Here's what's happening in the Chattanooga area this week.
LOOK, UP IN THE SKY
The year's strongest meteor shower will have competition from a not-quite-full moon, but sky watchers can hope for a strong showing by the Geminid meteor shower, which lasts through Dec. 24 but peaks Wednesday, according to earthsky.com. Under optimal viewing conditions, the Geminids deliver bright, bold meteors at rates of 120 per hour. The plentiful Geminids will intersect with the Ursid meteor shower, which peaks on Dec. 22, but the Ursids have a much smaller payoff, with only five to 10 meteors visible per hour.
ARTS
AREA 61 GALLERY -- 721 Broad St. "Horse Show" by sculptor Rick Booth, through Dec. 12. area61gallery.com
Photo from the artist / "Listening to the Light" is among the works in "A View From the Sycamore," a collection of watercolor works by Marie Spaeder Haas on view at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn., starting Dec. 15.ATHENS ARTS CENTER -- 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athensartscouncil.org
-- Through Dec. 12: Student Art Show and "Free Hill: Renewal and Rememory" exhibit.
-- Dec. 15-Feb. 6: "A View From the Sycamore" watercolor exhibit by Marie Spaeder Haas. Opening reception, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 20.
COLONNADE -- 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. Sixty paintings by Civic Arts League artists, through Dec. 16. civicartsleague.com
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD -- The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. "Recycled and Reimagined" community show, through Jan. 29. franklincoarts.org
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL -- 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga's fall/holiday show, through Feb. 3. chattanoogaphoto.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART -- 10 Bluff View. Sunday Studio: Mini Maker Market, hands-on holiday craft projects to gift or decorate at home, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Regular admission. huntermuseum.org
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART -- UTC's Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. "Infinite Expansion of the Rubber Band Mansion," by Jamie Isenstein, through Dec. 16. icachatt.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY -- 26A Frazier Ave. "I Am Woman" by Miki Boni, through Dec. 31. intowngallery.com
NORTHSIDE GALLERY -- Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave. Works by 12 artists of Mountain Arts Guild of Signal Mountain, through Dec. 19. 423-266-1766
RISING FAWN STUDIO TOUR -- New Salem community of Lookout Mountain, Ga. Three-mile route to visit five studios with works by at least 10 artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11 (final day). First stop is 436 S. Moore Road off Highway 136. tinyurl.com/risingfawntour
RIVER GALLERY -- 400 E. Second St. Works by Curtiss Brock, Scott Hill and Tania Hill, through Dec. 31. river-gallery.com
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH -- 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com
-- Dec. 15: Christmas comedy fundraiser, special engagement featuring JJ Barrows, with Lisa Gilbert, 7 p.m. $20. Proceeds go to help elderly, terminally ill and homebound residents served by Meals on Wheels.
-- Dec. 16-17: James Gregory in special engagement, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday. $30-$35.
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM -- 399 McCallie Ave. Louis C.K., 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $50-$75. tivolichattanooga.com
MOUNTAIN ARTS COMMUNITY CENTER -- 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain. Improv Chattanooga presents "Whose Line Is It, Signal Mountain," 8 p.m. Dec. 16. $10-$15. signalmacc.org
DANCE
CHATTANOOGA BALLET -- Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," 2 p.m. Dec. 11 (final show). $19-$75. chaballet.org
CHATTANOOGA DANCE THEATRE -- 5151 Austin Road, Hixson. chattanoogadancetheatre.com
-- Dec. 11: "Clara's Tea," to introduce young audiences to "The Nutcracker," with tea and cookies, crafts, mini performance of "Nooga Nutcracker" and photos with characters, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. $22-$28.
-- Dec. 17: Full performances of "Nooga Nutcracker," the classic tale set in present-day Chattanooga and featuring several forms of dance, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Dr. Roland Carter St. $22-$28.
CIVIC BALLET OF CHATTANOOGA AND MASSARI WOOD DANCE CENTER -- UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Dr. Roland Carter St. "The Nutcracker," 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 (final show). $17-$20. massariwooddance.com
UNITY DANCE TROUPE -- Lee University's Dixon Center, 1053 Church St. NE, Cleveland, Tenn. Professional company of local dancers and actors presents Broadway-style production of "Scrooge," 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18. unitydancetroupe.com
FILM
GEM THEATRE -- 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun. Ga. "White Christmas" sing-along in free movie series, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Donations welcome. Concessions available. calhoungemtheatre.org
IMAX THEATER -- 201 Chestnut St. "The Polar Express," daily through Dec. 26 (closed Christmas Day); times vary. $8-$10. PJs and Polar, see the movie in your pajamas and meet the conductor, 9:15-11:45 a.m. Dec. 17. $13-$20. tnaqua.org
MUSIC
ADVENT CONCERT SERIES -- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Harpist Caroline Brown Hudson performs, 12:05-12:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Soup lunch follows for $6. Basket in the back for donations of winter hats, gloves, scarves and socks for Chattanooga Community Kitchen. stpaulschatt.org
ATHENS CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL -- 200 Keith Lane, Athens, Tenn. Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra holiday concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 11. Part of Athens Area Council for the Arts' Bicentennial Celebration Performance Season. $20-$30. athensartscouncil.org
BACK ALLEY PRODUCTIONS CHRISTMAS CONCERT -- Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St. Annual Christmas concert by the Holidates, 7 p.m. Dec. 16. $6-$8. bapshows.com
BARKING LEGS THEATER -- 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
-- Dec. 13: Jake Blount Band, 7:30 p.m. $15-$20.
-- Dec. 16: Mad Priest presents Three Mad Men, a live Advent podcast special, 6 p.m. $20-$35 (stream for $6.66).
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM -- Five Wits Brewing, 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
-- Dec. 16: St. Owsley: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Jerry Garcia, 9 p.m. $12-$15.
-- Dec. 17: The Afternooners Christmas Special with Oweda & Oki Turbo, 8 p.m. $12-$15.
THE CAVERNS -- 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. Aaron Lewis: The Acoustic Tour, 8 p.m. CST Dec. 16-17. Sold out. thecaverns.com
CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA -- Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. "Home for the Holidays" Pops concerts, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18. $15-$90. chattanoogasymphony.org
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE -- 400 River St. Premier Jazz Orchestra Christmas concert, featuring vocalist Valerie Duke, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Come early for pictures with Santa. $15-$20. theatrecentre.com
CHORAL ARTS OF CHATTANOOGA -- Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine St. Christmas concert, "Wonderful Peace," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. $15 (buy online or at the door). choralartsofchattanooga.weebly.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE -- 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. Inversion Vocal Ensemble in concert, 7:30 p.m. CST Dec. 15. $25. ccplayhouse.com
HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" -- Chattanooga First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7450 Standifer Gap Road. Community sing-along led by Southern Adventist University's director of orchestral activities, Redmer Cadwallader, with guest soloists, 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Free but an offering will be received. Bring your own score if you have one. 423-605-2468
GEM THEATRE -- 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga. Dana Patterson Merry Christmas Concert, featuring Whitewater Junction, Faye & Jessie Bentley, Jule Medders, Christmas story read by Steven Pearson, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. $20. Proceeds benefit the theater. calhoungemtheatre.org
PRINCESS THEATRE -- 215 S. Cedar Ave., South Pittsburg, Tenn. Recording artist Mo Pitney in free Christmas concert, 6 p.m. CST Dec. 17. mopitney.com
SCENIC CITY CHORUS -- Spring Creek Road Baptist Church auxiliary building, 1312 Spring Creek Road. Guest nights for visitors to see if they'd like to sing barbershop harmonies with Chattanooga chapter of Sweet Adelines International, 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12 (or any Monday beginning in January). ScenicCityChorus.com
THE SIGNAL -- 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com
-- Dec. 16: The Dolly Disco: The Dolly Parton-Inspired Country Dance Party, 9 p.m. $10-$40.
-- Dec. 17: Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, with Frank Hurricane, 8 p.m. $20-$40.
SONGBIRDS -- 35 Station St. Nick Shoulders with the Lostines, 7 p.m. Dec. 16. $15-$17. songbirdsfoundation.com
STRING THEORY -- Hunter Museum of American, 10 Bluff View. Chamber concert series continues with Jason Vieaux and Timothy McAllister, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13; preceded by Musical Dialogues with the performers at 6 p.m. $10-$45. stringtheorymusic.org
WALKER THEATRE -- 399 McCallie Ave. Christmas With Michael W. Smith, featuring Michael Tait, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. $54-$79. tivolichattanooga.com
OUT & ABOUT
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL -- Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Seasonal light display features 38 custom fixtures showcasing the zoo's resident animals, 6-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Jan. 15 (closed holidays). $16-$18 members, $18-$21 nonmembers. Reserve tickets online. chattzoo.org
BODE FOR THE HOLIDAYS -- Bode Chattanooga, 730 Chestnut St. Holiday pop-up features holiday decor, themed food and drink offerings at Dawn cafe and market (opens at 8 a.m.) and Dusk cocktail bar (opens at 3 p.m.) through Dec. 31. bode.co
BOOK SIGNING -- ArtsBuild, 301 E. 11th St. Twenty-local poets sign Rhyme N Chatt's 2022 anthology "Reboot," 4-6 p.m. Dec. 11. rhymenchatt.wordpress.com
CANDLELIGHT TOURS -- Marsh House, 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Historically accurate tours of home decorated in the style of Christmas in the 1880s end with hot cider and ginger cookies, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 17-18. $5 donation requested. Must make reservations: 706-638-5187
CHATTANOOGA HOLIDAY MARKET -- Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Chattanooga Market's indoor gift festival, with live music and other entertainment, Dec. 11, 17-18 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays). Dec. 11 features Lodge Cast Iron Cook-off: Breakfast of Champions, a live cooking competition by area chefs, at 11 a.m. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
CHRISTMAS COOKIES -- East Ridge Community Center, 1515 Tombras Ave. All-ages, hands-on decorating class taught by Mrs. Claus, with a special appearance by Santa, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 15. Admission is a food donation to the East Ridge Food Pantry. facebook.com/eastridgetn
CHRISTMAS IN COLLEGEDALE -- Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive. City launches new tradition with music, food trucks, yard games, photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, canned food drive by Collegedale Police Department, community tree lighting, 4-7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. collegedaleparksandrec.com
COOKIES WITH SANTA -- Joe Stock Memorial Park, 208-B N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Free family event, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 17. Donations accepted. bridgescb.org
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM -- 321 Chestnut St. Gingerbread workshops, weekends through Dec. 18 (choice of times). $44 members, $55 nonmembers. cdmfun.org
DAYTON ICE RINK -- Centennial Park, 391 Second Ave., Dayton, Tenn. Outdoor ice rink, through Feb. 28 (schedule varies). $10 ages 13 and older, $8 younger skaters. 423-775-9847
ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS -- Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. More than a million LED lights throughout the park, Christmas Market and seated dinner in Santa's Workshop & Kitchen on select dates, timed entry 4:30-9:45 p.m. through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Eve). $26-$32 adults, $16-$22 children 3-12 depending on date. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. seerockcity.com/lights
HOLIDAY GIFTS MARKET -- Ooltewah Farmers Market at Ooltewah Nursery, 5829 Main St. Handmade arts and crafts, fresh and prepared foods, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 15, 22. ooltewahnursery.com
HOLIDAY WINDOW TREASURE HUNT -- North Shore merchants along Frazier Avenue and connector streets. NorthShore Merchants Collective's eighth annual adventure to find an unlikely "hidden" object in the window of 23 participating stores, through Jan. 3. Turn in completed game cards, with minimum $1 contribution to Northside Neighborhood House, for chance to win one of three gift baskets valued at $400. northshorechattanooga.com
HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PEAKS -- Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Includes Scuba Claus in the River Journey building's freshwater exhibits, 2 p.m. Dec. 17 (last appearance), plus festive music and Christmas tree illuminated by the discharges of electric eel Miguel Wattson, through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day). $22-$35. tnaqua.org/holidays
ICE ON THE LANDING -- Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens, 1400 Market St. Outdoor ice skating rink, through Jan. 29 (schedule varies but open holidays). $12 adults, $10 children 12 and younger (includes skate rentals). New this year: online ticket purchase. iceonthelanding.com
NOOGALIGHTS -- Chester Frost Park, 2277 N. Gold Point Circle. Half-hour, drive-thru holiday show of lights and fog, 5:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day). $30 per car; must purchase tickets online. noogalights.com
MAGIC OF LIGHTS -- Summit of Softball Complex, 4900 La Collina Way, Ooltewah. Drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza with more than 40 larger-than-life scenes and animated characters, 5:30-10 p.m. through Jan. 1. $25-$35 per vehicle, with discounts if purchased online. magicoflights.com
MISTLETOE MARKET -- Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. More than 150 arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11 (final day). Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
MOUNTAIN ARTS COMMUNITY CENTER -- 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain. Wings To Soar flying raptor program, fundraiser for Happinest Wildlife Rescue, 3 p.m. Dec. 17. $5-$20. signalmacc.org
MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS -- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiwassee, Ga. Light show with music, arts, crafts, food, entertainment, photo ops, visits with Santa Claus, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23 (open Thursday-Saturday through Dec. 10, every night Dec. 15-23). Craft show opens at 4 p.m. Saturdays only. $7 (free for children under 12). georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
SANTA'S WONDERLAND -- Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Bass Pro Drive. Photo sessions by reservation through Dec. 24. Free 4x6 photo; purchase options for others. basspro.com/santa
SANTA'S WORKSHOP -- Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. (inside Story Land near Claire's and Hibbett Sports). Photos through Dec. 24. Walk in, or reserve a time online to receive a phone call from Santa. shopbradleysquare.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP -- Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Santa photos, through Dec. 24. Walk in, or reserve a time online to receive a phone call from Santa. daltonmall.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP -- Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. (lower level at Center Court). Photos through Dec. 24. Walk in, or reserve a time online to receive a phone call from Santa. Pet photos, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12. Artistic Generation Dance Complex performs, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Battle of the Bells, with three television news stations at different entrances receiving donations for the needy, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16. hamiltonplace.com/store/santas_workshop
SANTA'S WORKSHOP -- Northgate Mall, 271 Northgate Mall Drive, Hixson. Photos through Dec. 24. Walk-ins welcome, or reserve a time online to receive a phone call from Santa. Pet Night, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12. visitnorthgatemall.com
TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM -- 4119 Cromwell Road. North Pole Limited train rides to North Pole at East Chattanooga station, with refreshments, storytelling and chance to write Santa a letter along the way, through Dec. 23 (various times). $29-$55. Other excursions available. tvrail.com
WINTER BREAK SPECTACULAR -- Miller Park, 910 Market St. Community party to kick off Hamilton County Schools' winter break, 2-7 p.m. Dec. 16. Includes free photos with the Chattanooga Elf, holiday music, oversize games, food vendors, balloon animals, face painting, holiday treats, soccer, arts and crafts, free screening of "Elf" at sunset (around 5:30 p.m.). Bring your own seating. rivercitycompany.com
(READ MORE: Your 2022 Chattanooga-area fall festival guide)
THEATER
BACK ALLEY PRODUCTIONS -- Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St., LaFayette, Ga. "A Christmas Carol," 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 (final shows). $13-$16. bapshows.com
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE -- 400 River St. theatrecentre.com
-- Through Dec. 18: "Every Christmas Story Ever Told," 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $20-$25.
-- Through Dec. 18: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical," 7 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $15-$20.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE -- 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com
-- Through Dec. 17: "Johnny and the Devil's Box." $16-$30.
-- Through Dec. 21: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," $10-$26.
DALTON LITTLE THEATRE -- 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton, Ga. "DLT's Twisted Holiday Shorts (The Slings and Arrows of Holiday Cheer)," 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Dec. 16-17. $10-$15. daltonlittletheatre.com
SCENIC CITY SHAKESPEARE -- Edney building, 1100 Market St. Discussion of "Twelfth Night" to conclude yearlong look at Shakespeare's comedies, 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Livestream available. Free. sceniccityshakespeare.org
YELLOW DRAGON PRODUCTIONS -- St. Luke United Methodist Church, 3210 Social Circle. "A Tuna Christmas," 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18. $10-$16. yellowdragonproductions.org
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.