MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Families across Rutherford County are invited to gather around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse this Friday night, December 5, for the annual lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree, presented by Middle Tennessee Electric... That was MTE's Amy Byers.

Organized each year by Main Street Murfreesboro, the festive evening will feature live entertainment, caroling, a visit from Santa, and the official lighting of the Christmas tree... Everyone is encouraged to bring their families downtown for dinner, holiday shopping at unique local stores, and to enjoy a live nativity scene, along with an hour-long program filled with joyful Christmas music.

While the event is FREE, there will be carriage rides around the square (for a fee). The horse and buggy rides will begin in the old Bank of America parking lot.

Festivities are set to begin at 6:00 p.m. with free children’s activities and LIVE music. Stage performances will start at 6:30 p.m., leading up to Santa lighting the Christmas tree. Following the ceremony, Santa will be inside the courthouse from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for free photos, while holiday activities and entertainment continue outside, around on the Public Square.

PARKING UPDATE: The downtown public square will be closed by the City Police on Friday, December 5, at 4:00 pm.  No incoming traffic will be allowed into the square at 4:00 pm.  Officials remind drivers that exiting parking areas on the Public Square must be done no later than 5:00 p.m. for the event. While drivers will not be able to drive into the square area after 4 pm, those already parked on the square will be allowed to leave their parking area by 5 pm, but if they fail to move their car by 5, they will have to return to move their vehicle when the event is over at aprox. 8:30 pm on Friday night. Guests are encouraged to use parking at the Civic Plaza and the County Judicial parking garages.

The annual tree lighting has become a cherished Murfreesboro Christmas tradition, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together to officially welcome the holiday season.

Before stage performances from 6:00pm

• Free activities around the courthouse (Crafts, free hot cocoa, small games)

• Carriage rides are available to purchase in the Bank of America parking lot off East Main Street.  

• Choirs will be performing around the square.

Stage performances from 6:30pm-7:30pm

• School of Rock student rock bands

• Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City School Elementary Choir

• Center for the Arts performers

• The Dancer's School

• Welcome Santa on stage & turn on the lights for the Christmas tree!

After Stage performances 7:30pm-8:30pm

• Activities continue around the courthouse, carriage rides, and more choir performances around the square.

• Free pictures inside the courthouse with Santa

Visit MainStreetMurfreesboro.org for more details.