Dec. 2 & 3 — Nutcracker Storytime, photo by Tim Broekema
Dec. 1 & 15 – Separating Financial Myths from Truths
Join the Paul Winkler, Inc., team at its Murfreesboro office, 1833 Ward Dr., Suite 105, from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 or Thursday, Dec. 15, for a workshop examining the myths of the world of investing. Begin to explore how to properly design an investment portfolio. Participants will discuss the financial media at large and look at what the last 60 years of academic research says about the prudent management of investments. To set up a required initial consultation, call (615) 849-9529 or visit paulwinkler.net.
Dec. 2 & 10 – Nutcracker Storytime
Members of the Nashville Ballet present a Nutcracker storytime at Stones River Mall, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 and at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event, presented by Linebaugh Library, tells the tale of Clara, a young girl who travels on a fantastic journey with the help of her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. This special holiday tradition introduces young audiences to Nashville Ballet’s unique version of the traditional story by taking them on a short trip through the Land of the Sweets with a character from the Nashville Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker, running throughout this month at TPAC.
Dec. 2 – Sports*Com Customer Appreciation Day
Join Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) in appreciation for customers from throughout the year. Enjoy music, friends and refreshments welcoming the holiday season. For more information, contact bfite@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 2 – Christmas Open House at Let’s Make Wine
Dec. 2 – Christmas Open House at Let’s Make Wine
Join Let’s Make Wine (109 E. Main St.) for demonstrations, hourly drawings, treats, entertainment and Christmas cheer from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Newcomers are welcome as the day makes a great opportunity to meet regulars and learn from the best, and Let’s Make Wine will also offer customer appreciation rewards. For more information, visit letsmakewinetn.com.
Dec. 2 – Lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree
Dec. 2 – Lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree
Ring in Christmas with the lighting of the official Rutherford County Christmas Tree on Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. Join emcee Bree Smith from News Channel 5, as well as MTSU’s Generation of Purpose Gospel Choir, Cason Lane Academy Choir, Central Magnet School Choir and Campus School Choir all performing Christmas songs. Jimmie Lou Tate’s Dancer’s School features their ballet and tap dancers, and the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts presents a preview of their musical The Christmas Schooner. Following the lighting, join Santa at the Courthouse for photographs. For more information, call (615) 895-1887.
Dec. 2 and 3 – Hollyday Marketplace
The Junior League of Murfreesboro invites everyone to the 12th annual Hollyday Marketplace at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304-B W. Thompson Ln.) starting with Mistletoe and Martinis on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6–9 p.m., a 21-and-up preview party featuring music, martinis and munchies. Enjoy complimentary wine from Stones River Total Beverages, cold brews from Mayday Brewery and the signature cocktail the “Moon-tini,” created by Short Mountain Distillery. Also, enjoy more than 100 vendors showcasing décor items, children’s clothing and seasonal gifts. Shopping hours on Saturday, Dec. 3, will be from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Activities at the North Pole on Dec. 3 include breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9–10:30 a.m. The Book Patrol, a partnership with the Murfreesboro Police Department, will take place from 10–11 a.m. as local officers read to kids and teach them the importance of reading together every day. Get photos with Santa Snaps from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and get creative with Faithful Strokes at Santa’s Workshop from 2–4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Get $1 off any general admission ticket purchased on the day of the event by donating a new children’s book to the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Book Patrol. 100 percent of Hollyday Marketplace proceeds benefits local programs and services that nurture and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Rutherford County community. For more information, visit hollydaymarketplace.weebly.com.
Dec. 3 – Frosty Fun Run
The Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) hosts a 2-mile or 4.5-mile fun run (no time limit) beginning at 7 a.m. (registration at 6 a.m.) through the golf course, with post-race waffles and coffee provided by Waffle House. Festivities include a Creative Bib Contest, great raffle items and prizes. All proceeds and gifts go to Court Appointed Special Advocates and Bob Parks Christmas for the Children. For more information, visit fleetfeetmurfreesboro.com.
Dec. 3 – La Vergne Parade of Lights
Join La Vergne for its nighttime light parade beginning at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.) at 6 p.m. and ending at La Vergne City Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 793-3224 or visit lavergnetn.gov.
Dec. 3 – Candlelight Tour of Homes
Dec. 3 – Candlelight Tour of Homes
Usher in the holiday season with this enchanting tour of historic homes from 4–8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, featuring beautiful and historic private homes and churches as well as the graceful Oaklands Mansion festively adorned and dressed in holly and evergreens. Living history demonstrations are also presented on the lawn of the mansion. For more information, contact info@oaklandsmansion.org or (615) 893-0022, or visit oaklandsmansion.org.
Dec. 3 – Christmas at Cannonsburgh
Enjoy pictures with Santa in the Chapel, hayrides, hot apple cider, craft vendors and holiday music from Emilie Burke in the gazebo at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 890-0355.
Dec. 3 – Help Portrait
Those in need can join The Experience Christian Community (521 Old Salem Rd.) for free individual and family photos by professional photographers and printers on site on Saturday, Dec. 3. Get a free makeover from the Paul Mitchell school, and a small clothing closet is available for outfits. For more information, visit facebook.com/helpportraitboro.
Dec. 3 – Elf in Training
Santa isn’t the only one who works hard before Christmas; his elves have to be in tip-top shape to help make the toys, load the sleigh and take care of the reindeer. Join Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) in learning how the elves stay fit to help make your Christmas bright. Registration is required; admission is $3 or Premium Pass. Ages 3 to 6 welcome. For more information, contact (615) 895-5040 or adavidson@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 4 – Smyrna Christmas Parade
The 42nd Annual Smyrna Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, with this year’s theme “A Classic American Christmas.” All ages are invited to gather along Lowry Street in anticipation of the arrival of floats, bands, classic cars, Clydesdales, riding clubs, dancers and, of course, Santa Claus. For more information, call (615) 267-5003.
Dec. 6 – Night of Enchantment
The Nurture Nook Day Spa hosts a Night of Enchantment the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 4–8 p.m. The event includes a mini facial, a warm soy foot wrap, a winter hand treatment, lip exfoliating and plumping, a hot stone hand warming massage, finger foods, music, wine, a fire pit freedom ceremony, professional health and beauty tips and more. For more information, call (615) 896-7110 or visit nurturenook.com.
Dec. 8 – Nature Nuts in Murfreesboro
Explore and uncover the many mysteries of our Murfree Spring wetland at the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) with Nature Nuts (ages 4 and up) at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. For more information, visit explorethedc.org.
Dec. 9 – The Boro Art Crawl
Dec. 9 – The Boro Art Crawl
The Boro Art Crawl aims to expose Murfreesboro to the wealth of artistic talent displayed by people living and working within the Murfreesboro community with art displays in venues throughout downtown Murfreesboro from 6–9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. For more information, contact info@boroartcrawl.com or visit boroartcrawl.com.
Dec. 9 – Santa Splash and Dash at Patterson Park Community Center. Photo by Jim Davis/Murfreesboro Parks & Rec.
Dec. 9 – Santa Splash and Dash
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t swim. Celebrate the holiday season at Patterson Park’s pool party (521 Mercury Blvd.) from 6–9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, with an ornament craft, a meal and swimming. Admission is $5 in advance and $7 the day of. For more information, contact (615) 893-7439 or cclemmons@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 9 – Holiday Lock-in
Kids can spend the night at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) and enjoy a night of fun and games like swimming and various sports as parents have a night to shop from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, to 7 a.m. Saturday. Admission is $20. For more information, contact (615) 895-5040 or bfite@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 9 – Bombshell Christmas Party
Bombshells (803 N. Thompson Ln.) welcomes everyone to its Christmas party from 6–8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, featuring snacks, drinks and contests; don’t forget to wear your tacky Christmas sweater. Donation items are also welcome (hand sanitizer, lap blankets, gloves, body lotion, etc.) for the domestic violence women’s shelter. For more information, contact (615) 907-8004, or visit facebook.com/bombshellshairstudioandspa.
Dec. 10 and 11 – Bethlehem Marketplace
Witness a reenactment of how the village of Bethlehem might have appeared just after the birth of Jesus, as church members present Roman soldiers, live camels and other animals, tentmakers, weavers, carpenters and merchants all in period costumes at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minverva Dr.) from noon–5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 896-0940 or visit sebaptist.org.
Dec. 10 – Eagleville Christmas Parade
Eagleville invites everyone to its 13th annual Christmas parade beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, traveling south on Main Street in Eagleville, turning left onto Old Hwy 99 and ending at Eagleville School, with this year’s theme “My Favorite Christmas Song.” Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 274-2922 or visit eaglevilletn.com.
Dec. 10 – Breakfast with Santa
Join Santa for breakfast at DoubleTree Hotel (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 9–11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Admission is $10 for adults (13 and up), $6 for children 4–12 years old, with children under 2 free. For more information, find a Breakfast with Santa at DoubleTree by Hilton Murfreesboro event page on Facebook.
Dec. 10 – Hotcakes and Holly
Santa and Mrs. Claus are the honored guests at “Breakfast with Santa,” part of the Rotary Club of Murfreesboro’s 14th Annual Hotcakes and Holly fundraising breakfast at Middle Tennessee Christian School (100 MTCS Rd.) from 7–10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Get a photo with Santa, receive a copy of The Night Before Christmas (thanks to Ingram Content Group), and participate in a craft activity. Enjoy live performances from Johnny B and the Balladeers, Middle Tennessee Christian School choir and actors from Center for the Arts’ Christmas show. Tickets are $20 per child for breakfast with Santa and are $8 for the regular breakfast (open to children and adults). For more information, call (615) 904-2787 or visit murfreesbororotary.org.
Dec. 11 – Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
Dec. 11 – Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
Join Murfreesboro’s annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 2 p.m. as it starts on East Main Street (in front of the MTSU President’s home), continues down East Main, around the square, onto West Main and ending on Walnut Street. For more information, call (615) 893-5373 or visit wgnsradio.com.
Dec. 11 – Joy to the ’Boro
Family Worship Center celebrates the season of joy at the annual “Joy to the ’Boro” Christmas concert at the church (3045 Memorial Blvd.) from 6–8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, with this year’s concert featuring FWC Worship, the Reach Youth Choir and the FWC Kid’s Choir. Admission is free. An offering will be received for Last Call 4 Grace ministries of Murfreesboro. For more information, call (615) 893-0968 or visit familywc.com.
Dec. 13 – Cason Lane Book Fair
Cason Lane Academy invites everyone to its book fair at Barnes and Noble, located at The Avenue Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) on Tuesday, Dec. 13. For more information, call (615) 895-8580.
Dec. 15 – Murfreesboro Symphony Concert: Sounds of Christmas
Dec. 15 – Murfreesboro Symphony Concert: Sounds of Christmas
A Rutherford County holiday tradition features holiday classics including the Hallelujah Chorus, conducted by Dr. Mike Parkinson, Director of the MTSU School of Music, with guest soloists and the Murfreesboro Symphony Chorus directed by Charlene Parkinson at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. For more information, call (615) 898-1862 or visit murfreesborosymphony.com.
Dec. 19 – A Night of Thanks
Join Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) in a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the facility’s community partners from 5–7 p.m. Monday, Dec, 19. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-7439.
Dec. 26–Jan. 2 – 154th Anniversary Programs
Join rangers and volunteers for a variety of walks, talks, tours and living history demonstrations that will tell the story of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Stones River at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) Dec. 26–Jan. 2. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon
Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon
Ring in the new year with fun activities at the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) from 10 a.m.–noon on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, as the Center officially kicks off 2017 with the iconic balloon drop at noon. Regular admission charged, free for members. For more information, call (615) 890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org.
Dec. 31 – School of Rock
Dec. 31 – School of Rock
Participate in fun projects and learn about different aspects of geology at Earth Experience: The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History (816 Old Salem Rd.) from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Admission is $10 per child. For more information, call (615) 605-1417 or visit theearthexperience.org.
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day 5K
Pre-registration for the second annual City of Murfreesboro New Year’s Day 5k is open. The 3.1-mile walk/run begins at 2 p.m. on Jan. 1, winds through the paved trails at Barfield Crescent Park (679 Veterans Pkwy.) and ends with warm refreshments and awards. The 5k is just one event that is part of Mayor Shane McFarland’s “Better Boro Project,” a citywide initiative designed to promote healthy eating, encourage outdoor recreation and provide unique and accessible wellness activities. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/parks or call (615) 893-2141.
Jan. 3 – Purple Paws
Purple Paws, a monthly fundraising event for specific animal projects, will reconvene on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 5 p.m. at Let’s Make Wine, 109 E. Main St., Murfreesboro. The event includes wine samples and light apps, and organizers ask a $20 donation at the door. January’s beneficiary will be Greyhound Pets of America—Nashville, which works to find homes for retired racers. For more information on Purple Paws, email purplepawstn@gmail.com or call (615) 530-0551.
Artwork by MM Veazie
Throughout December – Santa at the Courthouse
Dec. 2, 6–8 p.m. (bring your own camera)
Dec. 3, 12–4 p.m. (bring your own camera)
Dec. 9, 6–8 p.m. (Shacklett’s Photography)
Dec. 10, 12–4 p.m. (bring your own camera)
Dec. 16, 6–8 p.m. (Shacklett’s Photography)
Dec. 17, 12–4 p.m. (bring your own camera)
Throughout December – Makerspace Exhibit
Invent, design and tinker at the Discovery Center’s Makerspace exhibit (502 SE Broad St.) this month, back by popular demand. All ages are invited to get creative with hands-on activities and challenges with this year’s new giant kaleidoscope. Create your own colorful designs while using things such as sewing machines for designing with fabric and other materials. In addition, the mini-maker area has been expanded to include a caterpillar table with activities specifically for the youngest tinkerers. Admission is included with general admission and free for members. For more information, call (615) 890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org.
Throughout December – 2nd Harvest Food Bank
Throughout December, The Alley on Main (223 W. Main St.) is collecting non-perishable food items to be distributed through Second Harvest Food Bank as a part of the Move for Hunger program. All non-perishable food, and especially holiday-themed food is encouraged. For more information, visit moveforhunger.org.
