In 2024, I went on a local search for some simple Christmas magic. That’s how I discovered Yulefest at Historic Mansker’s Station in Goodlettsville, TN.
Do you remember when you were a child and the highlight of your Christmas season was the night your family drove around town looking at the Christmas lights? Or maybe the Christmas Eve service at church when kids were given candy canes or cookies afterward? When it wasn’t Christmas until you watched one of the Christmas movie classics? Magic that didn’t break the bank. Seems harder to find these days, doesn’t it? Harder maybe, but not impossible. Yulefest is proof of that.
When and Where Is Yulefest?
When: First Saturday in December from 5PM-8PM
Where: Historic Mansker’s Station located in Moss Wright Park (705 Caldwell Drive, Goodlettsville, TN)
What is Historic Mansker’s Station?
Mansker’s Station includes two significant historical areas- Mansker’s Fort and the Bowen House.
Mansker’s Fort is a reconstruction of the 18th century fort built by Kasper Mansker, an early Tennessee explorer. Mansker built the fort to protect settlers from Indian attacks. One of those settlers was future President Andrew Jackson.
Son of German immigrants, Kasper Mansker traveled from Virginia throughout the South scouting good hunting land. He found it in what is now Goodlettsville, TN. Later, he became a leader in the creation of Tennessee government and a respected Tennessee militiaman thus securing his place as a notable figure of Tennessee history.
The Bowen House, originally home to Captain William Bowen a three-time 18th century war veteran, was built between 1787-1788 and is the oldest standing brick house in Tennessee.
What is Yulefest?
Yulefest is a traditional 18th century Christmas celebration held annually at Historic Mansker’s Station. If you have heard of or been to Nashville, Tennessee’s most famous Christmas attraction- Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas”, Yulefest is not that. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Yulefest has no paid parking. No timed entry. No extravagant decorations to ooh and ahh over. No budget-breaking activities like ice skating, over-rated concerts and fancy dinners, or ice sculpture displays. Yulefest is none of that. And that’s what makes it so special. Simple magic. Although it wasn’t at all what I expected, it was exactly what I was looking for.
Christmas in 18th Century America
In 1700’s America, Christmas was not as we know it today. You have to remember who settled this country first and where they came from, what they believed, and why they were seeking freedom from Great Britain. It definitely wasn’t freedom to live a lavish lifestyle.
When more Europeans emigrated to America, they brought more than their belongings. They brought their Christmas traditions, too. Different countries and religions had different customs. Depending upon where you lived in the 13 colonies and the religions practiced there, Christmas celebrations varied widely. For example, celebrating Christmas was considered a crime by the Puritans in Massachusetts while many people in southern colonies held dances and feasts and sang carols.
But no matter where you lived in 18th century America, Christmas celebrations had one thing in common- they were not for kids. Children didn’t become the focus until the 19th century.
Yulefest Was a Surprise
I didn’t know any of this 18th century Christmas stuff when I went to Yulefest for the first time, so I was very much taken aback when I arrived. Had I been mistaken? Was this a Christmas event? The scene seemed spare. Where were the lush garlands, big bows, and Christmas trees?
I admit, for a moment I thought about leaving. Upon first glance, I wasn’t impressed. But I figured I’d driven 20 minutes to get there, so I might as well breeze through before heading home.
As it turned out, I more than breezed through. I lingered. There was a quiet charm to Yulefest that I didn’t expect to find. And I loved it. Even before I left, I knew Yulefest would become one of my holiday traditions.
Christmas in the 18th century wasn’t about the decorations. It was about community. It was Yulefest.
What To Do at Yulefest
Visit Mansker’s Fort
In the fort, you’ll find tiny log cabins and reconstructed fortifications. You’ll be greeted with a bonfire and costumed volunteers wandering about. Unlike the garish light shows and grand Christmas events we typically associate with Christmas, Yulefest is laid-back.
Walk around and peek in the windows of the cabins or better yet try to squeeze inside to hear the top-notch performances of local musicians.
Don’t miss Scott Miller playing the hammered dulcimer. He is incredible! I could have listened to him for hours.
Stop by the refreshment area for free cookies and cocoa. If it’s really cold, grab a refill! No one seems to mind.
Visit the Bowen House
The Bowen House is a colonial hall-and-parlor style with two rooms on the bottom floor and two on the top. At some point (the exact date is undetermined), a wing was added. By today’s standards the rooms are a bit small, but they do make a cozy setup for live musical performances.
Docents do a great job keeping the crowd organized and moving through the rooms at regular intervals. (There are two lines outside the Bowen House- a line for each of the rooms. To hear the music in both rooms, you must stand in both lines.) In 2024, the Jack Family of violinists performed three songs in one room, and the Connell Memorial United Methodist Church handbell choir performed two songs in the other. Fantastic!
The Jack Family was outstanding. I was amazed at how talented these young people were!
Carriage Rides
If you don’t want to walk the whole way between Mansker’s Fort and the Bowen House (it’s really a short walk), you can ride in style on a horsedrawn carriage. Adorned with Christmas lights and adored by children, the carriages run from 5:00 PM- 7:30 PM. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open… just imagine it’s a sleigh.
Round Dancing
Dancing in the round was a common 18th century holiday activity and an important part of celebrating community. At Yulefest, volunteers dress in 18th century style clothing and lead the dances. Adults and children can participate, and no dancing experience is needed. The dancing drew quite the crowd when I was there. The little girls in the bonnets stole everyone’s hearts. So adorable!
Gift Shop and Museum
Check out the museum and gift shop before you leave. Santa Claus will be on hand for visits and photos. “Yule” also find event souvenirs available for purchase.
How Long Should You Spend at Yulefest?
As long as you’d like. I spent about an hour and a half there including a tour of the museum. A lot will depend on the size of the crowd and length of the lines for the carriage rides and the Bowen House. Also, if you want a seat inside one of the fort’s cabins to hear a musical performance, definitely prepare to wait! The cabins’ seating is tight and extremely limited. Performances are fairly short though, so hopefully your wait won’t be too long. (Scott Miller’s is worth the wait!)
Make Yulefest a Tradition
If you’re looking for some simple authentic holiday magic this year, you’ll find it at Yulefest. After a hectic day of shopping or a dinner out with friends and family, wind down with true old-fashioned Christmas spirit at Historic Mansker’s Station. I think “yule” love it!
Is Historic Mansker’s Station Only Open for Yulefest?
No. Mansker’s Station is open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM (closed on government holidays). Guided tours of Mansker’s Fort and the Bowen House are available. Contact the Goodlettsville Visitor Center for more information.
Interested in Other Free Tennessee Christmas Celebrations?
Here are just a few free Christmas events in the Nashville area that I can personally recommend.
Dickens Christmas in Franklin, Tennessee- a 19th century themed event
Walk Thru Bethlehem at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee’s Christmas and Advent Services
Tuba Christmas– performed in a variety of locations across the nation
Free Christmas Spirit a Bit Further Away…
Mammoth Cave National Park’s Annual Cave Sing– I have to include this event, just because it’s not too far from Nashville, Tennessee (approximatley 1.5 hours) and is such a unique free Christmas experience. Mammoth Cave National Park in Cave City, Kentucky hosts its annual December Christmas concert inside the cave. Event details are usually released in late November. Search “cave sing” on the National Park Service website for more information.
On any other day of the year, visitors are required to book a cave tour to enter the longest cave in the world, and tour tickets aren’t exactly cheap. If you’ve never been in a cave, this is the perfect time to do it! The acoustics are spectacular making the cave a perfect spot for a Christmas concert. Afterward, park staff and volunteers host a Christmas party in the park’s lodge with free refreshments. I always enjoy this event!