Santa sightings and other Christmas events add a festive note to the calendar this week, but a scarecrow contest and a Friendsgiving dinner can help us hold on to the present a little longer.
(READ MORE: Where to find the best Christmas lights in Chattanooga)
CHRISTMAS
– Festival of Trees & Gala, a fundraiser for Foundation House Ministries, which provides aid for women in crisis pregnancies, is Thursday at Westmore Church of God, 2440 Legacy Parkway NW, Cleveland, Tennessee. A silent auction of decorated Christmas trees and gifts begins at 5 p.m. The gala, featuring a buffet dinner, door prizes and music by Lee University’s Evangelistic Singers and Symphonic Band, starts at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $40. foundationhouseministries.org
– Enchanted Garden of Lights, a 27-year tradition, opens Friday at Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia. The award-winning light display is known for its tens of thousands of twinklers covering pathways, natural structures and holiday vignettes. The attraction is open 5-9 nightly (until 10 on select nights), through Jan. 2 (closed Christmas Eve). Admission varies by date, with a range of $17-$30 for adults, $9-$16 for children 3-12. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The park is also open during the day, requiring a separate timed admission ticket. Check online about photos with Santa, dinner with Santa and musical entertainment on select nights. seerockcity.com