Dec. 4 – Natural Holiday Wreath Making
Join the Wilderness Station on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 6–7 p.m. to make your own holiday wreath adorned with fresh cedar boughs, ribbon and other assorted decorative accents. These wreaths look beautiful and smell amazing. All materials are provided. Register by contacting hmoss@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

Dec. 5 and 6 – Holiday Entertaining with Beef
Join the Tennessee Beef Industry Council (530A Brandies Cir.) for a Beef Demonstration and Hands-On Cooking class Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Create five beef recipes to share with your family this holiday season. Class is $35 per person or $60 per couple. Enjoy delicious food and take home some goodies to help with the holiday cooking. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite, or visit tnbeef.org for more information. Enjoy special entertainment by local school choirs, holiday dancers and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Dec. 6 – CommuniServe Launch Party
Join CommuniServe on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6–8 p.m. at The Warehouse (730 Middle Tenn. Blvd., Ste. 14), for the official launch party to celebrate CommuniServe, a nonprofit dedicated to funding homecare for veterans and other heroes. Colors are presented by Rolling Thunder, Chapter One TN. Food and beverages are provided by The Alley on Main and Mayday Brewery. For more information, visit the CommuniServeNashville Facebook Page or communiservenashville.org.

Dec. 7 – Snowman Painting Class
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center, 100 Sam Ridley Parkway, presents a snowman painting class, 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 7. The class is open to ages 5 to 15. Supplies will be provided with the $10 fee. Registration is required through Community Pass or email brooke.driver@townofsmyrna.org.

Dec. 7 – CAC Open House
Take part in the Holiday Open House at the Child Advocacy Center (1040 Samsonite Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Enjoy a buffet lunch provided to say “thank you” to the supporters of the CAC, serving both Rutherford and Cannon Counties. For more information, visit cacrutherford.org.

Dec. 7 & 8 – Charity Circle of Murfreesboro
The Charity Circle of Murfreesboro is an organization of women dedicated to working with other charitable agencies to serve those in need in our community. Join them for Ladies Luncheon, Friday, Dec. 7, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the home of Jessica and Buckley Winfree (2933 Cherry Blossom Ln.). RSVP at debbiecoreen@gmail.com. Also, join the Charity Circle on Saturday, Dec. 8, for Caroling and Cocktails at the home of Warren and Beverly McPherson (1727 Shagbark Trl.). For reservations, call 615-668-4267. For more information, visit charitycirclemboro.com.

Dec. 7 – Polar Express Storytime and Pajama Party
All aboard for the Polar Express! Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) presents an enchanting Polar Express storytime, craft and hot chocolate at 5 p.m., and again and 7 p.m. Come dressed in your best pajamas; parents too! This event is free and open to the public.

Rutherford County Courthouse by Brent Moore

Dec. 7 – Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting
Bring the family for one of Murfreesboro’s most treasured holiday traditions, the
lighting of the community Christmas tree on the historic downtown square. Festivities begin Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. This is Main Street Murfreesboro’s gift to the community, and it features special music and entertainment, Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron and Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. Santa arrives aboard a Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department engine, compliments of Chief Mark Foulks. Other entertainment includes a mini-performance of the Center for the Arts’ Miracle on 34th Street (opening later in the evening), two dancing groups from the Jimmie Lou Tate Dancers, multiple school choirs and Santa visiting with children in the historic courthouse. For more information, contact 615-895-1887 or kathleen@downtownmurfreesboro.com.

Dec. 8 – Hotcakes and Holly
Murfreesboro Rotary Club presents their 16th annual Hotcakes and Holly from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 at Middle Tennessee Christian School elementary cafeteria, 100 E. MTCS Road. There will be breakfast, visits with Santa and live music. Tickets are $5 each, available at the door.

Dec. 8 – Rutherford County 4-H Pancake Breakfast and Marketplace
Join Rutherford County 4-H at Lane AgriPark (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) for a day of food, crafts and fun to ring in the holiday spirit on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs and a drink for $8. Selfies with Santa Claus may be taken with the purchase of your breakfast. The Marketplace is open for the entirety of the event with vendors offering home decor, woodworking, spices, candles and jewelry. Admission is free and advance registration is not required. For more information, visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford.

Dec. 8 – Create the Life You Crave
Paris Love hosts an interactive workshop challenging you to move out of your comfort zone, get clarity on your dreams and create consistency so you no longer feel stuck. Work on the what’s holding you back and learn how to create the life you desire. Registration includes: all workshop material, vision board kit (workbook, board, keepsake box) and a complimentary 30-day follow up with Paris to ensure your success. Register on EventBrite or for more information, contact paris@parisloveproductivityinstitute.com or visit parisloveproductivityinstitute.com.

Dec. 8 – Eagleville Parade
The Eagleville Christmas Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Dec. 8 and travels down Main Street. The theme this year is “A Tennessee Christmas.”

Dec. 8 – CBD Symposium
Tennessee Hemp Supply (2804 S. Rutherford Blvd.) presents a free educational seminar about Cannabidiol (CBD) on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 12–2 p.m. with guest speaker Dr. Sarah Daron-Mathis. Questions covered include: What is CBD? How does CBD work? How much should I take? Please RSVP on the Tennessee Hemp Supply Facebook page.

Dec. 8 – Edible Secret Supper
Edible Nashville will present its first Secret Supper pop-up dinner at the historic and romantic Childress House, an 1840s BnB just off the square in Murfreesboro, on Saturday, Dec. 8. Enjoy jazz, cozy fireplaces, unique nooks and crannies and gin cocktails. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with cocktails, appetizers and live music. Dinner is prepared by Chef Skylar Bush as Edible partners with Eat REAL. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

Dec. 8 – Epsilon Psi Pancake Breakfast
Join the ladies of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Epsilon Psi Chapter, on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 7–11 a.m. at The Fish House (1626 Middle Tennessee Blvd.) for their first Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund, along with a sock donation. Admission is $5 per person and you can eat in or take out. Special guests are Santa and his Elves. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Dec. 8 – Frosty Fun Run
Fleet Feet Murfreesboro announces the 10th Annual Frosty Fun Run at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) to benefit CASA of Rutherford County and Parks Christmas for the Children. The untimed run kicks off at 7 a.m. along the cart paths of the golf course behind the clubhouse. Participants can run along the entire cart path (slightly more than 4 miles) or complete half. Entry fees are $35 per runner or $125 for a family of four. For every unwrapped gift, participants can earn two raffle tickets. All toys, as well as race proceeds, are donated to Rutherford County children who will not receive Christmas gifts without the generosity of this community. Following the event, participants can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and waffles along with giveaways and the judging of the “decorate your race bib” contest. Pictures with Santa are available. Register at fleetfeetmurfreesboro.com or at Fleet Feet Murfreesboro, 544 N. Thompson Ln.

Dec. 8 – Toy Drive Golf Scramble
Participate in the Toy Drive Golf Scramble Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11:30–5 p.m. at Champions Run Golf Course (14262 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Rockvale). The cost is $50 plus an unwrapped toy. Dinner is included after the tournament. For more information, call 615-274-2301 or visit championsrun.biz.

Dec. 8 – Snaps with Santa at The Avenue
Bring your own camera for pictures with Santa at The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Parkway. He’ll be set up at Central Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. There is no charge.

Dec. 8 – Smyrna Holiday Event
The Smyrna Depot District will host a holiday event from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 8. Head downtown for a variety of activities, including carriage rides and warm treats. Pictures with Santa are $5 and free s’mores will be served during the event.

Dec. 8 – Santa at Lanes Trains
From noon until 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, enjoy bowling, cookies and a visit with Santa Claus at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles, 450 Butler Drive in Murfreesboro. The event is free and open to the public.

Dec. 8 and 9 – Bethlehem Marketplace
Bethlehem Marketplace is a walk-through drama re-enacting how the village of Bethlehem might have appeared the morning after the birth of Jesus, with an atmosphere and surroundings like those of 2000 years ago (708 Minerva Dr.). It features characters in historically accurate costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, tent makers, weavers, merchants in shops, census-takers and more. Live camels and other animals lend authenticity to the re-enactment, and twenty-first century items do not appear. The interactive drama is put on entirely by approximately 150 church members. Admission is free.

Dec. 8 & 22 – Santa at Green Dragon
Bring your little elves to the Green Dragon Pub and Brewery, 714 F W. Main St. in Murfreesboro, for a visit and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2–4 p.m. on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22. Bring your camera. There is no charge.

Dec. 9 & 16 – Save! Toyland
Murfreesboro Little Theatre, 702 Ewing Blvd., presents Save Toyland, a musical based on the opera Babes in Toyland. Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 7–8 and Dec. 13–15, and 2 p.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Tickets can be purchased online at mltarts.com or at the door. Prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.

Dec. 9 – Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
The annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade begins at the corner of East Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard in front of MTSU on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. It travels down East Main to the Square, onto West Main and ends on Walnut Street. For information, call 615-893-5373.

Dec. 9 – Make Your Own Christmas Cards
Get creative while making custom homemade cards for Christmas or any other occasion with a variety of options at SOAC (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E) from 12–4 p.m. No additional cost with paid admission. Registration suggested. For more information, contact mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org.

Dec. 11 – Amazing Shake
Walter Hill Elementary School (6309 Lebanon Rd. hosts the Amazing Shake competition on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and each day until Dec. 14. Community business leaders join the school staff as they help fourth- and fifth-grade students learn and improve communication, conversational and other business-related soft-skills and interpersonal skills, resume writing and more. The event needs corporate sponsors, guest speakers and judges. Contact eskridge@rcschools.net for more information.

Dec. 11 – Business After Hours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce presents Business After Hours, an informal business networking event, on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 5–7 p.m. at Hop Springs, 6790 John Bragg Hwy. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

Dec. 13 – Christmas at the Movies
Welcome the holidays with the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra and Choir’s Christmas concert, “Christmas at the Movies” at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Lane) on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. For more information, call 615-898-1862 or visit murfreesborosymphony.com.

Dec. 14 – All Access Night
Join the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro (502 S.E. Broad St.) Friday, Dec. 14, from 5:30–8 p.m. for All Access Night, a time for special-needs families to enjoy the Discovery Center’s exhibits and programs. All Access Nights are sponsored by Jackson National Life. This event is free, but RSVPs are required. RSVP at 615-890-2300 or ksmith@explorethedc.org, or visit explorethedc.org for more information.

Dec. 14 – Santa and S’mores
Santa Claus is coming to the SOAC (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E.) Friday, Dec. 14, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Grab your camera to capture this special moment. Also enjoy s’mores and cookies around the campfire. Admission is $3 for all ages. Registration Required. For more information, contact alex.lempin@townofsmyrna.org.

Dec. 15 – Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Join the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12–1 p.m. Watch the ceremonies remember the fallen, honor those serving and teach the next generation to respect and honor veterans. Layer wreaths on the gravestones as part of the ceremony; all are welcome to participate. For more information, call 615-707-8565 or visit donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Dec. 15 – Shakespeare Allowed
Join Rutherford County’s Shakespeare Allowed group at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) the third Saturday of every month to read through all his works. The group will read All’s Well that Ends Well on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12–2 p.m. If you wish to read, bring a copy of the work or borrow a copy from the library. Whoever wants to read out loud can choose to sit at the table. Get there early; the reading starts at noon. For information, find the Rutherford County Shakespeare Society on Facebook, call 615-893-4131 or visit rcls.org.

Dec. 15 – Play Day with Santa at Stars and Strikes
Join Santa on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for a fun play day featuring games, laser tag, balloon artist, a pizza lunch and selfies with Santa himself at Stars and Strikes (333 N. Lowry St.). Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call 615-438-9029 or visit the Eventbrite page.

Dec. 15 – Holiday Senior Dance
Enjoy hors d’ouevres at the Holiday Dance Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12–4 p.m., at the St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) with live music by Cripple Creek Review. Admission is $5. For more information, call 615-890-2677.

Dec. 15 – Family Day at Patterson Park
Join Family Day at the Patterson Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12–3:30 p.m. for the 19th Annual Family Day. Families and children are encouraged to attend and be thankful for one another. Enjoy gospel singing and a word of encouragement from Carl G. Marable. For more information, call 615-347-1619.

Dec. 18 – Tennessee Valley Winds Holiday Concert
Join the Tennessee Valley Winds for their annual holiday concert at the Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are necessary. All ages are welcome.

Dec. 18 – Puckett’s Trivia Night
Puckett’s Grocery in downtown Murfreesboro invites the community for a monthly fun night of themed trivia from 7–9 p.m. With sponsorship from the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and Brainblast Entertainment, each night focuses on a different theme. The next date is Tuesday, Dec. 18. For more information, call 629-201-6916 or visit pucketssgrocery.com or the Puckett’s Grocery Facebook page.

Dec. 20 – The Connection
Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, at Float Alchemy, 131 Cason Ln. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. An open roundtable discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

Dec. 22 – Coder Dojo Group
The Boro Coder Dojo Group meets in the Learning Center (second floor) of the Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 9–11 a.m. (and the fourth Saturday of every month). Ages 7–17 explore technology, coding and computer programming. For information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rcls.org.

Dec. 28 – Care Connection
The St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) hosts Care Connection on Friday, Dec. 28, from 10–11 a.m. (and the fourth Friday of every month). This is a caregivers’ support group for relatives caring for elderly with chronic illness or Alzheimer’s disease. It was formerly called “Labor of Love.” No sign-up is required. For more information, call 615-848-2550.

Dec. 31 – Shimmer and Shine NYE
Come shimmer and shine with the Pyramid Foundation of Tennessee for New Year’s Eve at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Murfreesboro (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Monday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m.–2 p.m. Put on your sparkling cocktail dress and your freshest dapper suit and dance the night away with Atlanta artist DJ Bomshell Boogie. A portion of the proceeds support combating mental illness within the community. For more information, visit The Pyramid Foundation of Tennessee Facebook page or the Eventbrite page.

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash at the SOAC
Drop your kids off for a night of fun to celebrate the New Year at the SOAC (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E) from 6 p.m.–1 a.m. Pizza, snacks and New Year’s Eve swag are provided. Cost is $10 for ages 6–13. Registration required through CommunityPass. For more information, contact alex.lempin@townofsmyrna.org.

Until Jan. 27 – Clifford the Big Red Dog
Join the Discovery Center in Mufreesboro (502 S.E. Broad St.) for the newest exhibit, Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog, open now through Jan. 27. Hop aboard the Birdwell Island ferry and journey to the world of Clifford, America’s beloved big red dog. Inspired by Scholastic’s TV show Clifford the Big Red Dog on PBS Kids, the exhibit offers numerous immersive “paws-on” adventures that reinforce Clifford’s big ideas. For more information, call 615-890-2300, or visit explorethedc.org.

Saturdays & Mondays – Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Join Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) Saturdays and Mondays at 11 a.m. for children’s story time and coloring. For more information, call 615-895-8580.

Mondays – Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is a nonprofit whose aim is to support and increase the number of women in computer science. The organization is working to close the gender employment difference in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like. The group meets at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) every Monday through from 4:30–6:30 p.m. For more information, contact angela@okasinc.org or 615-904-4493 or visit girlswhocode.com.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays – Linebaugh Storytime
Join Ms. Mindy and Ms. Laura for a story and a puppet show Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 10–10:45 a.m. All ages are welcome. Sing, read, craft and learn. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Wednesdays – Boro2Square Runners
Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Wednesdays – Writers Group
The Murfreesboro Writers Group, comprised of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique, meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. You might hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction, or more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook, email sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup.com, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Thursdays – Chess Club
The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St. Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256 or email murfreesborochess@gmail.com.

Fridays – Game Night and Chess at Barnes & Noble
Come hang out in and around the cafe at Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) to enjoy any available demo games or play with the local Chess Club on Fridays. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more information, call 615-895-8580 or visit the Barnes & Noble Facebook event page.