watch the New Year’s fireworks as the train comes through the park.  Ask about our special holiday get-away pricing of $15 per night.

The excursions will take you by a life-size nativity scene, the German Markets, Jerusalem and the Angel Tree.  Glimpse Christmas trees simply decorated reminiscent of the bare-limbed sourwood of the Appalachian Christmas Tree.   View scenes representing Toyland, Alaska, San Francisco, China, Australia, New Orleans,  and the Arizona Hopi Indian nation.

Enjoy an authentic life-sized 90-year old Christmas card as well as the Support Our Troops display featuring a post card sent by soldiers during World War II, and other favorites: the aluminum tree, reminiscent of the 1960’s; a whimsical Teddy Bear tree; and Charlie Brown’s forlorn little Christmas tree.

The decorated historic railroad depot captures the holiday spirit. The narrated tour on the day train will be a combination of Jefferson history and description of our Christmas scenes.

During the evening, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus before boarding the train for the wonderful narrated tour, accompanied by a local vocalist, who will give patrons an opportunity to sing some of their favorite Christmas Carols as they create unique Christmas memories riding along the river.

Ticket Prices:  Day train First Class $16.50; Coach Class $13.00.  Evening Trains:  First Class $21; Coach Class: $14.75 – $16.50. Lap children under 4 are free.

First Class is offered in a beautiful historic, heated, enclosed coach. If you are riding Coach Class, be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket, as you will be riding in open cars. Seating is limited on the evening trains so purchase your tickets early.  The easiest way to get tickets is to order online at www.RailofLights.com.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. It seems frozen in time and is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. The downtown area will be aglow with lights and greenery during the holiday season. You will want to make Jefferson and the Christmas Train a tradition for your whole family.

Christmas Merchants Open House in Jefferson Texas

November 25th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Christmas Lights at the Carriage House

 

MERCHANTS OPEN HOUSE          

Friday, November 25, 2011

 

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS:

Divas & Daisies

Lafayette St. Open 9:00am-6:00pm

20% off merchandise   (903)665-3382

Refreshments served

Footsteps 

116 N. Vale St. Open 9:00am-7:00pm     (903)665-3338

Jefferson General Store

113 E. Austin St.

Open 9:00am-10:00pm     (903)665-8481

Serving: Hot Apple Cider & Hot Chocolate

Jefferson Images/Blackburn’s Factory Outlet

108 E. Lafayette

Open 9:00am-7:00pm

Refreshments served   (903)665-1128

Lafayette Gallery 

123 N. Polk St. Open 10:00am-7:00pm

Refreshments served (903)665-9000

Made in the Shade

210 E. Austin St. Open 9:00am-7:00pm

20% off jewelry & Heaven to Earth Wreaths     (903)665-8966

Refreshments served

Old Mill Antiques

210 E. Austin St. Open 9:00am-?

Discounts available     (903)-665-8601

Texas Treasures

214 N. Polk St. Open ?-?     (903)665-3757

Yesteryear Gift Shop 

102 S. Polk St. 10:00am-?     (903)665-8692

 

*Hours of operation subject to change without notice.

Ghost of Christmas Past Home Tours in Jefferson, Texas

November 14th, 2011 by carriagehouse

House of the Seasons

Jefferson’s Ghost of Christmas Past Home Tours December 17, 2011

Tour Some of Jefferson’s Most Historic Homes and Visit with Residents from Jefferson’s Past such as Jeannie Epperson, Confederate Captain Joseph H. Pratt and I.E. Smith.

House of the Seasons (409 S Alley) Meet Jeannie Epperson, who lived in the House of the Seasons as a child. Tours are at 11 AM & 2 PM. For Reservations 903-665-8000. Tours $7.50

Singleton’s Virginia Cross (401 N Soda) Meet Confederate Captain Joseph H. Pratt. Tours are Noon & 1 PM. For Reservations, 903-665-3938- Tours $7.00

The Charles House (209 E Clarksville) Meet Industrialist I.E. Smith. Tours are at 3 PM & 6 PM. For Reservations 903-665-1773. Tours $5.00

While in Jefferson visit the city’s most haunted home, the Grove (405 Moseley). Tours are at 2 PM Saturday and 11 AM Sunday. For Reservations 903-665-8018. Tours $6.00 On Saturday, in the downtown area look for other historic Jefferson characters such as Kate Woods, Jesse Robinson, Bill Rose and Diamond Bessie as portrayed by the Riverport Ambassadors. Also enjoy the Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk on Friday and Saturday Evening. The walk meets at the corner of W Austin & North Vale. Ticket sales at 7:30 PM and the walk starts at 8:00 PM. Tours $12.00

Christmas Rail of Light Tickets Now on Sale

September 17th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Christmas Rail of LightsChristmas Rail of Lights

Celebrate Christmas Traditions Around the Globe

Rail of Lights Christmas & New Year’s Train – Jefferson, Texas

 Tickets are now on sale for Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Train.  Make this a Christmas to remember aboard the Rail of Lights Christmas Train in Jefferson, Texas.  The unforgettable ride aboard an old-fashioned steam train departs each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Thanksgiving through December 24. Passengers will enjoy lighted scenes along the Cypress Bayou River as they hear about “Christmas Traditions Around the Globe”.

Also, ring in the New Year with the Rail of Lights New Year’s Train running on December 30 and 31st. This ride will feature the dropping of the ball in Times Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers and a fantastic fire works show on every train ride.

The excursions will take you by a life-size nativity scene, the German Markets, Jerusalem and the Angel Tree.  Glimpse Christmas trees simply decorated reminiscent of the bare-limbed sourwood of the Appalachian Christmas Tree to the opulence of a re-created 1885 Christmas tree in the Smith-McDowell House in Asheville, North Carolina. View scenes representing Alaska, San Francisco, Australia and the Arizona Hopi Indian nation.

Enjoy an authentic life-sized 90-year old Christmas card as well as the post card sent by soldiers during World War II and other favorites: the aluminum tree, reminiscent of the 1960’s; a whimsical Teddy Bear tree; and Charlie Brown’s forlorn little Christmas tree.

The decorated historic railroad depot, complete with Santa Claus, captures the holiday spirit. The wonderful narrated tour, accompanied by a local vocalist, will also give patrons an opportunity to sing some of their favorite Christmas Carols as they create unique Christmas memories riding along the river.

Ticket Prices:  First Class $21; Coach Class: $14.75 – $16.50. Lap children unde

r 4 are free. First Class is offered in a beautiful historic, heated, enclosed coach. If you are riding Coach Class, be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket, as you will be riding in open cars. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets early. The easiest way to get tickets is to order online at www.RailofLights.com.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. It seems frozen in time and is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. The downtown area will be aglow with lights and greenery during the holiday season. You will want to make Jefferson and the Christmas Train a tradition for your whole family.

Gift Certificates and other Christmas Gift Ideas

December 10th, 2010 by carriagehouse

Have you finished your Christmas shopping?  Have you started?

It is the height of the Christmas season and our time to get the perfect gifts for our loved ones is quickly running out.  Every day I look at our Christmas tree and feel an increasing pressure to get all of my shopping done and fast.  But I am busy.  We all are.  And there is always that one person that you just can’t seem to buy for.  They either already have everything or are persnickety or you just aren’t sure what they would want.  How about I give you a little hand.  Here are some fabulous gift ideas courtesy of  the Carriage House.

Carriage House Gift Certificates

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, could use a vacation.  Life is hectic and busy and stressful and only a getaway to a quieter place and a slower time will fix what ails you.  Consider a gift certificate from the Carriage House.  Our gift certificates are available in any denomination and are good for a year from purchase.  We try and make it easy to buy as well.  You can order them over the phone by calling 903-665-9511 or you can go to our website at www.carriagehousejefferson.com.  There is no wait to receive your gift certificate.  Whether you purchase it online or over the phone, we will email it right over to you.

Coffee Mugs

Every cup of coffee served at the Carriage House is served in our signature hand thrown coffee mugs.  These beautiful handcrafted mugs are dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe.  Since each mug is handcrafted by a potter at Deneen Pottery, each mug is unique with their natural throwing rings and distinctive characteristics.  These mugs are offered in three different colors white, burgundy w/ blue trim, and midnight w/ cinnamon.  The mugs are $16 for 1 and $30 for 2.  Please call us at 903-665-9511 to place your order.

Key Chains.

Identical to the key chains that we use for our rooms, these handsome brown suede key chains are a perfect stocking stuffer.  Help your Carriage House fan remember their trip to Jefferson every time they leave the house.  The key chains are $7 and can be purchase by calling 903-665-9511.

Calendars

This 13 month calendar developed by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce features beautiful pictures of Jefferson and Caddo Lake (some taken by our very own shutterbug, Tom).  The calendar has a complete list of 2011 events and festivals to help you plan your next trip the Carriage House and Jefferson.  The calendars are $10 and can be purchased by calling 903-665-9511.

So take some of the pressure off of yourself this holiday season and let us help you put the magic under your tree.  Call us today and let us help you put together the perfect gift for your loved one.

Christmas in Jefferson, Texas

November 26th, 2010 by carriagehouse

Victorian Santa

A Victorian Santa

It  is hard for me to believe this but it is already Christmas.  Today is Black Friday and the malls and stores are jam packed with people.  Cars are circling over-filled parking lots and there are long lines at the cash register.  It hardly feels like Christmas, more like an over-hyped department store sale.  The non stop commercials and advertisements will make even the most cheerful person say Bah Humbug.

If you need a break from all of this craziness, come on down to Jefferson for an old fashioned Victorian Christmas.

There is no place more magical than Jefferson at Christmas.  The beautiful historic homes twinkle with brightly colored Christmas lights and the town is festively adorned with Christmas trimming.  The churches are filled with Christmas carolers and the parks transform into enchanted forests of decorated Christmas trees.  The very air you breathe will fill you with the Christmas Spirit.

December 2nd – 4th and December 9th – 11th, the Candlelight Tour of Homes will offer visitors to the picturesque little town the chance to walk through four of the most beautiful homes in Jefferson. Each one of these homes will be dressed in live greenery, glowing candles, and unique Christmas decorations.  Docents dressed in Victorian period dress will guide visitors through these houses by candlelight and share the storied histories of these amazing homes.

The famous Christmas Rail of Lights will be steaming its way through Jefferson during the Christmas Season.  The narrow gauge locomotive will take you through scenes from the “History of the Christmas Tree” as it chugs along the banks of the Big Cypress Bayou. Have your heart warmed by 25 different Christmas scenes built into the forest landscape.

The First Methodist Church will be sponsoring this year’s Christmas Music Concert Series each night of the Candlelight Tour of Homes.  Sounds of the season resonate throughout Jefferson as these musical concerts perform.  Choral groups, hand bells, and chimes delight all ages. The concerts are free to the public.

Lions Park will be transformed from a traditional city park to an Enchanted Forest of Christmas Trees. Each Christmas Tree will be decorated by a local business, church, school class or civic group. Be enchanted as you walk through a sparkling, wonderland of Christmas trees.

There are special festivities at the Carriage House as well.

This historic home is beautifully decorated for the season. Sit in our parlor and enjoy the fireplace while sitting by the Christmas Tree.  Join us each afternoon as we share a traditional Norwegian Christmas treat of Glogg and Peppercaker.

Candlelight in Jefferson is so special that all lodging fills and avalailable rooms become impossible to find. We only have a few rooms left, so please call us at 903-665-9511 to make your reservation today.

November Events in Jefferson, Texas

October 29th, 2010 by carriagehouse

Autumn on Caddo Lake

Autumn on Caddo Lake

The temps are starting to fall and the leaves are changing color.  East Texas is at it’s most glorious during the month of November.  It is a perfect time of year to come to Jefferson and get that rest and relaxation that you need so badly before the hectic Christmas season hits.

There is so much to do in November!

The first weekend of the month kicks off with a paranormal conference called History, Haunts, and Legends (11/06).  This all day conference will feature speakers on all things that go bump in the night.  Come on down and enjoy hearing about paranormal research and what life is like in a real life haunted house.

The following weekend is Trammel’s Trace Rendevous (11/12-11/14).   This will be a weekend of re-enactments of life back in the 1840s.  Mountain men, Trappers and Indians meet on the banks of the Big Cypress Bayou to swap goods, tell stories and celebrate survival of another season.  This event is perfect for the whole family and is not only educational but is also a whole lot of fun.

That very same weekend, the 5th Annual Books Alive Christian & Inspirational Book Festival (11/12 -11/14) will be held at the Methodist Church.  Several amazing authors will be there to talk about their inspirational stories and books.  All proceeds from this movingweekend will benefit the First United Methodist Church here in Jefferson.

The weekend of November 19th is our 2010 Fall Photography Weekend.  This adventure weekend is perfect for photographers of all skill levels, experience, and equipment.  Come join us as we take photo walks through the beautiful Historic Riverfront District and sunset boat tours of some amazing wildlife photography.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the kick off of the Christmas Season here in Jefferson.  The weekend activities include  a Christmas parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony, bargain galores at the merchant’s open house, and the Queen Mab ball at Auntie Skinners.

So before things get too crazy for the Christmas Season, give yourself the treat of a vacation.  Come on down to Jefferson for some fun and decompression.  Call us for your room reservations at 903-665-9511.

Do You Really Want to Go to a Mall?

November 6th, 2009 by Skyla Grimes

No seriously…do you really want to spend the day after Thanksgiving in a shopping mall? You don’t have to you know. You have options!

Christmas is a magical time of year in Jefferson. It is full of sparkle, cheer and memories of Christmas past. It is a place where there is an enchanted Christmas tree forest and a train that takes you around the world. It is a place full of Christmas lights, and a Victorian Santa.

The Christmas Season gets kicked off in grand style the weekend after Thanksgiving. There will be a city-wide lighting ceremony on November 27th that is free to the public and the Enchanted Forest in Lions Park will be glittering with festively decorated Christmas trees. Come be amazed by all of the beautiful and sparkling Christmas lights and displays.

I know. You need to get your Christmas shopping done. Everybody loves all of the unique and quaint shops in Jefferson and of course we all love a bargain. The day after Thanksgiving will be the Merchant’s Open House. All of the shopkeepers in the historic distric will be rolling out the red carpet and the Christmas sales. Jefferson is the place to find that exceptional and distinctive gift for that hard to buy person.

At the end of a long day shopping and merryment, it is time to kick up your heels and have some fun. Auntie Skinners will be hosting the Hustler’s Ball on November 28th. It will be a loud and entertaining time!

So I ask you again, Do you really want to go to a mall? You will have to fight for parking and a seat in the food court. The stores will crowded and hot. Let’s face it. Nobody will be in a good mood. Your better choice is to come to Jefferson for some fabulous bargains and be swept away to an old fashioned Christmas.
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