MURFREESBORO – There’s no better way to feel the spirit of Christmas than to visit this historic Hertford County town.

And that spirit of the season begins in earnest later this week.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association will host its 32nd annual Candlelight Christmas Tour on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9. Hours will be from 2-8 p.m. on both days to accommodate walking between sites.  Horse-drawn carriages and trollies will be provided in the Historic District free of charge, for those who prefer to ride.

This year, refreshments, rather than a meal, will be included as part of the annual tour.

The cost of tickets has been lowered to reflect the lack of a large meal. There will be no charge for children younger than 12; ages 13 to 18 will cost $10 per person and adult fare will be $250.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the MHA office in the Roberts-Vaughan House at 116 East Main Street.

This year the Association will not mail tickets purchased in advance. Rather, they will be available for pick-up on the day of the event at the old County Nutrition Center behind the Dr. Walter Reed House, located at 311 West Main Street. This year the Dr. Walter Reed House is a new attraction and is also the starting point for the tour.

Chowan University’s participation in the Candlelight Tour has also increased. The Chowan Choir will be performing on the porch of the Columns Building and a tour of the upper floor will include a display of “crèches” or nativity scenes in the Ward Parlor.  A live nativity scene will be in the side yard of the University President’s residence, which is located to the right of Chowan’s main entrance off High Street. The live nativity scene will be visible from 4-6 p.m. on both days.

As usual, all the major historical buildings, including the Jefcoat Museum (located on High Street; the former Murfreesboro High School building), will be open and available for touring.  Seasonal refreshments will be served, and live music will also be featured at many sites.

The Murfree Center, located on Broad Street, will be the designated rest area with bathroom facilities. There will also be MHA publications and assorted crafts for sale.

Murfreesboro Historical Association hopes to provide you with an insight to the colonial celebration of Christmas with its simple customs and natural beauty. They invite the public to join with them for this sentimental return to the 1800’s.

The Murfreesboro Historical Association is a non-profit corporation staffed by volunteers (with exception of one part-time employee).  All proceeds from this event will be used to help preserve the historical buildings and heritage of Murfreesboro.

For further details about the tour and to reserve tickets, call 252-398-5922 during normal office hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit mha@murfreesboronc.org.