LEIGHTON – Celebrate the 36th anniversary of LaGrange College Site Park’s CHRISTMAS IN THE
COUNTRY Event on November 22-23, 2024, as the historic park transforms into a site of Christmas past.
Located off Hwy 157, near White Oak on ‘Little Mountain’ with a 400 ft. elevation, it overlooks the entire
Tennessee Valley, offering a stunning view enhanced by vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors will enjoy
special music by the Stampede band, along with new vendors, food trucks, Blacksmith Craftsmen
demonstrations, and the sale of their iron-crafted art at the old Country Store. The event captures the
sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas, attracting locals and visitors of all ages for two days of
traditional decorations, entertainment, and free family fun.
Colbert County Tourism President Susann Hamlin said, “Locals love Christmas in the Country. It always
comes early; just when we are getting into the Christmas spirit. Reminding us of Christmases from our
childhood or stories from our parents and grandparents about Christmases gone by, it is a welcomed
event, situated in our mountain setting, with live greenery and mistletoe, hot chocolate, and a wagon
transporting children throughout the park. It’s fun, it’s our Christmas “kick off”. Meet your friends at
Christmas in the Country. You will not want to miss those fried pies or homemade cakes available for
purchase at the bake sale.”
Christmas in the Country is held each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The fundraising event
for the park began several years ago as a Christmas open house where natural, hand-made decorations
reflecting the olden days were on display. Today, the event has become much more than an open house
and offers a bake sale, arts and crafts, entertainment, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hayrides, and
tours of the pioneer village decked out in Christmas past decorations. Guests come early to purchase
homemade baked goods for their Thanksgiving table, enjoy hayrides to the old LaGrange Cemetery,
make family pictures for their Christmas cards, purchase craft items, and talk with Santa. Guests can
relive Christmases of the past while touring the park’s historic log buildings, all decorated for Christmas.
The LaGrange Living Historical Association hosts Christmas in the Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both
days. LaGrange College Site Park is located at 1491 LaGrange College Road in Leighton. Admission is free,
and donations for the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities at the park are always welcomed.
Visitors are invited to explore the rich history of LaGrange College Site, including guided tours of the log
buildings, which will run throughout the day on Saturday. The log kitchen, listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, once stood at The Oaks in Tuscumbia, adding a unique layer of history to the park. For
young stargazers, the Shoals Astronomy Club will host a special stargazing tour at the LaGrange
Observatory, located within the park.
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd, Director of Communications/Colbert County Tourism
