Bell Buckle Olde Fashioned Christmas

Celebrate the holidays with sleigh rides, chocolate and music in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The Olde Fashioned Bell Buckle Christmas activities have begun, and you still have a chance to step into the world of Christmas magic and warmth on Saturday, Dec. 18. Events planned for that day include sleigh rides, pictures with Santa and S’mores Pit. The free event is organized by Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce.

Feel the kindness and authenticity of Bell Buckle, which will take you back in time. Find joy in interacting with friends, shopkeepers and artisans.

Write letters to Santa in the pavilion on Main Street, where Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to take pictures with them. And to make the experience even sweeter, they welcome you to the S’mores Pit. “There’s no chocolate shortage in Bell Buckle.” Many of the shops also offer sweet treats, including fudge, pies and ice cream. When you’re ready for a meal, enter the Bell Buckle Café or Bell Buckle Coffee Shop.

Hop on the vintage sleigh and take a ride through town. Santa will be on an antique sleigh, pulled by a pickup truck, on the back of a wagon. You can ride with Santa and enjoy the architecture of Bell Buckle, with the buildings adorned with lights and decorations. The historic town focuses on highlighting local artists, antique stores, delicious food and, most importantly, kindness, personal attention and genuine interactions.

The town, known for its hospitality and friendly atmosphere, invites you to enjoy the holiday festivities and the works of local artists, including paintings, woodworks and textile arts. You will also find Maggi Vaughn’s books. Vaughn, who has been the poet laureate of Tennessee since 1995, lives in Bell Buckle.

Stop by Vaughn’s studio to chat with her. She will be happy to sign your book. Vaughn encouraged people to visit Bell Buckle and experience the Olde Fashioned Christmas event.

“We are all decorated and anxious to meet people,” Vaughn said. “Visitors will have a wonderful time in Bell Buckle. We have great food, great stores to shop in and great people to meet.”

Appreciate the holiday spirit that brings excitement and gratitude and generosity.

“First of all, we celebrate the good Lord, and second, we celebrate Santa Claus,” Vaughn said. “I’m 83 years old, and I still believe in both of them. I have books in my home, too. I love meeting people, and I’ll sign any book they want me to – they are welcome in my home.”

Visiting Bell Buckle will be a memorable holiday experience, with cheerful moments for children and adults.

“We welcome everyone to come to Bell Buckle,” Vaughn said. “I hope they all have a very merry Christmas, a happy new year, and stay safe and healthy.”

The Olde Fashioned Christmas event has delighted Bell Buckle’s residents and guests for 39 years. This year’s holiday festivities began on Dec. 3 with the Quilt Walk.

The Quilt Walk kicks off the Bell Buckle seasonal celebrations, presenting a chance for visitors to appreciate the art of quilts and the town’s architecture. Flat Creek Dancers brought rhythm, songs and dancing. The music of Christmas is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and Flat Creek Dancers invited guests to sing along while enjoying the old-time dances of the performers on Dec. 4.

Lisa Scimeca, owner of Bell Buckle Coffee Shop, is looking forward to Saturday, Dec. 18.

“My favorite part of the event is seeing the children's expressions when they see Santa and the fire pits where they make s'mores - they always light up,” she said. “Bell Buckle offers that small town holiday feel from the decorated houses to the Santa, s'mores, movies and hayride around town while Christmas music plays.”

For more information about Olde Fashioned Christmas, visit www.bellbucklechamber.com.