The history behind the annual Christmas in the Country tour and festival is fondly chronicled in a new book by event founder Sharon Soames titled “Merry Memories of Christmas in the Country.”

A copy of the book will be shared for public viewing at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, a new venue for this year’s tour, and another will be gifted to the Bainbridge Historical Museum for posterity.

The 20th annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The free self-paced driving tour features stops at quaint historic cottages, farms, fascinating homes hand built by the owners, and nonprofit venues.

The tour allows guests to explore backwoods Bainbridge and experience private homes and buildings, while shopping for unique, handmade art, gift items, and epicurean delights created by local and regional artists and authors.

For a complete list of participating venues and a tour map, visit www.christmasinthecountry.info.