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A Murfreesboro Tradition

Last Updated 11/13/2025 • Posted in Stories, Murfreesboro History, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County

For many in Murfreesboro, the holidays aren’t complete without seeing the decorated windows downtown, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, and a cherished keepsake that has been part of our community for more than two decades, the Murfreesboro collectible ornament series. This long-standing holiday tradition began in 1997, thanks to The Country Gourmet, a Main Street retailer whose idea to create a local ornament quickly became a community favorite. What started as a small project has grown into one of Murfreesboro’s most treasured traditions, connecting generations of families and downtown supporters through the stories each ornament represents.

From a Simple Idea to a Holiday Classic

The Country Gourmet released the first limited-edition ornament in 1998, featuring the Murfreesboro Train Depot. Only 300 ornaments were made that year, a big investment for a new retailer on Main Street. As Karen from The Country Gourmet recalls, “We had no idea it would be such a hot collection someday! That was actually a really big investment for us as a new retailer on Main Street.” Since then, the number of ornaments produced each year has changed depending on the growing list of collectors and the anticipated demand for that year’s featured building or landmark. In 2024 and 2025, the series has expanded to 1,200 ornaments produced, a testament to how much this holiday tradition has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Honoring Murfreesboro’s Landmarks

The very first design, the 1997 Rutherford County Courthouse, along with the church ornaments, are not part of the limited-edition series and remain available year-round as timeless symbols of our historic downtown.

Each year’s ornament highlights a special place that holds meaning in our community. Recent designs have included:

1998 Train Depot
1999 Collier
2000 Oaklands
2001 James K. Polk Hotel
2002 Kirksey Old Main
2003 Princess Theatre
2004 Geographic Center
2005 Stones River Battlefield
2006 Cannonsburg
2007 Campus School
2008 City Cafe
2009 Rutherford Hospital
2010 Central High School
2011 Confederate Soldier Monument
2012 110 West College Street
2013 Red Rose Diaries
2014 Rutherford Health Dept.
2015 Former First Methodist Church
2016 Bradley Academy
2017 Goldstein’s Dept Store
2018 First Baptist Church
2019 Sno-White
2020 Downtown Murfreesboro
2021 Anderson Motel
2022 Clardy Guest House
2023 Donut Country
2024 Women’s Club
2025 Brown’s Mill

These pieces not only make beautiful decorations but also serve as small, shining reminders of Murfreesboro’s past and the people who help preserve its charm.

A Community of Collectors

Over the years, a passionate network of collectors has formed around these ornaments. The Country Gourmet often helps connect those who have extras with those still searching for the missing pieces in their collections. "There is nothing quite like the excitement when someone finally finds that one ornament that completes their set.", said Karen.

While some of the retired designs are occasionally available for purchase at Country Gourmet, these are handled as cash-only sales and vary depending on availability. You can sometimes find them at near by antique shops like Funtiques.

Whether you are a longtime collector or just beginning your set, each ornament tells a story that shines a little brighter every Christmas in Downtown Murfreesboro. We’d love to know, what’s your favorite downtown Christmas tradition? Tell us here