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MURFREESBORO – It’s that time of the year again where history meets the holidays.

On Dec. 9 and 10, the Murfreesboro Historical Association (MHA) will host their popular “Candlelight Christmas” featuring town’s historically significant structures, beautiful seasonal decorations representing the magic of Christmas, and musical entertainment.

Each year, hundreds of visitors make the pilgrimage to Murfreesboro to recapture and experience anew the spirit of Christmas past and present. Visitors stroll along the Historic District’s candle lit streets and walkways. Old acquaintances are renewed and new friends made in a memory-making atmosphere.

Patrons can choose to take a walk through the Murfreesboro Historic District or ride in a horse drawn carriage where they can enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of Christmas past and present.

Admission to the historic buildings and horse-drawn carriage rides is $20 for adults when purchased prior to Dec. 4. Tickets purchased after Dec. 4 or during the event are $25 each. There is a 10 percent discount for groups of 15 or more. Children 11 and under are free.

To purchase tickets in advance, call (252) 398-5922 or go to the MHA office located inside the Roberts-Vaughn House at 116 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, which is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. Tickets can also be ordered online at murfreesboronc.org.

Arm bands (your ticket) are required to enter the historic sites on the tour to enjoy the numerous displays and exhibits as well as tasty refreshments along the way. There is no charge to stroll the streets of the historic district to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas and should you wish to enjoy a carriage ride or enter the sites for an enhanced experience, tickets will be available at the MHA office.

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 maintain and preserve the historical buildings and the heritage of Murfreesboro.

The Mission of MHA is to preserve and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of the Town of Murfreesboro. In fulfilling this mission, the Association encourages and supports actively the acquisition, restoration, and rehabilitation of significant historic properties throughout the local areas as well as the revitalization of the town’s older neighborhoods and central business district.

The MHA collects, researches, and preserves historical objects and artifacts that relate directly to the cultural values of the area. These objects, displayed in museum settings, form an educational resource through which their meaning can be made clear in historic context. They are offered to the public to illustrate realistically the broad patterns, theme, and trends that constitute Murfreesboro’s history.