Many families will be cocooning at home for the gifting, feasting and general merry-making of Christmas, but there are options for outings if you’re so inclined, even on Christmas Day. Here are some ideas for the next few days.
– The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St., hosts a “Home for the Holidays” showcase of hometown talents coming off tours or other distant work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Among those scheduled to appear are Natasha Ferrier, Chance Willie, Ethan McFall and Davis Wesson. Andrew Ledbetter will host. Tickets are $15. thecomedycatch.com
– East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra will host a Christmas Day “Messiah” Sing at 3:30 p.m. at the Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive. The all-volunteer orchestra will spotlight what is considered the Christmas portion of the oratorio. Word to the wise: In America, it’s customary to stand during the “Hallelujah Chorus.” A limited number of vocal scores will be available, but bring your own if you have one. Players of string instruments are also welcome to join the orchestra. Admission is free. etsomusic.org
– Enchanted Garden of Lights, Rock City’s nighttime lights extravaganza, is closed Christmas Eve but open all other nights through Jan. 2. Thursday night will be the final night to visit with Santa Claus. If you’d prefer a daytime tour, which includes visits to Fat Man Squeeze and the Hall of the Mountain King, you can book a visit between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. any day except Christmas Day. You must reserve an entry time online. Tickets are not sold at the gate. Daytime tours are $22 for adults, $13 for children 3-12. Enchanted Garden of Lights admission varies by night, but ranges from $24 to $30 for adults, $14 to $16 for children 3-12. seerockcity.com
– EPB holiday windows are on view through Jan. 3. The festive vignettes can be seen on the Broad and Market Street sides of the building at 10 West M.L. King Blvd. epb.com