New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site and the Friends of New Echota in Calhoun have announce their annual Christmas Candlelight tour to be held Saturday, Dec. 4, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

By the early 19th century, many Cherokee had adopted the traditional Christmas celebrations still in practice today. Visitors are invited to tour historic pathways of the town brightened by luminaries and enjoy the decorations inside the historic buildings.

Decorations will include traditional greenery and Kris Tingle decorations introduced by Moravian missionaries during New Echota’s time period. They will be provided by park staff, Friends of New Echota, Gordon County Master Gardeners, Girl Scout Troop 771, Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, Garden Buddies Garden Club, and local volunteers. Boy Scout Troop 30 will serve as fire tenders throughout the evening.

Sounds of the season will include traditional Christmas caroling by the King Family. Singer-storyteller, Gary Greene, will perform songs and tell Cherokee stories in the Cherokee council house, while the New Echota singers entertain visitors with traditional Christmas favorites in the courthouse. Carole Hall will be in the Worcester house singing and playing the psaltery, a harp-like instrument that dates back to ancient times.

Visitors will witness the Cherokee Phoenix printing press in operation in the printing office and enjoy warm refreshments in Vann’s tavern.

Admission fee for this special program will be $5 for adults and $3.50 for youth (6-17 years of age). Visitors should dress for the weather, bring a flashlight or a lantern and be prepared for a 3/4 mile walk. for additional information or questions, call (706) 624-1321.