Scones will be served at the Victorian Christmas tea at Polly Claire’s.Christmas activities kick into high gear the weekend after Thanksgiving. But there are more ways to celebrate than Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping. Here are a few events to keep in mind.
* DIY Christmas Decor: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at Morning Point of Collegedale at Greenbrair Cove, 9650 Leyland Drive, Ooltewah.
Florist Carolyn Hogan will present a program on making Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations to the Green Thumb Garden Club of the Collegedale/Ooltewah area. There will be a Q&A period after the presentation and drawings for door prizes. First-time visitors are welcome. Annual membership is $15 per person, $25 per family. For more information, contact Rita Vital at 423-505-6605.
* DIY Greeting Cards: Saturday, Nov. 26, at ArtCrafters, 1356 Market St., Dayton, Tenn.
Fiber artist Dianne Knappen will lead a class on making greeting cards using iris folding and tea bag folding techniques as well as simple stamping. Class is limited to four participants. Fee is $10; supplies included for one card. Reservations: 423-775-1401.
* Faux Wreath Workshop: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 26, at The Barn Nursery, 1801 E. 24th St. Place.
Join lead designer Donna Dent in this creative workshop using faux berries, branches, flowers and decor to craft your own reusable wreath. $50 fee. Registration is appreciated; call 423-698-2276.
* Light Up Blue Ridge: Blue Ridge, Ga., will kick off its seasonal celebration this weekend. Events include the inaugural Merry Mountain Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26, at 3 Monkeys Antiques, 2380 E. First St. in Blue Ridge; small-town Christmas shopping on “Blue Friday” in Blue Ridge; a gingerbread village display through Dec. 17 at Hampton Square; a Christmas parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by Light Up Blue Ridge, the lighting of the town Christmas tree in City Park at 7 p.m. See the full schedule at www.blueridgemountains.com.
* Pet Night With Santa: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn.
Santa poses for photos with your four-legged family members; also on Monday, Dec. 5.
* Pet Photos With Santa: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.
Bring your cats and dogs for a holiday photo.
* Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 25-27, at The Barn Nursery, 1801 E. 24th St. Place.
Get a free photo of your family or pets to take home. Additional photos available for a $5 donation to Lana’s Love Foundation. Please keep animals leashed while on the premises. Photo-ops also available Dec. 10-11. 423-698-2276.
* Santa Mocs: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Northgate Mall, 271 Northgate Mall, Hixson.
Santa’s got a brand new suit, and this one is blue and gold for celebrating the home team, the Chattanooga Mocs, in commemorative photos.
* Victorian Christmas Tea: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26, at Polly Claire’s, 6178 Adamson Circle.
This tearoom in the historic Dent House will serve a four-course, Victorian-style Christmas tea on Black Friday and every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gluten-free modifications are easily made, the cooks say. Candlelight teas start at 3:45 p.m. each afternoon. Cost is $35 per person, $65 for two. Reservations: 423-521-4832.