Dec. 2 – Those Sneaky Squirrels!
Anyone who has visited Barfield Park knows there is a lively squirrel population. Visit Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 10–11 a.m. to learn more about these sneaky critters and take to the hiking trails to spot some in action. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 2 and 16 – Raptor Rhapsody at the Wilderness Station
Have you ever looked an owl in the eye or glared at a red-tailed hawk up close, or checked out a falcon’s wings? Get up close and personal with a live bird of prey and learn about these master predators of the sky at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesdays, Dec. 2 and 16, from 4–5 p.m. Presentations and photo opportunities next to live birds are available throughout the day. All ages are welcome; admission is free. For more information, call 615-217-3017.
Dec. 4 – Butter Bean Auction
Bid on your favorite items with butter beans at St. Clair Senior Center, Room S104 (325 St. Clair St.) on Friday, Dec. 4, from 10–11 a.m. Sign-up is required for this event and can be made by calling 615-848-2550.
Dec. 4 – Movies Under the Stars
Movies Under the Stars returns for a special winter event at Cason Trailhead (1100 Cason Trl.) on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. For one night only in December, bring your family and friends to enjoy a free showing of Elf. Bring extra blankets and lawn chairs. Hot chocolate and popcorn are available for purchase. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact 615-893-2141 or hbelcher@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 4 – Murfreesboro Tree Lighting Broadcast
On the first Friday night of December, holiday revelers usually gather around the courthouse for the annual lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas tree put on by Main Street organizers. Every year features entertainment, caroling, the lighting of the tree and a visit from Santa. This year, enjoy the event virtually as Murfreesboro CityTV presents a 45-minute prerecorded Holiday Spectacular, showcasing area personalities, singers, dancers, storytellers and, of course, Santa himself. The prerecorded program ends in a live tree lighting with Santa, the county mayor and a guest choir. Stay warm in your home and kick off the holiday season at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4. Tune into Murfreesboro CityTV Channel 3 through Comcast, Roku, Apple TV, Murfreesboro City Government YouTube, the Murfreesboro City Live Facebook or on the Rutherford County or Main Street Murfreesboro Facebook pages.
Dec. 5 – Enclosure Wall Trail
Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec for an early winter wonderland hike at Old Stone Fort State Park (732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester) from 9 a.m.–noon on Saturday, Dec. 5. The park is located near Manchester, and the trail is perfect for all skill levels. This trail is considered easy and is approximately three miles; transportation will not be provided. Registration is required. Location information is disclosed upon registration. Ages 13 and up are welcome, and the cost for the guided tour is $8. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 5 – Build a Birdhouse at Cannonsburgh Village
Build a birdhouse at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.–noon. After assembling the house, use your own imagination and artistic skills to paint it however you’d like. Everything is supplied except the hammer; bring a hammer you are comfortable using. Bring your favorite craft paint if desired. Reservations are required. All ages are welcome (under 14 must have parent present). The cost is $20 per participant. For more information, contact 615-890-0355.
Dec. 5 – Furs, Feathers and Ferns
Complete all requirements for this Cub Scout Adventure at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10–11:30 a.m. Identify animal signs on a hike, learn about threatened and endangered animals, and meet some of the live education animals. Registration is required. Ages 5 and up, or any Cub Scouts, are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 5 – Black Murfreesboro Market
Join Black Murfreesboro for Black Murfreesboro Market on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd.). The market features many black-owned businesses, food trucks, music and more. For more information, find the event and Black Murfreesboro on Facebook.
Dec. 5 – Community Care Rolling Christmas Parade
Join in the Community Care Rolling Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. This drive-through Christmas Parade for residents will bring the Christmas spirit in a new way this year. Meet at the Walmart Supercenter (140 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy.) to assemble together before driving over to CCRC (901 E. County Farm Rd.). Community Care of Rutherford County aims to be the community’s most effective provider of comprehensive continuous health care. For more information, find the event on Facebook.
Dec. 5 – La Vergne Parade of Lights
La Vergne hosts its annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. The parade begins at Veterans Memorial Park and ends at La Vergne City Hall, where a tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks show will take place. This year’s theme is “Blue Christmas” and the grand marshal is former police chief Mike Walker. Organizers ask all parade participants to decorate their cars, floats or signs with lights for the event, which will take place after dark. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served at the closing ceremony while the La Vergne High School Choraliers perform holiday songs. Rumor has it that Santa and Mrs. Claus may stop by for a visit. For more information, visit lavergnetn.gov.
Dec. 5 – Merry Movie Drive-In
Come out to Sports*Com on Saturday, Dec. 5, for a free outdoor showing of two movies, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Polar Express, on a 50-foot screen. Elam Real Estate presents this free event to the community as a gift. The free event includes complimentary snacks and a raffle with prizes, though organizers ask attendees to kindly consider donating items to support the mission of Greenhouse Ministries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, brushes, combs, razors, shaving cream and socks. Attendees can bring lawn chairs to the screening if the weather is nice, or remain in their vehicles and listen to the audio via radio broadcast. Parking starts at 5 p.m. and the double feature begins at 6 p.m. Sports*Com is located at 2310 Memorial Blvd. Register in advance for the Elam Family Merry Movie Drive-In on Eventbrite.
Dec. 6 – Santa Paws and Christmas Village Fundraiser
Music City Animal Rescue presents Santa Paws and Christmas Village Sale on Dec. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. outside Julia’s Homestyle Bakery, located at 1911 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. B. Bring your fur babies for a special picture with Santa from 1 to 4 p.m., courtesy of BFF Treats, and shop the Christmas Village full of items for your furry family. All proceeds benefit the Music City Animal Rescue.
Dec. 6, 13 and 20 – Ridenour Rehearsal Studios Christmas Village
Get in the holiday spirit at Ridenour Rehearsal Studios (1203 Park Ave.) with The Murfreesboro Christmas Village, an outdoor shopping event featuring vendors, food trucks and live music the first three Sundays in Dec. from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Parking is $10 per vehicle. For more information, visit ridenourmusic.com/cv-vendors or contact mborochistmasvillage@gmail.com.
Dec. 7 – Monoprinting Class
Join Murfreesboro Painter Laureate Dawna Magliacano for a monoprinting class at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) on Monday, Dec. 7, from 6–9 p.m. Monoprinting is a form of printmaking to create unique, free-form printed images. Participants create their own monoprint using gel printing plates. Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 7 – Natural Holiday Wreath Making
Meet at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) for the popular, natural wreath-making program on Monday, Dec. 7, from 6–8 p.m. Grapevine bases, ribbons, accents and fresh-cut, aromatic cedar boughs are provided. Create your own wreath while coffee brews and holiday music plays. These rustic wreaths can be displayed indoors or outdoors. This is best suited for adults (adults can bring children 10 and up). The cost is $15 per wreath and includes supplies. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 8 and 22 – Picnic in the Park
Come out to Cannonsburgh Village on Tuesdays, Dec. 8 and 22, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., for a picnic lunch and an old-fashioned, simple activity. Bring your lunch and the activity is provided. Space is limited to 10 participants, plus a parent. The cost is $5. Reservation is required by calling 615-890-0355. The Dec. 8 activity is Biscuits & Butter, and Dec. 22 is Paper Ornaments (bring scissors and a ruler).
Dec. 9 – Preschool Cultural Arts Pop-Up
Visit the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W College St.) the second Wednesday of the month for an opportunity to get creative. Cultural Arts is hosting a pop-up for preschoolers on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 9–10 a.m., where participants create a craft and learn something new. There is a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited to 6 participants, so sign up early or take a chance and show up. Ages 3–6 are welcome (adult required to stay). For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 9 – Likin’ Lichen
Have you ever wondered about that crazy looking stuff growing on rocks, trees, and even the ground? Come out to Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 10–11 a.m. and learn more about lichen followed by a 30-minute hike to find it. Ages 6 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 9 – Owl Pellet Dissection
Discover more about the owls that call Tennessee home at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 10–11 a.m. Learn about some of the native owl species and their adaptations, and then dissect owl pellets. Ages 6 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 10 – The Connection: Small Business Fair
The Murfreesboro Pulse and The Walnut House will collaborate on a local business fair on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Representatives from a variety of area small businesses will set up tables and booths, hand out literature, items and samples, conduct demonstrations and sell products. The night will include music from Robyn Taylor, community rhythm sessions with Everybody Drum Some and movement and stretching times with Genet Moves. Champy’s Chicken will sell shrimp boil platters and chicken tenders at the event. The business fair, free and open to the public, should be a festive time for area business owners, consumers and supporters of small business to get to know each other around some music, art, food and drink. All business owners and representatives may come out and network, distribute materials and mingle.
Participating businesses include: The Murfreesboro Pulse, The Walnut House, The Fox & Goat Coffee, Steered Straight Thrift, Better Business Bureau, Everybody Drum Some, Genet Moves, Bill Taylor Bushido School of Karate, Three Rivers Family Dentistry, Cultivation Network, CSL Plasma, Tri Star Property Services, Main St. Murfreesboro, Big Creek Winery Tasting Room, CNB Plumbing, Premiere Six Theatre, Business and Life Transformation Strategies, Valley Growers, Soigne, MTSU Online, Blue Eyed Daisy, Donut Country, Nexgen Barbershop, Champy’s Chicken, Dream Closets TN,, Hank’s Honky Tonk, Gen 1:29 CBD Oil, Swanson Direct, Pink Zebra, Reliant Realty – Lory Breckler, Healing Cypress Massage, Rion Flowers, Elyse Santoro Home, Hope Restored Counseling
The night will also serve as a relaunch of the monthly Connection Entrepreneurs Club, which has been on hiatus for much of 2020. Organizers have been encouraged by initial response to the event and the desire for so many to be involved in helping to promote the local economy by facilitating connection. The Walnut House is already exploring plans to host another local business fair in the spring. The Walnut House is located at 116 N. Walnut St. Plenty of free parking is available at the Pinnacle bank parking lot and in the Rutherford County Judicial Center Parking Garage at Walnut and Lytle streets.
Dec. 10 – 365-Day Temperature Blanket
The 365-day temperature blanket is an ambitious project. Instructors at Cannonsburgh Village teach you to crochet your own afghan that records daily high and low temperatures for an entire year. Learn how to make a two-color “granny square” on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 4–5:30 p.m. The limit is 15 participants. Reservations are required by calling 615-890-0355. Ages 14 and up are welcome. The cost is $10. For more information, call 615-890-0355.
Dec. 11 – What’s Up Night Hikes
Fall nights are great for spotting owls, bats, frogs and insects, discovering glowing eyes, and finding other fascinating critters that are active at night. Enjoy discovery under the night sky at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, Dec. 11. Reservations are required. Ages 8 and up are welcome. The cost is $3 per person or $10 per family. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or efann@murfreesborotn.gov.
Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 – Christmas at Oaklands Mansion: Holiday Tours
Oaklands (900 N. Maney Ave.) welcomes the public to its annual Christmastime at the mansion event this year on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of the historic home and landmark at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. with admission of $20 for ages 12 & up and $10 for children ages 6–11. All tickets must be purchased in advance at oaklandsmansion.org. Ticket purchases support education and preservation in the community. Parking is at Oaklands Park Picnic Pavilion (427 Roberts St.). For more information, find Oaklands Mansion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or call 615-893-0022.
Dec. 11 and 12 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Center for the Arts will present four performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer outdoors at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. Showtimes are 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, and at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Based on the animated television special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer features holiday hit songs and lots of memorable characters. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Concessions will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18 and 19, at the same times. Murfreesboro Civic Plaza is located at 111 W. Vine St. For tickets or more information, visit boroarts.org.
Dec. 12 – Eagleville Christmas Parade
The city of Eagleville will host its 17th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. The parade will head south on Main Street, turn left onto Old Hwy 99 and end at the school. The community invites everyone to come view the parade and see Santa’s arrival in Eagleville. All parade entries must arrive at the staging area lot (North Main and Oak streets) no later than 10 a.m. For more information, visit eaglevilletn.com.
Dec. 12 – Nature Painting
Do some Nature Painting at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m.–noon. Local artist Bobbie Ventura teaches, and all supplies are included in the registration fee. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Click “Online Registration,” then “Outdoor Murfreesboro.” Registration is limited to 5 people. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is $15. For more information, call 615-217-3017.
Dec. 12 – Hotcakes and Holly Fundraiser
Rotary Club of Murfreesboro presents its 18th Annual Hotcakes and Holly fundraising breakfast virtually this year on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9–11 a.m. Funds raised support local nonprofits, primarily those focused on literacy. These include the Southeast Young Adult Book Festival, Books from Birth, Read to Succeed, MTSU Dyslexia Center, Women’s Club Reading Buddies, Rotary 3rd Grade Dictionary Project, Boys & Girls Club, Center for the Arts, Recycle Rutherford and a Rotary Scholarship at MTSU. The Rotary Club of Murfreesboro turned 101 years old in October of 2020. For more information, visit murfreesbororotary.com, find Murfreesboro Rotary on Facebook or contact gloriabonner28@gmail.com.
Dec. 12 – Yoga Event for Free Food Friday
Legacy Ink Design hosts Free Food Fridays to provide food and supplies to the growing homeless population in the area. StayLightWithLiz will present a “Yoga for Free Food Friday” session for supporters of the project on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Tune into the donation-based virtual healing event on the StayLightWithLiz Instagram page. Donate and learn more about the Free Food Fridays project and how it gives to those affected by homelessness in Murfreesboro at gofundme.com by searching Community Giving 2020.
Dec. 15 – MYP Toy Drive
Join the Murfreesboro Young Professionals as they take over Waffle House (1622 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy.) for their annual Christmas toy drive on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m.–noon. Bring a new, unwrapped toy by Waffle House to be donated to The Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford County and Special Kids, and get a free waffle, photo with Santa and hot chocolate. Stay and eat, or just stop by to say hi. Anyone is welcome to donate. For more information, find MurfreesboroYoungProfessionals on Facebook.
Dec. 15 – Winter Watercolor Cookies
Food color is your medium and royally iced sugar cookies are your canvas as you create edible watercolor creations on snow globes and sweater cookies. Transform plain white cookies into an ugly holiday sweater or a winter wonderland snow globe at Gateway Island and Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Class size limited to 10. Ages 10 and up are welcome. The cost is $10. For more information, call 615-801-2606.
Dec. 19 – Wreaths Across America
Members of the Rutherford County community usually gather at Stones River National Cemetery (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) to honor veterans during the holiday season as part of Wreaths Across America Day. This year, on Saturday, Dec. 19, a small group of Civil Air Patrol volunteers place the wreaths in a safe manner and the ceremony takes place virtually at 11 a.m. Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA are presented and placed at the cemetery flag pole. Additional wreaths decorate graves throughout the national cemetery honoring veterans from the Civil War through Vietnam. For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org or call 615-893-9501. Find the event on Facebook for upcoming details on the ceremony.
Dec. 19 – Winter Bird Walk
You can bird watch in the winter when birds stand out against the grey colors of winter and are easier to spot. Enjoy a chilly morning hike to find some Tennessee winter birds at Murfree Spring Wetland (460 SE Broad St.) on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9–10:30 a.m. Learn more about wintering birds along the way. Ages 8 and up are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017.
Through Dec. 19 – Christmas at Fiddlers Grove Historic Village
Celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends on a festive stroll through Fiddlers Grove Historic Village (945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon) through Dec. 19, Tuesday–Saturday, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., featuring over 60 buildings adorned with Christmas wreaths, lights and animated figures ideal for photo opportunities against scenic backgrounds. Learn the history of Fiddlers Grove Historic Village while enjoying Christmas music, a cookie and hot chocolate or hot cider. Tickets can be purchased at fiddlersgrovetn.com or at the General Store. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–12. Children 5 and under receive free admission. For more information, visit fiddlersgrovetn.com or find FiddlersGroveTN on Facebook. The Dancing Lights of Christmas are also back through Jan. 3 at the James E. Ward Ag Center. For more information, visit thedancinglightsofchristmas.com.
Through Dec. 20 – The Great Holiday Gnome Hunt
Join The Avenue Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) for some holiday fun and enter to win a $100 gift card from a retailer of your choice. Watch for clues on social media, follow them, find a hidden gnome in one of the retailers and enter to win. There are six gnomes hidden within stores in The Avenue. The gnomes are hand-painted by artists at The Pottery Place and are 8.75 inches in height. In addition to a gift card, each winner keeps their gnome for the holidays. Three winners are chosen weekly until Dec. 20. For more information, call 615-893-4207 or visit theavenuemurfreesboro.com/holiday-gnome-hunt.
Weekends in December – Cannonsburgh Village Drive-Through Christmas Lights
Visit Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) to get in to the holiday spirit with a drive-trough Christmas light display Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-890-0355.
Throughout December – Fountains Winterfest
Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway is back for another season. Area residents can come out and ice skate outdoors this winter. The rink will be open 4–8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4–10 p.m. Fridays, 12–10 p.m. Saturdays and 1–8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 19. Extended holiday hours of 12–9 p.m. Sundays–Thursdays and 12–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays will then take effect, with hours of 5–10 p.m. on Christmas Day. Warm weather will not force the rink to close, though heavy rains could. Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy. For more information, visit fountainswinterfest.com.
Tuesdays in December – Murfree Spring Wetlands Cleanup
Help Outdoor Murfreesboro keep the walkways and water system clean Tuesdays in December from 10–11 a.m. at Murfree Spring Wetlands (460 SE Broad St.). Trash pickers, bags and gloves are provided. Afterwards, stay for a short program on various conservation issues. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesbototn.gov.
Tuesdays in December – Book Club at the Wilderness Station
Join the Book Reading Club at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Tuesdays in Dec. from 6–7 p.m., for an examination of Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy. Learn how, and become inspired, to make simple changes in your own yard to create ecological havens. Participate in a cozy time of brief reading, good discussion and warm drinks and a snack. Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or emoorman@murfreesborotn.gov.
Wednesdays in December – Schoolhouse Activity
Schoolhouse activities are held Wednesdays in the 1800s schoolhouse at Cannonsburgh Village (321 S. Front St.) from 9–10 a.m. Girls sit on one side and boys on the other; 1800s period clothing is optional. Every week features a different activity. The cost is $2.50. For more information, contact 615-890-0355.
Fridays in December – Greenway Walks
Walk the Greenway with Outdoor Murfreesboro and observe the wonders of the natural world. Meet Fridays in December at the Barfield Road Trailhead (2133 Barfield Rd.) from 9–10 a.m. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov. All ages are welcome.
Fridays in December – Toddler Time with Thomas
Toddlers get to play and learn to wait their turn, follow directions and work together to accomplish simple goals with Toddler Time with Thomas. The focus is on body part recognition, cognitive skill development and, of course, fun. Ages 5 and under are welcome Fridays from 10–11 a.m. at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.). The cost is $3. For more information, contact 615-895-5040.
Saturdays in December – Animal Encounters
Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) offers a short program introducing one of their education animals Saturdays in December from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Participate in discussion about the animals’ cool adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.
Throughout December – Christmas at Opryland
Enjoy Christmas at Gaylord Opryland throughout December with acres of spectacular decorations and over 17 hours of fan-favorite and brand-new family-friendly activities, events, and performances including: I Love Christmas Movies, The Oak Ridge Boys Dinner Show, Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends, Reindeer Encounters, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, and ice skating and tubing. For more information, visit christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com.
