Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week Holiday Market, MainX24, ‘Messiah’

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ The Chattanooga Elf waves to the crowd during the 2023 MainX24 parade. The community block party along Main Street will return Dec. 7.
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ The Chattanooga Elf waves to the crowd during the 2023 MainX24 parade. The community block party along Main Street will return Dec. 7.

Here's what's happening this week in the Chattanooga area.

Dream departures

Insurance company Choice Mutual recently surveyed Americans to learn their ideal way to pass away. For Tennesseans, the answer was "drinking Tennessee whiskey," while Georgians chose "drinking a Georgia peach martini," and residents of Alabama opted for "watching college football." As for who they'd want by their side, 50% said they'd prefer to be surrounded by friends and family, while 19% opted for the presence of one special person and 13% would want their pet with them. When asked about the vibe they'd want in their last hour, 27% chose to spend it laughing out loud, nearly 24% preferred a calm and reflective atmosphere and 22% hoped for a spiritual journey, focusing on peace and closure. How would they like their life to be celebrated afterward? A big party is the most popular posthumous remembrance, with other respondents opting for quieter or symbolic events like tree-planting ceremonies to honor their lives. For their obituary, 21% hoped it would start with "always made people laugh," while 19% wanted to be remembered as having "lived life to the fullest" or as being "beloved by family and friends."

CALENDAR

ARTS

AREA 61 GALLERY — 721 Broad St., Suite 100. First Friday reception, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Gallery closing at end of December. area61gallery.com

ARTISTS SUNDAY — Area 61 Gallery, 721 Broad St.; AVA Gallery, 30 Frazier Ave.; In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave.; River Gallery, 400 E. Second St. Chattanooga art galleries participating in national observance to spotlight artists, creators and makers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 1. artistssunday.com

THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athens artscouncil.org

› Through Dec. 13: Karen Malone's "Gospel Quilts II: A Quilt Concert" (art quilts and tapestries) and Barbara Ensley's "The Invisible Thread" (acrylic paintings).

› Through Dec. 18: Entries sought for January's Student Art Show, for middle, high school and college students from McMinn and surrounding counties. $10 entry for college students; free for others. Guidelines: athensartscouncil.org/student-art- show-prospectus

AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts' "All Member Salon Show," through Dec. 23. avarts.org

CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY — 1001 Broad St. (third floor). chattlibrary.org

› Through Jan. 28: "The Impressions," a Songbirds Foundation exhibit about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group that included Chattanooga natives Fred Cash and Sam Gooden.

› Through Feb. 28: "Records of Removal: Ration Books From the Trail of Tears," by Local History and Genealogy Department, with original log books detailing weekly food supply issued to Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) families being held at Ross's Landing and nearby internment camps between 1836 and 1838.

CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Albright OmniPlex Building, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Art Center's debut installation by Visual Arts faculty, through December. 423-697-4440

CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. "Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War," Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts of the former slave and U.S. War Department employee. nps.gov/chch

CLEARSTORY ARTS — 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. "Practical Elegance: The Fusion of Craft and Function," including works of wood, ceramics, fiber and glass by 14 artists, through Dec. 21. Closing reception, with open studios, mini market and live demos, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6. clearstoryarts.com

CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Works by Jill Pope in Gallery 111 and Aimee Maschhoff and Renel Plouffe in Gallery 520, through Dec. 18. creativeartsguild.org

EXUM GALLERY — St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Works by Denton Ridge, through Jan. 6. stpaulschatt.org

FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. franklincoarts.org

› Community shows: "Flying Colors," through Dec. 1. Intake for next community show, "Reflections in Ice," through Dec. 1 (extended due to Thanksgiving). Show runs Dec. 1-Feb. 2. Reception, 5-7 p.m. CST Dec. 20.

› Member show: Works by John Harden, through Dec. 22.

GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga's autumn show, through Dec. 6. chattanoogaphoto.org

HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. huntermuseum.org

› Dec. 5: Throwback Thursday, with free admission to permanent collection and special exhibition, "City as Canvas: Graffiti Art From the Martin Wong Collection," 4-8 p.m. Guests may also participate in Narrative 4 Story Exchange.

› Dec. 8: Sunday Studio, with winter-themed crafts, mixed-media art making, family yoga and scavenger hunt, 2-4 p.m. Ballet Esprit performance at 3:30 p.m. Regular admission: $20 nonmember adults.

ICA @ UTC — Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St. "Nature's Dialogue: The 2024 Juried Student Exhibition," through Dec. 6. icachatt.org

IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. "Wood Works," creations in wood by Roger Harvey, Dec. 1-31. Reception, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Art After Dark all-artists reception, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 20. Pottery demo, "Earth, Hands and Fire," by Jonathan Clardy and Christmas ornament painting demo and signing by Doug McCoy, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 21. intowngallery.com

JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. "Food for Thought," combining visual art with David Cook's FoodAsAVerb.com stories, through Dec. 20. JewishChattanooga.com

JOHN C. WILLIAMS ART GALLERY — Brock Hall at Southern Adventist University, 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. "What Makes Me Tick," exhibition by senior fine-art major Taylor Waterman focusing on her journey with Lyme disease, through Dec. 13. southern.edu/artgallery

LIQUIDAMBAR ART GALLERY — Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Showcase of ceramics, sculptures, flame-worked glass, metal ornaments, kaleidoscopes, and paintings by local artists, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CST every Saturday-Sunday (other times by appointment). Holiday reception, Dec. 14-15. Explore Forest Nature Trails as part of visit. 404-698-5444

RISING FAWN STUDIO TOUR — New Salem community of Lookout Mountain (3-mile route). Six studio stops featuring painting, pottery, textiles, metal work, silk painting, jewelry and wood carvings of 12 artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-8. Email: [email protected]

RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Oil paintings by Scott Hill and Tatiana Hill and the Teapot Invitational, through Dec. 31. Scott E. Hill block party, for sale of his blocks and small paintings, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 7. (virtual sale opens at 1:30 p.m.). river-gallery.com

STOVEWORKS — 1250 E. 13th St. Red Dot: Cosmic Connection, annual fundraiser with show and sale of works, silent auction, plus Monospace pop-up party, Catalog: M-01, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6. $125-$1,500. stoveworks.org

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM — 1 Broad St. Two dozen images of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore's Photo Ark, including species photographed on-site, through December. Included with regular admission: $30-$40. tnaqua.org

TENNESSEE CRAFT-SOUTH HOLIDAY TOUR — Sewanee and Monteagle, Tenn. Open house at artist studios and galleries by regional branch of Tennessee Craft, a statewide organization promoting handmade crafts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8 (all times Central). Includes textiles, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, glass, paintings, metal work and woodwork. tennesseecraft.org/members/chapters/south

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY — Muriel S. Mayfield Gallery, Reece Hall, 216 N. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. "Chasing Light," paintings by Sandy Brown, through Dec. 31. 423-746-5307

COMEDY

THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com

› Dec. 1: Girls Night Out: The Show, special engagement, 7 p.m. $18-$70; girlsnightouttheshow.com

› Dec. 4: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m. $7.

› Dec. 5: Jenna Kim Jones, special engagement, 7 p.m. $20-$25.

› Dec. 6-7: Mr. Showtime David Scott, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $20-$25; all-ages show, 5 p.m. Saturday, $10.

› Dec. 7: The Love and Marriage Game, hosted by Bad Santa, 10 p.m. $15.

› Dec. 8: Derrick Stroup, 6 p.m. $20-$30.

DANCE

BIG BAND DANCE — American Legion Post 95, 3329 Ringgold Road. Glenn Miller-style, 15-piece Legionnaries Big Band plays, 7 p.m. Dec. 7. $5 at the door includes refreshments and door prizes. 423-624-9105

FILM

IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. Special event and feature film screenings: "Gladiator II," through Dec. 1; "Moana 2," through Dec. 12; "The Polar Express," through Dec. 29. Various show times. $15. tnaqua.org/imax

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON — Poe's Tavern, 9817 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy. Soddy-Daisy Community Library series concludes with "The Nightmare Before Christmas," 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Free admission and free popcorn. Moves to round wrestling gym, 10848 Dayton Pike, in case of rain. soddy-daisy.org

MUSIC

ABBA'S HOUSE — 5208 Hixson Pike. Tauren Wells and Jordan Feliz in concert on the Takeback Tour, with Ryan Ellis and special guest Davies, 7 p.m. Dec. 5. $33-$104. abbashouse.com

THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. Jazzy Little Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 2 p.m. Dec. 8. $25 includes catered hors d'oeuvres; cash bar. athens artscouncil.org

BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

› Dec. 2: Very Merry Monday Nite Big Band, 7:30 p.m. $15.

› Dec. 4: Wednesday Jazz with Alan Wyatt Quartet, 7:30 p.m. $10.

BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouse ballroom.com

› Dec. 1: Disciple of the Garden: Tribute to Soundgarden, Audioslave and Chris Cornell, 8 p.m. $15.

› Dec. 6: All My Friends presents The Widdler's Zero G Album Tour, 8 p.m. $20-$35.

› Dec. 7: Dizgo Inferno with Kasvot Chatt, 9 p.m. 415-$20.

THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. All times Central. Ticket add-ons available. thecaverns.com

› Dec. 6: Jim Breuer, with Joe Sib, 8 p.m. $59.

› Dec. 7: Drivin 'N' Cryin, with Vandoliers, 8 p.m. $49.

› Dec. 8: Steven Curtis Chapman's Acoustic Christmas, 5 p.m. $49-$69.

CHATTANOOGA BOYS CHOIR — First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Ave. Holiday concert, "Season of Light," with Chattanooga Youth Symphony and Metropolitan Bells, noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets TBA. chattanoogaboyschoir.org

CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — 4501 Amnicola Highway. chattanooga state.edu

› Dec. 5: Cocoa and Carols, featuring Concert Choir and Chattanooga Clarinet Choir, 7 p.m. in Humanities Building.

› Dec. 6: Soundscapes featuring Symphonic Band, 7 p.m. in Humanities Building.

CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA — First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave. Handel's "Messiah," featuring CSO Chorus, Choral Arts of Chattanooga, First Presbyterian Church choir, soloists Eva Martinez (soprano), Hannah Shea (mezzo-soprano), Kameron Lopreore (tenor) and Andrew Gilstrap (bass), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6- 7, 3 p.m. Dec. 8. $35-$65. chattanoogasymphony.org

CHOO CHOO CHORUS — Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Highway. "A Very Choo Choo Christmas," 4 p.m. Dec. 7 in Humanities Building auditorium. $15 ages 13 and up. Proceeds benefit The Candlelighters, supporting families with kids fighting cancer. choochoo chorus.org

CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. Mainstage Concert Series concludes with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. performing songs from Sinatra and Motown, 7:30 p.m. CST Dec. 5. $40. ccplayhouse.com

DON EAVES HERITAGE HOUSE — 1428 Jenkins Road. Holiday Acoustic Concert with Richard Daigle, Clayton Jones, Anthony Quails and host Jeff Hoffinger in round-robin performances of songs and stories, 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Coffee and cocoa available. Free admission. Email: [email protected]

MACDOWELL MUSIC CLUB — First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road. Monthly meeting features Margaret Ann Randolph (piano), Jeff Roueche (oboe), Jim Martin (piano), David Tahere (baritone) and Jenny Parker (piano), 11 a.m. Dec. 4. facebook.com/macdowellchatt

ST. PAUL'S ARTIST SERIES — St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Advent candlelight concert with Serafina, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. $30-$40 (discounts for students 18+, seniors and groups). stpaulschatt.org

SONGBIRDS — 206 W. Main St. songbirdsfoundation.org

› Dec. 4: Youth Talent Show, hosted by Amber Carrington, 7 p.m. $10.

› Dec. 5: Write To Rock showcase, with full band performing songs created in five-week after-school workshops at East Side and Hardy Elementary schools, 5:30-7 p.m. No cover; donations encouraged.

› Dec. 7: Krummy Karaoke, part of MainX24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. southern.edu/musicevents

› Dec. 1: Symphony Orchestra concerto competition live finals, 4-5 p.m. in Ackerman Auditorium. Free; livestream available.

› Dec. 7: Instrumental Christmas concert, with Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Steel Band and Southern Ringtones, 8 p.m. in Iles PE Center.

WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com

› Dec. 1: The Mountain Goats, with Joelton Mayfield, 7:30 p.m. $41-$137.

› Dec. 5: Countess Luann: A Very Countess Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m. $49-$179.

  photo  Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, known as an original cast member of the Bravo reality television series "The Real Housewives of New York City," will bring her holiday cabaret, "A Very Countess Christmas Show," to Walker Theatre on Dec. 5. / File/AP Photo/Evan Agostini
 
 

OUT & ABOUT

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL — Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Third annual event illuminates grounds with new collection of handcrafted Asian lanterns in 40 interactive displays showcasing dinosaurs and plant and animal life from the Amazon rain forest, 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Jan. 19 (Wednesday through Sunday). $17-$23 (discounts for members). chattzoo.org

BLOOD DONATIONS — Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross, 4115 S. Access Road, and other locations. Two pairs of custom "Friends" + Red Cross socks to celebrate 30th anniversary of the show's debut, through Dec. 8 (while supplies last) to donors of blood or platelets. By appointment: RedCross Blood.org

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Read House Hotel, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Breakfast and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 7. $25-$35. thereadhousehotel.com

  photo  Staff File Photo by Robin Rudd / The Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga, Ga., will be open for candlelight tours Dec. 6-7 and 13-14.
 
 

CANDLELIGHT TOURS — Gordon-Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga, Ga. Friends of the Mansion event includes house decorated in natural greenery and foliage, candles in every room, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14. $2-$10. friendsofthe gordonleemansion.org

CHATTANOOGA MARKET'S HOLIDAY MARKET — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Arts, crafts and food products for gift-giving, music performances, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com

Special events:

› Dec. 7: Music by Sweet Georgia Sound, 12:30-3 p.m.

› Dec. 8: Music by Courtney Holder, 12:30 p.m.; Jennifer Daniels, 2 p.m.

› Dec. 14: Music by Silverdale Baptist Academy High School Choir, 10:30 a.m.; Sweet Georgia Sound, 12:30 p.m.

› Dec. 15: Lodge Cast-Iron Cook-Off.

CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE — Rhea County Courthouse, 1475 Market St., Dayton, Tenn. Live entertainment, interactive holiday displays, caroling, carriage rides, visits with Santa, shopping at craft vendors and downtown merchants, guaranteed snow, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7. (No parade this year.) mainstreet dayton.org

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR — Shelton Farms, 2124 U.S. 41, Pelham, Tenn. Handmade arts and crafts vendors, small businesses, food vendors, photos with Santa, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CST Dec. 7. facebook.com/sheltonfarms venue

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL — Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn. Visits with Santa, silo light show, 40 family farm activities, 2-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday through Dec. 23 (plus Thursday, Dec. 19). $17-$20. mayfieldfarmpark.com

CHRISTMAS IN COLLEGEDALE — Collegedale Commons, 4750 Swinyar Drive. Third annual event by city's Parks and Recreation Department includes food trucks, inflatables, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Chattanooga Elf, hat and scarf drive, cookie baking contest, music, yard games, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1, with tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Free admission. facebook.com/collegedaleparks andrec

CHRISTMAS PARADE, CLEVELAND, TENN. — Starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 from Bradley County High School north on Highway 11, looping to Third, Ocoee, South Broad and Inman streets to return to the school.

CHRISTMAS PARADE, COLLEGEDALE — Starts at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 through the Southern Adventist University campus.

CHRISTMAS PARADE, DALTON, GA. — Downtown Dalton Christmas Parade, with theme "Santa's Workshop," 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 5. Route goes from intersection of Jones and Waugh streets to Dalton High School on Manly Street. visitdaltonga.com

CHRISTMAS PARADE, LAFAYETTE, GA. — Starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, traveling on Main Street north from South Main to West Main through the town square.

CHRISTMAS PARADE, ROSSVILLE — Starts at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at ballpark on Ellis Road, proceeding down McFarland Avenue to East Lake Avenue and ending at John Ross Commons. 706-841-2912

CHRISTMAS PARADE, SODDY-DAISY — Dayton Pike from Harrison Lane north to Sequoyah Road. Includes floats, marching bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, Santa Claus, 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Donations go to Christmas for Kids. vva942.com

CHRISTMAS TRAINS — Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road. Options include North Pole Limited and Christmas Daylight Express, through Dec. 23; Nightcap With St. Nick, through Dec. 23; Christmas Tea, with optional train ride, through Jan. 1. Times and prices vary. tvrail.com

COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOPS — Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. Add-on family event, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27-28. $6 per cookie in advance ($8 for walk-ins); separate $20 museum admission also required. cdmfun.org

  photo  File Photo / Creative Discovery Museum will offer cookie decorating workshops on weekends through the end of the month.
 
 

CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. "ReImagine: A Cardboard Wonderland," created in-house with donated material from Chattanooga Box Co. and International Paper, through Jan. 5. $20 (ages 2 and up). cdmfun.org

DADE EXPO: JOLLY HOLIDAY MARKET — Dade County High School, 300 Tradition Lane, Trenton, Ga. Includes 100+ vendors with crafts, decor and gifts, plus photos with Santa, children's activities, door prizes, lunch available from Hope House Cafe, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7. alliancefor dade.com

DECORATING PARTY — Walden's Ridge Civic League auditorium, 2501 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain. Volunteers needed for stringing lights, garland and other decorations, 1 p.m. Dec. 1 (in advance of Merry Mountain Christmas on Dec. 20). RSVP by email: waldensridge [email protected]

DINNER DETECTIVE SHOW — DoubleTree Chattanooga Hamilton Place, 2232 Center St. Themed interactive comedy murder mystery, with plated dinner, 6 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21 and other dates through February. $61. thedinnerdetective.com

DOWNHOME CHRISTMAS — Downtown Ringgold, Ga. Includes tree lighting, Christmas parade, pictures with Santa, caroling and shopping, 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Christmas parade follows Sparts, Nashville and Depot streets. nothinlikeringgold.com

ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS — Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Park celebrates 30 years of winter wonderland of lights and vignettes, nightly through Jan. 4 (closed Christmas Eve). This year adds HoliDays daytime events, including photos, cookie decorating and gnome scavenger hunt (closed Christmas Day). Buy all tickets online. seerockcity.com

EPB HOLIDAY WINDOWS — 10 W. M.L. King Blvd. "Chattanooga's Polar Palooza," with Christmas carnival vignettes, in windows facing Market and Broad streets, through Jan. 2. Send family photos in front of the windows for chance to win $50 gift card. Email: [email protected]

FESTIVE FOREST — Miller Park, 928 Market St. Second annual walk-thru display of trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits, through Jan. 1. festiveforest.org

HEALING HIKE — Laurel Point, Raccoon Mountain. Outshine Adventures event for local queer community and anyone else feeling marginalized by the election to find solace and connection with nature and each other, 10 a.m. Dec. 7. Free; donations will be accepted for American Civil Liberties Union. RSVP for directions: eventbrite.com

HOLIDAY TEA PARTY — Renaissance Commons' River Room, 402 E. Second St. Houston Museum of Decorative Arts annual event with sit-down tea service, with scones, tea sandwiches and desserts, plus guided tour of pop-up museum and gift shop discount, , 1-3 p.m. Dec. 8 (hosted off-site by Bluff View Events during ongoing renovations at the museum). $35- $55. Reservations required: thehoustonmuseum.org

HOLIDAYS AT RUBY FALLS — 1720 Scenic Highway. Event highlights scenic views, twinkling lights, festive activities, seasonal treats, craft beer and food, Santa visits on select days, through Dec. 24. Free spectator events; tickets sold separately for cave adventures. rubyfalls.com

HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PEAKS — Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Includes seasonal music and decor, Christmas tree lights powered by the electric eel, Miguel Wattson, through Dec. 29. Scuba Santa appearances, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas. tnaqua.org

ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Open-air ice-skating rink, expanded to 1,400 square feet, through Feb. 2. Hours vary, but open holidays. Promotions include "We Give Wednesdays," which will share 20% of skating revenue with a nonprofit partner, 5-9 p.m. weekly. Food vendors and Chill Zone with televisions, fire pits and games on-site. $12-$14 (includes rink time and skate rental). Online reservations encouraged. iceonthelanding.com

KIC-START CHRISTMAS MARKET & PARADE — Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, 5704 Marlin Road, Building 6000. Events 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7. kitchenincchatt.org

LIGHT UP FORT O — Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Christmas decorating competition to draw visitors, Dec. 1-31. Homeowners may upload photos for chance to win December cover photo in a future Fort Oglethorpe city calendar. letsgoforto.com

MAINX24 — Main Street community. All-day block party with 120+ events to highlight the neighborhood's businesses, residents and culture, Dec. 7. Highlights include parade 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., plus chili cook-off, pizza eating contest, bake-off, polar plunge, Highland games, football watch parties, music, crafts, shopping, vendor market, food court. mainx24.com

MISTLETOE MARKET — Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Includes 200+ craft and commercial vendors, pet encounters, pictures with Santa and the Grinch, plus food trucks, pony rides, inflatables and trackless train rides, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 8. touchthe skyevents.com

MISTLETOE MARKET — Creative Arts Guild, 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Showcase of gifts by 20+ local artists and makers, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 7. Also includes handmade crafts by Dalton Public Schools' and Whitfield County Schools' transition academies, and crafts made by Brookwood Elementary School's Christkindlmarkt K-5 German immersion students, 4-6 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday. Christkindlmarkt proceeds support Brookwood's dual-language immersion German classrooms. creativeartsguild.org

NOOGA LIGHTS (DRIVE-THRU) — Soddy-Daisy Park, 12000 Dayton Pike. New holiday lighting display synchronized to music, sunset-10 p.m. through Dec. 29 (open Friday-Sunday through Dec. 8, nightly Dec. 13-29). $20 per vehicle. noogalights.com

NOOGA LIGHTS (WALK-THRU) — Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. Christmas walk-thru light show, with nearly 1 million lights synchronized to holiday music, through Dec. 31 (open 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday). $10-$20. noogalights.com

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS — Angel Park, University Avenue, Sewanee, Tenn. Sewanee Business Alliance event includes Christmas carols performed by children's choir, followed by carol sing, tree-lighting, photos with Santa (bring your own camera), refreshments, 5 p.m. CST Dec. 6. Donations of food, money and personal supplies accepted for Community Action Committee. Email: [email protected]

RUBY FALLS — 1720 S. Scenic Highway. New Monday cave tours with guide relaying history of the 95-year old attraction, 9:45 a.m. Dec 2, 9, 16. Tickets online only. rubyfalls.com

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE — Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Buy gifts for Hamilton County families in need, through Dec. 21. Tree to choose a name on upper level near Belk. Wish lists also available at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union branches at Hixson, Eastgate, Ooltewah, City Center, Southside, Hamilton Place, Soddy-Daisy, Highway 58 and (ending Dec. 2) Cleveland North and South. hamiltonplace.com

SANTA'S WONDERLAND — Bass Pro Shops, 620 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Santa photos, including free 4x6 image, through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters; free games and crafts during weekday visits; Christmas Tales with Santa or Mrs. Claus, Dec. 3, 10, 17. basspro.com

SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Bradley Square Mall (inside Story Land, near Claire's), 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Photos with Santa (reservations or walk-in), through Dec. 24. Pet photos, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 2, 9. shopbradleysquare.com

SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Photos with Santa, through Dec. 24. Reservations or walk-ins. daltonmall.com

SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Hamilton Place (Center Court), 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters. Pet photos, Dec. 2, 9, 16. hamiltonplace.com

SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Northgate Mall (Center Court), 271 Northgate Mall Drive. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. Pet photos, Dec. 2, 9, 16. visitnorthgatemall.com

SHOP LOCAL BREAKFAST — Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold, Ga. Catoosa Chamber of Commerce event, 8:30 a.m. Dec. 11. RSVP by Dec. 6. $20. catoosaconnects.com/events

SOLIT'S VISITING AUTHOR SERIES — ArtsBuild, 301 E. 11th St. Bradley Sides speaks about his collection of magical realism short stories, "Crocodile Tears Didn't Cause the Flood," 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Free but RSVP. solitchatt.org

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS — Action Church, 1312 Spring Creek Road, East Ridge. GriefShare seminar offering support and practical tips for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one and dreading the holiday season, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7. Additional dates, times and venues available. Register: griefshare.org/holidays

TENNESSEE WINE TRAIN — Departing from Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road. Three-course dinner with sommelier-selected wines, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19. $95-$125. goldenslope.com

TREE LIGHTING — Southern Adventist University, 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. Annual campus ceremony, 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 3 at Wright Hall. (Rain date, Dec. 5.) southern.edu/southernevents

TREE LIGHTING — Tunnel Hill Depot, 128 Main St., Tunnel Hill, Ga. Community event includes food trucks, cider and coffee, live music, train ride, face painting, visits with Santa, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1; tree lighting at dark. Bring donations for toy and food drives. visitdaltonga.com

VENUE SIP & SEE — The Valley Venues, 1860 Pope Creek Road, Wildwood, Ga. Open house at wedding and event space that opened in October 2023 features preferred vendors, live music, tours, giveaways, cake tastings, cocktails, sample catering, photo-ops, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5. Free admission. RSVP: info@the valleyvenues.com

WHISPERING GIANTS INTERTRIBAL POWWOW — Museum Center at Five Points, 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. Gathering of nations with music, dancing, storytelling, food, vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7. Free; $5 donation suggested. museum center.org

WINTER SKATING — Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Glice-skating rink (synthetic ice) opens for second season, through Jan. 31 (closed Mondays). $10. fortogov.com/winter-skating

THEATER

ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATRE — 907 Gaston St., Dalton, Ga. "Little Women," 2 p.m. Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7. $14-$19. facebook.com/actdalton

BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Cast-Iron Storytelling: Naughty or Nice Holiday Edition, true stories about the holidays told by those who experienced them, plus cornbread cook-off (sweet or savory recipe) for chance to win 12-inch Dolly Parton cast-iron skillet from Lodge Manufacturing, 5:30-7:15 p.m. Dec. 1. $20. barkinglegs.org

CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-21, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-4, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5. $22-$27. theatrecentre.com

CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com

› Through Dec. 21: Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." $19-$35.

› Through Dec. 22: Ken Ludwig's "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

DALTON LITTLE THEATRE — 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton, Ga. daltonlittletheatre.com

› Dec. 1-2: Auditions for Youth Ensemble Theatre production of "Charlotte's Web," 2 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Monday. (Show dates Jan. 17-25.)

› Dec. 6-8: "Hymns & Carols," 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $10-$15.

RHYME N CHATT — Mac Avenue Event Space, 1304 McCallie Ave. Interactive poetry organization's 25th anniversary celebration, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 8. Sold out. rhymenchatt.org

Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress. com/cnevents.

Contact Lisa Denton at [email protected] or 423-757-6281.

Note: This listing was updated on Dec. 3 to correct the date of the Venue Sip & See event.

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