Throughout December – Fine-Free December
The Rutherford County Library System has announced that for a limited time, all RCLS branch libraries are going fine-free. For the month of December, patrons can return any undamaged overdue materials to the library and have fines waived. This is a thank-you to the communities that support the libraries. As a plus, any overdue fines on your account will be waived if you come in, call or email the library. Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Throughout December – Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway
The fifth annual Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway is now open through Jan. 30, 2022. Winterfest creates a magical experience for all ages with festive holiday lights, decorations and music on the central plaza. The festival offers ice skating in addition to concerts, school spirit skate nights and pictures with Santa. All ages are welcome to participate as skaters or spectators. Skating admission is $15 for teens and adults, $12 for kids ages 4–12, and free for kids 3 and under. Ticket prices include tax and skate rental, although skaters can bring their own skates. Spectators may view the fun from outside the rink at no charge. Rink and Plaza Room rentals are also available for parties, church and youth events and corporate events. Winterfest is open Thursdays through Sundays, and will be open every day* from Dec. 16 through Jan. 3 (*closed on Christmas Day). View a complete schedule and more information at fountainswinterfest.com.

Throughout December – Secret Santas Wanted
If your family, business, church or civic organization is looking for a way to help others this holiday season, consider becoming a Secret Santa to a needy family through the Child Advocacy Center. Every year heartbroken families reach out, unsure of how they are going to provide their children with gifts and food for Christmas. There are three ways to get involved: the CAC provides you with the family’s wish list and you shop for Christmas gifts; provide gift cards for the family to purchase Christmas gifts and food (this is a great option if you don’t have time to shop); or make a contribution to the Child Advocacy Center building fund. For more information, visit cacrutherford.org/secret-santa.

Dec. 1 and 15 – Community Bingo
Join Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for community bingo on the first and third Wednesday of the month (and some additional Fridays) from 10–11 a.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). The cost to join is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email stysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 2 – The North Pole Express
The North Pole Express returns to Saddle Woods Farm (9522 Franklin Rd.). To make it even better, the event facility will join with the Special Kids organization, donating proceeds to them. Enjoy crafts of various kinds, music, food, train rides and photos with Santa. Experience the Polar Express in real life, and don’t forget to wear your pajamas! Children 2 and under are free. Santa photos are sold in packages. For more information, visit saddlewoodsfarm.com.

Dec. 2 – Classic Cocktails and Appetizers Class
Shaken or stirred? Either way, visit The Curious Kitchen (327 E. State St.) for an awesome Cocktail Party on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. In this three-hour class, a skilled mixologist teaches you how to whip up popular cocktails and create an array of delicious appetizers. After this class, you will be prepared to throw your own cocktail party. All participants must be at least 21. The menu includes tomato and mozzarella caprese, grilled veggie flatbreads, a mojito, French 75 and more. For more information, visit thecuriouskitchen.net.

Dec. 3 – First Fridays with CAT Choreography
C.A.T. Choreography offers two fun hip-hop classes every first Friday of the month at no charge. Dancers ages 8 and older are welcome to bust a move Friday, Dec. 3, (and Friday, Jan. 7) at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) from 4–5 p.m. or 5–6 p.m. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 3 – Celebrate Christmas Downtown
Main Street Murfreesboro presents the 2021 Celebrate Christmas Downtown, the official lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree, on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Join the community downtown to kick off the holidays with this annual event and be entertained in front of the historic courthouse. Watch performances from a student choir, ballet from The Nutcracker performed by MTSU Dance, two songs and scenes from the Center for the Arts’ Elf the Musical, Christmas carols led by Belle Aire Baptist Community choir and, of course, a grand entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, thanks to the Murfreesboro Fire Department. 103.3 Country air  personalities Big B and Bubba emcee and are sure to provide lots of entertainment. At 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Parks and Rec plays The Santa Clause movie. Bring your chairs and blankets and find a spot early. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 7:30 p.m. Many shops and restaurants downtown are open late and food trucks are open around the courthouse. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus continue the following three Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from noon–4 p.m. in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/celebrate-christmas-downtown.

Dec. 3–12 – Drive-Through Christmas Lights
For the second year, Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) features a Drive-Through Christmas Lights event Fridays, Dec. 3 and 10, Saturdays, Dec. 4 and 11 and Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Load the kids in the car and enjoy a festive way to add to those holiday memories free of charge and open to all ages. For more information, call 615-890-0355 or email shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 4 – Frosty Fun Run
The 13th annual Frosty Fun Run is back with a new venue, Hop Springs (6709 John Bragg Hwy.), on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.–noon. This year’s event is a 5K fun run/walk. As in previous years, proceeds from this event are donated to CASA and Parks Christmas for the Children, both benefiting children in the local communities and providing Christmas gifts that they would otherwise go without. After the race, enjoy pizza and beer, raffles, and music with Santa as the DJ. The cost is $35 per runner or $125 for a family of four. Every donated unwrapped toy gets two raffle tickets. Sign up at Fleet Feet Murfreesboro or runsignup.com, or find the Frosty Fun Run event on Facebook.

Dec. 4 – HollyDay Marketplace
The 16th annual Hollyday Marketplace, presented by the Junior League of Murfreesboro, will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304B West Thompson Ln.) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Special event tickets for Mistletoe & Mimosas ($30, 21 and up) can be purchased separately. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The event features more than 100 merchants showcasing decor items, clothing and seasonal gifts. This annual fundraiser benefits the Junior League of Murfreesboro’s community impact area of health and wellness. 100 percent of proceeds are invested into local programs and services that nurture and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Rutherford County community. Some of the programs supported by the Junior League include CAC, Kids in the Kitchen and other grassroots efforts. For more information, visit murfreesboro.jl.org.

Dec. 4 – Discovery Center Holiday Free Day
Learn how others celebrate around the world and have some holiday fun while taking a picture with Santa, decorating the giant gingerbread house and more at the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Sponsored by the Nissan Foundation and PM Pediatrics, this is free and open to the public. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/openhouse or call 615-890-2300.

Dec. 4 – Southern Shopping Shindig Holiday Extravaganza
Shop over 60 local vendors right in time for Christmas at the Southern Shopping Shindig Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd.). The Audiology Club of MTSU offers gift wrapping for donations. For more information, visit southernshoppingshindig.com or find Southern Shopping Shindig on Facebook.

Dec. 4 – Santa Claus is Coming to Donut Country
Share sweet photos, sweet treats, and sweet memories with your family at Donut Country on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. Receive a ticket to see Santa with any purchase at the Memorial Boulevard Donut Country location. This is one of Donut Country’s most popular events of the year. Parents may take their own pictures for free or may purchase photos from onsite photographer Sarah Lawrence of Little Tots Photography. The photo package includes three edited digital images with a 48-hour turnaround for $20.

Dec. 4 – Stewarts Creek HOSA Marketplace
The Health Occupations Students of America Club at Stewarts Creek High School presents a Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Stewarts Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna). Find arts, crafts, direct sales vendors, food, a petting zoo and much more. For more information, call ‪615-892-4284.‬

Dec. 4 – Filipino-American Association Christmas Party
Join the 2021 Christmas Party presented by Filipino-American Association of Tennessee on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 5–11 p.m. at Royal Palace Events Center (5385 Mt. View Rd., Antioch). Enjoy food, music, dancing, a cash bar and Christmas gifts with Santa. Seating is limited, so tickets must be purchased in advance. Adult admission (13 years and up) is $25, child admission (5–12) are $15, and children 4 and under are admitted free (but still require a ticket). For more information, visit filamoftn.org or find the event on Eventbrite.

Photo courtesy of Skyler Ewing / Pexels

Dec. 6 and 13 – Citizen Science Opportunity: Project Feederwatch
Once again Outdoor Murfreesboro participates in Project Feederwatch through Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, a 30-plus year dataset tracking backyard birds and their movements. This information contributes to a larger body of knowledge about bird populations and migration patterns. Join in at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) at any time between 2:30–4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Dec. 6 and 13, to spend some time tallying birds at the feeders. You can do this from an outside or an inside vantage point. You don’t need to have much knowledge on bird species; staff members and field guides are available to assist. You can help contribute to scientific knowledge and instill in yourself or others a passion for research and the pursuit of new knowledge. The event is free. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 7 – Natural Wreath Making Class
Create a beautiful holiday work of art for your home at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6–7:30 p.m. Start with a grapevine base before decorating it with aromatic cedar boughs, sustainably harvested in the park, and other decorations. These wreaths smell great and last through the new year indoors or outdoors. All supplies are provided. The cost is $20 per wreath; ages 18 and up are welcome. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com or contact hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

Dec. 8 – Christine Isley-Farmer Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Christine Isley-Farmer for a book signing on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Isley-Farmer signs and sells copies of her books, Finding My Yip and A Hard Nut to Crack, both published in 2021. She is the author of the children’s book series Boomer’s Tales. Her books, for children ages 7–12, feature a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the narrator. The series emphasizes the close bonds between humans and animals, kindness, teamwork, friendship, family and music. As a professional singer, the stories in opera and song have always fascinated and inspired Isley-Farmer. She is professor emerita in the School of Music at MTSU where she served as a vocal instructor. Prior to her writing and academic career, she sang professionally in Europe and the United States. The books are $8 each or $14 for both. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Dec. 10 – Christmas Through Time with TPO
The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.). Christmas Through Time is a collection of holiday favorites that should revive joyful memories of seasons past. Jeffery Keever conducts the orchestra and featured vocalist Collin Peterson will return to join the TPO. “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from Handel’s Messiah, “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach and the “Polar Express Suite” by Silvestri are a few of the selections performed. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door. For more information, visit tnphil.org.

Dec. 10 – Santa Splash and Dash
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at a holiday pool party. Celebrate the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 10, from 5–8 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) with an ornament craft, a meal and lots of swimming. The cost is $5 per person with pre-registration or $7 the day of the event; ages 8–14 are welcome. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cstafford@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 11 – Shabby Lane Shopping Event
Shabby Lane Shopping presents a holiday shopping event with 80 local small businesses and artisans for its ninth annual holiday splendor Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Admission is free, plus complementary popcorn. There are free goodie bags for the first 300 adult shoppers. For more information, visit shabbylaneshoppingevents.com.

Dec. 12 – Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
The Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, takes place Sunday, Dec. 12. This year the event is co-hosted by WGNS Radio and the City of Murfreesboro. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas.” The parade route begins at MTSU’s campus on East Main Street and ends at the historic square. For more information, contact 615-642-3723 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 16 – The Connection at Prohibition Home Brewing
Prohibition Home Brewing will host the December 2021 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16. 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. Prohibition Home Brewing is located at 906 Ridgley Rd.

Dec. 17–18 – Mid-Tenn Antiques & Uniques Expo
Enjoy a day of good old-fashioned treasure hunting at the Mid-Tenn Antiques & Uniques Expo, held noon–6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd). Shoppers can find a mix of antique and custom-built furniture, estate items, artisan products, vintage toys, clothing, new and vintage jewelry, sterling silver, advertising items, automotive, gas and oil collectibles, country livin’ items such as jams, jellies, home-baked goods, candles, handmade soaps and so much more. Find that perfect gift for that special someone on your Christmas list. Admission is $5. This is an indoor event. For more information, call 615-364-1828, visit bothbarrels.us or find Mid-Tenn Antiques & Uniques Expo on Facebook.

Dec. 18 – Wreaths Across America
Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) takes part in Wreaths Across America with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The local event is sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol and assisted by National Park Service staff to mark the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on graves at the National Cemetery. This year, 709 wreaths have been sponsored; the goal is to have a wreath placed on each of the 7,000 headstones by students and volunteers. The ceremony is free, but reservations are required; find the event on Eventbrite. To sponsor a $15 wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. For more information, call 615-893-9501.

Dec. 21 – Winter Solstice Craft Party
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a craft party by candlelight at General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows while briefly discussing what the solstice is. All ages are welcome; the cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 31 – St. Clair Noon Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy fun, dancing, music and good snacks, and greet 2022 with friends at St. Clair Senior Center (325 Saint Clair St.) on Friday, Dec. 31, from 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 60 and up sing “Auld Lang Syne” and salute with sparkling cider. James Satterwhite of Nashtones provides the entertainment. The event is limited to 100 participants. (Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.) For more information, call 615-848-2550 or email kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon
Come to the biggest pajama party in Murfreesboro on Friday, Dec. 31, at the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) from 10 a.m.–noon. Kick off 2022 with fun New Year’s activities like a dance party, glow game room, art activities and the iconic balloon drop at noon. Admission is free for members. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/countdown or call 615-890-2300.

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve at Seasons of Murfreesboro
Make plans to spend your New Year’s Eve at Seasons of Murfreesboro Restaurant & Lounge (2227 Old Fort Pkwy.). Backlit and StaticPop take turns playing on both stages from 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m. The after-show DJ dance party is at 12:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at seasonsofmurfreesboro.com or on Eventbrite. Tickets are $75 each or $120 for couples (only 150 will be sold), and they include food catered by Chef Raymond, live music, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

Dec. 31 – NYE Party with Mixtape
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Mixtape, Murfreesboro’s favorite 1980s party, at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). Many of Mixtape’s shows sell out and even fewer tickets are available for New Year’s Eve, as only 200 guests are allowed; capacity is first-come, first-served. Tickets include free parking and a champagne toast at midnight. The DJ starts at 7 p.m. and Mixtape performs from 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Get a meet-and-greet and photo op with the band at 8 p.m. Food trucks will be available onsite (all food and drinks must be purchased at Hop Springs). Admission is $50. For more information, call 615-450-1907, or find the event on Eventbrite or Facebook.

Dec. 31 – NYE at The Walnut House
Celebrate New Year’s with the Walnut House (116 N. Walnut St.) and Endure Athletics for a new New Year’s Eve fundraiser party. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, drive up to valet parking in front of the beautiful Walnut House in downtown Murfreesboro. Step onto the red carpet and smile for the paparazzi while discussing your attire with the scene host. After all the flashes have died down, enter into the beautiful lobby and drop off your coats. Stay downstairs and enjoy a lovely vocalist with band accompaniment while having a cocktail. Or, follow the sounds of dance music upstairs and get down on the dance floor. Celebrate midnight in different time zones and locales, including Argentina and NYC, with an outdoor cigar lounge, drinks, appetizers, a ball drop and confetti. VIP ticket holders have their own area with a dedicated bartender, casino games, heavy appetizers and a place to relax and unwind. Celebrate midnight in the ’Boro with fireworks and a balloon drop. Admission is $150 per person. For more information, call 615-904-4359 or visit endureathletics.org.

Thursdays – Guardians of the Greenway
Help keep the Murfreesboro Greenway clean for the plants, animals and people who love it. Pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. You can also have volunteer hours signed off on. All ages are welcome from 9–10 a.m. each Thursday at different Greenway locations:
Dec. 2 – Broad Street Trailhead (1921 NW Broad St.)
Dec. 9 – General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.)
Dec. 16 – Southridge Boulevard Trailhead (Southridge Boulevard at Player Drive)
Dec. 23 – Redoubt Brannan Trailhead (1300 W. College St.)
For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov, or find Murfreesboro Greenway System at murfreesborotn.gov.

Thursdays – American Voices Past and Present
American Voices Past and Present gives seniors (ages 55 and over) the opportunity to improve their way of life as well as their mental health through life programs at Patterson Park Community Center on Thursdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Using gerontology (the study of aging), creative writing and visual arts, seniors embrace and share their life stories. This class is limited to 30 participants; there is no charge to join. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email stysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov.

Saturdays – Animal Encounters
What is that crawling, slithering, sliding, flying and hopping across the trail . . . or even in your backyard? Each week visit the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) to look at one of the resident education animals for a mini-lesson of animals that call Tennessee home. Meet the best teachers we have, the animals, on Saturdays Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 1:30–2 p.m. The activity is free for all ages. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day 5K
Registration is now open for the city’s annual New Year’s Day 5K, organized by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, runners start at the ball fields at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) and wind 3.1 miles through streets and trails within the park. Every participant receives a long-sleeve souvenir T-shirt, and every finisher receives a finisher’s medal. Overall and age group winners receive awards. There is a $25 fee for all ages. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, contact 615-893-7439 or chill@murfreesborotn.gov, or find the event on Facebook.