The Bobby Stone Film Series has a lineup of Christmas movies to get Chattanoogans into the holiday spirit, and the Chattanooga Holiday Market will have one final weekend for any last minute seasonal shopping. There's also the Indoor Climbing Expo and the Chattanooga Dance Theatre's production of "Nooga Nutcracker" taking place this weekend. Here's the chronology.
ARTS
— Photographic Society of Chattanooga continues its holiday show Friday at the Gallery at Blackwell, 71 Eastgate Loop. Society members will have their work displayed, and prints will be available for purchase. Gallery hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The show will run through Feb. 1. Learn more at chattanoogaphoto.org.
— In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave., continues its exhibition, "Wizardry with Wood," featuring the woodworking artistry of Roger Harvey. The gallery will also participate in the Northshore Merchants Collective's ninth annual Holiday Treasure Hunt through Jan. 3. Gallery hours are 11-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. The December exhibition will run through Dec. 31. Learn more at intowngallery.com.
— Association for Visual Arts, 30 Frazier Ave., continues its annual all-member salon show. It is the gallery's final exhibition of the year and also the largest, featuring works from 110 local and regional artists. Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Monday and Tuesday. The exhibition will run through Dec. 23. Learn more at avarts.org.
DANCE
— Chattanooga Dance Theatre will present "Nooga Nutcracker" at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. The production is a twist on "The Nutcracker" set in present-day Chattanooga, featuring a sassy mouse queen and the Chattanooga Mocs while incorporating ballet, modern dance, jazz dance and acrobatics. Tickets cost $23-$34. Learn more at utc.edu/fine-arts-center and chattdance.com/nooga-nutcracker.
MUSIC
— Sweet Georgia Sound, a 20-member ensemble providing big-band swing and dance music, will have a free concert from 7-8 p.m. Friday at the North River Civic Center, 1009 Executive Drive, Suite 102. The band will perform a collection of Christmas favorites, and Greg Glover will sing the hits of Christmas. There will be a holiday party with refreshments from 6-7 p.m. For more information, contact the civic center at 423-870-8924.
— Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., will have several shows this weekend. At 8 p.m. Friday, Slippery When Wet, a Bon Jovi tribute band, will perform; tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 the day of show. At 9 p.m. Saturday, The Afternooners with Behold the Brave and Cody James Harris will perform; tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 the day of show. At 1 p.m. Sunday, there will be E.T.'s Birthmas Spectacular and Food Drive, featuring live music from E.T., Danimal's Sunday Funday and Roger Alan Wade; take photos with Santa from 2-4 p.m.; bring a canned good or monetary donation for entry. Learn more at barrelhouseballroom.com.
— Chattanooga Symphony and Opera is joined by its chorus, a variety of community groups and Santa for its "Home for the Holidays" concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. Arrive early to have a picture taken with Santa and put letters to the North Pole in the special post box. Attendees can bring toys to donate for the Be the Change Concerts for a Cause toy drive. Tickets cost $15-$61 for adults, $10-$30.50 for students and children and $15 for music educators. Learn more at chattanoogasymphony.org.
— Fever, a live entertainment production company, will present a Candlelight Concert at 8:45 p.m. Saturday at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road. The concert will feature a variety of seasonal music, including classic Christmas carols, winter compositions by composers such as Claude Debussy and pieces from "The Nutcracker" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The concert will be illuminated by thousands of candles creating a unique ambiance. Tickets cost $32-$61. Learn more at feverup.com.
— Midsouth Symphonic Band will host a free holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Ringgold High School, 29 Tiger Trail, Ringgold, Ga. The concert will feature a vibrant selection of Christmas songs. The nonprofit community band is comprised of musicians from the Greater Chattanooga area. Videos of the band's previous performances are available on its website. Learn more at midsouthsymphonicband.com.
OUT & ABOUT
— Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga., continues its annual Enchanted Garden of Lights from 4:30-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:30-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. The winter wonderland is illuminated by six distinct holiday realms and features festive fun for all ages. Tickets are sold online only, and prices are subject to change based on the day; tickets for regular night admission cost $17.95-$27.95. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. The Enchanted Garden of Lights will run nightly through Jan. 6. Learn more at seerockcity.com/lights.
Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Colorful toy soldiers guard the paths as visitors walk past at Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights. The Enchanted Garden of Lights will run nightly through Jan. 6.— Ice on the Landing continues for the season with hours from 2-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2-11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays and noon-9 p.m. Sundays at First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Tickets cost $12-$14 for adults and $10-$12 for children 12 and under; admission includes skates. Ice on the Landing will be open through Jan. 28. Learn more at iceonthelanding.com.
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Visitors enjoy temperatures in the 60s as they skate during the opening day of the 2023-2024 season of Ice On the Landing at First Horizon Pavilion on Nov. 24. The ice skating rink will be open through Jan. 28.— Indoor Climbing Expo will be from Wednesday-Saturday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. The event will feature a variety of climbing industry exhibitors as well as clinics and seminars for climbing enthusiasts. Some clinics and seminars have an additional cost and require registration. Tickets cost $150. Learn more at indoorclimbingexpo.com.
— Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave., continues its Asian Lantern Festival from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. The festival features more than 30 lanterns and nine interactive displays. The lanterns feature zoo animals, traditional Asian lanterns and natural elements. The festival is ticketed separately and does not include daytime zoo admission; festival tickets cost $13.50-$18.50 for zoo members, $17-$23 for nonmembers. The festival will run nightly Wednesday-Sunday through Jan. 14. Learn more at chattzoo.org/events.
— NoogaLights will be open from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday-Tuesday at 12000 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy. In addition to its customized lighting exhibits and fan-favorite exhibits from years past, attendees will be able to tune in with any FM radio to enjoy music timed to the light show. Admission costs $15 per vehicle if purchased online or $20 per vehicle at the gate. NoogaLights will be open select nights through Dec. 31. Learn more at noogalights.com.
— Veteran Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will host a Pact Act resource fair for veterans from 2-6 p.m. Thursday at Residence Inn, 2340 Center St. The new law expands health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn about the new benefits and start a claim, enroll in health care and learn about additional Veteran Affairs programs. Learn more at va.gov/tennessee-valley-health-care.
— Ooltewah Farmers Market will have its seasonal celebration, Christmastime at the Market, from 3-5 p.m. Thursday at the Ooltewah Nursery, 5829 Main St. The market will feature local crafters and artists as well as farm and food artisans. The farmers market will announce the lineup of vendors at 6 p.m. Wednesday; to receive the lineup, subscribe to the market's newsletter. Learn more at ooltewahnursery.com.
— Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., will host a "Die Hard" Movie Night at 8 p.m. Thursday. The brewery will transform into a cinematic experience, featuring craft beers and a movie night menu. Attendees are invited to dress as characters from the film such as John McClane (Bruce Willis) and Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Learn more on the brewery's Facebook page.
— Bobby Stone Film Series will have multiple screenings this weekend at the Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave. At 7 p.m. Friday, there will be a screening of "A Madea Christmas," starring Tyler Perry; the film is rated PG-13. At 2 p.m. Saturday, there will be a screening of "Elf," starring Will Ferrell; the film is rated PG. At 7 p.m. Saturday, there will be a screening of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," starring Chevy Chase; the film is rated PG-13. At 10 p.m. Saturday, there will be a screening of "Gremlins;" the film is rated PG. Tickets cost $11.50-$13.50, except for "Elf," which costs $6.50. Learn more at tivolichattanooga.com.
— Tennessee Festival of Vendors will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Hixson Community Center, 5401 School Drive. The festival will feature crafters, home goods, sweets, clothing and much more for the holiday shopping season. There will also be music, giveaways and door prizes; the first 100 people at the door will receive a swag bag. Admission is free. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
— Chattanooga Market will conclude its annual Chattanooga Holiday Market this weekend with hours from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 2 Carter Plaza. The market will feature more than 200 local food vendors, artists and crafters offering gifts and festive preparations. Learn more at chattanoogamarket.com.
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Chattanooga resident Brooke Wood adjusts toys at her booth on the first day of the Chattanooga Holiday Market at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Dec. 2. The Holiday Market will continue 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center.— Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host "Christmastime — December 1863" at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chickamuaga Battlefield, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. The free, 30-minute programs at the Snodgrass House, located at the battlefield, will focus on what Christmas was like in the 1800s. Attendees are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothes and shoes and to bring chairs and water. Learn more at nps.gov/chch.
— Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga will host its first Christmas market and parade from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the incubator, 5704 Marlin Road. The market will feature more than a dozen vendors offering holiday specials as well as food trucks serving a variety of cuisines. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the Forgotten Child Fund. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Learn more on the incubator's Facebook page.
— McLemore Club, 32 Clubhouse Lane, Rising Fawn, Ga., will host Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Guests will enjoy a festive, private brunch with Santa, featuring seasonal breakfast items for children and adults. Reservations cost $25. Reservations are per table, and guests must reserve the whole table. There will be another Brunch with Santa on Dec. 23. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
— Author Sue Carol Elvin will have two book signings for her children's book, "The Memory Guardians: Boogery Mungo & Umbriago — The House on Stone Street," from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Tatum Park, 1600 Union Ave., and from 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Pinnacle Condominium, 1131 Stringers Ridge Road. The book follows two spirits living in an old house where they feed on the memories and stories from within.
— Metro Tab Church, 2101 w. Shepherd Road, will host its third annual Jingle Jam at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The free event will feature medleys of classic and contemporary holiday songs, beloved characters like the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus, popcorn, hot cocoa, food trucks, inflatables, snowball fights and much more. Learn more at metrotab.net.
— Marsh House, 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga., will offer candlelight tours from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The tours will showcase the 1880s-style Christmas decorations of the house and feature discussions of Christmas customs of the time. Attendees will be served traditional hot cider and ginger cookies after the tour. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Learn more at marshhouseoflafayette.org.
THEATER
— Improv Chattanooga will present "Y'allmark Christmas" at 8 p.m. Friday at the Hart Gallery, 110 E. Main St. The show is an improvised homage to Hallmark Christmas movies; the show stars Amber Nash ("Archer") and her husband, Kevin Gillese. The show is rated PG-13. An Improv Jam will follow the performance. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 the day of show. Learn more at improvchattanooga.com.
— Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St., will present two productions this weekend. At 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, there will be shows for the youth theatre production of "Strega Nona," about an Italian sorceress as she teaches the local baker's daughter magic and her helper tries to use the magic himself leading to hilarious, disastrous results; the play is appropriate for all audiences. Tickets for "Strega Nona" cost $10-$12.50. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, there will be shows for the musical production of "Scrooge!," an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol;" the musical is appropriate for all audiences. Tickets for "Scrooge!" cost $22-$32; the production will run through Dec. 31. Learn more at theatrecentre.com.
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Sam Still at sstill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6579.