Here’s what’s happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
Tune in
Rachel Boston’s new Hallmark movie will have a Christmas Day airing. The Signal Mountain native has the title role in “Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle,” which debuted Thanksgiving night as part of the network’s Countdown to Christmas movie premieres. Doris Roberts and Caroline Rhea have played previous incarnations of the earth angel, a character popularized in a series of novels by the best-selling author. In “Joyful Mrs. Miracle,” Boston helps reunite three adult siblings as they decide who will take over the family business after their grandmother’s death. She told People magazine she hopes to continue in the role, possibly exploring other time periods. “We hope to have many, many more stories to share,” she said. A review at Decider.com rated Boston’s as the performance worth watching: “Rachel Boston stands out as the wise, whimsical and angelic Annie Merkel.” Wednesday’s repeat will air at 4 p.m. The movie is also streaming at hallmark.com.
(READ MORE: HunterGirl’s songs in two 2023 Hallmark movies)
CALENDAR
ARTS
AREA 61 GALLERY — 721 Broad St., Suite 100. Featured artist Jaime Barks, through December. Gallery closing at end of year. area61gallery.com
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts’ “All Member Salon Show,” through Dec. 23. avarts.org
CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY — 1001 Broad St. (third floor). chattlibrary.org
› Through Jan. 28: “The Impressions,” a Songbirds Foundation exhibit about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group that included Chattanooga natives Fred Cash and Sam Gooden.
› Through Feb. 28: “Records of Removal: Ration Books From the Trail of Tears,” by Local History and Genealogy Department, with original log books detailing weekly food supply issued to Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) families being held at Ross’s Landing and nearby internment camps between 1836 and 1838.
CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Albright OmniPlex Building, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Art Center’s debut installation by Visual Arts faculty, through December. 423-697-4440
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. “Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War,” Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts of the former slave and U.S. War Department employee. nps.gov/chch
EXUM GALLERY — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Works by Denton Ridge, through Jan. 6. stpaulschatt.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. Member show by John Harden, through Dec. 22. Community show, “Reflections in Ice,” through Feb. 2. franklincoarts.org
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga’s autumn show renamed autumn/holiday show and extended through Jan. 24. chattanoogaphoto.org
HART GALLERY — 110 E. Main St. “Cathedrals,” works by Darron DeSantis and Ginger Langston, through December. hartgallery.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. huntermuseum.org
› Dec. 29: Holiday Sunday Studio: Happy New Year, with winter-themed crafts, mixed-media art making, family yoga, scavenger hunt, 2-4 p.m. Regular admission: $20 nonmember adults.
› Jan. 2: Throwback Thursday, with free admission to permanent collection and special exhibition, “City as Canvas: Graffiti Art From the Martin Wong Collection” (which ends Jan. 13), 4-8 p.m.
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. “Wood Works,” creations in wood by Roger Harvey, through Dec. 31. intowngallery.com
LIQUIDAMBAR ART GALLERY — Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Showcase of ceramics, sculptures, flame-worked glass, metal ornaments, kaleidoscopes, and paintings by local artists, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CST every Saturday-Sunday (other times by appointment).Explore Forest Nature Trails as part of visit. 404-698-5444
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Oil paintings by Scott Hill and Tatiana Hill and the Teapot Invitational, through Dec. 31. river-gallery.com
STOVEWORKS — 1250 E. 13th St. “Keep a Place for Me,” curated by teen artists, through Jan. 18. “Cosmic Connection,” works by 2024’s resident artists, through Jan. 25. stoveworks.org
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM — 1 Broad St. Two dozen images of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark, including species photographed on-site, through December. Included with regular admission: $30-$40. tnaqua.org
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY — Muriel S. Mayfield Gallery, Reece Hall, 216 N. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. “Chasing Light,” paintings by Sandy Brown, through Dec. 31. 423-746-5307
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. Leclerc Andre, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Dec. 28. $19-$24. (See also New Year’s Eve.) thecomedycatch.com
IMPROV CHATTANOOGA — Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. December showcase: A Hall (to) Mark (a) Christmas Romance, 8 p.m. Dec. 28. $12. barkinglegs.org
DANCE
NUTCRACKER TOUR — Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. Talmi Entertainment’s 32nd annual North American tour of “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” headlined by principal dancers from Ukraine and a 40-member troupe representing Japan, Italy, United Kingdom, Poland and beyond, plus local dancers, noon Dec. 23. $34-$80. tivolichattanooga.com
FAITH
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. Community Chanukah Celebration and Candle Lighting, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Includes meal, balloon artist and other entertainment. Bring a menorah; candles provided. Donations welcome for Hadassah’s Mitzvah Project, including unopened toiletries for Room in the Inn and nonperishable foods for the Brainerd Food Pantry. $5-$15. RSVP: JewishChattanooga.com
Castle Rock Entertainment / The conductor invites the boy aboard the train for a trip to the North Pole in “The Polar Express.” The holiday classic is showing at the Imax Theater through Dec. 29.FILM
IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. Special-event film screenings: “The Polar Express,” through Dec. 29. Various show times. $15. tnaqua.org/imax
MUSIC
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. (See also New Year’s Eve.) barrelhouse ballroom.com
› Dec. 22: Benefit for Wauhatchie Forest School, featuring Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Shadowgrass, 6 p.m. $40.
› Dec. 27: Velcro Pygmies, 9 p.m. $22-$25.
› Dec. 28: Tophouse Winter & Spring Tour, with The Wildwoods, 8 p.m. $25-$35.
› Jan. 3: Dock Party with Rock and Skate and Cora Waddell, 9 p.m. $10-12.
› Jan. 4: Departure: A Tribute to Journey, 9 p.m. $20-$25.
CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA — Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. “Home for the Holidays” concerts with the CSO Chorus, community groups and appearance by Santa, 3 p.m. Dec. 22 (last show). Bring an unwrapped toy for Be the Change Youth Initiative. $30-$95. chattanoogasymphony.org
THE PLAYLIST — 100 Market St. Italian restaurant with performing servers presents Holiday Hits, 5-10 p.m. each Thursday-Sunday in December. $25-$50. See website for discount codes. theplaylist.biz
RINGGOLD RINGERS — Ringgold United Methodist Church, 7484 Nashville St., Ringgold, Ga. Free Christmas concert by Ringgold UMC handbell choir, 5 p.m. Dec. 22. ringgoldumc.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. Gold Dusted New Year’s Eve Party, featuring Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience, with The Essentials, 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $25-$35 barrelhouse ballroom.com
CHATTANOOGA RIVERBOAT CO. — Pier 2, 151 Riverfront Parkway. Three-hour excursion on Southern Belle riverboat, with party favors, charcuterie board, champagne, music, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $160. Also available: 90-minute sunset cruise at 5 p.m., $35. chattanoogariverboat.com
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. New Year’s Eve With John Hastings, special engagement, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31 (late show includes celebratory toast, hats, horns and post-show party). $25-$30 early show, $45-$55 late show. NYE tickets also may be used for Hastings’ shows Jan. 3-4. thecomedycatch.com
COOLIDGE PARK — 150 River St. Chattanooga’s New Year’s Eve celebration, with food and beverage vendors, street performers, 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. Kids Stage: children’s fun zone opens, 4 p.m.; kids countdown with Chattanooga Fire Cabaret and Playful Evolving Monsters, 6 p.m. Main Stage: DJ and live music, dance performances, 6-11:45 p.m.; countdown with DJ Shoey Russell, 11:45 p.m.; fireworks and music, midnight. Free admission. outdoorchattanooga.com
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. New Year’s at Noon, noon-3 p.m. Dec. 31 (museum open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Includes countdown with apple-juice toast, confetti and ball drop at noon, snowfall at 1 p.m., dance party and balloon drop at 2 p.m Free with regular admission: $20. cdmfun.org
THE DWELL HOTEL — 120 E. 10th St. New Year’s Eve Slumber Party, with pillow-fight DJ jams, favorite sleepover movies, photo booth, DIY creative experience, food, cocktails, champagne toast, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. $71-$121. Overnight accommodations available. eventbrite.com
THE EDWIN HOTEL — 102 Walnut St. New Year’s Eve Party, with dance music by DJ Milliondollaman, food, specialty cocktails, champagne toast, party favors, 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $175. theedwinhotel.com
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Rink in the New Year all-ages late skate, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. Includes DJ music, sparkling toast, party favors at open-air ice-skating rink. $25. Online reservations encouraged. iceonthelanding.com
MOXY CHATTANOOGA DOWNTOWN — 1220 King St. MoxyNooga Eve includes a DJ, food truck, swag bags, midnight toast, option of open bar or cash bar, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. $93-$153. eventbrite.com
THE READ HOUSE — 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. New Year’s Eve Roaring ’20s Party, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. Includes admission for two adults, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, champagne toast, dessert and coffee bar. $195. Overnight accommodation packages available. thereadhousehotel.com
THE SIGNAL — 21 Choo Choo Ave. Neon New Year, featuring ’90s tribute band Neon Moon and Southern Drawl, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31. $40-$63. thesignaltn.com
TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM — Grand Junction Station, 4119 Cromwell Road. New Year’s Eve dinner train, a two-hour trip around the city with four-course meal aboard restored dining and Pullman cars, 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $240-$290 per table (seating two to four). tvrail.com
OUT & ABOUT
“ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS” AQUARIUM TOUR — Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Specialty tour based on Nintendo Switch video game, to learn about real-world aquatic life alongside game characters, through Feb. 28 (closed Christmas Day). Includes character meet-and-greets Jan. 11-12 and Feb. 22-23. Available with regular admission: $30-$40 nonmembers. tnaqua.org
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL — Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Third annual event illuminates grounds with new collection of handcrafted Asian lanterns in 40 interactive displays showcasing dinosaurs and plant and animal life from the Amazon rain forest, 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Jan. 19 (Wednesday through Sunday; closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). $17-$23 (discounts for members). chattzoo.org
CANDLELIGHT TOURS — Marsh House Museum, 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Historic house decorated in the style of the 1880s and historical tours detailing Christmas customs of the time, with hot cider, gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 22. (last day). RSVP via Facebook and pay $10 through donate button on website. marshhouseoflafayette.org
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL — Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn. Visits with Santa, silo light show, 40 family farm activities, 2-8 p.m. through Dec. 23. $17-$20. mayfieldfarmpark.com
CHRISTMAS TRAINS — Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road. Options include North Pole Limited and Christmas Daylight Express, through Dec. 23; Nightcap With St. Nick, through Dec. 23; Christmas Tea, with optional train ride, through Jan. 1. Times and prices vary. tvrail.com
CIVIL WAR HISTORY — Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Ranger-led Winter Vistas series, “Being Assailed by an Overwhelming Force” about Union Army Lt. Howard M. Burnham’s Battery and the Battle of Chickamauga, 2-3 p.m. Jan. 4. Free. nps.gov/chch
COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOPS — Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. Add-on family event, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 22, 27-28. $6 per cookie in advance ($8 for walk-ins); separate $20 museum admission also required. cdmfun.org
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. “ReImagine: A Cardboard Wonderland,” created in-house with donated material from Chattanooga Box Co. and International Paper, through Jan. 5 (closed Wednesdays). $20 (ages 2 and up). cdmfun.org
DINNER DETECTIVE SHOW — DoubleTree Chattanooga Hamilton Place, 2232 Center St. Themed interactive comedy murder mystery, with plated dinner, 6 p.m. Jan. 4 and other dates through March. $61. thedinnerdetective.com
DISCOVERY DAY — Ruby Falls, 1720 Scenic Highway. Celebration of 96th anniversary with $2 original admission price offered to first 96 guests at select morning tours, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 30. Tour includes complimentary keepsake postcard and lesser-known facts and legends about the discovery of the cave by Leo Lambert. $17-$27 otherwise (must buy online). rubyfalls.com
DREAD HOLLOW — 321 Brown’s Ferry Road. New Year’s Nightmare haunted house (8-9:50 p.m.) and horror-themed escape rooms (7:30-9 p.m.) Dec. 28 and Jan. 4. Timed entry tickets: $15 either attraction. dreadhollow.com
ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS — Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Park celebrates 30 years of winter wonderland of lights and vignettes, nightly through Jan. 4 (closed Christmas Eve). This year adds HoliDays daytime events, including photos, cookie decorating and gnome scavenger hunt (closed Christmas Day). Buy all tickets online. seerockcity.com
EPB HOLIDAY WINDOWS — 10 W. M.L. King Blvd. “Chattanooga’s Polar Palooza,” with Christmas carnival vignettes, in windows facing Market and Broad streets, through Jan. 2. Send family photos in front of the windows for chance to win $50 gift card. Email: holidayphotos@epb.net
FESTIVE FOREST — Miller Park, 928 Market St. Second annual walk-thru display of trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits, through Jan. 1. festiveforest.org
FIRST DAY HIKES — State parks and historic sites in tri-state region join in national initiative with events Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
› Tennessee: Includes Harrison Bay State Park in Chattanooga, North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park in Soddy-Daisy, Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park in Copperhill, Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Savage Gulf State Park in Altamont, Tims Ford State Park in Winchester. tnstateparks.com
› Georgia: Includes Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville. gastateparks.org
› Alabama: Includes DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne. alapark.com
HOLIDAYS AT RUBY FALLS — 1720 Scenic Highway. Event highlights scenic views, twinkling lights, festive activities, seasonal treats, craft beer and food, Santa visits on select days, through Dec. 24 (closed Christmas Day). Free spectator events; tickets sold separately for cave adventures. rubyfalls.com
HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PEAKS — Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Includes seasonal music and decor, Christmas tree lights powered by the electric eel, Miguel Wattson, through Dec. 29 (closed Christmas Day).Scuba Santa appearances, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas. tnaqua.org
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Open-air ice-skating rink, expanded to 1,400 square feet, through Feb. 2. Hours vary, but open holidays. Food vendors and Chill Zone with televisions, fire pits and games on-site. $12-$14 (includes rink time and skate rental). Special event: Cookie Decorating With Mrs. Claus, including storytelling, hot cocoa, one hour of skating, 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 22, $25. Online reservations encouraged for all sessions. iceonthelanding.com
LIGHT UP FORT O — Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Christmas decorating competition to draw visitors, through Dec. 31. Homeowners may upload photos for chance to win December cover photo in a future Fort Oglethorpe city calendar. letsgoforto.com
NOOGA LIGHTS (DRIVE-THRU) — Soddy-Daisy Park, 12000 Dayton Pike. New holiday lighting display synchronized to music, sunset-10 p.m. through Dec. 29 (open nightly, including holidays). $20 per vehicle. noogalights.com
NOOGA LIGHTS (WALK-THRU) — Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. Christmas walk-thru light show, with nearly 1 million lights synchronized to holiday music, through Dec. 31 (open 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, including holidays, 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday). $10-$20. noogalights.com
SANTA’S WONDERLAND — Bass Pro Shops, 620 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Santa photos, including free 4×6 image, through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters; free games and crafts during weekday visits; free bass cookie cutter. basspro.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Bradley Square Mall (inside Story Land, near Claire’s), 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Photos with Santa (reservations or walk-in), through Dec. 24. shopbradleysquare.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Photos with Santa, through Dec. 24. Reservations or walk-ins. Find Joy at the Mall hide-and-seek game with an Elf on the Shelf, through Dec. 24; find her and take a photo to share on mall’s Facebook. daltonmall.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Hamilton Place (Center Court), 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters. hamiltonplace.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Northgate Mall (Center Court), 271 Northgate Mall Drive. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. visitnorthgatemall.com
WINTER SKATING — Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Glice-skating rink (synthetic ice) opens for second season, through Jan. 31 (closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Mondays). $10. fortogov.com/winter-skating
THEATER
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-4, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5. $22-$27. theatrecentre.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. Ken Ludwig’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” through Dec. 22. ccplayhouse.com
NORTH GEORGIA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR — Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. Covenant Entertainment Group’s holiday musical variety show, with singing, dancing, comedy, magic, stilt walkers, Santa, elves, onstage Nativity, 3 and 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 23. $5-$26 (some shows sold out). northgeorgiachristmasshow.com
WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. “Christmas With C.S. Lewis,” 3 p.m. Dec. 22. $23-$91. tivolichattanooga.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress. com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.