Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro has scheduled a week of anniversary programs for Dec. 26-30, 2026, marking 164 years since the Battle of Stones River. The National Park Service lists living history demonstrations with musket and cannon firing on Dec. 26-27, a daily ranger talk, and a driving tour. The park also lists a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 19. The park's calendar marks every program below as free.
The Battle of Stones River was fought near Murfreesboro from Dec. 31, 1862, through Jan. 2, 1863, according to the park.
What is the schedule for the 164th anniversary programs?
The National Park Service event calendar for Stones River National Battlefield lists these programs:
- Living History Event, Dec. 26-27, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Living historians present musket and cannon firing demonstrations. Rangers explore the battle between firings using accounts from soldiers in several units that fought there.
- The Approaching Thunder, Dec. 26-30, 10 a.m. (30 minutes). The talk explores each day of the Stones River Campaign and what happened 164 years ago. It takes place at the park visitor center.
- Stones River Stories, Dec. 28-30, 11 a.m. (30 minutes). A ranger tells the story of a soldier or unit that fought in the battle. The talk is held in the field next to the visitor center.
- Caravan Tour, Dec. 28-30, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (90 minutes). Visitors meet the ranger at the flagpole in front of the visitor center, then follow the ranger in their own cars to several key battle locations.
When are the living history firing demonstrations?
On both living history days, the park says every program will feature cannon and musket firing. The daily schedule is:
- 11 a.m.: Rising Tide
- 1 p.m.: The Slaughter Pen
- 2 p.m.: Hell's Half Acre
- 3 p.m.: Holding the Lifeline
The park's listing does not say more about what each program covers.
Where to find the programs in Murfreesboro
The park lists two addresses on its directions page:
- Main park entrance: 1563 N. Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Visitor center: 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
For the Interstate 24 route, the park directs visitors to take Exit 76, turn onto Medical Center Parkway and then Thompson Lane, and enter at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. A tour road leads to the visitor center. The park's contact phone number is 615-893-9501.
The park says it is a fee-free site and that no entrance pass is required.
What is Wreaths Across America at Stones River National Cemetery?
Wreaths Across America will be at the park on Dec. 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. according to the park's calendar. Participants lay Remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans and say each veteran's name aloud. The Civil Air Patrol sponsors the event, which begins at 11 a.m. with a brief ceremony at the Stones River National Cemetery rostrum.
Participants are asked to park in the recreational and overflow parking area near the visitor center. The park says people can register to volunteer or sponsor a wreath through Wreaths Across America. Listing: Wreaths Across America at Stones River National Cemetery.
The park describes the cemetery as the burial place of more than 6,100 Union soldiers, including 2,562 unknown soldiers.
How to add the programs to a holiday week plan
The programs are listed individually on the OnlyInMurfreesboro events calendar:
- Living History Event, Dec. 26
- The Approaching Thunder: Dec. 26, Dec. 27, Dec. 28, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30
- Stones River Stories: Dec. 28, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30
- Caravan Tour: Dec. 28, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30
Other history stops in town include Oaklands Mansion and the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. For other December plans, see the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade story and the Christmas tree lightings and parades guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Stones River 164th anniversary programs free?
Yes. The park's event calendar marks each program as free, and the park says no entrance pass is required.
When is the Stones River living history event?
The living history event is Dec. 26 and 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Firing demonstrations are scheduled at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where does the Caravan Tour start?
Visitors meet the ranger at the flagpole in front of the visitor center, 3501 Old Nashville Highway. The tour runs Dec. 28-30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and takes visitors' own cars to several battle sites.
Do I need to register for the programs?
The park's calendar does not list registration for the anniversary programs. For Wreaths Across America, the park says people can register to volunteer or sponsor a wreath.
When was the Battle of Stones River?
The park says the battle was fought Dec. 31, 1862, through Jan. 2, 1863.
Sources: Stones River National Battlefield event calendar, National Park Service | Stones River National Battlefield, National Park Service | Directions & Transportation, National Park Service | Fees & Passes, National Park Service
*AI-generated illustration.*