Christmas in Murfreesboro – throughout December
Each weekend before Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse on Friday nights from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12-4 p.m. Santa arrives to light the official Rutherford County Christmas Tree at Main Street’s annual Celebrate Christmas Downtown festivities on Friday, Dec. 6, with music by Homer Pittard Campus School Choir, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir, Dance Theatre of Tennessee, Bradley School of the Arts, Cason Lane Academy and The Dancers’ School beginning at 5:30 p.m. Professional photography by Shacklett’s Photography will be available on the Courthouse on Friday Dec. 13 and 20. Main Street will provide free horse-drawn carriage rides on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.
Sponsor a Special Kids Family for Christmas – through Dec.9
Local nonprofit Special Kids invites you to help sponsor those in need this holiday season as part of its annual Cornelius Christmas program. Sponsors range from individuals and families to employee groups and Sunday school classes who join hands to provide for an individual family. Donations can include coats, shoes, blankets and household goods such as paper products, cleaning supplies and gift cards for gas, groceries, and prescriptions. Volunteers are also needed to help collect and distribute the gifts during the week of Dec. 9-13. Sign up at specialkidstn.com/sign-up-form or by contacting (615) 893-4892 or sfolkmann@specialkidstn.com. Volunteers can also contact Special Kids at (615) 893-4892 or info@specialkidstn.com.
Christmas Tree Auction to Benefit United Way – through Dec. 14
Reeves-Sain Drug Store (1801 Memorial Blvd.,), BombShells Hair Studio and Spa (803 N. Thompson Ln.) and Hylabrook Antique Mall (204 Chaffin Pl.) impact their community by auctioning off decorated Christmas trees to benefit United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. Each location will decorate the tree and provide items to go along with the tree for the auction. Bids can be placed visiting the three locations up until Dec. 14. For more information, call United Way at (615) 893-7303.
Operation: Adopt A Hero – through Dec. 21
This Christmas Day, Reveille Joe (113 N. Maple St.) will spend the day at the Tennessee State Veterans Home (345 Compton Rd.). Starting Monday, Nov. 25, pick up a “boot” with a vet’s name on it, as well as a Christmas stocking that can be filled with a handwritten note, drawing or card showing gratitude, up to $20 in goodies, a gift card or a stocking decoration. Return the stockings no later than Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. to be presented on Christmas Day. For more information, call (615) 849-1222.
Smyrna Christmas Parade – Dec. 1
The 39th Annual Smyrna Christmas Parade hits the road Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. on Lowry St. from Mayfield Dr. to Nolan Dr. (running north). Be a part of the fun featuring floats, drill teams, classic vehicles, bands and, of course, Santa Claus. For more information, call (615) 267-5003.
Alive Hospice Grief Seminar – Dec. 5
The holiday season can be a very difficult time if you’ve lost a loved one. Alive Hospice’s Grief During the Holidays Seminar helps deal with grief through tips and strategies from professional grief counselors at First Presbyterian Church (210 N. Spring St.). Reservations are required. RSVP at alivegriefsupportservices.eventbrite.com or by calling (615) 346-8680. For more information, visit AliveHospice.org.
Christmas at Cannonsburgh – Dec. 5-7 and 12-14
Celebrate the Christmas season by taking a leisurely hayride through Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) and enjoy a Christmas display consisting of over 21,000 lights. All participants will receive a complimentary cup of apple cider. Admission is $2 per person (2 and under free) from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call (615) 890-0355.
Bethlehem Marketplace – Dec. 7-8
Take part in the re-enactment of the town of Bethlehem. Witness biblical-period sights such as Roman soldiers, live camels and other animals, tent-makers, weavers, carpenters and merchants in costumes at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr.) from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 896-0940 or visit sebaptist.org.
La Vergne Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony – Dec. 7
The night time La Vergne Christmas parade will travel down Murfreesboro Rd. and end at City Hall. Following the parade, the official tree lighting ceremony will take place at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne). Admission is free. For more information, contact dlayne@lavergnetn.gov or (615) 793-3224, or visit lavergnetn.gov.
30th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes – Dec. 7
Usher in the holiday season with this enchanting tour of historic homes from 4-8 p.m. Proceeds from the Candlelight Tour of Homes benefit the care and preservation of the historic Oaklands House Museum while featuring beautiful and historic private homes, a distinctive church, historic schoolhouse and more in the East Main Street area. Admission is $10 per person 21 years and older, $8 for students, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. For more information, contact (615) 893-0022 or info@oaklandsmuseum.org
2013 Help-Portrait Event – Dec. 7
The Experience Community Church (521 Old Salem Rd.) holds The 2013 Help-Portrait Event, Murfreesboro, founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, to give back to communities through a group of photographers. To volunteer, visit taraspradley.com/help-portrait. If you need your photo taken, arrive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Hairstylists and make-up artists will be onsite and will be offering free professional portraits to anyone who comes by, though the event is geared mainly for those who are in need. For any questions, call (901) 674-3239 or visit help-portrait.com.
Toy Show – Dec. 7
Vendors will display a variety of toys and collectibles for sale at a show at the Smyrna Rescue Building on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Exhibitor tables are only $10. The Rescue Squad Building is located at 203 S. Front St., Smyrna. For more information, call (615) 355-5422.
Outer Limits Charity Tournaments – Dec. 7-8
Outer Limits (810 N.W. Broad St., Suite 248) invites you to a series of charity tournaments benefiting Toys for Tots, Dec. 7-8, beginning at 10 a.m. Entry into each of the events will be a new, boxed toy to be donated. Take part in games such as Pokemon Constructed (beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday), Magic: the Gathering (beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday) and Heroclix (beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday). Lots of prizes are up for grabs. For more information, visit outerlimitsboro.com or call (615) 867-4211.
It Was a Christmas of Remembrance – Dec. 7
Briefly step into 1863 as the Davis family mourns the loss of Sam Davis at the Sam Davis Home and Museum (1399 Sam Davis Rd.). Visit the historic house and watch the Davis family prepare their home for a jolly Christmas free of war woes. The youngest children play a special Christmas game, the string maze, while the older boys head outside to shoot mistletoe down from the tree limbs above. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.
Murfreesboro Christmas Parade – Dec. 8
Have a blast this year at the annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade full of floats, candy, marching bands and more. The parade will start at East Main St. and Middle Tennessee Blvd. at 2 p.m. and end at West Main and Walnut Streets. Christine Huddleston of Room In the Inn will serve as the parade’s grand marshall. For more information, call WGNS at (615) 893-5373 or visit wgnsradio.com.
BombShells Hair Studio & Spa Holiday Party – Dec. 9
Come out and sample some of your favorite services while enjoying drinks, refreshments, and prizes at the BombShells Hair Studio & Spa, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy 15% off products for this night only. Attendance is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call to reserve your spot at (615) 907-8004 or visit borobombshells.com.
Victorian Holiday Tours for School Groups – Dec. 9-19
Experience Victorian holiday customs through decorations and tales from the past as you tour the elegant Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) including a video presentation, special tour of the mansion and historic ornament workshop (with ornaments to be taken home). This program is available for homeschool groups and school groups. Reservations required. For more information, call (615) 893-0022 or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.
Sparkle Pop-Up Shop – Dec. 13-14
The Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the first Sparkle Pop-Up Shop, a holiday shopping event and fundraiser. The Sparkle Pop-Up Shop will feature the work of local artists, designers and craftspeople as well as locally made edible goods. Work from area artists such as Ramsey Hall Jewelry, Katie Vance knitlaces, HollerDesign wood goods, printed goods by Meghan O’Connor, tea from Positiffitea and much more will be available. A portion of all sales will directly benefit improvements to the gallery at the Center for the Arts. As the hub for local arts in Murfreesboro, the Center for the Arts gallery has hosted a diverse array of exhibits over the years including professional artists, high school and elementary art as well as exhibitions highlighting the rich history of Murfreesboro. The variety of updates and improvements to the gallery will allow the Center to host a larger variety of events and exhibits. The Sparkle Pop-Up Shop will be open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Meagan Hall at 615.904.2787 or at meagan@boroarts.org.
Frosty Fun Run – Dec. 14
The Stones River Country Club will host the 2013 Frosty Fun Run at 7 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, with 2-mile and 4.5-mile fun run options. Run through the country club’s golf course, and then enjoy post-race waffles and coffee provided by Waffle House, all to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates; it’s all about the kids. There is no timing system, just a fun run, but raffle items and prizes are available. Pre-registration fee is $25 with an unwrapped gift OR $35, without a gift. For more information, call (615) 494-3141 or e-mail krista@fleetfeetmurfreesboro.com. Online registration is available at signmeup.com.
Victorian Christmas Ball – Dec. 14
Feel elegant in your finest Victorian ball gown or black-tie suit as you dance the evening away in Oaklands’ elegant Maney Hall (900 N. Maney Ave.). Reservations required. For more information, contact mb@oaklandsmuseum.org or (615) 893-0022, or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.
Snowflake 5K – Dec. 14
Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee’s annual Snowflake 5k fundraiser is looking for runners and sponsors to help make a difference in the lives of families in Middle Tennessee. Race registration is available for both individuals and teams. Early registration is $25; discounted group entry for groups of 10 or more is $15 each. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., Dec. 14, with the race beginning at 9 a.m. and awards presented at 10 a.m. The race is held at Shelby Bottoms Park in East Nashville. For more information, contact (615) 417-1353 or marymargaret.brown@pcat.org, or visit tenfastfeet.com.
Science and Spirituality Discussion Group – Dec. 16
Are you interested in exploring the relationship between science and spirituality? Science and Spirituality Discussion Group meets the third Monday of each month (Dec. 16) from 7-8:30 p.m. at Unity of Murfreesboro (130 Cannon St.). For more information, call (615) 907-6033.
Murfreesboro Symphony Concert: Sounds of Christmas – Dec. 19
Get in the Christmas spirit by joining the Murfreesboro Symphony and Chorus at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.) for a stunning production of traditional fanfare that surrounds Christmas. For more information, call (615) 898-1862 or visit murfreesborosymphony.com.
151st Anniversary Programs – Dec. 26-Jan. 2
Join rangers and volunteers at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) for a variety of walks, talks, tours and living history demonstrations that will tell the story of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Stones River. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
Countdown to Noon – Dec. 31
Wear your pajamas and join Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) for the biggest pajama party in Murfreesboro. Enjoy fun party activities as you countdown to noon in 12 time zones across the world from 10 a.m.-noon. Admission is $6 for everyone 2 and up. For more information, call (615) 890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org.
Countdown to Noon
