Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
‘Christmas by Candlelight’ at Chief Vann House
In 1805 , Cherokee Chief James Vann opened his new home to Moravian missionaries, who held one of the first Christmas celebrations in the Cherokee Nation.
In honor of that hist oric event, t he Vann House Historic Site will host its annual candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8- 9, from 5 until 9 p. m. The public is invited to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a 19th- century Christmas in one of America’s best- preserved Cherokee homes.
Vann House will be decorated with natural greenery and handmade items similar to those the Moravians used.
Inside the house, vis- itors may tour at their own pace and visit with Fr i e nds of t he Vann House volunteers in each room to hear the story of the Vanns and their home.
Jane Davis will play harp music Friday night from 5 to 7 o’clock, while string musician Matt Downer will play 1800s’ tunes from 7 to 9 p. m.
Saturday night, harpist Sl oane Singleton along with well- known Chatsworth musician Jim Pankey and Downer will entertain visitors.
To complete the tour, guests can see four restored Cherokee l og buildings, al s o lit by candles. Complimentary hot a p pl e cider and Moravian cookies will be served.
The museum at the Vann House will also be open during the program. Visitors can view exhibits and a short film before seeing the house. Lanterns will light the paths between the museum and the Vann mansion.
Vann House is located at t he intersection of Georgia Highways 225 and 52 Alternate in Spring Place, just west of Chatsworth, Ga.
Admission to the program is $ 6.50 for adults, $6 for senior adults 62 and older, $ 5.50 for youth ages 6 to 17, and children ages 5 and under are free.