More 'Christmas is coming' events - Nov. 15-17

BUT FIRST...THANKSGIVING:Professional designer Kat McGraw of Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape will lead a hands-on session on making a centerpiece to use on your Thanksgiving table or to give as a hostess gift, 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. Registration fee of $20 covers all materials needed (pumpkin, oasis reservoir, fresh-cut flowers, greenery, ribbons). Open to ages 10 to adults. Deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 22. Register in person at the store, 5829 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road, or by phone at 423-238-9775.

We're still weeks away from Christmas, but already there are activities to put you in a festive frame of mind. Here's a sampling.

* Breakfast With Santa: Dine with the jolly old elf, compliments of McDonald's, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in Food Court at Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Purchase $5 tickets at McDonald's on Gunbarrel Road or the mall's Tourist Information Center. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. www.hamiltonplace.com.

* Christmas Couture Gift Gala: Open house at Center for Facial Rejuvenation, 7268 Jarnigan Road, Suite 204, features live treatment demos, coffee and desserts, noon-4 p.m. today, Nov. 14, plus live music, hors d'oeuvres and wine, hourly prize drawings and holiday fashion show by Anna Ball White, 4-7 p.m. 423-648-2035.

* Hamilton County Toy Run: Motorcycle ride was held Nov. 9, but donations are still being accepted to provide presents for children served by the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults' Family Violence Shelter. To sponsor a family in need, visit www.partnershipfca.com/holidaycheer or call 423-697-3830.

* Holiday Fest: Family-oriented activities, shopping and food at Ooltewah Athletic Campus, 6857 Mountain View Road. Presented by Fit One, Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga, Ooltewah Swim Center and Studio 3 Salon & Spa. 423-238-5999.

* Holiday Open House: Sample coffees and seasonal goodies, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Sugary Creations, 3626 Ringgold Road, East Ridge. 423-421-3108.

* Holiday Party: Sweet treats and festive activities, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at all area locations of The Children's Place, including Hamilton Place in Chattanooga, Bradley Square Mall in Cleveland, Tenn., and Walnut Square Mall in Dalton, Ga. Santa will be at two area stores: Northgate Mall in Hixson from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and Mount Berry Square in Rome, Ga., from 10 to 11 a.m. www.childrensplace.com.

* Holiday Stroll: Stroll downtown Dayton, Tenn., for refreshments and discounts from merchants on Market Street and surrounding area, 5-9 p.m. today, Nov. 14. Presented by MainStreet Dayton. 423-775-9847.

* Holiday Workshops: Learn to make holiday arrangements, gifts and decorations at The Clay Pot, 1307 Hanover St. First session, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, is required, then, if desired, any of three follow-ups on consecutive Mondays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. $40 per workshop (limit two). Refreshments provided; participants may bring goodies to share. Register at 423-265-2007 or on The Clay Pot's Facebook page.

* North Pole on the Westside: Northwest Georgia Arts Guild, a nonprofit organization of artists, presents Christmas shopping at Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St., and adjoining merchants in LaFayette, Ga., on four Saturdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 16, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 21. This Saturday, kids can visit North Pole to see Santa from 2 to 4 p.m., take photos for a small donation, and ready their wish lists at the Letter Station. Dine at surrounding restaurants, cookie shop or ice cream parlor. Inquire about arts-and-crafts booth rentals at 423-315-4335.

* Santa's arrival: Welcome Santa at noon Friday, Nov. 15, at Walnut Square Mall, 816 Walnut Square Mall Blvd., Dalton, Ga. The New Hope Elementary School Choir will perform. Santa will be stationed in Center Court near Belk. Visits continue through Christmas Eve. www.walnutsquaremall.com.

* Santa Claws: Pet photos with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at McKamey Animal Center, 4500 N. Access Road. No appointment necessary; $20 sitting fee buys photo CD. 423-305-6504.

* SantaFest: Free photos with Santa, refreshments and coloring contest for ages 4-11 to design the 2014 Belkie Bear, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at area Belk stores. Download design at www.belk.com/santafest.

* Santa Vols: Photos with Santa in his Tennessee orange-and-white suit, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. www.hamiltonplace.com.

* Decorating Workshop: Dwight Richardson, owner/designer of Fenimore's Floral Design Studio in Cleveland, Tenn., will divulge some tips and tricks for easy and cost-efficient holiday decorating at the next lunch-and-learn session of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Women's Council. Get ideas for using cranberries, apples, pine cones, baby limes, lemons and items from out of your yard. The meeting starts at noon Monday, Nov. 18, at the Chamber office, 225 Keith St. SW. Registration is due today, Nov. 14; go to the community calendar at www.clevelandchamber.com. Cost is $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers.

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