Rutherford Parent magazine December 2022

Trusted by Paxton’s parents.

Having her water break in the 32nd week of her pregnancy wasn’t part of Ashley’s birth plan. But when it became apparent that her son, Paxton, would be born prematurely, the NICU team at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt sprang into action.

The Monroe Carell NICU team was right there in the delivery room with Ashley and her husband Kevin. And because our nationally ranked adult and pediatric hospitals are connected, the new parents had plenty of bonding time with their son while Ashley recovered and Paxton got the expert neonatal care he needed.

Paxton spent two weeks in the NICU, a period Kevin and Ashley refer to as “parenting bootcamp.”

As part of Paxton’s care team, they were right there with the doctors and nurses, learning to care for their son’s unique needs.

Paxton is now a happy, healthy baby on track to achieve all his developmental milestones.

Our story is best told through theirs. Learn more about other inspiring patients like Paxton.

Ranked nationally. Caring locally. ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org

A child’s smile warms the

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

REACH OUT TO: 615.475.5220

12 Days of Giving

Taking place Thursday, Dec. 1 and continuing through Friday, Dec. 16, join us to try your luck at winning a fabulous prize! Turn to 28 to see the presents!

Take the lie away from Santa.

Enchant, located at First Horizon Park in Nashville, is a festive walk-thru experience with millions of lights, a maze, a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, ice skating, a holiday village and upgrades for a VIP experience. Presented by Hallmark. Evenings through Dec. 30.

“At what age did you tell your kids that Santa Claus wasn’t real?”

The Winter Reading Challenge in Williamson County; Nashville Parent wins new awards and local parent briefs.

Jingle Beat, located at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, is an indoor/outdoor experience including three different areas: Crystal Caves (pictured), Electric Evergreens and Santaland. Evenings through Dec. 31.

WIN on Wednesdays!

Every Wednesday, on our Facebook page, we give away prizes for #WINSday. Here’s what to know:

HOW IT WORKS:

Subscribe to our Thursday e-newsletter (available at nashvilleparent.com) to get in on our #WINSday prize drawings. On Wednesdays, on Facebook, we announce the #WINSday prize asking, “What day is it?” You post the EXACT answer from the previous week’s e-newsletter and get into our drawing.

WED., DEC. 7:

A family-four pack to “Jingle Beat” immersive light show.

WED., DEC. 14:

A family-four pack to “Enchant” immersive light show.

WED., DEC. 21:

Four tickets to Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination.

WED., DEC. 28:

Four tickets to Nashville Zoo.

MISSION STATEMENT

Nashville, Rutherford, Sumner and Williamson Parent Magazines aim to provide the community connection parents long for. We help moms, dads and families navigate the uncharted waters of family life, and we weave bright threads of joy and opportunity into the daily lives of families.

Our magazines are published monthly by Day Communications, Inc. The mailing address is 1229 Lakeview Drive, Ste. A., Franklin, TN 37067. Phone number: 615-475-5220. E-mail to: npinfo@daycommedia.com. Every precau tion has been taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, however, NASHVILLE/ RUTHERFORD/SUMNER/WILLIAMSON

PARENT cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. NASHVILLE/RUTHERFORD/SUMNER/ WILLIAMSON PARENT is copyright © 2022 by Day Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.

© 2022

DAY BY DAY

by Susan S. Day

Take the Lie Out of Santa

Her tiny face crumpled into a million pieces and she started bawl ing and wrenching backwards in my arms. My 1-year-old had come face-to-face with Santa Claus — or a guy with black hair peeking out from his white wig — and he wreaked of tobacco. We were at work, I always brought my kids in, and it was December. But I had not expected one of our magazine drivers to show up in a red velvet suit and high-pitched, “Ho-ho-ho’s.” Santa’s wife, also a magazine driver, wasn’t dressed in velvet, but she was there, and hopping mad. A bunch of us had abandoned our desks to see Santa Claus because, well, he was in the house!

As soon as my baby girl started crying, Santa’s wife started cackling. Rough and ticked off for some reason, she was just as frightening as Santa to my child. The woman thrust her face toward my little girl and cried, “That’s right, cry! Cry! His face makes ME cry, too!” Looking back, it’s funny, but then it was awful.

I whisked back to my desk, shielding my girl from the raunchy scene. Soon enough she was munching Cheerios, but her eyes remained full.

You DO have to be ready for moments like that. Like if your child melts down at the mall when you’re trying to do Santa photos. Or just for the sheer number of Santa Clauses in the world. But I never once thought that I should tell my child that Santa isn’t real. Why would I do that? Santa is everywhere in Decem ber. On TV, in movies, in stores, at events, even flipping advertising signs on street corners. Santa provides an important childhood rite of passage.

For me, it wasn’t traumatic to learn that Santa was actually my mom and dad. I had figured that out for myself, so I didn’t have a confrontational moment or a thought that my parents lie to me or anything like that. My parents got into the myth and magic of Santa and made our home very merry. Some things in life aren’t worth canceling and Santa is one of them. We need more joy and silly fun in homes these days, so I won’t buy that Santa is a lie. At worst, he’s an actor. At best, he indulges the childhood imagination that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, making it easy for children to believe. As kids get older, their brains will connect the dots about the reality of the situation.

Childhood can provide magical moments with dressing up and make believe or ones wrapped up in parental realities. Believing in Santa isn’t lying to your children, unless you choose to plant that stake in the ground. But why not enjoy the mythology? Why not allow the mystery to take ahold of your hearts for your self and your kids? Why get in the way of the joy?

When your child asks, “Are you Santa?” Why don’t you get a twinkle in your eye and let out a solid, “Ho, ho, ho!” and ask your child, “Well, what do you think?” And just leave it at that. Lighten up and let the good times roll!

PARENT POLL FEEDBACK

WHEN AND HOW DO YOU HAVE

The Santa Talk?

“Never did. My mom once told me, “As long as you believe, you still get something.” I still get my stocking filled at her house now that we are all grown. My parents also have filled stockings each year, and my kids are all teens and 20 so ... same tradition.”

Amanda Powell Tynes

“I’m torn. My older child is probably too old to really still be believing, but he is also special needs so I don’t want to take away some of the happiness he already has. His life is so difficult already.”

Laurel Gallant

“My daughter is 9 and has asked. We asked her if she believes and she said, “Yes,” so we are rolling with it for now. Whatever you do, please make sure you let them know that friends at school may still believe so don’t ruin it for everyone else.”

Jillian Baker Eshelman

“When my son kinda realized it, I told him the blunt truth,

but then followed up immediately saying that now he is the elf. (Still have a believing little sister.) That he is now part of a magical and treasured group who make magic for the Littles. It’s a serious job. So now he is my elf. He is doing our elves on the shelf. He has some new ideas this year. And playing look out and gift guard. The sneaky grins he gives me when he’s telling me what sis has asked for when I wasn’t listening. He is so excited!”

Linda Goodwin Gonzalez

“When they asked, my husband would always say, “What do you think?” And when they said they believe, he’d respond with, “OK then.”

Keaven Taylor Neely

“We never started it. To us it wasn’t worth fibbing to our children and later having them question whether or not Jesus is real/fake. We do acknowledge that St. Nicholas was a real person, but nothing more than that.”

Alicia Oliver

“When they start to ask the good questions. You let them lead the conversation and carefully try not to still convince them when it’s clear the jig is up. Or, if they straight up say they don’t think it’s real and why. You’ll know your own kids. You’ll know when they’re ready. If you have younger ones, explain that the older ones need to help keep the magic alive with the younger and they can be helpers. For Santa, my kids become my elves on Christmas Eve. They get to help wrap all the presents, stay up late watching Christmas movies and eat some candy and the cookies left out. It prepares them for their own kids as well.”

Heather Johnson

“My wife let it happen naturally and always said when they ask, she will tell the truth. She had a good talk with our first son. For our second son, I messed up and put the Elf in our bedside drawer instead of away when he left to go back to the north pole. So that talk happened a little sooner than expected. It’s

tough and a good question for each family to decide. We had concerns that if they found out about Santa then maybe Jesus is not real also. I personally felt OK to let our kids believe as long as possible. There are many ways to share how that childhood belief is real in many people as they serve others and ways to explain the greatest giver/gift is Jesus. And tell them how proud you are that they are of the age to get to really learn and understand what Jesus gave.”

Jeff Green

“Never, why? My kids are teenagers, I am sure they know, but it didn’t come from me.”

Teresa Scott

“You never lie to them in the first place.”

Ashley Stubblefield

“Why give them a talk at all? Let them believe as long as they want!”

Myrna Cerezo

Parents are split about how to approach the subject.

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Explore major must‑haves of the season at 85 shops & restaurants. Be Social. Follow Us. @theavenueboro TheAvenueMurfreesboro.com

Winter Reading Challenge is ON in Williamson County

Dec. 1 - Jan. 3, 2023

by Susannah Marley

The Williamson County Public Library System will hold this year’s Winter Reading Challenge from December 1 through January 3, 2023. Reading challenges are available with optional activities for three age groups: children ages birth-seventh grade, teens from seventh to 12th grade, and adults 18 years of age and older. The free Winter Reading Challenge asks each registered participant to read for 10 hours for a free book.

The Winter Reading Challenge keeps kids actively engaged in reading and creative opportunities outside of the classroom.

“By offering educational and inventive avenues for children and teenagers, like the Winter Reading Challenge, the Williamson County

Your teen could win Bose earphones ...

... You could win an E Reader ...

Public Library is continuing our commitment to the importance of literacy and lifelong learning,” says Jessica Jeffers, Williamson County Public Library System director.

“December and January are the start to the cold weather and combined with holiday school break means that families are spending more time indoors and are looking for opportunities to help fill their inside time,” says Stephanie Wycihowski, youth services manager.

Past Winter Reading Challenges have proven to be a popular activity; participants logged a combined total of 268,703 minutes of reading last year.

As the holiday season begins, the Challenge offers an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones by participating in the optional activities within the challenge, such as building a blanket fort, making s’mores, or even going on a winter scavenger hunt. By completing the optional activities, participants are one step closer to entering a raffle for various larger prizes, such as an e-Reader for adults and a pair of Bose earphones for teens.

While students are a focus of the Winter

Reading Challenge, adults are also invited to join the fun.

“Our library has so much for everyone to enjoy in regards to reading materials plus a wonderful staff to help people of all ages find a book in any format, print, digital, or audio,” says Jeffie Nicholson, adult services manager.

Nicholson also notes the role adults play in instilling a love of reading in children.

“Participating in the library’s Winter Reading Challenge is not just a fun opportunity for adults to enjoy and earn prizes like for kids,” Nicholson says. “It’s important for all adults to model reading for youth; there is nothing more powerful than seeing a person that you look up to enjoying a book!”

The Winter Reading Challenge is available by registering with Beanstack at williamsoncounty.beanstack.org or by logging into an existing Beanstack account. Join the age-appropriate Winter Reading Challenge or visit a library branch to register and pick up a paper reading log to participate.

Christmas at Brentwood Academy Returns

A concert by Point of Grace, Santa and elves, an interactive petting zoo, a trackless train, bounce houses and more.

Back for a second year, the community is invited to Christmas in Brentwood, Sunday, December 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Brentwood Academy (BA).

This community-wide celebration drew more than four thousand people in its first year on the BA campus. Projected to draw an even bigger crowd this year, the “Hallmark movie-like” atmosphere features family-friendly Christmas activities, culminating with the lighting of the Great Brentwood Academy Christmas Tree.

Point of Grace has garnered two Platinum records, three Grammy nominations, 27 No. 1 singles and numerous Dove Awards.

Festivities include Santa and elves, an interactive petting zoo, a trackless train, bounce houses, a letters to Santa station, food trucks and a coffee bar.

Before the event begins, Point of Grace (with special guest Mark Schultz), will perform their all-new Gloria Christmas concert in the Brentwood Academy theatre. After the concert, Point of Grace will lead eventgoers in a carol sing-along as the community Christmas tree lighting takes place.

“We are beyond excited to host this event for our community,” says Jason Mathews, dean of admission and community engage-

ment. “We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus during this special event for the community to gather, celebrate and give to those in need.”

Brentwood Academy again partners with the Nashville Rescue Mission for the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring new coats or new undergarments such as large sized t-shirts, underwear and socks to donate to the mission.

Tickets range from $35 - $65. For more information and tickets, visit christmasinbrentwood.net.

• Nashville Parent is the newly crowned 2022 recipient of the BRONZE AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE from the Parenting Media Association (PMA), following their annual conference last month. Nashville Parent will celebrate 30 years in 2023 and has a long history of winning. For 2022, the magazine also won several other awards including a Silver Award for “Things to Do” family calendar; a Silver Award for Editor Susan Day’s Editor Note; and the Gold in General Excellence for The Family Manual annual guide. Regional parenting publications from across the nation compete annually for excellence in content and design recognition as judged by professors from the University of Missouri Journalism School. See all of the awards at https://parentmedia.org.

• HOLSTON HOUSE OFFERS TEA WITH SANTA December 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 22, 23 from 2 - 4 p.m. Bar TENN will offers a special holiday service complete with Christmas cookies and a visit with Santa. The cost is $50. Book your spot on Open Table at opentable. com/r/tenn-nashville.

• SCUBA CLAUS AT THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM returns for the annual Holidays Under the Peaks celebration at 2 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17. Learn more about Holidays Under the Peaks at tnaqua.org/holidays .

• Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee are again offering GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE CHRISTMAS TOURS Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 11. All tours are self-guided, free to the public and require a reservation. The Tennessee Governor’s residence is

located at 882 Curtiswood Lane S, Nashville. For more information, go to tn.gov/firstlady/newsroom.

• Ring in the new year with big band jazz, Brazilian grooves and classical music at the first CHEEKWOOD’S WINTER CONCERT SERIES. Set in Cheekwood’s Massey Auditorium, the trio of intimate concerts aims to expand perspectives and delight music lovers. The performances take place on January 28, February 10, and February 23 at 7 p.m. Guests can purchase admission online at cheekwood.org/calendar/winter-concert-series.

• Fannie Battle Day Home has served thousands of families in need of childcare in East Nashville since 1891. Running Dec. 1 - 24, the 106th annual CAROLING FOR KIDS fundraiser helps this nonprofit’s mission to provide accessible and affordable childcare.

It’s a great opportunity to serve for girl scout troops, youth ministry groups or families. Sign up at fanniebattle.org.

• THE PUPPET TRUCK, a Wishing Chair Productions bringing puppetry to kids, has new shows starting up in January, 2023. Kids will be able to see “Tomas and the Library Lady,” a marionette show based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became a national education leader. And “Puss in Boots,” about a tiny, wiley kitty cat. The Puppet Truck travels throughout Davidson County, in conjunction with the Bringing Books to Life literacy program. Learn more at library. nashville.org/services. Plus, find out how your organization can request the Puppet Truck. Learn more at the above web site.

This holiday season, give a gift that lasts all year long with a membership to Adventure Science Center. A membership includes special discounts, member exclusives, and free admission for one year.

growing up

by Sandi Schwartz

Balancing the Giving and Receiving for Your Kids

Apart from early toddlerhood, children feel a sense of pride in giving, and so it is in their intrinsic nature to be charitable, not selfish. Christmas provides a wonderful way for you to build on this.

One of the key challenges of holiday time is that kids get so used to receiving oodles of gifts that they begin to expect that they will always get more and more. But have you noticed how quickly they lose interest with many of the toys they receive during the holidays? Showering your kids with gifts every year can end up being detrimental if they become numb to the excitement of gifts, and if they only focus on the receiving side of the holidays. There are several ways that you can instill some balance so that your kids learn to appreciate what they receive while also giving to others.

Express Gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most important ways for anyone to get a happiness boost. It provides psychological, physical and interpersonal benefits. It improves your health, reduces stress and helps you focus on the positive aspects of life. Teaching your kids how to step back and be thankful for what they have will keep them grounded and help them realize how lucky they are to be receiving toys and other gifts at holiday time.

You can encourage your kids to express their gratitude for the gifts they receive by writing thank you notes to friends and relatives. You can also go around the dinner table and invite everyone to say how grateful they are for each gift and why it is so meaningful to them. Finally, one of the most popular and effective ways to express gratitude is through journaling. It encourages kids to acknowledge

the positive moments in their day, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Consider giving them their own gratitude journal this holiday season so they have the perfect place to record what they are thankful for, including their holiday gifts and other special moments throughout the year.

Learn That

Less Is More

How many dolls does one little girl really need? If you dig through your kids’ old toys, you may be taken aback by how many of each item they actually have: multiple puzzles, games, cars, trucks, plastic figures and art supplies. It never ends. When they are showered with too many presents, it reduces the interest value of each toy very quickly. According to Kim John Payne in Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids, kids who are inundated with toys are so overwhelmed that they are unable to play by themselves and can even develop focus issues.

It is so important to teach kids how to pick and choose a few special gifts that they would like and to not go overboard. Parenting coach Carla Naumburg developed a poem to inspire the types of presents to give to children for the holidays that helps make each gift meaningful. This approach goes beyond just the obvious toys

that children typically want, allowing both parents and children to be more creative with gifts:

Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.

Something to see, something to spare, something to cook, something to share.

Choose Experiences Over Stuff

Research over the last decade shows that experiences make us happier than possessions. Instead of always giving our kids gifts that they can hold in their hand, why not try a new experience that will provide them with a memory for a lifetime? It doesn’t have to be an expensive family vacation to Disney World; it can be a simple activity close by that you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas that your kids will love:

Enjoy nature by visiting the zoo, going camping or hiking, spending a day at the beach or trying out skiing or snowboarding. Show them the excitement of the city by visiting historical monuments, museums, going out to a fancy restaurant or attending a concert or sporting event.

Expand their knowledge by signing them up for an art class, cooking class, music lesson, science event or computer course.

TIPS! How to Raise Giving Kids

Set a Positive Example: Show your kids what it means to be giving through your actions and words.

Teach Them About Generosity: Because it’s important to help kids understand that not everyone is as lucky as they may be, encourage your kids to be kind and giving to others.

Find Creative Ways to Express a Giving Nature: Help your child to know other people’s personalities and favorites and to think about what others might like to receive. The art of gift giving is all about knowing the receiver.

Discuss Ways to Give to Others: December is the perfect time to clean out the playroom and practice some giving. Spend some time each year going through every nook and cranny to weed out the old toys before you bring in the new ones. Ask your children to collect piles of items to recycle, throw away and donate.

Source: Raising Good Humans (New Harbinger; 2019) by Hunter Clarke-Fields.

Give To Those Less Fortunate

The holiday season can quickly turn into a shopping spree if you’re not careful. But this is a particularly critical time of year to remember those who are not able to celebrate the holidays with piles of gifts. December is the perfect time to clean out the playroom and practice some giving. Spend some time each year going through every nook and cranny to weed out the old toys before you bring in the new ones. Ask your children to collect piles of items to recycle, throw away and donate. When the kids choose from their own pile of toys, they gain a powerful hands-on experience to learn about that balance between giving and receiving.

After you do this exercise a few times, your kids will automatically realize that no matter what new gifts they receive, they will choose some that they no longer play with to give to children who may not get any presents at all. This is a habit that everyone can easily add to their holiday traditions.

You can also start to encourage your children to forgo a new gift or two to purchase items for those in need. Look for a holiday toy drive and take your kids along with you to purchase the items and to deliver them to the charity.

Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness and environmental issues.

Parent Gifts You’ll Love

FOLDING BEACH CART VEVOR.COM

$165.99

No more lugging everything over the sand or looking for others to help carry — this is it. This beach cart includes robust contruction to carry your load and it folds easily so you can toss it in the cargo above your car for spring break. Corrosionproof, the big, inflatable tires give a smooth glide over the sand. Use it for the beach, camping, even at home when working in the yard.

What are parent gifts, exactly? They are items you give to each other that make life raising kids just that much better. Take care of yourselves so you can take care of them!

ANTHEM 4

ALL-TERRAIN WAGON GLADLYFAMILY.COM

$649.00

Whether you have one child or more, there’s nothing more adorable than pulling them along in a wagon through the neighborhood or at an event. The Anthem

4 All-Terrain Wagon is a four-seater beauty. Highly maneuverable, comfy for young riders, easy to pop up or fold back the shade canopy and easy to store, you can have this for years and years and still keep trucking.

In Pursuit of Sleep

Parents with newborns are thinking, ha, ha, how about any sleep at all? And yet, any night’s sleep is greatly improved with HONEYDEW SHEETS ($179 at Honeydewsleep.com). These combed baby-soft 100% bamboo sheets will set you on a cloud both warm and cool. Pair it with a SCRUMPTIOUS SIDE PILLOW ($129.99 on Honeydewsleep.com), which matches the contours of your neck for a rich, fully superior sleep experience. For a larger pillow, enjoy the deepness of a LUXURY PILLOW from Cosy House (now $39.95 on cosyhousecollection. com) paired with Cosy House’s super-comfy LUXURY BED SHEETS ($59.95). The bamboo/viscose blend provides full compound for an added cooling experience. No matter how you adorn your bed, top yourselves with Eli & Elm’s WEIGHTED COMFORTER, (on sale now at Eli & Elm for $264). Nothing like a good night’s sleep — this 100% cotton baby will help you snuggle on in — perchance to dream!

THE COMFY SPLASH THECOMFY.COM

$89.99

Your favorite Comfy product now has a complete water-resistant outer layer. It’s super-soft fleece inside will keep you together on the soccer field or in the ice rink for games, practices, you name it. Wear it anywhere! Available in several colors.

The Comfy Splash

BEARBACK ULTIMATE SELF-CARE BUNDLE GETBEARBACK.COM

$42.97

Encourage self-care at home with the strong bearback handle with plus four attachments: a scratcher, a massage roller; a dry brush and a lotion roller. Sit back and “Ahhhh.”

Bearback Self-Care Bundle

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Rollink’s collapsible suitcases shown in multi colors and stacked; to the right: open and standing.

FLEX VEGA COLLAPSIBLE SUITCASE ROLLINK.COM

$185

Innovation and style come together in the world’s first collapsible suitcase. This sleek and ultra-light hard-shell weekender bag holds enough clothing for two-to-three days. It will work great for your newborn’s items when traveling to grandma’s and it’s perfect for carry-on. You can also use it on the rare occasion that you can get away together for a night.

CRISBI

SMARTMAT

CRISBI.COM; $49.95

Makes a great gift for the cook in the kitchen! This handy-dandy mat makes an ideal resting place for your cell phone or tablet. Read dinner recipes with ease and a whole lot more.

Honeydew sheets are the softest sheets around.

Honeydew Sheets

Cosy House King Pillow

Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter

Scrumptious Side Pillow

academy the academy the

Children BELIEVE

Research says kids who believe in something are happier and healthier — and that spirituality begins in the womb. Here’s how you can tie all of it together to retain joy for your kids this Christmas season.

Santa Claus is ubiquitous this time of year — or at least at a mall near you. It’s Christmas time, the end of the year, and the time for giving and receiving joyfully. At least, that’s the way it’s intended to be.

But when the holidays roll around, so too does the dilemma of “the Santa Question” — especially if you have a child in the 8-to12- year-old range. Kids these ages are the ones who may have grown aware of what’s going on around them. They may be silent about their Santa doubts for quite some time, or they may come right out and ask you if you’re Santa Claus. What will you do? Some parents who want to preserve the wonder of the season may waffle. They might say, “Oh, I believe in Santa Claus and I’ll always believe in Santa Claus!” Other parents will struggle with the morality of, well, telling an extended lie to their kids and wondering if they should extend it further. Some parents never bring Santa into their homes at all.

The origins of the Santa mythology go back to the era of the Roman Empire. There really was a Turkish monk named St. Nicholas who was much admired for his piety, kindness and secret gift giving. He became the subject of many legends which spread widely throughout Europe, especially in Holland where he became known as Sinter Klaas.

According to history.com, Santa in the United States evolved from Dutch families in New York who would gather to honor the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death. But it was the American writer Washington Irving who helped to popularize St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his 1809 book, The History of New York. By the 1840s, American newspapers were running wild with advertisements for Christmas shopping with images of the newly popular Santa Claus. Kids everywhere loved believing.

Santa Claus Now

Today, when kids are 3 or 4, many parents tell them about a jolly, round man with a

white beard who dresses all in red and lives in the North Pole with toy-building elves. They say his name is Santa Claus and they dress up their kids to go get photos with him each December. They tell their kids that Santa likes good behavior from children and that you do not want to get on his naughty list. They promise that on Christmas Eve, under cover of darkness, this man, this Santa Claus, will sneak into their home to deliver presents.

For young children who trust their parents explicitly, this all must be true ... otherwise why would parents do this? Why get the Christmas tree, put out the milk and cookies and go through all of this fuss if it’s not true?

So, when children begin to doubt Santa’s existence, parents can get tripped up in their responses for varying reasons.

Laying the Foundation

Many parents participate in the Santa story as a way of laying a bedrock for belief and mystery in their kids. Christmas in Christian homes is the celebration of Jesus’s birth.

(please turn the page)

If you tell a young child that Christmas is about baby Jesus’s birth in a manger they will willingly believe you. At the same time, if you tell a young child that a happy man who laughs, “Ho-ho-ho” is coming to bring them presents while they’re sleeping, they will believe you.

Science has revealed a vivid picture of inborn, natural spirituality in children, with clear implications for how parents and other adults can support the development of that spirituality.

It’s magical thinking and it’s normal in everyday life, especially between the ages of 5 and 8. Kids in these ages believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, flying carpets, magic beans and even that stepping on a crack may break your mother’s back. But then something happens around the age of 8 or a little older. Kids start to understand about physical impossibilities and they learn for themselves — possibly without saying so — that the Santa story can’t be real.

Research suggests that kids tend to figure out the truth about Santa on their own, usually peaking around age 12 when a kid is brave enough to tell his parent what he knows.

For parents worried about “the lie,” there’s no cause to believe your child will distrust you for engaging in Santa mythology.

“There’s no evidence that finding out the truth about Santa causes kids any distress or makes them doubt whether or not they can trust their mom or dad,” says Jacqueline Woolley, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Director of the Children’s Research Lab in Austin, Texas. Kids are resilient and can handle and even enjoy figuring out what’s really going on. They “get” if you get joy out of the Santa myth and will even begin to take part in the fun.

And magical thinking never goes away completely — many adults believe in ghosts, aliens, unusual theories, you name it. But what about spirituality as truth for kids? Can a magical belief in Santa get mixed up with the question about baby Jesus during Christmas? Yes. So untangling the two ideas is cause for investigating a child’s innate belief system. Afterall, we don’t place a molding of Santa Claus in our nativity scenes.

Spirituality Tied to Happiness

“Science has revealed a vivid picture of inborn, natural spirituality in children, with clear implications for how parents and other adults can support the development of that spirituality,” says Lisa Miller. Miller is a popular speaker and the bestselling author of several books including The Spiritual Child: The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving (St. Martin’s Press; 2015) Miller’s book delves into a landmark 2015 study out of the Journal of Religion and Health from Columbia University in New York. Miller was the lead researcher. Her team learned that for children, happiness, grit and persistence actually go hand in hand with a deeper asset: spirituality. Her research, spanning more than 20 years, shows that the single most powerful protection against depression and suffering is a spiritual self.

Can belief actually make you happier?

“We know now that there is nothing more profoundly beneficial to children than to foster their innate spirituality; this is monumentally important information for all parents to have and use,” Miller says.

Furthermore, Miller’s research over the past seven years provides a level of certainty that any sort of spirituality becomes a source of

health and thriving for kids and that a lack of spirituality in families can be a source of suffering.

“I know childhood spirituality to be a powerful truth that is incontrovertible yet strangely absent from our mainstream culture,” Miller says. “That ‘children are so spiritual’ is not merely anecdote or opinion, be it mine or anyone else’s. It is an established scientific fact,” she adds.

From Santa to Jesus

No matter what questions your children ask you, “Is Santa real?” “Is Jesus real?,” it is very important, Miller says, not to turn away from difficult “why” questions. Your kids want to know what you think and what it might mean to you. And as a guidepost related to research, Miller says to consider the science of the matter.

“Spiritual children have a sense of inner worth, a sense of the lasting, higher sacred self, much bigger than the day’s win or defeat,” she says. So, any opportunity to believe doesn’t have to be thwarted when they are little by grown-up cynicism.

Wrapping it All in One Big Gift

Most adults remember discovering the truth Santa Claus; it is an amazing realization and a rite of passage. Adults also remember their experiences with spirituality, going to church, etc. In raising kids, Miller reminds about what’s most important when it comes to innate belief, spirituality and a child’s magical thinking.

“What is important is the connection to something larger than the individual,” Miller says. “It’s not knowing all of the answers, but establishing a ‘spiritual dialogue’ that creates a platform for the discussion of spiritual issues, concepts and questions that matters,” she adds.

Susan Day is editor of this publication and a mom of four kids.

Is Santa Real? Are YOU Santa?

Telling your child about the wonder of Santa doesn’t have to be so hard. If your child asks if Santa is real or not, you can tell him that Santa is “real-imaginary.” Tell your kids that Santa is a myth or story that helps us to feel the spirit and mystery of Christmas.

Is Santa God?

If you have a Christian home — according to Pew Research, approximately 64% of American homes are Christian — then you may wonder how to unravel the story of baby Jesus from that of Santa Claus. You can tell your kids that Jesus is different because he is “real-real.” Christians believe he was born on Earth to Mary and Joseph and he gave us the greatest gift of all time. It’s OK to think of both Santa and Jesus at Christmastime, but they are not at all the same.

Source: Teaching Your Child Values by Richard and Linda Eyre.

The Chance That Children Will Use Alcohol Increases as They Get Older.

About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol, the greater chance you have of influencing their decision not to drink.

Marijuana use tends to increase with age.

While 1.8 percent of youths ages 12 13 reported consuming marijuana in the past year, that number increased to 11.3 percent of those ages 14 15 and 23.4 percent by ages 15 16.

What you say to your child about alcohol is up to you. But remember, parents who do not discourage underage drinking may have an indirect influence on their children's alcohol use.

• Be a positive adult role model.

• Be aware of risk factors.

• Support your kids and give them space to grow.

• Be prepared. Your child may become curious about alcohol; he or she may turn to you for answers and advice.

• Use ''natural'' opportunities such as dinner time or while doing chores to start open, honest conversations about drinking.

• Work with schools, communities, and the government to protect children from underage alcohol use.

12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS!

We’re giving away more than $5,000 in “experience” gifts found here on the different gift boxes! 12 Days of Giveaways happens via our Facebook page on weekdays beginning

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1.

DETAILS:

• THE GIVEAWAY OF THE DAY will be announced on Facebook between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Watch for #12DAYSOFGIVEAWAYS

• A giveaway a day takes place THROUGH DECEMBER 16.

• WE’LL PROVIDE THE LINK to that day’s contest entry form

• FULL PRIZE DETAILS will be included in the Facebook post

• Winner will be selected via a RANDOM DRAWING and announced on Facebook the same day

• DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING by liking us on Facebook and subscribing to our newsletter at nashvilleparent. com/subscribe.

facebook.com/ nashvilleparent

GAYLORD OPRYLAND CHRISTMAS GETAWAY

NASHVILLE BALLET

Family four-pack of tickets to The Nutcracker.

NASHVILLE

ZOO AT GRASSMERE

1 year standard family membership.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Four tickets to the 12/23 game, four slices of pizza, four drinks, and four skate passes for Ford Ice Center.

COUNTRY

MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

1 year standard family membership.

NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE

Four tickets to Elf the Musical at TPAC.

THE DISCOVERY CENTER

Six-month family membership.

A Christmas Package including two night accommodations for a family of four and more! nashvilleparent.com

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Family four-pack of tickets to The Wizard of Oz

CHEEKWOOD ESTATE AND GARDENS

1 year standard family membership.

TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Four tickets to its holiday show of Mannheim Steamroller on Friday, Dec. 30.

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

1 year standard family membership.

MY GYM BRENTWOOD

Two free months of My Gym classes at the Brentwood location.

December

A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Dec. 1 - Jan. 1

Gaylord Opryland, Nashville Page 32

NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER

Dec. 9 - 24

TPAC, Nashville Page 33

This Music City holiday tradition returns with Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy and more.

ZOOLUMINATION

Dec. 1 - Jan. 8

Nashville Zoo, Nashville Page 33

THINGS TO DO BEST OF THE MONTH

More than 500 silk lanterns spread across 60 acres create displays with your favorite Zoo animals, holidaythemed scenes and even a 200-foot-long dragon. 33

ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS

Twinkling lights, ice skating/tubing, photos with Santa, the return of the ICE! exhibit with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer theme and more.

35 DAILY

EVENTS

36 SANTA

AT THE MALLS

39

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT

40

THE WIZARD OF OZ AT NCT

44

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

So much festive fun to be had this month!

December events in day-by-day order. To easily identify Santa sightings, look for

Get that perfect photo-op of your little one with Saint Nick at one of the malls.

Watch the film while Nashville Symphony performs the score live Dec. 2 - 4.

See this classic at Nashville Children’s Theatre on weekends through Dec. 23.

Middle TN’s largest outdoor Christmas festival returns to Franklin Dec. 10 - 11.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Dec. 1 - Jan. 8

Cheekwood, Nashville

Page 32

Enjoy one mile of lights, real reindeer, s’more pits, Nutcracker Marche in the Mansion, the Poinsettia Tree and more.

ENCHANT

Dec. 1 - Jan. 2

First Horizon Park, Nashville Page 32

A walk-thru light maze with 4 million sparkling lights, Santa visits and more.

ELF THE MUSICAL

Dec. 21 - Jan. 1

Nashville Repertory Theatre

Page 32

The family-favorite based on the beloved movie comes to TPAC.

IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 1 - 31

Lighthouse ArtSpace Nashville

Page 33

Be enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music as this immersive experience brings the holidays to life.

48

WALK THRU BETHLEHEM

Wander through live nativity scenes with live animals at Woodmont Baptist Church.

50

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS

The Schermerhorn will be decked out for the holidays for this concert Dec. 15 - 18.

WINTERFEST

Dec. 1 - Jan. 29

The Fountains at Gateway, Murfreesboro Page 33

Ever been ice skating with the family? Go ahead and lace up an enjoy a magical time on the ice this holiday season.

52 WINTER SOLSTICE

Celebrate the official start of winter at Warner Park Nature Center on Dec. 21.

53

COUNTDOWN TO NOONS

Who says you have to stay up ‘til midnight to celebrate the New Year?

53

ON YOUR RADAR

Mark your calendars for next month’s select outings.

ONLINE

Find additional events, storytimes, news and more at nashvilleparent. com.

ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS

A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND

615-889-1000

christmasatgaylordopryland.com

Gather your family to celebrate the holidays at Gaylord Opryland (2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville) with daily activities through Jan. 1, 2023. Explore acres of twinkling lights, The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas in TN Dinner Show and activities (like ice skating/ tubing, photos with Santa and horsedrawn carriage rides). Plus, enjoy the return of the ICE! walk-through exhibit with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer theme! Tickets vary; attractions aren’t limited to overnight guests.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

CARRIAGE RIDES

615-983-2303

info@sugarcreekcarriages.com

Enjoy the Christmas decorations of downtown Nashville with a 20, 30 or 45-minute narrated carriage ride Thursdays - Sundays through Dec. 31. Happens from 6 - 10 p.m. Carriages can take 1 to 9 people (all rides are private for safety purposes). Tickets start at $71.50.

CHRISTMAS AT THE RYMAN

615-889-3060

ryman.com

A Music City tradition returns with Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s annual residency at Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N, Nashville) Dec. 12 - 21. In years past, the husband-and-wife duo have filled the show with Christmas favorites such as “Let It Snow,” “Tennessee Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” Tickets start at $55 ($40 online).

FREE CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND

cityofclarksville.com

Experience over one million lights for Christmas on the Cumberland. The route stretches over seven-tenths of a mile along the McGregor Park Riverwalk (640 N Riverside Dr., Clarksville). This year’s free family-friendly activities include a visit with Santa (Dec. 10 & 17), free hot chocolate and crafts. Open nightly from 5 - 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 5 - 11 p.m. FridaySaturday through Jan. 2.

THE DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

thedancinglightsofchristmas.com

Drive through Tennessee’s largest com puter synchronized light show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million LED lights dancing to rockin’ Christmas music through your vehicle’s stereo. Happens nightly from 5 - 10 p.m. at James E. Ward Agricultural Center (945 Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon) through Jan. 1. Santa’s Village returns this season with hot food, sweet treats, games, inflatables, a mechanical reindeer and, of course, pictures with Santa (through Dec. 23). Cost is $30 per vehicle.

FREE DRIVE-THROUGH CANNONSBURGH CHRISTMAS

615-890-0355

Load up the car and enjoy a festive way to add to those cozy holiday memories as Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro) comes to life with a Christmas light display on the first three weekends in December. Happens from 5 - 8 p.m. Free admission, but donations are appreciated.

ELF THE MUSICAL

615-782-4040 nashvillerep.org Nashville Repertory Theatre performs this festive favorite based on the hit holiday movie TPAC’s Polk Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville) Dec. 21, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023. Tickets start at $50.

ENCHANT NASHVILLE enchantmagic.com

Enjoy over 4 million sparkling multicolored lights creating a story-themed, walk-thru maze with holiday trees over 100 feet tall at First Horizon Park (19 Junior Gilliam Way, Nashville) nightly through Jan. 2. The event offers an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, interactive games, Santa visits and a holiday marketplace featuring local artisans, along with holiday foods and festive drinks from 5 - 10 p.m. and costs $34 for adults, $20 for ages 3 - 17.

FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

franktownsfestivaloflights. com

FrankTown Festival of Lights features 200+ displays synchronized to Christmas classics guests can listen to on their radios as they enjoy the mile and a half long route. Open nightly through Dec. 31 at the Williamson County Agri cultural Center (4215 Long Ln, Franklin) from 5 - 9 p.m. Cost is $30 per vehicle.

nashvilleparent.com

ICE SKATING

The La Vergne Snow Rink (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne) is open to the public from Dec. 2 - 17, on Thursday and Friday from 4 - 8 p.m., Saturday from Noon - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m. The rink will be closed Thursday, Dec. 15. On Sunday, Dec. 4, the rink will be limited to special needs families only during the 1 p.m. hour.

immersive-nutcracker.com

Experience this timeless holiday tale like never before at Lighthouse Artspace (4416 Ridgefield Way, Nashville) through Dec. 31! Be enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music as this immersive experience brings the holidays to life. Tickets range from $27$45 and entry times vary.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS larrykeetontheatre.org

With a score featuring standards including “Blue Skies” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical coming to the Larry Keeton Theatre (108 Donelson Pike, Nashville) ThursdaysSundays, Dec. 1 - 18. Holiday dinner is provided and tickets are $25 - $35.

JINGLE BEAT feverup.com

The interactive holiday experience runs through Dec. 31 at the Nashville Fairgrounds (625 Smith Ave., Nashville). Drive or walk through interactive installations and over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor adventure. Happens Wednesdays - Thursdays from 4 - 10:30 p.m., Fridays from 4 - 11 p.m. and Saturdays - Sundays from 12 - 11 p.m. The visit will take around 6090 minutes. Tickets are $36 for adults, $30.60 for student/military and $28.80 for ages 3 - 12.

NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER 615-780-4040 tpac.org

The magic of Nashville’s Nutcracker returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall (505 Deaderick St., Nashville) Dec. 9 - 24! Experience Music City’s favorite holiday tradition and rediscover your favorite characters like Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Madam Bonbon and more! With choreography by Paul Vasterling, dreamy costumes and glittering sets, Nashville’s Nutcracker is a can’t-miss holiday event. Tickets start at $38.

NUNCRACKERS 615-904-2787 boroarts.org

This show is filled with “Nunsense” humor, carols and even a “Secret Santa” audience participation at the Center for the Arts (110 W College St., Murfreesboro). Performances are Dec. 2 - 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Adults are $18; children are $14. Rated PG.

WINTERFEST AT FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

fountainswinterfest.com

Enjoy a magical time on the ice at Winterfest at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro). Open Thursdays - Sundays through Dec. 15; open daily Dec. 16 - Jan. 3; and then open ThursdaysSundays again Jan. 4 - 29. Hours vary. Cost is $12 - $15. Includes tax, skate rentals and 90 minutes on the ice!

FREE WINTER WONDERLAND AT J. TRAVIS PRICE PARK SPRINGFIELD

The City of Springfield’s annual holiday lights tradition continues this year with both a drive-through (Dec. 9 - 23) and walk-through (Dec. 9 - 10, 16 - 17) format at J. Travis Price Park (4155 Wilkes Rd., Springfield). Winter Wonderland features a display of thousands of lights and more than a dozen holiday scenes from 5:30 - 9 p.m.

ZOOLUMINATION: CHINESE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

nashvillezoo.org

Come see Nashville Zoo (3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville) in a new light and enjoy the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival. More than 500 custom-made silk lanterns will be spread across 60 acres, creating displays with your favorite Zoo animals, holiday-themed scenes and even a 200-foot-long dragon. Plus, select animal exhibits will be open late, including Sumatran tiger, Andean bear and Unseen New World. Happens nightly Nov. 18 - Jan. 8; Thursday - Sunday, Jan. 12 to Feb. 4 from 5 - 9 p.m. Cost is $19 for adults and $15 for ages 2 - 12.

Join Santa on an indoor & outdoor holiday adventure through three festive universes spread out over 100,000 square feet at Jingle Beat, running at Nashville Fairgrounds through Dec. 31.

DAILY EVENTS THINGS TO DO

THU 1

FREE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT TENNESSEE

AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

615-837-5197 tn.gov/agmuseum

Join in the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas Open House at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum 940 Hogan Rd., Nashville) and enjoy ham biscuits, holiday music, spiced cider and purchase gifts made by local artists from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FREE ITTY BITTY STORYTIME AT LINEBAUGH

rclstn.org

A special storytime for ages 0 - 23 months Thursdays at Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Itty Bitty Storytimes include stories, fingerplays, lap bounces, tickles, scarves and songs.

STRING CITY

615-416-2001 countrymusichalloffame.org Marionettes, rod puppetry, shadow animation and an ever-changing set tell the story of country music as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City at Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville) Dec. 2 - 3. Experience this exciting true story through nearly one hundred puppets, ranging from the Staple Singers to Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift. Shows are at 11:30 a.m.

EARLY LEARNERS

615-459-2553 townofsmyrna.org

Ages 2 - 6 can join for spooky-themed fun learning all about these creatures through crafts and a story at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) from 1 - 2 p.m. Cost is $2, register online.

FREE

YOGA AT NASHVILLE

PUBLIC LIBRARY

615-862-5800

Practice yoga with a Yoga Alliance certified instructor at 1 p.m. at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville). All you need are comfy clothes and a yoga mat or towel. Beginners to intermediates welcome.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY 615-371-0090

brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Brentwood Library’s (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) “crafternoon” lets you make what you imagine with plenty of supplies. Happens from 4 - 5 p.m. For grades 3 - 5.

FREE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB 615-893-4131 rclstn.org

An after-school computer science program for all 3rd - 5th graders (it’s not just for girls)! Program happens Thursdays from 4 - 4:45 p.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro).

FREE EAST NASH HOLIDAY BASH

eastnashholidaybash.com

Enjoy a holiday market with a curated selection of local artisans, kids activities and crafts, a community tree lighting, food vendors and holiday cocktails at Five Points (1106 Woodland St., Nashville) Dec. 1 - 3. Attendees who would like to enjoy an even more “spirited” adventure can purchase a ticket for the Holiday Cocktail Bash which will take place on Dec. 2 from 6 - 9 p.m.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL springhousetheatre.com

Based on the Novella by Charles Dickens, this brand-new musical retelling of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic comes to Springhouse Theatre Company (14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna). Happens Thursday - Saturday, Dec. 1 - 10. Tickets start at $30.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT immersive-kingtut.com/nashville

Virtually move from room to room and experience ancient Egypt in a new way at Lighthouse ArtSpace Nashville (4416 Ridgefield Way, Nashville) select Thursdays - Mondays through Jan. 2. Entry times vary; tickets range from $30-$40.

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER 615-715-0697

Coming back for its tenth production, Off The Square Theater presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Happens Dec. 110 at the Blackbox Theatre (416 Mary Lindsay Polk Dr., Suite #503, Franklin) on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 and 6 p.m. Cost is $18.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD woolworththeatre.com

This stage production at The Woolworth Theatre (223 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville) celebrates the stories and music of chart-topping women in country music. Happens at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23. Tickets start at $45.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE capitoltheatretn.com

A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — the most inventively awful kids in history. Happens at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) Thursdays - Sundays, Dec. 1 - 11. Tickets are $17 - $22.50.

DAVID ALFORD’S A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER WITH PAUL CARROL BINKLEY

Nashville star David Alford performs two of Truman Capote’s best-loved short stories, “The Thanksgiving Visitor,” and the perennial favorite “A Christmas Memory,” with live music by Paul Carrol Binkley and friends at Belmont Mansion (1900 Acklen Ave., Nashville). Tickets start at $45 and shows start at 7:30 p.m.

FREE TUBA CHRISTMAS (GALLATIN) tubachristmas.com

Over 100 tubas will perform Christmas carols during Tuba Christmas Gallatin at Gallatin First Baptist Church (205 E Main St., Gallatin) from 7 - 9 p.m. The concert is free to attend, and you can park for free in the parking lot behind the church.

FRI 2

FREE WHITE CANE DAY factoryatfranklin.com

Come one, come all to the first White Cane Day celebration inside Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin (230 Franklin Rd., Franklin) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hosted by Blind Early Services TN, enjoy some holiday cheer exploring braille, white canes, adapted sports and more. Includes complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

FREE STORYTIME AT STONES RIVER TOWN CENTRE

rclstn.org

An all-ages storytime presented by Linebaugh Library at Books-A-Million (1720 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro) on the first Friday of every month from 10 - 10:30 a.m.

PUPPET MAKING countrymusichalloffame.org Drawing from String City for inspiration, make your own puppet and put together a mini show with new friends at Country Music Hall of Fame (222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For additional fun, see “String City” before or after making a puppet. Included with admission; free to members.

STRING CITY

See Thurs day, Dec. 1.

FREE SPORTS SPECTACULAR 407-467-0711 itsmebrands.com/nashville-details Need to get some sports memorabilia signed? Come to this weekend event Dec. 2 - 4 at Nashville Fairgrounds Expo 1 building (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville) daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Athletes attending the event include Dennis Rodman, Chris Johnson, Michael Vick, Terrell Suggs, Austin Hooperand more. Cost is $10, kids 10 and under are free. Parking is $5.

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

This special production puts a fresh spin on a fairytale classic at Pull-Tight Players Theatre (112 Second Ave. S, Franklin). Happens Wednesdays - Sundays, Dec. 2 - 17. Tickets are $15 - $20.

FREE THE ADULT SCHOOL BY SENSE THEATRE

senselab.vkcsites.org

SENSE Theatre, an intervention program to improve the social and emotional functioning of individuals with autism, presents a play about a group of reluctant students who do not see the benefit of growing u. Happens at the Nashville Public Library Main Branch (615 Church St., Nashville) at 6:30 on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. (Please turn the page)

More than 100 Tuba players join for a Middle Tennessee Christmas tradition. They’ll perform carols at First Baptist Church in Gallatin on Dec. 1 and at First Baptist Church in Nashville on Dec. 13.

Santa at the Malls!

SANTA LAND AT THE STREETS OF INDIAN LAKE

Suite C-220, 300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville TheStreetsOfIndianLake.com Thru Dec. 23

Open Dec. 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23! Hours vary and walk-ins are welcome.

Packages start at $30.

SANTA AT OPRY MILLS

433 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville simon.com/mall/oprymills

Thru Dec. 24

Open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Santa will be waiting in between Coach and Ann Taylor. “Caring Santa” for children with special needs on Dec. 4 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. “Pet Photos” are Dec. 11 from 6 - 8 p.m. Packages start at $39.99.

It ain’t hard to find the big man in red this month. Here’s your shot to snap a few festive photos at the local malls.

SANTA AT RIVERGATE MALL

SANTA AT COOLSPRINGS

GALLERIA

1800 Galleria Blvd., Franklin coolspringsgalleria. com/content/santa Thru Dec. 24

Open Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 - 6 p.m. Located in lower level center court. Visits are always free, photo packages available for purchase. “Pet Nights” are Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 4 - 7 p.m. “Black Santa” on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. “Titans Santa” on Dec. 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. Packages start at $39.99.

PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC 615-826-6037 hpactn.com

You won’t believe the mayhem when the Herdmans collide with this Christmas story head on. Happens at Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (260 West Main St., Suite 204, Hendersonville) Thursdays - Sundays, Dec. 2 - 11. Tickets are $19 - $22.

SANTA

AT THE MALL OF GREEN HILLS

2126 Abbott Martin Rd., Nashville shopgreenhills.com/pages/sfa Thru Dec. 24

Morning, afternoon and evening time slots are available to sign up for online. “Pet Nights” are Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Packages start at $39.99.

FREE FRANKLIN ART CRAWL

artscouncilwc.org/art-crawl

Crawl through Franklin’s most historic buildings on the first Friday of each month from 6 - 9 p.m. Many of the galleries and working studios serve complimentary refreshments during the evening, and some offer live music. In addition, enjoy free trolley rides provided from 6 - 9 p.m.

FREE FRANKLIN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

The city of Franklin is excited to light up the square (305 Public Sq., Franklin) for the 2022 Christmas tree lighting from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Freedom Intermediate School Honors Choir will sing. They’ll also have special guest performances from Christian Music Songwriter winner Matthew West.

FREE GALLATIN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Gallatin’s Mayor will light the City Christmas Tree on the downtown Galla tin Square (118 West Main St., Gallatin) at 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Suite C-220, 300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville rivergate-mall.com/events/photos-with-santa/ Thru Dec. 24

Happens daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Santa will be located inside and to the right of the food court eateries. “Santa Cares” for children with special needs on Dec. 4 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. “Pet Photos” are Dec. 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. Packages start at $39.99.

SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT BASS PRO SHOP 323 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville basspro.com/santa Thru Dec. 24

Enjoy a “Contactless Claus” experience. During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Everyone gets a free 4x6 photo with Santa to take home. Packages available fro purchase.

THE GAME’S AFOOT

This play brings murder, mystery, mayhem and madcap adventure to the stage at Lakewood Theatre Company (2211 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory,) on Fridays - Sundays, Dec. 2 - 18. Tickets are $12 - $20.

FREE UGLY SWEATER PARTY NIGHT

nashvillefarmersmarket.or Get out those ugly Christmas sweaters and show them off at the Nashville Farmers’ Market (900 Rosa L Parks Blvd., Nashville) for this fun holidaythemed night from 6 - 9 p.m.

FREE MURFREESBORO CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Come for the public Christmas tree lighting on the Murfreesboro Public Square (N Public Sq., Murfreesboro) from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. In addition, there will be a live nativity with Southeast Baptist, free games and activities for children, choral and theater performances and carriage rides around downtown ($5 pp/kids under 4 free). At 7:15 p.m., enjoy pictures in the courthouse with Santa.

FREE GOODLETTSVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Come out to Goodlettsville City Hall (105 N Main St., Goodlettsville) beginning at 6 p.m. for the annual lighting of the Goodlettsville Christmas Tree. The tree lighting celebration will feature holiday music and the first official lighting of the new Christmas tree.

FREE EAST NASH HOLIDAY BASH

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY 615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Experience John Williams’ delightful score performed live with Kevin McCallister’s Christmas misadventures on the big screen Dec. 2 - 4 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Tickets start at $61.

MINTON SPARKS’ SPOKEN WORD & POETRY FESTIVAL 615-782-4040 tpac.org

Top poets from around the country will perform alongside local poets and songwriters for Minton Sparks’ Spoken Word and Poetry Festival Dec. 2 - 4 at TPAC’s Johnson Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). With a combination of poetry and music, these three performances highlight the power of the spoken word. Tickets start at $55.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

The 18 member big band ensemble comes to the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin) to play some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $55.

SAT 3

FLEET FEET MURFREESBORO’S FROSTY FUN RUN fleetfeet.com

Lace up for a great cause for this 14th Annual run at Hop Springs Beer Park (6790 John Bragg Hwy, Murfreesboro). The untimed trail run starts at 10 a.m. Awaiting runners at the end will be food, Santa, raffle prizes and more. Entry fees are $35 per runner or $125 for a family of four. Day-of entry is $40.

FREE FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

factoryatfranklin.com

The freshest and healthiest in farm-to -table produce every Saturday at The Factory of Franklin (230 Franklin Road, Franklin) from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

HOLIDAY 5K, 10K & FUN RUN

Support local families by joining the Holiday 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run through the historic district and scenic greenway trails of Springfield (race starts at 405 North Main St., Springfield). Registration is from 7 - 8 a.m.; Kids Fun Run ($10) starts at 8 a.m.; 10K starts at 8:30 a.m. and 5K starts ($30) at 8:45 a.m.

FREE RUTHERFORD COUNTY YOUTH MAGIC GROUP

rclstn.org

Aspiring magicians can join in at 9:30 a.m. for this magic group for ages 6 - 12 at Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Road W, Smyrna) on the first Saturday and Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro) on the second Saturday of each month.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

FREE GREENBRIER CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK & PARADE

Come out to Louise Martin Memorial Park (2295 Old State Highway 11, Greenbrier) for family holiday activities from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., followed by the annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m.

FREE THE ADULT SCHOOL BY SENSE THEATRE

See Friday, Dec. 2.

FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT BETHEL CHURCH OF CHRIST

Come out to Bethel Church of Christ (7815 Whites Creek Pike, Joelton) for this Breakfast with Santa event from 8 - 10 a.m. Children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap for a picture and do other holiday activities. Breakfast is provided for everyone!

FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA IN MT. JULIET

Join Fellowship Baptist Church (7391 N Lamar Rd., Mt. Juliet) for its annual Breakfast with Santa from 8 - 10:30 a.m. Have breakfast, make a craft and get your free photo with Santa!

FREE MORNING WITH SANTA BRENTWOOD

615-371-0090 brentwood-tn.libcal.com The annual Morning with Santa will take place at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood) with doors opening at 9 a.m. Magician Bruce Amato will bring magical merriment and holiday hijinks with shows at 9:30 am and 10:15 am. Enjoy refreshments, giveaways and of course, Santa Claus! Admission is free, but tickets for the Magic Show are required.

FREE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

615-890-2300 explorethedc.org

Learn how others celebrate around the world, take a picture with Santa, decorate the giant gingerbread house and so much more at the Discovery Center (502 Southeast Broad St., Murfreesboro) from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

GRAPPLING GAMES PRO CHAMPIONSHIP

grapplinggames.org/gg110

Enjoy this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling tournament that showcases the talent of women, men and kids at Nashville Fairgrounds Expo 2 building (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville). Happens from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost is $15, children 5 and under are free.

FREE CHRISTMAS IN CROSS PLAINS

Come to downtown Cross Plains for pancakes, a parade, car show, music, shopping & food. Activities start at 7 a.m. with the pancake breakfast at city hall. Shopping begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. with vendors located close to the 4-way stop. Parade at 10 a.m. followed by music, tours at the Doctor’s House Museum & Library and the car show. Oh, and did we mention a kid zone & visit with Santa?!

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT SAM DAVIS HOME 615-459-2341 samdavishome.org Bring your family and enjoy a day of 19th century holiday tradition at Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Make a Christmas ornament for your tree while sipping wassail and listening to carols, then take as candlelit tour of the historic house and see how the Davis family celebrated the holidays.

THINGS TO DO

FREE DONELSON HERMITAGE CHRISTMAS PARADE

donelsonhermitagechamber.com Davidson County’s only Christmas parade this year is a free community event open to the general public, complete with Santa Claus and more! Starts at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Elm Hill Pk and Donelson Pk, marching North on Donelson Pk into the Donelson Station WeGo Star/RTA parking lot (behind Fifty Forward).

CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES: A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT WYNNEWOOD

Explore the traditions, sights and smells of Christmas through the ages at Cragfont and Wynnewood State Historic Sites (210 Old Hwy 25, Castalian Springs) this holiday season. Happens Dec. 3 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. House tour and hot cider included. Cost is $10 - $15.

FREE GIFT LOCAL HOLIDAY MARKET

nashvillefarmersmarket.org

Visit the Gift Local Holiday Market with special guest — Santa! — at Nashville Farmers’ Market (900 Rosa L Parks Blvd., Nashville) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES 615-933-9644 LittleArtHouseNashville.com Kiddos are invited to create original works of art on Saturdays at Little Art House Nashville (2106b Acklen Ave., Nashville). Read a book, create a work of art and then have time for sensory play. The 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. class is for ages 1-4 and the 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. class is intended to be drop-off class for ages 4-10. Cost is $20 - $25. The Dec. 17 class is at The Getalong (700A Fatherland St., Edgefield).

FREE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT ROCK CASTLE historicrockcastle.com

Bring your family and friends to tour the 1784 Rock Castle home (139 Rock Castle Ln., Hendersonville) and enjoy a taste of Christmas from a bygone era from 3 - 6 p.m. The halls will be decked out for the holidays in all its splendor! No tickets necessary.

FREE GOODLETTSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

The theme for this year’s parade is Classic Christmas Movies. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at the Delmas Long Community Center (200 Memorial Dr., Goodlettsville) and continues up Memorial Drive, taking a right onto Main Street and ending at the Goodlettsville Plaza (Rivergate Parkway).

FREE “DECK THE HULLS” CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE holidayfesttn.org

every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24 in the Frist Learning Center at Cheekwood (1200 Forrest Park Dr., cluded with admission or membership.

Enjoy this boat showcase in Sumner County! The parade will start in Drake’s Creek at Mallard Point Park (next to Creekwood Marina) at 5:30 p.m. and travel to Sanders Ferry Park (513 Sanders Ferry Rd., Hendersonville). (Please turn the page)

See John Williams’ score performed live by the Nashville Symphony while Kevin McCallister’s Christmas misadventures play on the big screen at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Friday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 4.

FREE HHS COMMANDO’S

CHRISTMAS

CRAFT FAIR

Enjoy over 80 vendors with unique gifts, jewelry, crafts, home decor and boutique clothing at Hendersonville High School (123 Cherokee Rd., Hendersonville) from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be a silent auction and, of course, Santa is coming!

JINGLE BELL MARKET IN MURFREESBORO

615-895-5040

Shopping, Christmas sweater contest, canned food drive, food trucks, and more at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is one canned food or $1 per adult. Kids are free!

POLARIS PJ PARTY

615-862-5160 adventuresci.org

Polaris has returned to the Sudekum Planetarium at Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville) and they’re inviting you to a special pajama party at 10:15 a.m. At the end of the show, you’ll receive a hot cocoa and get to watch a liquid nitrogen marshmallow demo. Recommended for ages 4 - 12. Included with admission; free to members.

FREE PORTLAND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & PARADE

Main Street activities in downtown Portland begin at 3 p.m., including food vendors, live music, cookie decorating, visit with Santa and more! The annual parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Freedom Drive and travel south on Highway 109 to Portland East Middle School.

FREE READING PAWS 615-862-5785

Children ages 5 - 12 are welcome to come and read to a furry friend the first Saturday of each month at Nashville Public Main Library (615 Church St., Nashville) from 1 - 3 p.m. Bring your own book or choose one from the library. Call to register. Check in at the Children’s Dept. desk upon arrival.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON kidsvilleonline.org

Kids ages 12 and under can enter the Parthenon (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville) for a story and craft from 11 - 11:45 a.m. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

FREE LA VERGNE WINTER FESTIVAL

The second annual Winter Festival will be at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne) from 3 to 8 p.m. Enjoy the tree lighting, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, vendors, ice skating and more!

FREE NASHVILLE SPORTS SPECTACULAR

See Friday, Dec. 2.

LANE MOTOR MUSEUM VAULT TOURS

615-742-7445

lanemotormuseum.org

The Lane Motor Museum (702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville) has over 580 cars and motorcycles in its collection, but only space to display about 150 cars at any given time. Vault tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $10 (in addition to museum admission, which is $3 for kids and $12 for adults); tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

FREE CLARKSVILLE FESTIVAL OF THE NATIVITIES

clarksvillefestivalofthenativity.org

The 13th annual Clarksville Festival of the Nativity runs Dec. 3 - 5 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (801 Lafayette Rd., Clarksville), nightly from 4 - 8 p.m. The self-guided event features hundreds of crafted nativity sets and artwork, including a life-size indoor nativity, as well as live music and photo opportunities.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE WIZARD OF OZ nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

Nashville Children’s Theatre (25 Middleton St., Nashville) presents this family-favorite on select Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. Based on the famed novel and classic movie, the show follows the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl who is whisked away to the magical land of Oz with her dog Toto. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for youth.

FREE WATERTOWN CHRISTMAS

The annual Watertown Christmas parade kicks off at Round Lick Church (745 W Main St, Watertown) at 3 p.m. After the parade, enjoy Santa in the Gazebo, in addition to the Troubadourian Christmas character walk (produced by WHS) at 2 and 4 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting happens on the square at 5 p.m. with hot cocoa, caroling and live music.

FREE WESTMORELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE

Westmoreland’s annual Christmas parade begins at Westmoreland Middle School (4128 Hawkins Dr., Westmoreland) around 2 p.m. and concludes in Downtown Westmoreland at 4 p.m.

FREE WHITE HOUSE PARADE & CHRISTMAS

The parade will leave White House Municipal Park on Highway 76 at 3 p.m. and head East towards City Hall, turning South onto Highway 31W and ending at the intersection of West Drive and Highway 31W where floats will disperse. There will be free photos with Santa in the Library, refreshments, live music, a Letters to Santa station and more.

FREE LAVERGNE PARADE OF LIGHTS

The 12th annual Parade of Lights will be held at 5 p.m. beginning at City Hall (5093 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne) and ending at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne), where the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show will take place. Following the parade, there will be Christmas carols, snacks and pictures with Santa.

FREE LUNCH WITH CHARACTERS! plazamariachi.com

Come out to Plaza Mariachi (3955 Nolensville Pike, Nashville) from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Activities include character lunches, face painting, a sing-along with Rachel Rodriguez and more.

MARC MARON: THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME 615-782-4040 .tpac.org

See Marc Maron perform stand-up comedy live at TPAC’s Polk Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $45.

MINTON SPARKS’ SPOKEN WORD & POETRY FESTIVAL

See Friday, Dec. 2.

NORTH POLE EXPRESS SANTA EXCURSION TRAIN 615-241-0436 tcry.org

Enjoy a train ride with Santa and his elves to Lebanon and back (no layover) at Tennessee Central Railway Museum (220 Willow St., Nashville). This is a 64mile, 2 hour round trip! Train departs at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Cost is $28 for children under 12, adult coach and dining seats are $52.

NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY

AT SAM DAVIS HOME samdavishome.org

Join Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) for this special holiday themed tea party from 2 - 3 p.m. All ages are welcome to join in the festive fun which includes crafts, photo opt, and delicious tea service.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT LET IT SHINE lisgym.com

Drop your kids off and enjoy a night out at Let it Shine Gymnastics (1892 General Patton Dr., Franklin) from 6:30 - 10 p.m. Program is for ages 3 - 12 (must be fully potty trained) and includes a pizza dinner. Cost is $20 per child with registration ($25 without).

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT SUMMIT SPORTS CENTER summitsportscenter.com

Drop the kids off on select Saturdays from 6 - 10 p.m. at Summit Sports Center (2015 Johnson Industrial Blvd., Nolensville). Kids will enjoy pizza and refreshments along with playing in the obstacle course, bounce house, foam pit, in-ground trampolines and more. Cost is $40 per child.

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE GAME’S AFOOT

See Friday, Dec. 2.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

Wonderful puppetry and music will take you “over the rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz, running at Nashville Children’s Theatre through Dec. 23.

THINGS TO DO

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT

W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Friday, Dec. 2.

LASER HOLIDAYS

615-862-5160 adventuresci.org

Take holiday lights to a new level with a festive laser show with modern and classic hits set to laser lights at Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville) from 6:15 - 7 p.m. Cost is $11 for non-members; $7 for members. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

KIDS NIGHT OUT AT BOOST GYMNASTICS

615-352-8533 boostgymnastics.com

Drop the kids off at Boost Gymnastics (11 Vaughns Gap Road, Nashville) from 6:30 - 10 p.m. Kids can enjoy flashlight tag, obstacle courses, games and more. Pizza is provided. Cost is $25; $20 per additional sibling.

FREE EAST NASH HOLIDAY BASH

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE YULEFEST

615-859-3678 cityofgoodlettsville.org

Yulefest kicks off the holiday season with musicians, storytellers and demonstrators in the cabins of the fort at Historic Mansker’s Station (705 Caldwell Dr., Goodlettsville). Visitors can take their time listening to the sounds of yesteryear as they tour the sites and take in the beauty of the decorations, refreshments and shopping from 5 - 8 p.m.

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

615-380-8071 willowoakarts.org

See a Christmas concert performed live by the Willow Oak Chorale, 17-piece orchestra and lit by the glow of hundreds of candles and at Springfield Middle School (715 5th Ave. W, Springfield). Happens at 2 and 7 p.m. Visit and take photos with Santa from 3 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m.

CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT

belmont.edu

Traditionally a televised event, this year’s two performances of “Christmas at Belmont” in the Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Belmont University (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville) on Dec. 3 - 4 are open to the public. Nearly 600 student musicians will join the School of Music faculty to feature traditional carols, classical masterworks, festive Christmas songs and holiday favorites. The Saturday show is at 7:30 p.m., the Sunday show is at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $28.50.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC

See Friday, Dec. 2.

DAVID ALFORD’S A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER WITH PAUL CARROL BINKLEY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

SUN 4

LITTLE LEAPERS 615-987-0102

skyzone.com

Ages 7 & younger can enjoy the trampoline park from 9 - 11 a.m. Fridays and Sundays at Sky Zone (1220 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro) Cost is $14.99.

CHUCK E. CHEESE SENSORYSENSITIVE SUNDAYS chuckecheese.com

On each first Sunday, Chuck E. Cheese’s near Rivergate Mall (2070 Gallatin Road N, Madison) opens two hours early from 9 - 11 a.m. for children with autism and other special needs.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY JUMP urbanair.com

Urban Air Adventure Park (4331 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory) is transformed into a calmer atmosphere for kids with special needs and sensory processing difficulty the first Sunday of each month from 9 - 11 a.m.

COW CUDDLING

FREE CHRISTMAS IN BRENTWOOD

615-523-0611 brentwoodacademy.com This community-wide celebration features Christian recording artist Point of Grace and more from 3 - 7 p.m. Organized and hosted by Brentwood Academy (219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood), will feature family-friendly Christmas activities, culminating with the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Other festivities include Santa and elves, nativity with live animals, trackless train, bounce houses and more.

FREE CLARKSVILLE FESTIVAL OF THE NATIVITIES

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE HENDERSONVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING

Smile and wave as your family enjoys a parade of marching bands, horsedrawn floats and more. This year’s theme, “A Very Frosty Christmas”! The parade will kick off down Johnny Cash Parkway at 1 p.m. and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow at Memorial Park (151 E Main St., Hendersonville) at 3:30.

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Friday, Dec. 2.

CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

RHONDA VINCENT IN THE CAVERNS

thecaverns.com Award-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent is bringing a dynamic show for the season underground featuring special renditions of tried and true Christmas songs, a re-enactment of the nativity scene and more at The Caverns (555 Charlie Roberts Rd., Pelham). Doors at 2 p.m., show at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $55.

MINTON SPARKS’ SPOKEN WORD & POETRY FESTIVAL

See Friday, Dec. 2.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE GAME’S AFOOT

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE WIZARD OF OZ See Saturday, Dec. 3.

(Please turn the page)

AT

THE GENTLE BARN gentlebarn.org/tennessee Come hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, spend time with the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn (9295 Christiana Fosterville Road, Christiana) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Donations are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 & younger.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE LEGO BUILDING FUN

Play around with provided LEGOs, Duplos and Mega Bloks at Green Hills Library (3701 Benham Ave., Nashville) from 2 - 4:30 p.m. For ages 2 - 12.

FREE SMYRNA

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Spectators will gather to watch floats, bands, classic cars, dancers and Santa & Mrs. Claus as they travel northbound on Lowry Street toward Sam Ridley Parkway. Starts at 2 p.m.

DAYTIME WEEKEND VISITS WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE NASHVILLE SPORTS SPECTACULAR

See Friday, Dec. 2.

Yulefest at Historic Mansker’s Station in Goodlettsville offers historic holiday traditions along with live music, storytellers and more during this free event on Saturday, Dec. 3.

MON 5

SPARK! AT DISCOVERY CENTER explorethedc.org/spark

Come out to Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro) for this program for ages 1 - 6 and their caregivers. Enjoy hands-on exploratory STEAM learning and play from 9 - 11 a.m. Cost is $2 plus admission ($8).

EARLY EXPLORERS

adventuresci.org

Enjoy exhibits, storytime and activities at the Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville) from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. $18 for adults & $14 for youth; free for members.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE MONDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, activities and lots of early literacy fun on Monday mornings at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include Inglewood (10 and 11 a.m.), Donelson, Madison, Green Hills, Old Hickory and Richland Park (10:30 a.m.). Call ahead to make sure there’s open spots.

FREE NPL HOLIDAY CONCERTS: THE PROVIDENCE PIPES

615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Need to a better reason to come to the Nashville Public Library Main Branch (615 Church St., Nashville)? Check out a live holiday concert by The Providence Pipes at 10:15 a.m.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB 615-371-0090 brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Kids can learn beginning, intermediate and advanced chess strategies at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood). Happens from 5 - 6 p.m. and 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. For ages 612; cost is $10. Must register.

FREE BRENTWOOD TREE LIGHTING

Join for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood) at 5:30 pm. The evening will be filled with special music and holiday treats.

FREE CLARKSVILLE FESTIVAL OF THE NATIVITIES

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

TUE 6

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY MOVIES: DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL

See this classic family holiday film at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

The 37th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, Middle Tennessee’s largest outdoor Christmas festival, returns this year to downtown Franklin’s historic Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

FREE EAST NASHVILLE FARMERS MARKET

eastnashvillemarket.com

A community market every Tuesday from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the corner of 5th & Woodland in East Nashville. Park for free in the lot at the corner of 6th & Main St. and across the street at the First Church of the Nazarene.

FREE TUESDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, activities and lots of early literacy fun on Tuesday mornings at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include the Bordeaux, Edgehill, Green Hills, Hadley Park, Hermitage and Southeast branches at 10:30 a.m.; Richland Park branch at 11 a.m. For ages 0-5, call ahead to make sure there’s open spots.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org/wishingchair Live puppet shows at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Church Street Park (600 Church St., Nashville) or in the Children’s Theater at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville). The show runs 30 - 45 minutes and is for ages 0 - 6, but all are welcome.

WED 7

FREE FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT NMAAM 615-301-8724 nmaam.org Enjoy a day at the National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway, Nashville) every first Wednesday of each month with free admission from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE SANTA STORYTIME AT LINEBAUGH 615-893-4131 x114 rclstn.org

Mrs. Claus will lead a special Christmas storytime with stories and songs at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Santa will be available for pictures!

FREE WEDNESDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Age-appropriate songs, stories and early literacy fun on Wednesday mornings at multiple Nashville Public Library branches. Participating branches include the Hermitage (10 a.m.), Green Hills, Goodlettsville, Inglewood and Richland Park (10:30 a.m.) branches. Call ahead to make sure there’s open spots.

FREE DEAF SANTA AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY 615-371-0090 brentwood-tn.libcal.com

The Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood) is coordinating with the Brentwood Deaf Camp to hold its first ever Deaf Holiday Event from 6 - 7 p.m. This program’s goal is to provide the deaf community with an inclusive experience. Santa and his elves will be using American Sign Language to communicate. All are welcome.

FREE LEGO CLUB AT

BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

Bring your imagination to Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Road, Brentwood) and they’ll provide the Legos! Program happens from 4 - 4:30 p.m. for grades K - 2 and from 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. for grades 3 - 5. Register online.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS

HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS

Women can learn tips for healthy eating, techniques for managing stress and more. Includes 30 minutes of exercise and healthy lifestyle tips every Wednesday at Southeast Branch Library (5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Antioch) from 6 - 7 p.m. Register online.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC townofsmyrna.org

Join Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) to discover something wild about the natural world on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. You may meet a SOAC animal or enjoy a nature-based activity.

THU 8

EARLY LEARNERS AT SOAC 615-459-2553

townofsmyrna.org

Little ones ages 2 - 6 can join the staff at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) in this program from 1 - 2 p.m. There are different themes each week. Cost is $2, register online.

FREE CRAFTERNOON AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FLASHLIGHT CANDY

CANE HUNT

615-794-2103 franklintn.gov

Bring your flashlight and hunt for the holiday treats at Eastern Flank Battlefield Park (1368 Eastern Flank Cir., Franklin) at 5 or 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9. Kids decorate their treat bags before the hunt. Hot chocolate and cookies provided.

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE ALL ACCESS NIGHT AT DISCOVERY CENTER

explorethedc.org

A time for special needs families to enjoy the exhibits at the Discovery Center (502 Southeast Broad St., Murfreesboro) in a sensory-friendly environment from 5 - 7 p.m.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Featuring the resounding Hallelujah Chorus, it’s Nashville’s grandest Messiah Dec. 8, 9 and 11 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Celebrate the season as your Nashville Symphony & Chorus perform one of the most inspiring works of music ever written. Tickets start at $25.

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: CHRISTMAS VACATION 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showing is at 7 p.m.; doors open 30 minutes prior.

JOSH TURNER: KING SIZE MANGER TOUR 615-460-5555 thefishercenter.com

Country music artist Josh Turner will make a stop at The Fisher Center at Belmont University (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Turner will perform songs from his first Christmas album, “King Size Manger,” a collection of new and traditional holiday songs and hymns, as well as his classic country hits you know and love like “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me” and “Hometown Girl.” Tickets start at $45.50.

FREE YOGA AT NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THEATER BUG’S 11TH ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT 615-818-7358 thetheaterbug.org

Come out to Oz Arts Nashville (172 Cockrill Bend Rd., Nashville) Dec. 8 - 11 to experience 42 performers performing a mix of pop and musical theater, as well as comedy and dance! This year, with a retro twist! Shows are at 7 p.m. except Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FRI 9

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

PANCAKES & PICTURES WITH SANTA IN COLUMBIA

Have your child’s picture made by a local professional photographer, make a craft, write a letter to Santa, top and eat a pancake or decorate and eat a cookie, ride on a train and bounce on the bounce houses. Happens at Blue Barn and Garden (2697 Bristow Rd., Columbia) from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FREE PUPPET SHOW: A CHILD’S CALENDAR 615-862-5785 library.nashville.org

John Updike’s collection of poems for children is transformed into a musical puppet show that takes you through the seasons month by month. Sarah Hart and Brian Hull score this adaptation with original music at the Nashville Public Library Main Branch (615 Church St., Nashville) at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

SANTA SPLASH & DASH 615-893-7439

Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you can’t join us for a holiday pool party! Celebrate the holiday season with at Patterson Indoor Water Park (521 Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd., Murfreesboro) with crafts, a meal and lots of swimming from 5 - 8 p.m. For ages 8 - 14 and costs $5 - $7.

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek the Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre (615 Champion Way, Murfreesboro). Shows start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $15.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE

thefishercenter.com

See your favorite scenes from the original animated television show with fun, music and finding the true Christmas spirit at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $25.50.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

CHRISTMAS TOURS AT TWO RIVERS MANSION

615-885-1112 tworiversmansion.org Tour the 1802 house at Two Rivers Mansion (3130 McGavock Pike, Nashville), outfitted with holiday decorations, as you learn about the history of the property and the McGavock families. Happens Dec. 9 - 11, on FridaySaturday at 6 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Cost is $15.

FLASHLIGHT CANDY CANE HUNT

See Thursday, Dec. 8.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

See Thursday, Dec. 8.

KIDS PAINT NIGHT AT SOAC townofsmyrna.org Kids ages 5-15 can paint their own wooden ornaments (up to 3 per person) to take home at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) from 6 - 8 p.m. Cost is $10. Register online

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER See Thursday, Dec. 1.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA See Friday, Dec. 2.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE GAME’S AFOOT See Friday, Dec. 2.

THEATER BUG’S 11TH ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT See Thursday, Dec. 8.

SAT 10

CHRISTMAS TOY TRAIN SHOW info@dixiedivisiontca.com thefairgrounds.com Operational trains will be in action throughout the annual Christmas Toy Train Show at Nashville Fairgrounds Expo 2 building (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville). Over 200 tables of new and antique toy and model trains, with test tracks available. Happens from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost is $7 (cash only); children 12 and under are free.

nashvilleparent.com

POLARIS PJ PARTY

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE PUPPET SHOW: A CHILD’S CALENDAR See Friday, Dec. 9.

FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA LEBANON lrcoc.org

Enjoy pancakes, hot chocolate, crafts and hear a story from Santa at Lebanon Road Church of Christ (2307 Lebanon Pike, Nashville). Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and get ready for a fun filled morning from 9 - 11 a.m.

DAYTIME WEEKEND VISITS WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS williamsonheritage.org

The 37th Annual Dickens of a Christmas returns this year to downtown Franklin’s historic Main Street Dec. 10 - 11. The festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE AQUARIUM aquariumrestaurants.com

Whether you’re naughty or nice, come out to the Aquarium Restaurant (516 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville) for a breakfast buffet with Santa this holiday season. Happens Dec. 10 and 18 from 9 - 10 a.m. Cost is $15.99 – $18.99.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA GALLATIN

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, take a photo with Santa and receive a takehome holiday craft at the Gallatin Civic Center (210 Albert Gallatin Ave., Gallatin). Happens from 9 - 11 a.m. Cost is $10.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA HENDERSONVILLE godwhy.com

Join GodWhy Church (100 God Why Ct., Hendersonville) for Breakfast with Santa from 8 - 11 a.m. There will be pancakes, pictures with Santa, games, crafts, silent auction and more. Tickets are $5 each.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE CLARKSVILLE GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Enjoy German food and a wide selection of unique, hand-made crafts at Christ Lutheran Church (2425 Kirkwood Rd., Clarksville) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The majority of our vendors will be outdoors, with a select few vendors (immunocompromised) with indoor locations.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE NATURE IN THE WILD ART FAIR

615-217-3017

Art inspired by nature by many local artists will be on display and for sale during this all-day event at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd., Murfreesboro). Woodworking, artwork, jewelry, photography and more. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.

FREE FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE GALLATIN CHRISTMAS PARADE

The theme for this year’s Gallatin Christmas Parade is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The parade kicks off at 12 p.m. from Steam Plant Road to Hartsville Pike, down Main Street, down Broadway and ends at the Gallatin High School (700 Dan P Herron Dr., Gallatin).

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: ELF 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showing is at 10 a.m.; doors open 30 minutes prior.

FREE HOLIDAY STORYTIME

parnassusbooks.net

The whole family is invited to put on their finest pajamas and come out to Parnassus Books (3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14, Nashville) for a special storytime to celebrate the magic of the season from 9 - 10 a.m.

NORTH POLE EXPRESS SANTA EXCURSION TRAIN

See Friday, Dec. 9.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE CAROLS, CRAFTS & COOKIES AT TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM tnmuseum.org

Join the Tennessee State Museum (1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd., Nashville) for a free festive event for the whole family that includes cookie decorating, holiday crafts and Christmas caroling from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tacky sweaters and holiday finery are welcomed.

SANTA AT THE RYMAN ryman.com

Join Santa for a photo on the historic stage of Ryman Audi torium (116 5th Ave. N, Nashville) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Up to two children under 12 are admitted for free per each adult ticket purchase. In addition to photos with Santa, tour guests can also enjoy holiday activities on the PNC Plaza, carolers performing your favorite Christmas songs and a special “Letters to Santa” station. Tickets are $20 - $30.

FREE LUNCH WITH CHARACTERS!

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE BETHLEHEM MARKETPLACE IN MURFREESBORO 615-896-0940 x 10 sebaptist.org

Come out to Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro) for its annual Bethlehem Marketplace Dec. 10 - 11 from 12 to 5 p.m. Enjoy characters dressed in historic costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, weavers, merchants in shops, census-takers, and more. There will also be live camels and other animals.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE YOUTH MAGIC HOLIDAY SHOW AT LINEBAUGH 615-893-4131 x114 rclstn.org

Come out to Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) for The Amazin’ Abner Youth Magic Club’s annual Holiday Show at 10 a.m.

FREE NPL HOLIDAY CONCERTS: THE UKEDELICS 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Need to a better reason to come to the Nashville Public Library Main Branch (615 Church St., Nashville)? Check out a concert by The Ukedelics at 11 a.m.

PANCAKES & PICTURES

WITH SANTA IN COLUMBIA See Friday, Dec. 9.

CHRISTMAS TOURS AT TWO RIVERS MANSION See Friday, Dec. 9.

FREE STORYTIME & COOKIES AT STONES RIVER 615-896-4486 shopstonesriver.com Enjoy a magical storytime, music with a fun DJ, face painting, balloon twisters, giveaways, arts & craft activities, free photos with Santa and more at Stones River Town Centre (1720 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro) from 1 - 3 p.m. First 100 kids to register during the event will receive a goodie bag.

THE WIZARD OF OZ See Saturday, Dec. 3.

LASER HOLIDAYS

See Saturday, Dec. 3

A VERY DAVE BARNES CHRISTMAS thefishercenter.com Singer-songwriter Dave Barnes and guests perform classic originals, along with holiday favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and more at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $30.

FREE CONCERT, CAROLS AND SING-A-LONG 615-833-2077 southendumc.org Come hear and sing along with your favorite carols and hymns at this free family-oriented and kid-friendly Christmas concert by the South End string band. Enjoy crafts and cocoa and a special appearance by Santa himself from 2 - 3:30 p.m. at South End United Methodist Church (5042 Edmondson Pike, Nashville).

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

nashvilleparent.com

DADDY-DAUGHTER

WINTER BALL

615-794-2918 deerrun.camp/father-daughter Dads, set aside your stress, worries, and busy schedule in favor of a special evening complete with music, danc-

The annual Daddy-Daughter Winter Ball at Deer Run Camps in Thompsons Station returns on Saturday, Dec. 10. Enjoy music, dancing, dining, stargazing, s’mores and more!

The tour is free for ages 5 and under.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT AT SUMMIT SPORTS CENTER

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

ROALD

DAHL’S WILLY WONKA

BY OFF THE SQUARE THEATER

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S

THE GAME’S AFOOT

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THEATER BUG’S 11TH ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT

See Thursday, Dec. 8.

SUN 11

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AT CAPITOL THEATRE

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC

CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTONE-MAN SHOW

franklintheatre.com

You may think you know Charles A Christmas Carol by heart, but you’ve never seen anything quite like actor-writer-director Mark Cabus’ acclaimed solo performance of the beloved holiday classic Dec. 10 - 11 at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Cabus takes on more than 18 characters — from Scrooge to Marley’s Ghost, Mr. Fezziwig, Bob Cratchit and even Tiny Tim. Shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $50.

SIZZLING STRINGS AT COOLSPRINGS GALLERIA coolspringsgalleria.com

Come watch and enjoy as the Sizzling Strings perform from 5 - 7 p.m. at CoolSprings Galleria (1800 Galleria Blvd, Franklin). Happens on the lower level, near Men’s Belk entrance.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

LITTLE LEAPERS

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

PANCAKES & PICTURES WITH SANTA IN COLUMBIA

See Friday, Dec. 9.

FREE FAMILY SUNDAYS AT THE FRIST ART MUSEUM fristartmuseum.org

Enjoy family tours, gallery experiences and a visit to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery on the second Sunday of the month at Frist Art Museum (919 Broadway, Nashville). Tours meet at the information desk at 1:15 p.m. Multisensory exploration stations are available from 1 to 3 p.m. Martin ArtQuest Gallery is open every Sunday from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF SPRINGFIELD HOMES 615-382-7173

Calling all old home lovers! Tour beautifully decorated homes for the holidays throughout the Springfield Historic District from 1 - 6 p.m. All proceeds to benefit the Robertson County Historical Society (RCHS). Tickets are $20.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

See Sunday, Dec. 4.

DAYTIME WEEKEND VISITS WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE LEGO BUILDING FUN

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

FREE DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

FREE BETHLEHEM MARKETPLACE IN MURFREESBORO

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

FREE MURFREESBORO CHRISTMAS PARADE

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade! The route merrily travels down Main Street beginning at MTSU at 2 p.m. and ends at the Historic Downtown Square around 4 p.m.

FREE PUPPET SHOW: THE STONECUTTER 615-244-3340 fristartmuseum.org

Based on a traditional Asian folktale and featuring Bunraku puppetry, this story teaches two life lessons: be happy with who you are and make your wishes carefully! Performances are from 2 - 3 p.m. at the Frist Art Museum (919 Broadway Pl., Nashville). Recommended for ages 4 - 10.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Titans will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way, Nashville), with kickoff scheduled for noon.

FREE WALK THRU BETHLEHEM AT WOODMONT CHURCH

woodmontchristian.org

Over 200 costumed characters and live animals recreate the village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth at Woodmont Baptist Church (2100 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville) from 1 - 7 p.m. Activities are provided in the village shops for children to have hands-on experiences in basket weaving, carpentry, bread baking, wine and olive pressing and pottery. Live camels, sheep and goats surround Mary and Joseph’s stable to be seen and touched.

CHRISTMAS TOURS AT TWO RIVERS MANSION

See Friday, Dec. 9.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT CAPITOL THEATRE See Thursday, Dec. 1.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER AT HPAC See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE GAME’S AFOOT See Friday, Dec. 2.

THEATER BUG’S 11TH ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT

See Thursday, Dec. 8.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

See Thursday, Dec. 8.

CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONE-MAN SHOW See Saturday, Dec. 10.

MON 12

EARLY EXPLORERS

See Monday, Dec. 5.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

Over 200 costumed characters and live animals recreate the village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville.

FREE MONDAY NASHVILLE

PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Monday, Dec. 5.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB BRENTWOOD

See Monday, Dec. 5.

FREE COMMUNITY MARTIAL ARTS EVENT 615-224-3851

theharvestconcept.com

Have a kid interested in trying out martial arts? Bring them out to The Harvest Concept (313 Independence Square, Franklin) for this free community event from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Its Mighty Sprouts Program introduces Martial Arts to children ages 3 - 6. Its Junior Martial Arts Program is designed to teach students ages 6 - 12 self defense, fitness, confidence, mindfulness and sound moral character.

TUE 13

FREE TUESDAY NASHVILLE

PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: A CHRISTMAS STORY 615-538-2076

franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showings are at 10 a.m.and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.50$12.50.

FREE EAST NASHVILLE FARMERS MARKET

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY MOVIES: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

See this classic holiday film at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

FREE TUBA CHRISTMAS (NASHVILLE) tubachristmas.com

Over 100 tubas will perform Christmas carols during Tuba Christmas Nashville on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Nashville First Baptist Church (108 7th Ave. S, Nashville). There will be two sets starting at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Park for free in the parking lot behind the church.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY nhl.com/predators

Come see the Nashville Predators play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville) at 7 p.m.

WED 14

FREE WEDNESDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Wednesday, Dec. 7.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE SKYPE A SCIENTIST 615-893-4131 x114 rclstn.org

Skype a Scientist is a new series of after-school events at Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro) from 3 - 4 p.m. December’s scientist is a data scientist!

FREE READING PAWS

OLD HICKORY 615-862-5869 library.nashville.org

Join a specially trained reading dog with the nonprofit Reading Paws between 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for a reading session at Old Hickory Library (1010 Jones St., Old Hickory). Pick a book from the library or bring your own. Call to reserve your spot.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

FREE WILD WEDNESDAY AT SOAC

See Wednesday, Dec. 7.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS

See Wednesday, Dec. 7.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA bridgestonearena.com See Christmas rock ballad legends Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform live at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville) as part of its “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour. Happens at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

THU 15

FREE NPL HOLIDAY CONCERTS: BASSES RULE 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org Need to a better reason to come to the Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville)? Check out a concert by “Basses Rule” at 10:15 a.m.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

p.m. For teens, ages 12 - 18.

FREE YOGA AT NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS

615-782-4040 tpac.org

The author of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the focus of this oneman show, Christmas with C.S. Lewis, coming to TPAC’s Johnson Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville) Dec. 1518. Tickets are $64.

CHRISTMAS WITH MICHAEL W. SMITH

615-460-5555 thefishercenter.com

See multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning singer Michael W. Smith perform live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville) with his very special guest and friend, Michael Tait. Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $35.75.

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY MOVIES: THE POLAR EXPRESS

See this classic holiday film at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY 615-687-6400

nashvillesymphony.org

Celebrate the most magical time of year with your Nashville Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez Dec. 15 - 18 for holiday fun at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). The show features dancers, Broadway singers and special guests, including Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. Tickets start at $45.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FRI 16

FREE PUPPET SHOW: A CHILD’S CALENDAR

See Friday, Dec. 9.

Celebrate the most magical time of year at Music City Christmas with the Nashville Symphony Dec. 15 - 18 at the Schermerhorn. Enjoy dancers, Broadway singers and special guests, including Jolly Old Saint Nick himself!

FREE MERRY & BRIGHT

NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET

thefairgrounds.com

Nashville’s monthly flea market returns with festive flair Dec. 16 - 18 at the The Nashville Fairgrounds (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville). Parking is $5. Over 500 hundred vendors to shop.

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT SOAC townofsmyrna.org

Drop the kids off from 6 - 10 p.m. at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna) while you get your last minute shopping wrapped up! Send your child with closed-toed shoes, a water bottle and dinner for the night. Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-13. Cost is $10 - $15.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

FREE CHRISTMAS AT PATTERSON 615-893-7439 x 6129 lwright@murfreesborotn.gov

Enjoy Christmas cookie & ornament decorating, story time with Mrs. Clause, Santa letter writing and more at Patterson Park (521 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Murfreesboro) from 6 - 9 p.m. Santa and his sleigh will be here for DIY pictures.

CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

SAT 17

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ROBERTSON

COUNTY

Enjoy breakfast with the man himself, Santa Claus, at the Robertson County History Museum (124 West 6th Ave., Springfield) from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cost is $10.

NASHVILLE REPTILE EXPO showmesnakes.com

This is a safe, family-friendly event geared to educate and introduce people to reptiles and exotics from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Wilson County Expo Center (945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon). It’s a good place to purchase and learn with industry leading breeders bringing their knowledge, quality and passion to the show. Cost is $8 - $20.

NORTH POLE EXPRESS SANTA EXCURSION TRAIN

See Friday, Dec. 9.

FREE PUPPET SHOW: A CHILD’S CALENDAR

See Friday, Dec. 9.

CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES: A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT WYNNEWOOD

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

DAYTIME WEEKEND VISITS WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

DROP-IN KIDS ART CLASSES

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE EXPLORE WITH A NATURALIST

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE EDMONDSON PIKE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Come out to Edmondson Pike Library (5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville) and celebrate the winter holiday season with a craft show from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

FREE HOLIDAY CANDY HOUSES AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY 615-371-0090 brentwood-tn.libcal.com

Come build and decorate a holidayinspired home for the whole family out of graham crackers and candy at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood). There are two sessions at 2 and 3 p.m. Register online.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE KIDSVILLE AT THE PARTHENON See Saturday, Dec. 3.

LASER HOLIDAYS See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE LEGO CLUB AT LINEBAUGH 615-893-4131 x114 /rclstn.org Join other enthusiasts for an openended LEGO maker-space and see what you can create from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro).

FREE LUNCH WITH CHARACTERS!

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE MERRY & BRIGHT NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET

See Friday, Dec. 16.

FREE READ WITH SHILOH 615-371-0090 brentwood-tn.libcal.com Children ages 5 - 12 can improve literacy skills by reading with Shiloh the therapy dog for 20 minutes between 12 and 2 p.m. at Brentwood Library (8109 Concord Rd., Brentwood).

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS

W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

FREE NASHVILLE COMMUNITY CHOIR IN COOLSSPRINGS 615-771-2128 coolspringsgalleria.com Listen and enjoy as the Nashville Community Choir perform from 4 - 5 p.m. at CoolSprings Galleria (1800 Galleria Blvd, Franklin). Happens on the lower level, near Men’s Belk entrance.

CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD See Thursday, Dec. 1.

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY MOVIES: THE POLAR EXPRESS

See this classic holiday film at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT AT WYNNEWOOD

Experience the beauty of the stately old log home and inn at Wynnewood State Historic Site (210 Old Highway 25, Castalian Springs) and learn how Christmas was celebrated here almost 200 years ago. See Wynnewood as never before with the halls decked in greenery and candlelight aglow from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. End the tour with historical Christmas carols performed by the Traveling Caudells and try a 19thcentury Christmas treat. Cost is $25.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: A HOLIDAY TRIBUTE TO ELVIS 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

Come out to the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin) for a 2-hour show starring world champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath. The 5th annual show features costume changes, a visit by Santa Claus and some of the King’s biggest hits plus Christmas classics. Shows are at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $49.

THE GAME’S AFOOT

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

ZACH WILLIAMS: I DON’T WANT CHRISTMAS TO END 615-460-5555 thefishercenter.com Join Zach Williams and special guest Ben Fuller at the Fisher Center (2020 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Hear Zach’s Christmas album in its entirety, along with some fan favorites from his recent albums. Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $29.75.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE AQUARIUM

Whether you’re naughty or nice, come out to the Aquarium Restaurant (516 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville) for a breakfast buffet with Santa this holiday season. Happens Dec. 10 and 18 from 9 - 10 a.m. Cost is $15.99 – $18.99.

COW CUDDLING AT THE GENTLE BARN

See Sunday, Dec. 4.

LITTLE LEAPERS

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

LANE MOTOR VAULT TOURS

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

NASHVILLE BEATLES BRUNCH

“Come Together” at City Winery Nashville (609 Lafayette St., Nashville) to see Forever Abbey Road, four professional Nashville musicians who demonstrate what the Beatles might sound like today. Show starts at 12 p.m. and tickets start at $15.

NASHVILLE REPTILE EXPO

See Saturday, Dec. 17.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PLAYHOUSE: THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES brooklynbowl.com

Head out to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (925 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201) for a family-friendly concert that allows kids to move, play and sing! The events offer games, movement, stories and more for families with children ages 10 and younger. Starts at 12 p.m. and costs $15.

DAYTIME WEEKEND VISITS WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE LEGO BUILDING FUN

See Saturday, Dec. 10.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

See Friday, Dec. 2.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

FOR KING & COUNTRY: CHRISTMAS AT THE OPRY ryman.com

See For King & Country’s “A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour” at the Grand Ole Opry House (2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville) Dec. 18 - 19. Shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $39.

FREE MERRY & BRIGHT

NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET

See Friday, Dec. 16.

THINGS TO DO

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: CHRISTMAS VACATION 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showing’s at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

See Thursday, Dec. 15.

THE GAME’S AFOOT

See Friday, Dec. 2.

MON 19

EARLY EXPLORERS

See Monday, Dec. 5.

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin) at 10 a.m. or Christmas Vaca tion at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE MONDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Monday, Dec. 5.

SCHOLASTIC CHESS CLUB BRENTWOOD

See Monday, Dec. 5.

FOR KING & COUNTRY: CHRISTMAS AT THE OPRY

See Sunday, Dec. 18.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY

Come see the Nashville Predators play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville).

TUE 20

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 615-538-2076

franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showing is at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

FREE NPL HOLIDAY CONCERTS: BICINIUM 615-862-5800 library.nashville.org

Need to a better reason to come to the Nashville Public Library Main Branch (615 Church St., Nashville)? Check out a live holiday concert by “Bicinium” at 10:15 a.m.

FREE EAST NASHVILLE FARMERS MARKET

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE TUESDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY MOVIES: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

See this classic holiday film at Capitol Theatre (110 W. Main St., Lebanon) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

STREET CORNER SYMPHONY 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See this contemporary a cappella group based out of Nashville at the downtown Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $26.

WED 21

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: THE POLAR EXPRESS 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See this classic holiday movie at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Showing is at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

FREE WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION 615-862-8555 wpnc.nashville.gov

Celebrate the beginning of Winter and the longest night of the year during this annual special event featuring seasonal wreath making, a luminary trail through the forest, campfires, s’mores, astronomy, music and more at Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville). Happens rom 3 - 7:30 p.m.

FREE MADISON KNIGHTS CHESS CLUB 615-862-5868

Learn about the great game of chess on the third Wednesday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Madison Library (610 Gallatin Pike S, Madison).

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS

See Wednesday, Dec. 7.

THU 22

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com

See The Polar Express at 2:30 p.m. or It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin). Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

FREE YOGA AT NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

FREE KIDS FLAVOR LAB 615-862-5856

Bring your little chefs to Bordeaux Library (4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville) and make “banana oatmeal cookies” from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. For ages 6-12. Registration recommended.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

MUSIC CITY CHORUS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 615-889-3060 ryman.com World championship men’s barbershop ensemble The Music City Chorus comes to Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N, Nashville). Earlier this year, they claimed the title of 2022 International Champion of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $35.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD See Thursday, Dec. 1.

DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB’S NEIGHBORLY CHRISTMAS 615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

See husband and wife Americana duo Drew and Ellie Holcomb perform live at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $46.

FRI 23

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 615-538-2076 franklintheatre.com See this classic holiday movie at the Franklin Theatre (419 Main St., Franklin) at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10.50 - $12.50.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY

Come see the Nashville Predators play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Puck drops at 7 p.m.

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD See Thursday, Dec. 1.

SING! AN IRISH CHRISTMAS 615-687-6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Join Ireland’s own Keith & Kristyn Getty, known for modern hymns and carols at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). This year’s Christmas tour will feature brand new songs, along with many of the traditional Christmas carols you and your family have come to know and love. Tickets start at $40.

The Winter Solstice is the official beginning of Winter and the longest night of the year. Celebrate at Nashville’s Warner Park Nature Center with wreath making, a luminary forest trail, campfires, s’mores, music and more.

SAT 24

DAYTIME WEEKEND

VISITS

WITH SANTA

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

FREE FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

See Saturday, Dec. 3.

NUTCRACKER! MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS BALLET

615-889-3060 ryman.com

Larger than life puppets, nesting dolls and hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life at Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N, Nashville). Shows are at 1 and 5 p.m. and tickets start at $31.

TENNESSEE TITANS VS. HOUSTON TEXANS tennesseetitans.com

The Titans will take on the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way, Nashville), with kickoff scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

SUN 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Head to pages 32-33 to see the best ongoing holiday events in Middle TN!

MON 26

EARLY EXPLORERS

See Monday, Dec. 5.

TUE 27

FREE TUESDAY NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIMES

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

FREE WISHING CHAIR PUPPET SHOWS

See Tuesday, Dec. 6.

TODDLER TUESDAY AT SAM DAVIS HOME: SPACE WARRIORS!

Bring your littles to Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna) for Toddler Tuesday on the last Tuesday of every month from 10 - 11 a.m. This week’s all about outer space. Cost is $5 for toddlers and siblings.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS HOCKEY

Come see the Nashville Predators play at their home ice at Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway, Nashville). Puck drops at 7 p.m.

WED 28

FREE NEW BEGINNINGS HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS

See Wednesday, Dec. 7.

THU 29

FREE YOGA AT NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

IMMERSIVE KING TUT

See Thursday, Dec. 1.

TENNESSEE TITANS VS. DALLAS COWBOYS tennesseetitans.com

The Titans will take on the Dallas Cowboys at Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way, Nashville) at 7:15 p.m.

FRI 30

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS 615-782-4040

tpac.org

Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $45.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW 615-889-3060 ryman.com

See bluegrass sensation Old Crow Medicine Show perform live at Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N, Nashville) with Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway Dec. 30 - 31. Tickets start at $39.50.

SAT 31

HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!

COUNTDOWN TO NOON 615-890-2300

explorethedc.org

Come to the biggest pajama party in Murfreesboro at The Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St., Murfreesboro) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enjoy activities like a dance party, glow game room, art activities and the iconic balloon drop at noon! Included with admission, free for members.

LASER PRINCE AT SUDEKUM PLANETARIUM 615-862-5160 adventuresci.org

Kick off the new year at the Sudekum Planetarium in Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville) at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $11 for non-members; $7 for members.

Celebrate the New Year without staying up until midnight at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center or The Discovery Center on Saturday, Dec. 31.

NASHVILLE CAT CLUB CAT SHOW

lindamccolley@wk.net cfa.org

This cat shows is a great place to learn about specific pedigreed breeds and connect with breeders at Nashville Fairgrounds Expo 1 building (500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville). Happens Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Parking is $5.

MIDNIGHT AT NOON! mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org townofsmyrna.org

Celebrate the New Year without staying up until midnight at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E, Smyrna)! Activities include New Year Bingo, a themed Scavenger hunt, writing a New Year’s wish and making a party craft starting at 10 a.m. Balloon Confetti Pop will happen at 12 p.m. Included with admission.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW See Friday, Dec. 30.

FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve

This year’s big Nashville-style New Year’s Eve celebration, presented by CBS, will be hosted by Jimmie Allen, Elle King and Rachel Smith. The celebration to ring in the New Year will air live from Music City from 7 - 9 p.m. and then 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. on CBS and available to stream live on Paramount+. The entertainment special will feature nearly 50 highenergy performances by country music superstars: including Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band and more.

ON YOUR RADAR!

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Jan. 3, 14, 16, 21, 24 and 26 Bridgestone Arena nhl.com/predators

MONSTER JAM

Jan. 7 - 8 Bridgestone Arena bridgestonearena.com

LES MISERABLÉS

Jan. 10 - 15

Tennessee Performing Arts Center tpac.org

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR

DREAMCOAT Jan. 13 - 29 Center for the Arts boroarts.org

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL IN CONCERT Jan. 27 - 28 Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Jan. 28

Bridgestone Arena bridgestonearena.com

nashvilleparent.com

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

800 Ft. Negley Blvd., Nashville 615-862-5160 | adventuresci.org

Opening minds to the wonders of science and technology for 75 years. Plan an adventure for the family including a show in the Sudekum Planetarium, an immersive experience of sound and music in soundBox, live science shows and more! Adventure Science Center strives to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

BACH TO ROCK, MT. JULIET

1475 N Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet 615-903-9658 | mtjuliet.b2rmusic.com

Sign up for music lessons at Bach to Rock Mt. Juliet and save $39 on enrollment today! Fun music lessons for toddlers, kids and teens. Adults love us too! Learn with local, experienced teachers. B2R birthday parties and seasonal camps are great opportunities to play & learn music with your friends and make new ones!

BACH TO ROCK, NASHVILLE WEST

6702 Charlotte Pike #105, Nashville 615-637-7242 | nashvillewest.b2rmusic.com

It’s Back-to-School at Bach to Rock! Believe it or not, the school year is upon us, so there’s no better time to secure a spot on our Fall calendar. Enroll now in private lessons, group classes, early childhood classes, band/ensemble, and 101 classes. Get a FREE 30-minute demo lesson!

CHEEKWOOD ESTATE AND GARDENS

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville 615-356-8000 | cheekwood.org

Engage students in art, history, and botanical gardens with a trip to Cheekwood. Students in grades pre-k-12 can enjoy a self-guided experience, or a curriculum-centered guided field trip here at Cheekwood. We offer school field trips and homeschool field trips. Destination Cheekwood brings families to Cheekwood on a Saturday for a visit filled with art, garden, and historical experiences and activities. Cheekwood GROWS targets third grade students to provide an immersive, multi-faceted experience that teaches them about gardening.

MATHNASIUM

FRANKLIN – 539 Cool Springs Blvd. #105 mathnasium.com/franklin/promotions

BRENTWOOD – 18 Cadillac Drive mathnasium.com/brentwood

NOLENSVILLE – 505 Burkitt Commons Ave. mathnasium.com/nolensville

We help kids in grades Pre-K to 12, improve their self confidence and math abilities. Your child is unique and they deserve a personalized learning plan to aid in their math learning. Whether they are advanced gifted students seeking enrichment, or students struggling and needing assistance to catch up, at Mathnasium we believe every student can improve their math skills by teaching the way that makes sense to them.

MY GYM OF BRENTWOOD

330 Franklin Road, Brentwood 615-371-5437 | mygym.com/brentwood

Creating Moments That Matter! From first steps to handstands My Gym grows with your child. My Gym was born out of our passion to teach children in a fun, physically engaging environment. We delight in seeing children’s eyes light up for all those incredible milestones, from the tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats. Sharing the parents’ excitement with their children’s accomplishments is the high point of our day.

A NEW LEAF

7520 Charlotte Pike, Nashville anewleafnashville.org

Triangle Play is a unique educational program that emphasizes the importance of engaging parents and caregivers, educators, and an intentionally prepared environment to shape your children’s development. Come experiment with your children in our light lab, art studio, gardens, and forest. We will take nature walks, create yoga stories in French, feed goats and chickens, and explore many farm activities.

ACT TOO PLAYERS

1113 Murfreesboro Road, #119, Franklin 615-294-0667 | acttooplayers.com

Winner of Best Theater Classes for kids in 2022! We strive to produce extraordinary theatrical experiences that create an inclusive, empowering, and empathetic atmosphere for our kids and teens. Aside from our well-known children’s theater program, we offer classes on acting, dance, and technical theater.

ACTING ALL AROUND

410 Verandah Lane, Franklin 615-375-3565 | actingallaround.com

Looking for a great after school activity this Fall? Check out our group classes! We offer unique personal classes and the best part is there is no registration fee, no contract, and no hidden performance fees. You’ve got nothing to lose and your student will love it. We only have a few spots remaining so learn more and sign up today.

BABY CAKES BAKERY

819 Main St., Nashville 615-656-3301 | babycakesnash.com From private events, to classes and birthday parties, students of all ages and skill levels can learn a wide variety of baking techniques.

BILL TAYLOR BUSHIDO SCHOOL OF KARATE

1911 Business Campus Drive, Murfreesboro 615-890-6755 | bskonline.com 1820 N.W. Broad St., Murfreesboro 615-893-6003 | bskonline.com

Let martial arts take your kids to new heights! Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers programs in traditional karate for ages 3 - adult. Call now to get one month free plus a uniform.

BOOST GYMNASTICS

11 Vaughns Gap Road, Nashville 615-352-8533 | boostgymnastics.com

At BOOST Gymnastics, our popular After School BOOST sessions also create opportunities for improvement for all students in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning. A big part of that is ensuring an upbeat and encouraging learning environment that ultimately helps your child develop tools for the road ahead. Led by our exceptional, hand-picked staff, students from kindergarten through fourth grade participate in carefully chosen, holistic activities to stay active, healthy, motivated, and on-track with their school work.

DANCE ACADEMY OF BELLEVUE 8074 TN-100, Nashville 629-888-9954 | danceacademyofbellevue.com

Dance academy of Bellevue is a safe, and inclusive place for dancers to be themselves. At DAB our dancers learn to instill pride and confidence in self expression and individuality. They learn to appreciate the art of dance through quality instruction. At DAB our core values are creativity, encouragement, teamwork and community.

ELAINE WINTERS MUSIC/LANE MUSIC

serving Brentwood & Murfreesboro elainewintersmusic.com | lanemusic.com

Elaine is an award winning violin educator. She has 14 years of teaching experience and is certified in both the Suzuki and the O’Connor teaching methods. Elaine teaches both classical and fiddle styles and creates a custom lesson plan for each student. All ages are welcome. Lessons are affordable and the first lesson is FREE!

ELITE DANCE MUSIC AND ART

7177 Nolensville Road, Nolensville 615-776-4202 | elitedancemusicandart.com

We feature award-winning classes where students have a magical experience of ballet, tumbling, hip hop, creative movement, and singing. They will also be engaging in plenty of self confidence building activities that will have your child reaching for the stars!

E.T.C. GYMNASTICS

1137 Haley Road, Murfreesboro | 615-867-6900 1932 Almaville Road, Smyrna | 615-617-7644 etcgymnastics.com

E.T.C. Gymnastics is dedicated to bringing a new standard of excellence in gymnastics through Him. We offer classes in gymnastics for boys and girls ages 2 - 18 years and all ability levels. We also offer cheerleading and tumbling, as well as competitive teams. Call and ask about our free trial class. We also do parties, field trips and parents’ nights out.

nashvilleparent.com

SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

BALLET

3630 Redmon St., Nashville 615-254-9103 | nashvilleballet.com/snbclasses

Experience the joy of dance at School of Nashville Ballet! Our Children’s Classes help students ages 2 - 7 reach important developmental milestones while having fun. Open to ages 8 - 18, our Community Youth Classes guide students in building upon their dance education and provides flexible classes to accommodate busy schedules. So why wait? Spark a lifelong love of movement today! Enroll in our Spring semester classes now at nashvilleballet.com/snbclasses or 615-297-2966 x910.

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE DRAMA SCHOOL

25 Middleton St., Nashville 615-297-2966 ext. 910 | nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

At NCT we believe that theatre skills are life skills. We celebrate each student’s individuality. We believe in the power of ‘play’ and the greater learning that is derived from it. It is important to us for every young person to feel heard, celebrated, and uplifted. We currently offer fall , spring , Saturday classes and camps.

HARVEST MARTIAL ARTS

313 Independence Square, Franklin 615-224-3851 | harvestmartialarts.com

The Harvest Concept opened in 2016, and is long known for its specialty in teaching Han Mu Do, the traditional Korean art of self defense, and is the only Han Mu Do school in the state of Tennessee. We offer classes for ages 3 through adult. We focus on optimism, balance and harmony, building mental and physical strength through movement and practices, such as martial arts, yoga, and traditional archery.

MR. BOND’S

SCIENCE GUYS

615-573-2702 | mrbondscienceguy.com

Mr. Bond’s Science Guys’ mission is to make science fun, cool and easy for kids! With over 20 years of experience in Tennessee and beyond, our mission is still to get kids excited about science! No matter what the circumstances we will find a way to bring exciting and educational programs to kids. Call us for parties, after school programs/Clubs and field trips.

MUSIC CITY ALL STARS 215 Gothic Court, #102, Franklin 615-915-1047 | musiccityallstars.com

From your child’s very first class to their graduation performance, Music City All Stars creates opportunities for everyone! We specialize in offering classes for beginners, of all ages, in addition to offering excellent training for our most advanced, competitive levels. Our dancers go beyond simply developing strong technique, but also hone and create important life skills.

NATIONAL DANCE CLUBS

Locations in Brentwood/Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro 615-573-2702 | mrbondscienceguy.com

At National Dance Clubs, we offer a easy, fun, three-way system of learning to dance that is proven best for the needs of our students. Whether you need private lessons with certified instructors, or group classes, or just want to practice the moves with a live band, DJ, or class we’ve got you covered.

ONE GOAL SPORTS

Murfreesboro 615-896-7309 | onegoalsports.net

A non-profit, community-based sports league providing quality sports programming for families in a fun, Christian environment. Now registering for Spring.

PROVIDENCE

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

410 DeJarmette Lane, Murfreesboro 615-904-0902 | providencechristian.com

Providence Christian Academy offers a robust college preparatory education through the Classical Christian model, making it truly distinct from other institutions. Our mission, to teach students to seek God’s truth and to equip them with the tools for a lifetime of learning, drives all we do here. Our three pillars truly help to distinguish the PCA experience from other educational options.

SOUTHERN STARS PRESCHOOL

910 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville 615-509-9423 | southernstarsmontessori.net

Our curriculum allows you and your child to grow at an individual pace. While many preschools focus on a singular facet of learning, we focus on every facet of learning, including: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, verbal skills, concentration and focus skills, literacy skills, match and history skills, art, music, and dance skills, and play-based learning.

SPARTAN SOCCER ACADEMY

615-633-5967 | spartansoccer.org

Spartan Development Academy is a skills based training league for children ages 5 - 13. The program is designed for players looking for more than recreational soccer but not ready to commit to travel soccer. Check out our sibling discount and referral program with Mini Spartans and Spartan Development Academy. Join us anytime! Register for the fall league training today.

SUGAR DROP COOKING CLASSES

574 Franklin Road, Franklin 629-202-6949 | sugardrop.com

Ever have sweet dreams of being a Sugar Artist? No one likes to play with their food better than we do! Our trained instructors have taught thousands of students ages 3 and up over the past five years. From special camps and cookie classes to fondant and Buttercream Bootcamp, we keep a full calendar of sweet fun to help inspire you on your sugar journey!

nashvilleparent.com

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MMC

WELCOMES KELLI CURRIE, M.D. TO THE PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT

To learn more about Dr. Currie visit mmclinic.com/pediatrics.