Through Jan. 29 – Fountains Winterfest
Fountains Winterfest is back for its 6th annual season of outdoor ice skating at Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Make plans to come out for a magical time. Prices vary. For tickets, the full hours of operation and more information, visit fountainswinterfest.com or call 615-895-0850.

Through Dec. 17 – Fiddlers Grove Tennessee Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Fiddlers Grove Historic Village at the James E. Ward Ag Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon). Celebrate the holidays at the village’s annual Tennessee Christmas in the Grove through Saturday, Dec. 17. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for ages 6–16. Ages 5 and under are free. Walk through the grove and see what the elves have been up to. Stop at the general store for hot cocoa or coffee and receive a map for your self-guided tour. Visit the model train museum and the broom shop. Christmas workshops will be available on Saturday, Dec. 10. Make a handmade gift for someone or for yourself. Workshops include making a bicycle wheel wreath and special handcrafted ornaments. Space is limited so sign up online. For more information and to sign up, visit fiddlersgrovetn.com and find Annual Events.

Dec. 1 – Tennessee Philharmonic Christmas Concert
Gather together for the annual Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.) for “Holiday Dreams!” This concert is the TPO’s most popular of the year. Get ready for a delightful night of festive favorites from Irving Berlin, Leroy Anderson, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and others. Tickets to a TPO concert are a great gift. Following the Christmas show, there are three mainstage concerts left this season. For more information, find Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra on Eventbrite or visit tnphil.org.

Dec. 1 – Whiskey, Wine and Meat Tasting
Come out to TN Meat Co. (2926 Old Fort Pkwy.) for sampling of whiskey and bourbon, wine and excellent meat on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6–8 p.m. There will also be a Toys for Tots drive. If you bring an unwrapped toy to donate you will receive a 10% discount at the TN Meat Co. For more information, find the Whiskey, Wine and Meat Tasting event on Facebook. For more information, visit tnmeatco.com or call 615-962-9321.

Dec. 2 – TCAT Murfreesboro Job Fair
Tennessee College of Applied Technology will host a job fair for its students and graduates on Friday, Dec. 2. Companies are invited to meet, interview and hire job-seeking students and graduates. The fair is at both Murfreesboro and Smyrna TCAT locations. Each job fair will have graduates from different programs. Companies and attendees may attend both. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. The TCAT Murfreesboro (1303 Old Fort Pkwy.) job fair is from 8–10 a.m. and includes heating, air conditioning & refrigeration, information technology, dental assisting and more. The TCAT Smyrna (663 Ken Pilkerton Dr., Smyrna) event is from noon–2 p.m. and features automotive technology, machine tool technology, welding and other fields. For more information, visit forms.office.com/r/VhjcePcr4g.

Dec. 2 – Downtown Tree Lighting
Enjoy the Historic Downtown Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 2. At 5:30 p.m., the Southeast Baptist, Providence Christian Academy and MTCS Choirs perform. The evening also includes a live nativity, free games and activities for children around the courthouse and carriage rides around downtown ($5 per person/kids under 4 free). At 6 p.m., live performances include Plainview and McFadden Elementary choirs, Nuncrackers from Center for the Arts, Dance Works dancers, poet Cameron Mitchell, Santa and his elves and the official lighting of the courthouse tree. At 7:15 p.m., get pictures in the courthouse with Santa, while the Nightingale Brass Quartet performs on stage, and activities and carriage rides continue. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org and find Celebrate Christmas Downtown.

Dec. 2 and 3 – Oaklands Mansion Christmas Dinner
Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) invites you to celebrate the holiday season at its 2022 Christmas Dinners on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Enjoy a traditional holiday dinner by CJ’s Catering and desserts from Simply Pure Sweets at 7 p.m. with admission. The local band Quarterlife plays light jazz and Christmas favorites. A full bar will be provided by Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits and served by Julie’s Bartending Service. Sponsors may arrive at the mansion at 6 p.m. for wine and charcuterie. Admission starts at $100. There will be no admission sold at the door, as seating is reserved. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org and find News + Events.

Dec. 2–18 – Drive-Through Christmas Lights at Cannonsburgh
Cannonsburgh Village hosts a drive-through Christmas lights event Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 2–18. Load up the car and enjoy a festive way to add to those cozy holiday memories. The village comes to life on the first three weekends in December from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and is free and open to all. Donations are accepted. For more information, email shodges@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-890-0355.

Dec. 2–17 – La Vergne Snow Rink
The Snow Rink at Veterans Memorial Park in La Vergne (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.) will be open to the public Dec. 2–17. Hours are 4–8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon until 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1–5 p.m. on Sundays. (The rink will be closed Monday–Wednesday and on Dec. 15.) Skaters are given an hour of skate time that rotates every hour. Admission is free and skates are available to use for free.

Dec. 3 – Discovery Center Holiday Open House
The Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) opens its doors for a day of holiday celebrations with crafts and experiments, decorating the giant gingerbread house and taking holiday photos on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The day is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Nissan Foundation. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/openhouse or call 615-890-2300.

Dec. 3 – Elinda Beanland Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) is pleased to host local author Elinda Beanland for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1–4 p.m. The author signs and sells copies of her children’s book, Kingdom Kids Like Me, published in September 2021. In Kingdom Kids Like Me, Anabella and the children at Agape Learning Center learn more than reading, writing and math. They learn to be kind, inclusive and godly children. They learn together, play together, and discover together. Come along on this journey, where every child is appreciated, accepted and loved. Books are $10 each. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

Dec. 3 – La Vergne Parade of Lights
This year’s La Vergne Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3. Parade participants will leave La Vergne’s City Hall at 5 p.m., heading east on Murfreesboro Road, and will end at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.). After the parade there will be a tree lighting and fireworks show. This year’s theme is “Fire Up the Holidays.” Parade grand marshal is Rutherford County Public Safety Director Chris Clark. For more information, visit lavergnetn.gov/237/parade-of-lights.

Dec. 3 – Winter Festival
La Vergne’s annual Winter Festival will be held from 3–8 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.). There will be arts and craft vendors, free horse drawn carriage rides and the popular free snow rink. Carriage rides are first come, first served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from 3–4 p.m. and 6:30–8 p.m. to meet kids of all ages and take pictures. The Snow Rink will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Skaters are given an hour of skate time that rotates every hour. Skates are available for free. A fireworks show will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit lavergnetn.gov/237/parade-of-lights.

Dec. 3, 10 and 17 – Free Pictures with Santa
Come downtown and get your family’s picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse for free on Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Visit with Santa, then do some shopping around downtown with locally owned small businesses. For more information on Christmas downtown and other local initiatives, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.

Dec. 4 – Zeta Phi Beta Embracing 20 Extraordinary Years
The Sigma Chi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is honored to present a celebration brunch, “Embracing 20 Extraordinary Years,” on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 10:20 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.). The guest speaker is Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, of the Brown Chapel AME Church in Paris, Tennessee. The Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter was chartered on Dec. 4 and has since provided 20 years of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood to the Rutherford County community. Find Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter: Embracing 20 Extraordinary Years on Eventbrite. Brunch is included. The attire is Sunday-best. For more information, email sigmachizetachapter.president@gmail.com or call 870-413-7699.

Dec. 6 – Business After Hours at Redstone
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its December Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Redstone Federal Credit Union (2404 Medical Center Pkwy.). This is an informal social networking event designed to connect business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information on Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cuttings and other events, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

Dec. 7 – Courthouse Museum Social and Celebration
Join your downtown neighbors this holiday season and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Rutherford County Historic Courthouse Museum and newly elected Mayor Joe Carr for a social and celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 4:30–6 p.m. Enjoy refreshments provided by the Tasty Table and take a guided tour of the museum to celebrate the holiday season downtown. All are welcome. The night is brought to you by Main Street Murfreesboro, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, the Rutherford County Mayor’s Office and Historical Courthouse Museum committee.

Dec. 8 – All Access Night
All Access Nights are a time for special-needs families to enjoy the Discovery Center’s exhibits (502 SE Broad St.) in a sensory-friendly environment. All Access Nights are free, but reservations are suggested. This month’s night is Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5–8 p.m. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/allaccess or call 615-890-2300.

Dec. 9 – Santa Splash and Dash at Patterson Park Pool
Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a holiday pool party. Celebrate the holiday season with crafts, a meal and lots of swimming at Patterson Indoor Water Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 9, from 5–8 p.m. This will be a holly jolly good time for all; ages 8–14 are welcome. The cost to join is $5 for pre-registration and $7 day of. For more information, email cstafford@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439. [Pictured: Jordan Andru and John Liseke stand underneath the water fall at Patterson Park Community Center indoor pool as they attended Murfreesboro Parks & Rec.’s Splash and Dash. Photo by Jim Davis / Parks & Rec]

Dec. 10 – Nature in the Wild Art Fair
Enjoy art inspired by nature by many local artists on display and for sale during this all-day fair at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The day consists of woodworking, artwork, jewelry, photography and more. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors. The night is free to attend and $25 for artists to exhibit. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Dec. 10 – Music in the Wild featuring The Tipton County Travelers
Enjoy live music in the comfort of the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 6–8 p.m. Tipton County Travelers entertain viewers with a variety of tunes from Americana, folk, rockabilly and country with a little bluegrass. The event is free for all ages. No registration is required. For more information, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

Dec. 10 and 11 – Bethlehem Marketplace
The 38th reenactment of the Bethlehem Marketplace is on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, from noon–5 p.m. at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr.). The marketplace is a free walk-through drama re-enacting how the village of Bethlehem might have appeared the morning after the birth of Jesus. Its atmosphere and surroundings are those of 2,000 years ago, and it features characters in historical costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, tent makers, weavers, merchants in shops and census-takers. Live camels and other animals lend authenticity to the setting. As guests wait their turn, they can hear Christmas music from local school choirs, groups and individuals. There is no admission cost and no vendors onsite, and no reservations are required. For more information, find Bethlehem Marketplace on Facebook, visit sebaptist.org or call 615-896-0940.

Dec. 11 – Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2–4 p.m. The parade is free to attend; $10 to participate in the parade. The route merrily travels down Main Street beginning at MTSU and ends at the Historic Downtown Square. The theme is “Christmas Through the Years.” For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov and search Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, email rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-642-3723.

Dec. 13 – Tennessee Valley Winds Christmas Concert
The Tennessee Valley Winds performs its annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Patterson Park Recreation Center (521 Martin Luther King Blvd.). The concert starts at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge, though donations are accepted. The Tennessee Valley Winds is an all-volunteer community concert wind ensemble based in the Murfreesboro area. For more information, visit tnvalleywinds.org or find Tennessee Valley Winds on Facebook.

Dec. 13 – Rutherford Cable Tinsel & Tinis
In lieu of the monthly breakfast meeting, Rutherford Cable presents its annual party, Tinsel & Tinis, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Redstone Federal Credit Union (2404 Medical Center Pkwy.) from 4:30–6:30 p.m. The night consists of photos, games, food and a signature martini created especially for members. This is a time to come together to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The cost for members and guests is $20. Registration closes at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 6. For more information, visit cablemembershipdirectory.wildapricot.org, email sparkle@sparkleinnovations.com or call 615-887-6125.

Dec. 14 – Living Sent
Living Sent Murfreesboro will hold its December meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, beginning at 11:45 a.m. at the Experience Christian Community (421 Old Salem Rd.). Aaron Walls will share how God worked out every detail of changing careers and how He helped Aaron start his own business. Singer Doug Mathis will share God’s involvement in his career and help attendees bring in the Christmas season. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Momentum Seminars. RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

Dec. 15 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the December 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Dec. 15 – Panther Crew Movie Night Takeover, Avatar
Panther Crew Brews presents another Movie Night Takeover at Premiere Six for the special early release of Avatar, The Way of Water at Jackson Heights Shopping Center (810 NW Broad St.) on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and include two free drink coupons. For more information, visit panthercreekbrews.com.

Dec. 16 – Christmas at Patterson
This free Christmas community event at Patterson Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) features Santa and his sleigh for DIY pictures on Friday, Dec. 16, from 6–9 p.m. The day consists of Christmas cookies and ornament decorating, story time with Mrs. Claus, Santa letter-writing and more. There is no admission cost. All ages are welcome. For more information, email lwright@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 x 6129.

Dec. 17 – Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America at Stones River National Battlefield is Saturday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. Remember and honor veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of the country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. The event, sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol, begins with a brief ceremony at the Stones River National Cemetery rostrum. Participants are asked to park in the recreational/overflow parking area near the park visitor center. You can register to volunteer or sponsor a wreath at wreathsacrossamerica.org. [Photo courtesy of Yvonne Branum Elliott]

Dec. 17 – 3rd Saturday Open Studios
Acorn Haven Studios (8265 Lascassas Pk.) and Dawna Magliacano host the next 3rd Saturday Open Studio, featuring eight local artists, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Shop handmade gifts and enjoy hot cocoa, hot spiced cider and cookies. Make your own festive gift tags with Magliacano and CatieBeth Thomas. For more information, find 3rd Saturday Open Studio on Facebook.

Dec. 17 – Murfreesboro Community Church Christmas Program
The Murfreesboro Community Church (2555 Lascassas Pk.) presents an evening of beautiful Christmas music and a play that makes the Nativity scene come to life on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6–7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The program is free (a love offering will be received). Bring family and friends as everyone is welcome. For more information, visit murfreesborocommunitychurch.com.

Dec. 17 and 18 – Sinfonietta Presents The Nutcracker
The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta presents the second-ever local production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with live music from the Sinfonietta and dancers from the SoZo Dance Academy. Following the first-ever, sold-out performances of The Nutcracker, the show returns for a second year with three performances, set for Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at MTSU School of Music’s Hinton Hall (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.). The show is directed by Jeffrey Keever and the SoZo Dance Academy is led by Anna Claire Farmer. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and can be purchased at buytickets.at/middletennesseesinfonietta. For more information, visit mtsinfonietta.com, email info@mtsinfonietta.com or call 864-706-3647.

Dec. 21 – Ben Franklin’s Electric Party
Middle Tennessee Electric hosts Ben Franklin’s Electric Party, performed by actor Neil Spencer, on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Smyrna Outdoor Activity Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E). “Benjamin Franklin” shares the excitement of his electrical experiments in this live theater performance and hands-on workshop presentation with the help of student volunteers. Students become scientists as they participate in the “static electricity challenge.” Performance times are 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. MTE is also proud to co-sponsor the Thomas Edison Secret Lab exhibit with the Tennessee Valley Authority. This 1800-square-foot traveling exhibit experience explores the fascinating ways science shapes our everyday lives. The exhibit runs through Jan. 8, 2023, and provides hands-on experiments for K–8th grade students related to electricity, magnetism, optics, sound waves and air pressure. The exhibit and a 40-minute climb time are included with SOAC admission. SOAC admission is $7 per adult (ages 13–54), $4 per senior (ages 55+), $5 per child (ages 2–12) and children under 2 are free. For more information, visit smyrnaoutdooradventurecenter.org or call 615-459-9710.

Dec. 24 – Procrastinators Craft Fair
Join Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) for its Procrastinators Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 24. If you find yourself without a gift for that special someone, this is the perfect opportunity as the event will have a blacksmith, a knife maker, a baker, a potter, a crocheter, a cactus lady, a vintage book seller and more. Captain A-Aron the Caroling Pirate leads a singalong. The fair starts at 3 p.m. with carols at 5 p.m. For more information, find Cedar Glade Brews on Facebook and Instagram, email cedargladebrewhouse@gmail.com or call 615-900-3707.

Dec. 26–Jan. 2 – Stones River National Battlefield 160th Anniversary
Stones River National Battlefield is holding a week of events marking the battle’s 160th anniversary, the park’s biggest event of the year. As the Civil War neared its halfway point, President Lincoln needed a victory. He pressed all of his commanders to fight in December 1862, to support the Emancipation Proclamation with a victory as it took effect on Jan. 1, 1863. On Dec. 26, 1862, Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans led his 43,000-man Army of the Cumberland south from Nashville to confront the Confederate Army of Tennessee, numbering 38,000 soldiers, at Murfreesboro. On Dec. 31, 1862, the armies clashed and continued fighting for three days. To commemorate what became the Battle of Stones River, rangers and volunteers at the Stones River National Battlefield present a week of events to tell the tale of the Civil War battle that changed the course of American history. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, find the The Battle of Stones River 160th Anniversary Program—The Approaching Thunder event on Facebook.

Dec. 27 – The Youth Empowerment Social
Life Prep 4 Success helps youth find their path to success through college, vocation, entrepreneurship or employment. Their first major event, The Youth Empowerment Social, should be a powerful experience for those in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at DoubleTree Hotel (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.). The Social anticipates 200 youths from the Middle Tennessee area. The major goal is to create a safe, fun space for youths to engage with others in an environment that promotes passion, purpose, financial awareness and self-care. Event organizers need community vendors to participate by promoting their business and providing employment opportunities and self-care information for the youth. Vendors between the ages of 14–18 are preferred, however, all ages are welcome to apply. General admission to the event is $25. For more information, visit lifeprep4success.com or find 2022 Youth Empowerment Social on Eventbrite.

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon
“3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!” Come to the biggest pajama party in Murfreesboro with STEAM activities focused on New Year Celebrations at the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Admission is charged and free for members. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/countdown or call 615-890-2300.

Mondays – Connect Murfreesboro
Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20 minutes at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

Wednesdays – Boro 2 Square Running Group
The Boro 2 Square running group meets at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group welcomes runners of all paces looking to get out to run and socialize with other runners. Normal run distances are between 3 and 5 miles. Participants are welcome to hang out and socialize at Mayday following the run. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Thursdays – Mad Cow Trek Club
The Mad Cow Trek Club running group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). The group embarks on a route of 4–8 miles and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. Affiliated with the Mad Cow Running Company in McMinnville, the Trek Club hosts races and free get-togethers to share its love of running with the community. Find Mad Cow Running Company (MCRC) on Facebook for course routes and more details. All runners are encouraged to stay after each run for food and drinks.

Fridays – Mudrock4x4 Jeep & Truck Meet
Each Friday night, Mudrock4x4 (1022 Samsonite Blvd.) hosts a Jeep & Truck Meet-and-Greet from 6 p.m.–midnight. Spend the night alongside a bonfire, play corn hole or barrel toss, enjoy barbecue (guests can bring their own food and cook it onsite) and engage in great conversations about Jeeps, trucks and anything 4×4 related. It is free to attend and the bonfire is great during this time of year. All people and vehicles are welcome. For more information, visit mudrock4x4.com or mudrockrentals.com.