Mailed to order
Want to adorn your Christmas cards with more than a holiday stamp? How about adding a postmark from a city with a festive name? In a large envelope, send your addressed, sealed and stamped greeting cards addressed to Postmaster in the city in which you want the individual envelopes postmarked, with a note that you'd like them mailed from that post office. The U.S. Census Bureau recommends these cities:
Dasher, GA 31606
Garland, TX 75040
Holiday, FL 34690
Holiday Shores, IL 62025
Holly, CO 81047
Holly Springs, GA 30142
Noel, MO 64854
North Pole, AK 99705
Rudolph, WI 54475
Santa Claus, IN 47579
Snowflake, AZ 85937
CALENDAR
ARTS
ATHENS ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. "Meticulous Sanctum," by Susan Fox and Ryland Thompson, through Dec. 11. athensartscouncil.org
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Annual all-member salon show, through Dec. 23. avarts.org
AVA @ THE INCUBATOR — 100 Cherokee Ave. Hamilton County Business Development Center: Cohort 3 group exhibit by Andy Ramirez, Meagen Rice and Rea Shaw, through Dec. 31. (Parking at Renaissance Park across the street.) avarts.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. franklincoarts.org
› Through Dec. 23: Ellen Jackson's retrospective art quilts.
› Through Jan. 28: "Winding Down" community show. Opening reception, 5-7 p.m. CST Dec. 15.
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga's holiday show, through Jan. 26. chattanoogaphoto.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART -- 10 Bluff View. huntermuseum.org
› Dec. 10: Sunday Studio, drop-in art experiences for families, including ceramic ornaments and treats, plus activities with Chattanooga Public Library, Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Challenger Center and Ballet Esprit's "Nutcracker" dancers, 2- 4 p.m. Regular admission: $20 nonmember adults.
› Through Jan. 8: "Gilded: Contemporary Artists Explore Value and Worth." Regular admission.
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. Roger Harvey's "Wizardry With Wood," through Dec. 31. Pottery demonstration by Jonathan Clardy, "Hands, Earth and Fire," 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 16. intowngallery.com
NORTHSIDE GALLERY — Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave. Works by 14 area artists, including members of the Civic Arts League of Chattanooga, through Dec. 18. 423-266-1766
RISING FAWN STUDIO TOUR — Various sites in Plum Nelly area atop Lookout Mountain, accessible from Highway 189 from Chattanooga and Highway 136 from LaFayette or Trenton, Ga. Multiple artists selling paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, metal yard art, bird feeders, stoneware, carved Santas, other works, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10 (last day). Tour page on Facebook.
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Works by Janet Eskridge, Scott Hill and Tatiana Hill, through Dec. 31. Michael Anderson wood demo, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 16. river-gallery.com
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — 4881 Taylor Circle. "Repurposed" ceramics exhibit by seniors Diana Alarcon and Said Kas-Danouch and adjunct instructor Loren Howard in John C. Williams Gallery, Brock Hall, second floor, through Jan. 19. southern.edu
TOWNSEND ATELIER — 301 E. 11th St. Textile trunk show and sale, hand-dyed embellished textiles, wearables and home furnishings by Deborah Houston, Ann Hurley and Ruth McRae, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. townsendatelier.com
DANCE
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. "This Place," a reprise of 30th anniversary dance monologue written and performed by Ann Law, founder and executive director of Barking Legs, about her 300-year Tennessee ancestry, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $10-$40. barkinglegs.org
CHATTANOOGA BALLET — Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. "The Nutcracker," with Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, 2 p.m. Dec. 10 (final show). $25-$75. tivolichattanooga.com
CHATTANOOGA DANCE THEATRE — UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. "Nooga Nutcracker," set in present-day Chattanooga, with various dance styles, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16. $23-$34. utc.edu/fine-arts-center
CIVIC BALLET OF CHATTANOOGA & MASSARI WOOD DANCE CENTER — UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. Classic rendition of "The Nutcracker," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10. $17-$20. utc.edu/fine-arts-center
FILM
BOBBY STONE FILM SERIES — Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com
› Dec. 15: "A Madea Christmas," 7 p.m. $11-$13.
› Dec. 16: "Elf," 2 p.m. $6. Free admission with donation of coat to Tivoli Theatre Foundation's winter coat drive in lobby, plus photos with Santa.
› Dec. 16: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," 7 p.m. $11-$13.
› Dec. 16: "Gremlins," 10 p.m. $11-$13.
FATHOM EVENTS — See website for theaters, showtimes and ticket prices. fathomevents.com
› Dec. 10-11: "Waitress: The Musical."
› Dec. 10 and 13: "A Christmas Story" (40th anniversary).
› Dec. 13: The Metropolitan Opera's "Florencia en el Amazonas."
› Dec. 12-17: Christmas With The Chosen: Holy Night.
IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. "The Polar Express," through Dec. 26 (closed Christmas Day); show times vary. $10. tnaqua.org/imax/deep-sky
MUSIC
A NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS WORSHIP — Abba's House, 5208 Hixson Pike. Grammy winner Jason Crabb in concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Free admission; love offering accepted. abbashouse.com
ATHENS ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. Jazzy Little Christmas, 2 p.m. Dec. 10 (final show). Sold out. athensartscouncil.org
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Weekly jazz in the lounge with Prakash Wright Trio, 7 p.m. Dec. 13. $5. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
› Dec. 10: Ten Years With Lost Hearts and Emerge, 7 p.m. $23-$26.
› Dec. 15: Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute, 8 p.m. $15-$20.
› Dec. 16: The Afternooners with Behold the Brave and Cody James Harris, 9 p.m. $12-$15.
› Dec. 17: ET's Birthmas food drive for Chattanooga Area Food Bank, with music by Roger Alan Wade, ET and Danimal's Sunday Funday, 1 p.m. Admission with canned good or cash donation. Photos with Santa, 2-4 p.m. with cash donation.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT — First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road. Listeso String Quartet performs Christmas carols, "The Nutcracker" and other classical selections, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dec. 16. $32-$70. feverup.com
THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. Taylor Swift Christmas Laser Dance Party, 3 p.m. CST Dec. 10. $49. thecaverns.com
CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA — chattanoogasymphony.org
› Dec. 11: Chattanooga Youth Symphony Chamber Players, 6 p.m. at First Christian Church Chattanooga, 650 McCallie Ave. Free.
› Dec. 16-17: "Home for the Holidays," featuring CSO Chorus, community groups, photos with Santa, mailbox for letters to Santa, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Bring a toy for Be the Change Youth Initiative (wish list online). $12-$90.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT — Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road. Christmas worship service led by choirs and orchestra, 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. ridgedalebaptist.org
CHRISTMAS WITH THE METROPOLITAN BELLS — Concerts by Chattanooga handbell choir, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at First United Methodist Church, 3425 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, Tenn.; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road. Free admission; donations welcome. metropolitanbells.org
GEM THEATRE — 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga. Tenth annual Dana Patterson Merry Christmas Concert, in memory of domestic violence victim, featuring Bentley Family, Jule Medders and Whitewater Junction, with reading of the Christmas story and visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. $20. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Action Center and Gem Theatre. calhoungemtheatre.org
INSPIRIT WITH JERICHO FOR CHRISTMAS — First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road. Joint performance by Jericho Brass band and InSpirit men's chorus, plus audience sing-alongs, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Free admission. jerichobrassband.org
MID-SOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND — Ringgold High School, 29 Tiger Trail, Ringgold, Ga. Vibrant selection of Christmas songs performed by 60 musicians from greater Chattanooga area, 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Free. midsouthsymphonicband.com
NORTH RIVER CIVIC CENTER — 1009 Executive Drive, Suite 102, Hixson. Christmas favorites performed big-band style by 20-member band Sweet Georgia Sound, featuring vocalist Greg Glover, 7 p.m. Dec. 15. 423-870-8924
THE SIGNAL — 21 Choo Choo Ave. Crowder: Milk & Cookies Tour, 8 p.m. Dec. 10. $40-$91. thesignaltn.com
WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. Hunter Hayes on Flying Solo tour, 8 p.m. Dec. 12. $21-$72. tivolichattanooga.com
WONDER & WORSHIP — Ringgold First Baptist Church, 7611 Nashville St., Ringgold, Ga. Christmas music by the sanctuary choir, handbells and instrumentalists, 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. ringgoldfbc.net
OUT & ABOUT
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL — Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. All-new collection of 30+ lanterns and nine interactive displays, 5:30-9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.) through Jan. 14. $17-$23 nonmembers, $13-$18 members. chattzoo.org
BOOK LAUNCH — ArtsBuild, 301 E. 11th St. Official release of Rhyme N Chatt's 2023 poetry anthology, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 10. $20 purchase price. RhymeNChatt.com
BOOK SIGNING — LaFayette-Walker County Public Library, 305 S. Duke St., LaFayette, Ga. Friends of the Library hosts David Carroll for discussion and signing of two books, "I Won't Be Your Escape Goat" and "Hello, Chattanooga," 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 13. facebook.com/lafayettewalkerlibrary
CHATTANOOGA MARKET'S HOLIDAY MARKET — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. More than 200 local food vendors, artists and crafts with gift merchandise, decor, foods, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 10, 17. Dec. 10 includes Lodge Cast Iron Cook-Off, a contest among local chefs who must incorporate a surprise ingredient into an original dish cooked in Lodge's USA Enamel line. chattanoogamarket.com
CHRISTMAS AT MCLEMORE — 32 Clubhouse Lane, Rising Fawn, Ga. Brunch With Santa, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 16 and 23. $25 per table. eventbrite.com
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS — Marsh House Museum, 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Guided tours of the historic house decorated for the holidays in the style of the 1880s with discussion of the customs of the era, ending with hot cider and ginger cookies, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10, 16-17. $5-$10. marshhouseoflafayette.org
CHRISTMAS TOURS — Chief Vann House State Historic Site, 82 Georgia Highway 225 North, Chatsworth, Ga. Tours to see the historical plantation house decked with boughs, bows, greenery and other decorations inspired by 19th-century celebrations by Moravian missionaries, through Dec. 23. $7. gastateparks.org/chiefvannhouse
CIVIL WAR HISTORY — Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Half-hour "Christmastime -- December 1863" programs at Snodgrass House (Tour Stop 8; signs will be posted), focusing on what Christmas might have been like on the war-torn battlefield, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16. nps.gov/chch
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. Chris Clarke, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Dec. 15-16. $20-$25. thecomedycatch.com
COOKIES WITH SANTA — LaFayette-Walker County Public Library, 305 S. Duke St., LaFayette, Ga. Second annual event by Bridge Health and Cares Foundation includes children's crafts, holiday items for sale, free photos with Santa, raffle, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 16. facebook.com/bridgecsb
ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. A million lights illuminating six distinct holiday realms, including one of the world's tallest walk-through Christmas trees, 4:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4:30-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday (park closes later), through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Eve). $10-$32; tickets online only. seerockcity.com
EPB HOLIDAY WINDOWS — 10 W. M.L. King Blvd. Holiday scenes in windows surrounding the building, through Jan. 1. facebook.com/epbchattanooga
GINGERBREAD AND SUGAR COOKIES — Sweet & Savory Classroom, 45 E. Main St., Suite 112. Separate seasonal cooking classes for a parent and child (ages 5-13), select dates through Dec. 23. Instruction and supplies provided. $92-$94. sweetandsavoryclassroom.com
GINGERBREAD WORKSHOPS — Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. Ninety-minute sessions to create gingerbread houses from kits, with all supplies and cleanup provided, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 10 (last day). Limited to three participants per house. $53-$78. cdmfun.org
HAPPY FUN TIME TRIVIA & QUIZ SHOW — Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. Bracket-style elimination tournament on pop-culture trivia for teams and individuals, with interactive challenges, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Free, but reservations required to compete. Spectators welcome. Cocktails and concessions available. theatrecentre.com
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT, CHARITY DRIVE — Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. hamiltonplace.com
› Dec. 10: Ginger Brown Dance Academy, 2-4 p.m. at Center Court.
› Dec. 13: Artistic Generation Dance Complex, 6-8 p.m. at Center Court.
› Dec. 14: Battle of the Bells, featuring three local news stations at the three mall entrances collecting money for charity, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
HOLIDAY PARTY — Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market St., fifth floor. Chattanooga Writers Guild gathering with potluck dinner, holiday sing-along, open mic, charades and Pictionary, book exchange, 6 p.m. Dec. 12. chattanoogawritersguild.org
HOLIDAY WINDOW TREASURE HUNT — North Shore businesses. NorthShore Merchants Collective hosts ninth annual event to find unlikely hidden objects in 20 merchants' windows to fill out game card, through Jan. 7. Turn in game cards with minimum $1 donation to Northside Neighborhood House for chance to win prizes. Email: tina@shopblueskies.net
HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PEAKS — Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Seasonal music, decor and themed weekly programming, through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day). Photos with Santa, Dec. 15-24; scuba-diving Santa, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, except Christmas Eve. tnaqua.org/holidays
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. (new location). Outdoor ice rink, through Jan. 28 (hours vary but open holidays). $10-$12 ($2 more on holidays). iceonthelanding.com
INDOOR CLIMBING EXPO — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Exhibitors, clinics and seminars for climbing enthusiasts, Dec. 13-16. $120-$150. indoorclimbingexpo.com
MISTLETOE MARKET — Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Arts, crafts and food vendors, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 10 (last day). Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
NOOGA LIGHTS — Pine Tree Park (at Soddy Lake), 12000 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy (must enter from northbound lane). Drive-thru holiday light show, with synchronized music on FM radio channel, 6-10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31. $15 in advance, $20 at gate. noogalights.com
PICTURES WITH BLACK SANTA — Walker County African American Museum & Cultural Center, 309 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. 1-4 p.m. Dec. 10 (last day). $5 donation. walkercountyafricanamerican.com
RUBY FALLS CHRISTMAS — 1720 S. Scenic Highway. Visits with Santa amid holiday decor and twinkling lights, select dates through Dec. 23. Professionally made photos available for purchase. Cave adventure tickets, sold separately, not required to visit Santa. rubyfalls.com
SANTA'S WONDERLAND — Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Bass Pro Drive. Photos available by reservation, through Dec. 24. Free 4x6 photo with Santa; options for more. basspro.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Santa photos, through Dec. 24. shopbradleysquare.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Photos with Santa, through Dec. 24; walk-up or by reservation. Pajama Parties every Tuesday; Ugly Sweater Parties every Thursday. daltonmall.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Santa photos, through Dec. 24. Black and white Santas available select dates; pet photos each Monday. Reservations encouraged but not required. hamiltonplace.com
SANTA'S WORKSHOP — Northgate Mall, 271 Northgate Mall Drive. Santa photos, through Dec. 24. Pet photos Mondays through Dec. 18. Reservations encouraged but not required. visitnorthgatemall.com
TENNESSEE FESTIVAL OF VENDORS — Hixson Community Center, 5401 School Drive. Gift shopping for crafts, home goods, sweets, clothing, gift baskets, candles and services, plus music, giveaways, door prizes and swag bags to first 100 people, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots. Free admission. eventbrite.com
TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM — Grand Junction Station, 4119 Cromwell Road. tvrail.com
› Through Dec. 23: North Pole Limited excursions to Santa's Workshop. $29-$65.
› Through Dec. 23: Nightcap With St. Nick, adults only, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. $65-$140.
› Dec. 26-31: Holiday Christmas Lights Train. $15-$24.
› Through Dec. 31: Christmas Tea in Grand Junction Station. $45.
WINTER SKATING — Stable 41 Farmers Market, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Open-air pavilion open for all-weather skating on synthetic surface that looks and feels like ice, through Jan. 31 (closed Mondays except New Year's Day). Ninety-minute sessions; hours vary. $10. winterskate41.com
WREATHS ACROSS CHATTANOOGA — Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave. Volunteers needed for placement of memorial wreaths as part of Wreaths Across America's national commemoration at military cemeteries, 9 a.m. Dec. 16. chattanoogawaa.com
THEATER
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. theatrecentre.com
›Tomie Depaola's "Strega Nona," performed by CTC Youth in Circle Theatre, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 16-17. $10-$12.
› "Scrooge: The Musical," 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28-29, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $25-$35.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com
› Through Dec. 22: "White Christmas." $19-$35.
› Through Dec. 23: "Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells." $14-$23.
OAK STREET PLAYHOUSE — 418 Oak St. (behind First-Centenary United Methodist Church). Dinner production of "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus," 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10 (final show). $32. Reservations required. onthestage.com
TENNESSEE VALLEY THEATRE — 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn. "Anne of Green Gables," adaptation by Anita Larsen, 2 p.m. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16, 2 p.m. Dec. 17. $12-$14. tennesseevalleytheater.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.
File Photo / Grammy-winning singer Jason Crabb will perform in a free Christmas concert Dec. 12 at Abba's House.