Here's what's happening in the Chattanooga area this week.
FREE FOOD
National French Toast Day is Monday, but the deal on Wendy's Homestyle French Toast Sticks is already underway. Through Dec. 4, consumers can get a free four-piece order with any purchase during breakfast hours. Homestyle French Toast Sticks were introduced in mid-August, the first new item since the breakfast menu's debut in March. They've quickly become a top seller. A recent company report credited the item with driving a "meaningful acceleration" in breakfast sales, according to media franchise Eat This, Not That.
ARTS
AREA 61 GALLERY -- 721 Broad St. area61gallery.com
-- Through Nov. 30: New works by Bob McElhaney, Janet Campbell Bradley, Katie Rogers, Jeff Fulkerson.
-- Nov. 27-Dec. 12: "Horse Show" by sculptor Rick Booth. Opening reception with the artist, 1-6 p.m. Nov. 27.
ATHENS ARTS CENTER -- 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athensartscouncil.org
-- Through Dec. 12: Student Art Show.
-- Through Dec. 12: "Free Hill: Renewal and Rememory" exhibit.
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. franklincoarts.org
-- Through Nov. 27: "Marvelous and Magical Masks" community show.
-- Nov. 27: Final intake days for "Recycled and Reimagined" community show. Show runs Dec. 1-Jan. 29.
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. huntermuseum.org
-- Dec. 1: Throwback Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Free admission to permanent collection, $5 to current exhibition "Memories & Inspiration."
-- Dec. 1: Hunter Holiday Teen Night, presented by Hunter Teen Council for all area teens, 6-8 p.m. Includes crafts, gift-making, cookie decorating, ugly sweater contest. Free.
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART -- UTC's Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. "Infinite Expansion of the Rubber Band Mansion," new works by multimedia artist Jamie Isenstein, with video installations commissioned with UTC students, through Dec. 16. icachatt.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY -- 26A Frazier Ave. intowngallery.com
-- Through Nov. 30: "48th Holiday Show."
-- Dec. 1-31: "I Am Woman" by Miki Boni. Opening reception, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2.
MUSEUM CENTER AT FIVE POINTS -- 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. museumcenter.org
-- Dec. 1: Artist Notes: Folk & Finster, art by Howard Finster, music by Tim Poteet & Friends, The Ocoee Boys and Water Oak Ramblers, plus food trucks and cash bar, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $10.
-- Through Jan. 31: Rev. Finster's Rock N' Revival, works by Howard Finster, through Jan. 31.
NORTHSIDE GALLERY -- Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave. Works by 12 artists of Mountain Arts Guild of Signal Mountain, through Dec. 19. Reception, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2. 423-266-1766
RIVER GALLERY -- 400 E. Second St. river-gallery.com
-- Dec. 3: Scott Hill block party (scenes painted on 1- to 2-inch blocks), 2-4 p.m.
-- Through Dec. 31: Works by Curtiss Brock, Scott Hill and Tania Hill.
COMEDY
COLONNADE -- 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. Henry Cho stand-up comedy show, 7 p.m. Dec. 2. $35-$50. catoosacolonnade.com
THE COMEDY CATCH -- 29 Station St.
-- Nov. 30: Open Mic Night for new talents, 7:30 p.m. $7.
-- Dec. 2-3: Mutzie, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. $17-$19.
IMPROV CHATTANOOGA -- Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain. Improv Chattanooga open house, 7 p.m. Nov. 28. Take part onstage or watch. Free; donations welcome. signalmacc.org
DANCE
CHATTANOOGA BALLET -- Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. "Behind the Curtain at 'The Nutcracker'" preview goes behind the scenes for photos with the cast, an interactive reading of the story and an exclusive look at the costumes and props, 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Includes cocktails and child-friendly treats. $20-$40 (must buy online). Shows are Dec. 9-11. chaballet.org
FESTIVALS
CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFT MARKET -- The Farm at Fiery Gizzard, 687 Dutchtown Road, Tracy City, Tenn. More than 75 vendors, baked goods, hot cocoa bar, drawings for designer Christmas tree and use of venue, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. CST Dec. 3. 931-409-4357
CHATTANOOGA HOLIDAY MARKET -- Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Chattanooga Market's indoor gift festival, with live music and other entertainment, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays). Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
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. 1, 8, 15, 22. ooltewahnursery.com
HOLIDAY ON HAMILL -- The Ministry Center, 2929 Hamill Road. Market with more than 100 vendors and food trucks, free photos with Santa, trackless train rides, pony rides, face painting, music, ax throwing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, rain or shine. facebook.com/holidayonhamill
MAINX24 -- Main Street and surrounding Southside area of Chattanooga. A 24-hour festival involving more than 120 events, including a parade, chili cook-off, adult Big Wheel races and concerts, Dec. 3. Full schedule: mainx24.com
MISTLETOE MARKET -- Creative Arts Guild, 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Local artists and makers selling handcrafted jewelry, decor and other goods, noon-7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3, plus Brookwood Elementary School's Christkindl Market (Saturday only). creativeartsguild.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 HOLIDAY MARKET -- Mountain Heights Venue, 1298 Hendon Road, Soddy-Daisy. More than 20 craft vendors and food trucks, photos with Santa, raffle to win use of venue, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 4. mountainheightsvenue.com
(READ MORE: Your 2022 Chattanooga-area fall festival guide)
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
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
ATV PARADE -- Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone, Ga. Benefit for Al Millard Stocking Full of Love with prize to best-decorated four-wheeler, 3 p.m. Dec. 3. Toy and cash donations requested. walkercountystockingfulloflove.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
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
LAFAYETTE CHRISTMAS PARADE -- Main Street from Ace Hardware, 512 S. Main St., to the town square and ending at Margaret Street, LaFayette, Ga. More than 75 vehicles and judged floats with the theme "A Picture Perfect Christmas," 6 p.m. Dec. 2. After the parade, free photos with Santa at Joe Stock Memorial Park, 208-B N. Main St. mycityoflafayettega.org
LAKESITE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING -- Lakesite City Park, 9301 Thrasher Trail. Craft tables to make ornaments for the tree, popcorn stringing contest, caroling, storytelling, photos with Santa, seasonal desserts and other refreshments, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3. 423-842-2533
LIVE NATIVITY -- Burks United Methodist Church, 6433 Hixson Pike. Scenes from the first Christmas, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3. 423-842-4219
MAINSTREET CLEVELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE -- From Bradley County High School, 1000 S. Lee Highway, north on Highway 11, east on Third Street, north on Ocoee Street, around the monument south on Broad Street, west on Inman Street, south on Highway 11 and back to the school. Lighted floats and other vehicles, plus horses, 6 p.m. Dec. 3. mainstreetcleveland.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
RED BANK CHRISTMAS PARADE & FESTIVAL -- Red Bank City Park, 3817 Redding Road (festival); and Dayton Boulevard from East Leawood Avenue to Unaka Street (parade). Festival with 40+ vendors, food trucks, beer garden, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (after the parade), bonfire to close, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 2. Parade at 7 p.m. redbanktn.gov
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. Pet Nights 4-7 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 6. shopbradleysquare.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP -- Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Santa poses for photos, Dec. 1-24. 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. Chattanooga Community Orchestra performs, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 3. Ginger Brown Dance Studio performs, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Black Santa, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 7-8. Pet photos 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 21. 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. Santa Mocs, with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga mascot and Santa in a blue and gold suit, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 29. Pet Nights 4-7 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12. visitnorthgatemall.com
SAU TREE LIGHTING -- Southern Adventist University, 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. Annual Christmas tree lighting, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in front of Wright Hall. Afterward, stroll the campus to hear performances by Jazz Ensemble and Steel Band, the Collegedale Academy Concert Band and others. 423-236-2814
SODDY-DAISY CHRISTMAS PARADE -- On Dayton Pike from Harrison Lane to Sequoyah Access Road. Judged floats, marching bands, dancers, decorated vehicles and Santa Claus, 2 p.m. Dec. 4. 423-718-1735
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER -- 1307 Dodds Ave. Wednesday Jazz in the Lounge with Dexter Bell & Friends, 7 p.m. Nov. 30. $5. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM -- Five Wits Brewing, 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
-- Dec. 1: 10 Years, 9 p.m. $20-$40.
-- Dec. 2: Same As It Ever Was: A Tribute to The Talking Heads, 9 p.m. $15-$20.
-- Dec. 3: Big Bam Boom, 9 p.m. $12-$25.
-- Dec. 3: Midnight Disco with Mystery Box, midnight. $15.
CANDLELIGHT ADVENT SERVICE -- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. St. Paul's Artist Series features Bach's Cantata BWV 61 and Handel's "Messiah," Part 1, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. North Carolina Baroque Orchestra will perform on historical instruments along with the St. Paul's Choir and featured soloists. $10-$40. stpaulschatt.org
THE CAVERNS -- 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage: A Bluegrass Christmas Celebration, 3 p.m. CST Dec. 4. $55-$350. thecaverns.com
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS TOUR -- Spring Creek Road Baptist Church, 1312 Spring Creek Road. Christian recording artist Jamie Kimmett in concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 4. scrbc.com
CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH -- 7025 East Brainerd Road. Christmas With Selah concert by Dove Award-winning trio, with Natalie Layne, 3 p.m. Dec. 1 (7 p.m. show is sold out.) $18. moodyradio.org
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE -- 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. A Classic Nashville Christmas with Jason Petty & Gail Bliss, with country, bluegrass and gospel selections, 7:30 p.m. CST Dec. 1. $25. ccplayhouse.com
DALTON CONVENTION CENTER -- 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Chattanooga & Cleveland Firefighters Association benefit concert featuring Little Texas, 6-11:30 p.m. Dec. 4. $28. Choose Chattanooga Local 820 or Cleveland Local 3748 to benefit from ticket donation. cffafundraiser.org
DARYL MOSLEY CONCERTS -- Grand Ole Opry veteran performs two area shows Dec. 4: 11 a.m. CST at Lee Station Baptist Church, 10109 Old State Highway 28, Pikeville, Tenn.; 7 p.m. at Bartlebaugh Baptist Church, 6129 Champion Road, Chattanooga. darylmosley.com/tour
GEM THEATRE -- 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga. Celtic Angels Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. $39-$49. calhoungemtheatre.org
HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" -- First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave. Chattanooga Symphony & Orchestra, CSO Chorus, Choral Arts of Chattanooga and First Presbyterian Church Choir perform selections from the composer's 1714 oratorio, including its "Hallelujah Chorus," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4 (sing-along). $10-$25. chattanoogasymphony.org
HOLIDAY CONCERT -- Cleveland State Community College, 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. Vocal Rhapsody and Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble perform, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1. in George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center. Free. 423-473-2303
SONGBIRDS -- 35 Station St. Chris Knight, 7 p.m. Dec. 1. $25-$30. songbirdsfoundation.com
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY -- 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. southern.edu/musicevents
-- Nov. 27: Concerto Competition finals, featuring young musicians performing with a full orchestra, 4 p.m. in Mabel Wood Hall's Ackerman Auditorium. Free.
-- Dec. 3: Christmas pops concert with Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and Steel Band, 8 p.m. in Iles P.E. Center.
TRI-OCTAVES CHRISTMAS CONCERT -- Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road. Identical shows of Christmas songs from classic movies benefiting Bethlehem Center, 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Featured singers are Willie Kitchens, Michael Rodgers and Doug Richeson. Free. christchurchchatt.org
WALKER THEATRE -- 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com
-- Dec. 1: The Fab Four, Beatles tribute band, 8 p.m. $45-$55.
-- Dec. 3: Black Violin on the Impossible Tour, 8 p.m. $29-$54.
OUT & ABOUT
BLUECROSS BOWL -- Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. State high school football championships presented by Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, Dec. 1-3. Games at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. each day. $12 in advance, $15 at gate; $10 parking at the stadium. tssaasports.com/football
CARL BERNSTEIN LECTURE -- Southern Adventist University, 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. Legendary journalist talks with local television host Alison Lebovitz on "Why Truth Still Matters," 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in Iles P.E. Center. Audience may submit questions for Q&A. Inaugural event in the R. Lynn Sauls Endowed Lecture Series. Free but reservations highly recommended. RSVP: southern.edu/truth
COATS FOR KIDS -- Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Chattanooga Fire Department and others collect coats in all sizes (children to adults) plus winter hats, gloves and scarves for Forgotten Child Fund, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the parking lot near The Cheesecake Factory. hamiltonplace.com
HIGHLAND GAMES -- WanderLinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St. Birthday bash celebrating four-year anniversary, Dec. 3. Includes keg toss, sack race and stein hold competitions, 2-5 p.m.; meet the brewers with new releases, 4-6 p.m.; art extravaganza, 6-8 p.m.; live music, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. wanderlinger.com
THEATER
ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATRE -- 907 Gaston St., Dalton, Ga. "A Christmas Carol," 2 p.m. Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3. $10-$16. actdalton.org
ATHENS ARTS CENTER -- 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. "Miracle on 34th Street," 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 2 p.m. Dec. 10. $15-$20. athensartscouncil.org
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE -- 400 River St. theatrecentre.com
-- Nov. 28-29: Auditions for "The Color Purple: The Musical," 7:30 p.m.
-- Dec. 2-18: "Every Christmas Story Ever Told," 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $20-$25.
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.
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.