The public is invited to experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Rocky Mount’s annual “Candlelight Christmas” event, taking place the evenings of December 6 and 7, and 13 and 14.

Rocky Mount State Historic Site’s “Candlelight Christmas” tours are a chance to look back at a simpler time, in which guests will travel back to Christmas Eve of 1791 when the Cobb family home is adorned with handmade decorations of greenery and lit by candles. Meet the Cobb family, Governor Blount and his family, and many of the Cobb family’s friends and neighbors. Listen to the stories of firing the anvil, the kissing ball, poor man’s punch, and more. Watch the dances of the time and even be invited to join in. Tap your toes and clap your hands to the traditional music being played. Smell the apple fritters frying in the kitchen, the pies waiting to be eaten in the dining room, and the smoke of the bonfire. At the end of the tour, warm up in the reception area with coffee, hot chocolate, and other goodies.

“Candlelight Christmas” is a new way to experience an old favorite. This tour is completely different from Rocky Mount’s daily tours and captures a different side of life in 1791. Start a new tradition this year, or keep your tradition going, by attending “Candlelight Christmas” tour.

Candlelight Christmas tours will begin at 4:30 p.m. on December 6, 7, 13 and 14, and will continue every 15 minutes until 8 p.m. There will be some brief time spent outside, so visitors should be sure to dress for the weather.

Walk-ins are welcome, but it is strongly recommended that you call ahead to reserve your time, as this is a very popular event. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Rocky Mount also offers discounted rates for groups of 12 or more (reservations are required to receive group rate) and discounts for Rocky Mount Historical Association members.

Rocky Mount State Historic Site is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the first Tuesday in March through the second Saturday in December. For more information, call (423) 538-7396 or visit the website (www.rockymountmuseum.com).

Rocky Mount is located at 200 Hyder Hill Road, Piney Flats, just off Highway 11-E, midway between Johnson City and Piney Flats.