Smyrna Lights Its Christmas Tree at the Train Depot on Nov. 24
Smyrna's holiday season kicks off on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, when the Town lights its Christmas tree at the Smyrna Train Depot, 98 Front St. The evening runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and it is free to attend.
What is planned
The Town's program includes music, treats and festive performances, building toward the moment the tree is switched on. Younger guests get their own part of the evening with an all-kids sing-along led by staff from the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, and families can have their picture taken with Santa and Ms. Claus. The Town also points out that details can change, so it posts weather calls and schedule updates on its social media accounts, @townofsmyrna on Instagram and Town of Smyrna on Facebook.
A tradition tied to the Thanksgiving week
In recent years the lighting has landed on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving: November 22 in 2022 and November 25 in 2025. Thanksgiving falls on November 26 this year, which makes November 24 the date. If you are heading to the depot, plan for evening traffic. Last year the Town closed Front Street starting at 5:45 p.m. for the event, and it is wise to check the Town's social media for this year's parking and street notices before you leave.
Why the depot
The depot is a fitting stage for a small-town holiday tradition. Railroad history runs deep here: Tennessee chartered the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad in December 1845, and local records describe a combined freight and passenger depot built in Smyrna in 1851, replaced by another depot in 1873. The railroad played a vital role in the town's history. In 2019 the original depot sign came home to Smyrna from the Cowan Railroad Museum, where it had been displayed, and the Town said it was eager to preserve and show it.
Plan the rest of the season
The annual Christmas Parade follows on Sunday, December 6, at 2 p.m., with the theme “A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating America's 250th.” Parade entries are free, and groups that want to take part must register by Friday, November 20. Packets can be picked up on November 23, 24 or 30, and the Town encourages participants to bring a non-perishable food donation when they do. Parade questions can go to the Town at 615-267-5005 or christmas.parade@townofsmyrna.org.
For the official details, see the Town of Smyrna's tree lighting page, and find more local happenings on the Smyrna events calendar. Questions about the tree lighting itself can go to the Town's main line at (615) 459-2553.
Image: illustrative, AI-generated – not the actual location.
