The Jack Daniel's Barrel Tree Lighting Tradition Returns on Saturday, December 6th.
- Ryan P. French
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Each December in Lynchburg, there’s a night when The Holler feels just a little bit brighter, and not just because of the hundreds of twinkling lights strung across a towering whiskey-barrel tree. It’s because families, friends, locals, out-of-towners, and the occasional wide-eyed first-timer all gather at the Jack Daniel’s Visitor’s Center for one of Tennessee’s most beloved holiday traditions: the annual lighting of the Jack Daniel Distillery Barrel Tree.
This year, the celebration returns Saturday, December 6th at exactly 6:15 PM, and if past years are any indication, folks will start bundling up early. Think cozy sweaters, scarves, puffy jackets, and—undoubtedly—at least one sharply dressed gentleman in a top hat paying homage to Mr. Jack himself. It isn’t officially Barrel Tree night until he appears.
A New Countdown Leader, A Timeless Tradition
Every year, the Distillery chooses one special guest to lead the countdown, and while that name stays hush-hush until the night of, the energy is always the same: a little nervous, a lot joyful, and completely unforgettable. When that “Ten, nine, eight…” rolls over the crowd, something magical happens—the same something that’s been happening since the very first barrel tree was built in 2011.
And then, with one final breath… boom. The 30-foot structure made from more than 200 signature white oak barrels—erupts in light, and the Holler erupts with it. Cheers, clapping, a few happy tears, and maybe even a raised Tennessee whiskey toast or two.
Live Music: The Huffer Brothers Take the Stage
Adding even more spirit to the night, this year’s ceremony features a live performance by The Huffer Brothers, bringing homegrown Tennessee sound to an already electric atmosphere. Their blend of country, bluegrass, and classic holiday warmth promises to set the perfect tone as the tree glows to life. Arrive early if you want a good spot these fellas tend to draw a crowd.
More Than a Photo Op: A Celebration of Story and Giving
While the Barrel Tree makes for an excellent Christmas card backdrop, it was born out of something deeper. Each barrel tells a story just as every visitor who stands beneath the lights does. And through the Operation Ride Home program, those barrels also help service members create stories of their own by traveling home for the holidays.
Every tree across the country represents togetherness, gratitude, and the idea that it’s not what’s under the tree that matters; it’s who’s around it. In Lynchburg, that message rings especially true.
Save the Date & Join the Gathering
Whether this is your first lighting or your fifteenth, the Barrel Tree ceremony always feels like coming home. Come gather with us in the Whiskey Garden at the Visitor’s Center on:
📅 Saturday, December 6th
⏰ 6:15 PM🎶 Featuring The Huffer Brothers 📍 Jack Daniel’s Visitor’s Center, Lynchburg, Tennessee
Bundle up, bring your people, and help kick off the season with one of Tennessee’s most iconic holiday traditions.
And remember, as always in Lynchburg, the barrel may be made of wood, but the magic is in the stories it holds.
Spend the Entire Day in Lynchburg
Join the celebration, "Christmas in Lynchburg," the entire day of December 6th.
7am: Breakfast with Santa at the Masonic Lodge (ends at 11am)
8am: Oh What Fun 5K at Wiseman Park (registration opens at 7am)
9am: Trees of Christmas at the IBIS Building
9am: Cookie Sale at the IBIS Building
9am: Bottle Signing with Chris Fletcher and Bryon Copeland at the Visitor's Center (ends at 11am)
10am: Arts and Craft Vendors open around the Square in Downtown Lynchburg
10am: Poinsettia Sale on the Square
10am: Pet Pictures with Santa at the Downtown Gazebo
10am: Wreath Sale and Smores Making at the Downtown Gazebo
10:30am: Christmas Critter Costume Contest at the Downtown Gazebo
10:30am: Methodist Church Bell Choir on the Main Stage in Downtown Lynchburg
11am: Mid-State Cloggers Near Main Stage in in Downtown Lynchburg
11am: Chili Dinner & Baked Potato Bar at Moore County Senior Center (ends at 5pm)
12pm: Magic Voice Studio on the Main Stage in Downtown Lynchburg
12pm: Lynchburg Community Ornament Exchange at the Downtown Gazebo (ends at 3pm)
1:30pm: Flat Creek Dancers near Main Stage in Downtown Lynchburg
2pm: Santa & Mrs Claus at Company Distilling in Downtown Lynchburg (ends at 3pm)
3:30pm: Parade Lineup Starts at new Moore County Park on Main Street
4:30pm: The Huffer Brothers Live at the Visitor's Center
5pm: Lynchburg Christmas Parade Starts
6:15pm: Jack Daniel Barrel Tree Lighting at the Visitor's Center