Here’s what’s happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
Thanksgiving tidbits
Looking at Google search results from last November, BetTennessee.com has determined the most popular side dishes of Tennessee residents. Stuffing was first, followed by macaroni and cheese in second place, with green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole tied for third and mashed potatoes finishing fifth.
— Ducktown in Polk County has been voted Tennessee’s top Thanksgiving road trip destination for families this year and second in the nation. Gunther Motor Co. carried out a survey of 3,000 families to uncover the 125 most sought-after Thanksgiving destinations. Hāna on the eastern shore of Maui, Hawaii, was first for its 64-mile stretch of coastal views. Ducktown landed at No. 2 for the scenery along U.S. Route 64 near the Ocoee River. Helen, Georgia, came in at No. 3. Fort Payne, Alabama, made the list at 96 and Double Springs in northwest Alabama was 42. Also on the list were the Tennessee cities of Gatlinburg (13) and Townsend (91). Other Georgia destinations were Tallapoosa (52) and Clayton (55).
CALENDAR
ARTS
AREA 61 GALLERY — 721 Broad St., Suite 100. “The Many Faces & Phases of Rick Sanders,” through Nov. 30. area61gallery.com
ARTISTS SUNDAY — Area 61 Gallery, 721 Broad St.; AVA Gallery, 30 Frazier Ave.; In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave.; River Gallery, 400 E. Second St. Chattanooga art galleries participating in national observance to spotlight artists, creators and makers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 1. artistssunday.com
THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athensartscouncil.org
— Through Dec. 13: Karen Malone’s “Gospel Quilts II: A Quilt Concert” (art quilts and tapestries) and Barbara Ensley’s “The Invisible Thread” (acrylic paintings).
— Through Dec. 18: Entries sought for January’s Student Art Show, for middle, high school and college students from McMinn and surrounding counties. $10 entry for college students; free for others. Guidelines: athensartscouncil.org/student-art-show-prospectus
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts’ “All Member Salon Show,” through Dec. 23. avarts.org
CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY — 1001 Broad St. (third floor). chattlibrary.org
— Through Jan. 28: “The Impressions,” a Songbirds Foundation exhibit about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group that included Chattanooga natives Fred Cash and Sam Gooden.
— Through Feb. 28: “Records of Removal: Ration Books From the Trail of Tears,” by Local History and Genealogy Department, with original log books detailing weekly food supply issued to Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) families being held at Ross’s Landing and nearby internment camps between 1836 and 1838.
CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Albright OmniPlex Building, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Art Center’s debut installation by Visual Arts faculty, through December. 423-697-4440
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. “Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War,” Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts of the former slave and U.S. War Department employee. nps.gov/chch
CLEARSTORY ARTS — 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. “Practical Elegance: The Fusion of Craft and Function,” including works of wood, ceramics, fiber and glass by 14 artists, through Dec. 21. clearstoryarts.com
CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Works by Jill Pope in Gallery 111 and Aimee Maschhoff and Renel Plouffe in Gallery 520, through Dec. 18. creativeartsguild.org
EXUM GALLERY — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Works by Denton Ridge, through Jan. 6. stpaulschatt.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. franklincoarts.org
— Community shows: “Flying Colors,” through Dec. 1. Intake for next community show, “Reflections in Ice,” Nov. 24 and Nov. 28-Dec. 1 (extended due to Thanksgiving). Show runs Dec. 1-Feb. 2. Reception, 5-7 p.m. CST Dec. 20.
— Member show: Works by John Harden, through Dec. 22.
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga’s autumn show, through Dec. 6. chattanoogaphoto.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. Special exhibition, “City as Canvas: Graffiti Art From the Martin Wong Collection,” through Jan. 13. $20 nonmember adults. huntermuseum.org
ICA @ UTC — Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St. “Nature’s Dialogue: The 2024 Juried Student Exhibition,” through Dec. 6. icachatt.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. “Shine,” 50th all-member holiday show, through Nov. 30. intowngallery.com
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. “Food for Thought,” combining visual art with David Cook’s FoodAsAVerb.com stories, through Dec. 20. JewishChattanooga.com
JOHN C. WILLIAMS ART GALLERY — Brock Hall at Southern Adventist University, 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. “What Makes Me Tick,” exhibition by senior fine-art major Taylor Waterman focusing on her journey with Lyme disease, through Dec. 13. southern.edu/artgallery
LEE UNIVERSITY — Squires Library Fine Art Gallery, 260 11th St. NE, Cleveland, Tenn. Senior Art Show, featuring Brooklyn Fairchild and Joseph “Joey” Martindale, through Nov. 26. leeuniversity.libguides.com/homepage
LIQUIDAMBAR ART GALLERY — Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Showcase of ceramics, sculptures, flame-worked glass, metal ornaments, kaleidoscopes, and paintings by local artists, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CST every Saturday-Sunday (other times by appointment). Explore Forest Nature Trails as part of visit. 404-698-5444
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Oil paintings by Scott Hill and Tatiana Hill and the Teapot Invitational, through Dec. 31. Free oil painting demo with landscape artist Joanna McNally, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 29. river-gallery.com
STOVEWORKS — 1250 E. 13th St. “The Field,” works by Megan Ledbetter, through Nov. 30. stoveworks.org
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM — 1 Broad St. Two dozen images of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark, including species photographed on-site, through December. Included with regular admission: $30-$40. tnaqua.org
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY — Muriel S. Mayfield Gallery, Reece Hall, 216 N. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. “Chasing Light,” paintings by Sandy Brown, through Dec. 31. 423-746-5307
CHRISTMAS
(See also Festivals)
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL — Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Third annual event illuminates grounds with new collection of handcrafted Asian lanterns in 40 interactive displays showcasing dinosaurs and plant and animal life from the Amazon rain forest, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 19 (Wednesday through Sunday). $17-$23 (discounts for members). chattzoo.org
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Read House Hotel, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Breakfast and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. $25-$35. thereadhousehotel.com
CAST-IRON STORYTELLING: NAUGHTY OR NICE HOLIDAY EDITION — Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. True stories about the holidays told by those who experienced them, plus cornbread cook-off (sweet or savory recipe) for chance to win 12-inch Dolly Parton cast-iron skillet from Lodge Manufacturing, 5:30-7:15 p.m. Dec. 1. $20. barkinglegs.org
CHRISTMAS IN COLLEGEDALE — Collegedale Commons, 4750 Swinyar Drive. Third annual event by city’s Parks and Recreation Department includes food trucks, inflatables, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Chattanooga Elf, hat and scarf drive, cookie baking contest, music, yard games, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1, with tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Free admission. (Christmas parade is Dec. 8.) facebook.com/collegedaleparksandrec
CHRISTMAS IN FORT OGLETHORPE — Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Includes parade, tree lighting, food, shopping, music, winter skating and visits with Santa, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 30. letsgoforto.com
CHRISTMAS PARADE, PIKEVILLE — Main Street, downtown Pikeville, Tenn. Includes floats, marching bands, Santa Claus, with “Winter’s Night, Magical Light” theme, 5-8 p.m. CST Nov. 30. (Hometown Christmas at Bledsoe County Courthouse is Dec. 14.) pikevilletn.com
(READ MORE: Pikeville, Tennessee, gets decked out for Christmas)
CHRISTMAS PARADE, SODDY-DAISY — Dayton Pike from Harrison Lane north to Sequoyah Access Road. Includes floats, marching bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, Santa Claus, 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Donations go to Christmas for Kids. vva942.com
Staff File Photo by Robin Rudd / Runs of the North Pole Limited Christmas trains, along with the Christmas Daylight Express, will continue through Dec. 23 at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.CHRISTMAS TRAINS — Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road. Options include North Pole Limited and Christmas Daylight Express, through Dec. 23; Nightcap With St. Nick, through Dec. 23; Christmas Tea, with optional train ride, through Jan. 1. Times and prices vary. tvrail.com
COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOPS — Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. Add-on family event, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27-28. $6 per cookie in advance ($8 for walk-ins); separate $20 museum admission also required. cdmfun.org
ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS — Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Park celebrates 30 years of winter wonderland of lights and vignettes, nightly through Jan. 4 (closed Christmas Eve). This year adds HoliDays daytime events, including photos, cookie decorating and gnome scavenger hunt (closed Christmas Day). Buy all tickets online. seerockcity.com
Staff file photo / The annual reveal of the EPB Holiday Windows will be Nov. 27. This year’s theme is “Chattanooga’s Polar Palooza,” with scenes depicting a Christmas carnival.EPB HOLIDAY WINDOWS — 10 W. M.L. King Blvd. Reveal of windows facing Market and Broad streets of “Chattanooga’s Polar Palooza,” with Christmas carnival vignettes, 5 p.m. Nov. 27. Display on view through Jan. 2. Send family photos in front of the windows for chance to win $50 gift card. Email: holidayphotos@epb.net
FESTIVE FOREST — Miller Park, 928 Market St. Second annual walk-thru display of trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits, Nov. 27-Jan. 1. festiveforest.org
HOLIDAY JUBILEE — Read House Hotel, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Includes live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookie stations, take-your-own photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 29. Free and nonticketed. Optional Elf Workshop, with holiday crafts for kids, 4-7 p.m. $15. thereadhousehotel.com
HOLIDAYS AT RUBY FALLS — 1720 Scenic Highway. Event highlights scenic views, twinkling lights, festive activities, seasonal treats, craft beer and food, Santa visits on select days, Nov. 29-Dec. 24. Free spectator events; tickets sold separately for cave adventures. rubyfalls.com
LIGHT UP FORT O — Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Christmas decorating competition to draw visitors, Dec. 1-31. Homeowners may upload photos for chance to win December cover photo in a future Fort Oglethorpe city calendar. letsgoforto.com
NOOGA LIGHTS (DRIVE-THRU) — Soddy-Daisy Park, 12000 Dayton Pike. New holiday lighting display synchronized to music, sunset-10 p.m. through Dec. 29 (open Friday-Sunday through Dec. 8, nightly Dec. 13-29). $20 per vehicle. noogalights.com
NOOGA LIGHTS (WALK-THRU) — Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. Christmas walk-thru light show, with nearly 1 million lights synchronized to holiday music, through Dec. 31 (open 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday). $10-$20. noogalights.com
Staff file photo / The Southern Belle riverboat will be among the illuminated attractions during Chattanooga’s Lighted Boat Parade, which follows Reindeer on the Riverfront at Ross’s Landing on Nov. 29.REINDEER ON THE RIVERFRONT & LIGHTED BOAT PARADE — Ross’s Landing, 100 Riverfront Parkway. Nov. 29 event includes live reindeer, 4-6:30 p.m.; photos with Santa, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; lighted boat parade, 7-8 p.m.; fireworks, 8 p.m. Other attractions include hot cocoa bar, mini train rides, fire pits, face painting, balloon animals and holiday music. Free admission. rivercitycompany.com
SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE — Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Buy gifts for Hamilton County families in need, through Dec. 21. Tree to choose a name on upper level near Belk. Wish lists also available at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union branches at Hixson, Eastgate, Ooltewah, City Center, Southside, Hamilton Place, Soddy-Daisy, Highway 58 and (ending Dec. 2) Cleveland North and South. hamiltonplace.com
SANTA’S WONDERLAND — Bass Pro Shops, 620 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Santa photos, including free 4×6 image, through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters; free games and crafts during weekday visits; Christmas Tales with Santa or Mrs. Claus, Nov. 25, Dec. 3, 10, 17. basspro.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Bradley Square Mall (inside Story Land, near Claire’s), 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Photos with Santa (reservations or walk-in), through Dec. 24. Pet photos, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9. shopbradleysquare.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. Photos with Santa, Nov. 29-Dec.24. Reservations or walk-ins. daltonmall.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Hamilton Place (Center Court), 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. Mailbox to send letters. Pet photos, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16. hamiltonplace.com
SANTA’S WORKSHOP — Northgate Mall (Center Court), 271 Northgate Mall Drive. Photos and visits with Santa (reservations encouraged), through Dec. 24. Pet photos, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16. visitnorthgatemall.com
TREE LIGHTING, DALTON — Burr Performance Art Park, 101 S. Hamilton St., Dalton, Ga. Includes ornament making, letters to Santa and other crafts for kids, 5:30 p.m.; tree lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 29. “Polar Express” trolley rides into downtown Dalton include stop at Freight Depot to drop off letters and take photos with Santa, starting at 6:15 p.m. visitdaltonga.com
TREE LIGHTING, TUNNEL HILL — Tunnel Hill Depot, 128 Main St., Tunnel Hill, Ga. Community event includes food trucks, cider and coffee, live music, train ride, face painting, visits with Santa, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1; tree lighting at dark. Bring donations for toy and food drives. visitdaltonga.com
WRAPPING PAPER DESIGN CONTEST — Chattanooga Times Free Press accepting digital entries in art contest for children in grades 1-5 to design holiday wrapping paper to be reproduced on printing press, through Nov. 24. timesfreepress.com/wrapping-paper
(READ MORE: Time to enter Wrapping Paper Design Contest)
WREATHS ACROSS CHATTANOOGA — Orders accepted through Nov. 26 to place wreaths at graves at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14. $10 each. chattanoogawaa.com
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. thecomedycatch.com
— Nov. 24: Dustin Nickerson, special engagement, 6 p.m. $22-$30.
— Nov. 29-30: Patrick Garrity, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday. $19-$24.
— Dec. 1: Girls Night Out: The Show, special engagement, 7 p.m. $18-$70; girlsnightouttheshow.com
WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. Gabriel Iglesias on Don’t Worry, Be Fluffy tour, 8 p.m. Nov. 29. $54-$96. tivolichattanooga.com
DANCE
“THE SNOW QUEEN” — Dalton High School theater, 1500 Manly St., Dalton, Ga. Creative Arts Guild dance department and Ballet Dalton present the Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale ballet, accompanied by guild’s Chamber Orchestra, 2 p.m. Nov. 24 (last show). $18-$20. creativeartsguild.org
FESTIVALS
CHRISTKINDLMARKT — Coolidge Park, 150 River St. Art, craft and food vendors, live music, bar, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 24 (last day). shopthemarketat.com
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL — Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn. Visits with Santa, silo light show, 40 family farm activities, 4-8 p.m. opening day, Nov. 29, then 2-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday Nov. 30-Dec. 23 (plus Thursday, Dec. 19). $17-$20. mayfieldfarmpark.com
THE HOLIDAY MARKET AT PARKSIDE — Parkside Hall, 2035 Polk St. The Chattery’s Small Business Saturday event with 30+ vendors, DJ music, tree farm from America’s Garden, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 30. thechattery.org
KID ENTREPRENEUR CHRISTMAS MARKET — Museum Center at Five Points, 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. Bradley County Home Educators Small Business Saturday event, plus museum’s gift gallery vendors, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 30. Food vendors, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. museumcenter.org
MERRY GRINCHMAS MARKET — Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. Handmade and commercial vendors, food vendors, free pictures with Santa and the Grinch, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 (last day). $5 ages 11 and up. touchtheskyevents.com
FILM
IMAX THEATER — 201 Chestnut St. Special event and feature film screenings: “Wicked: Part One,” through Nov. 26; “Gladiator II,” through Dec. 1; “Moana 2,” Nov. 27-Dec. 12; “The Polar Express,” Nov 29-Dec. 29. Various show times. $15. tnaqua.org/imax
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
— Nov. 27: No Wednesday jazz show this week.
— Dec. 2: Very Merry Monday Nite Big Band, 7:30 p.m. $15.
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
— Nov. 24: Kidd G, with Anella Herim, 7 p.m. $20-$25.
— Nov. 29: Brotherton Road presents Danksgiving: A Tribute to Sublime, 8 p.m. $15-$20.
— Nov. 30: Back N Black: A Tribute to AC/DC with Eter4, 9 p.m. $17-$20.
— Dec. 1: Disciple of the Garden: Tribute to Soundgarden, Audioslave and Chris Cornell, 8 p.m. $15.
THE CAVERNS — 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, Tenn. The Marshall Tucker Band, with Ben Chapman, 5 p.m. CST Nov. 24. $65. thecaverns.com
CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — 4501 Amnicola Highway. Jazz Band in concert, 7 p.m. Nov. 25 in Humanities Theatre. chattanoogastate.edu
HONEY SEED — 1705 Market St. Live music every Saturday in November continues with Aaron Carney, 5 p.m. Nov. 30. facebook.com/redtailbooking
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. Symphony Orchestra concerto competition live finals, 4-5 p.m. Dec. 1 in Ackerman Auditorium. Free; livestream available. southern.edu/musicevents
WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. The Mountain Goats, with Joelton Mayfield, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. tivolichattanooga.com
OUT & ABOUT
BATTLES FOR CHATTANOOGA COMMEMORATION — Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park sites, including Chickamauga, Moccasin Bend, Brown’s Ferry and Point Park. Events marking 161st anniversary of battles include daily ranger- and historian-led tours and living-history programs, through Nov. 25. Programs are free, but $10 entrance fee for ages 16 and up at Point Park. Full schedule: nps.gov/chch/161stbattlesforchattanooga.htm
BLOOD DONATIONS — Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross, 4115 S. Access Road, and other locations. Two pairs of custom “Friends” + Red Cross socks to celebrate 30th anniversary of the show’s debut, through Dec. 8 (while supplies last) to donors of blood or platelets. By appointment: RedCrossBlood.org
CIVIL WAR HISTORY — Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park presents ranger-led program, “Photography at Point Lookout: Robert M. Linn and the Images That Captivated a Nation,” 3-4 p.m. Nov. 30. $10 gate fee. nps.gov/chch
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. “ReImagine: A Cardboard Wonderland,” created in-house with donated material from Chattanooga Box Co. and International Paper, through Jan. 5. $20 (ages 2 and up). cdmfun.org
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Open-air ice-skating rink, expanded to 1,400 square feet, through Feb. 2. Hours vary, but open holidays. Promotions include “We Give Wednesdays,” which will share 20% of skating revenue with a nonprofit partner, 5-9 p.m. weekly. Food vendors and Chill Zone with televisions, fire pits and games on-site. $12-$14 (includes rink time and skate rental). Online reservations encouraged. iceonthelanding.com
RIDE THE RAILS — Mineral Bluff Depot, 150 Railroad Ave., Mineral Bluff, Ga. Tri-State Model Railroaders sponsor 35-minute, 5-mile round-trip on open-air railroad motor car through the Iron Bridge over the Toccoa River to Murphy Junction and back, noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Nov. 29-30. $5-$15 suggested donation. Railroad hand car rides, $2. Free miniature hand car rides for children. Open house at depot to see progress being made on HO scale model railroad based on the L&N Railroad’s old Hook & Eye line from Atlanta to Etowah, Tenn., and branch from Mineral Bluff to Murphy, N.C. tsmri.org
RK GUN SHOW — Alhambra Shrine, 1000 Alhambra Drive. Vendors with guns, hunting supplies, military surplus and outdoor gear, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 (last day). $6-$14. rkshows.com
RUBY FALLS — 1720 S. Scenic Highway. New Monday cave tours with guide relaying history of the 95-year old attraction, 9:45 a.m. Dec 2, 9, 16. Tickets online only. rubyfalls.com
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS — Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road. GriefShare seminar offering support and practical tips for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one and dreading the holiday season, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Additional dates, times and venues available. Register: griefshare.org/holidays
WINTER SKATING — Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Glice-skating rink (synthetic ice) opens for second season, through Jan. 31 (closed Mondays). $10. fortogov.com/winter-skating
THANKSGIVING
CHATTANOOGA MARKET — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Thanksgiving Market, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24. Last outdoor market of the season before indoor Holiday Market at Chattanooga Convention Center first two full weekends of December. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
EAST RIDGE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING — East Ridge Community Center, 1515 Tombras Ave. Second annual event includes free meal from city of East Ridge and Parks & Recreation Department to first 300 RSVPs, seatings at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Sign up using QR code: eastridgeparksandrec.com
GRATEFUL GOBBLER WALK — Coolidge Park, 150 River St. The 25th annual 5K run, walk and stroll benefits the Maclellan Shelter for Families, 8-9:30 a.m. Nov. 28; registration opens at 6:30 a.m. $30. gratefulgobblerwalk.org
HUNGRY TURKEY — Chattanooga Theatre Centre plaza, 400 River St. Event with three distances (5K run/walk, 10K and half marathon) benefits Girls on the Run, 8 a.m. Nov. 30. $45-$65.
STUFFING STRUT — Chester Frost Park pavilion, 7872 Causeway Road, Hixson. The 12th annual 5K walk/run benefits Northside Neighborhood House, Soddy-Daisy Food Bank, Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department and Soddy-Daisy Middle School’s Jim Wilson Fund, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 28; registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves will present medals. $30. nnhouse.org
TURKEY TROT — Fitness Central East, 6170 Lee Highway (formerly Sports Barn East). Chattanooga Track Club event in 34th year includes Kiddie K (8:30 a.m.), competitive 4-mile race (9 a.m.), 1-mile family walk/jog (9:05 a.m.), Nov. 28; registration opens at 7 a.m. $6-$32 (more on race day). chattanoogatrackclub.org
THEATER
ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATRE — The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn.
Barbara Robinson’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” about the misfit Herdman children who crash the church play and teach the true meaning of Christmas, 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 24 (final shows). $15-$25. athensartscouncil.org
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. The Play Reading Workshop, with original plays read by local actors, 7-8 p.m. Nov. 26 (and other fourth Tuesdays). Participate as playwright, reader or spectator. barkinglegs.org
CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — 4501 Amnicola Highway. Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice,” the Orpheus myth retold by its heroine, with guest director Dylan Kussman, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24 (final show). $15 (free to Chatt State community and its theater alumni). chattanoogastate.edu
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. Circle Theatre production of “Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous,” by Pearl Cleage, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24 (final show). $22-$27. theatrecentre.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE — 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn. ccplayhouse.com
— Through Dec. 21: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” $19-$35.
— Through Dec. 22: Ken Ludwig’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
DALTON LITTLE THEATRE — 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton, Ga. daltonlittletheatre.com
— Nov. 24-25: Auditions for David Ives’ “All in the Timing,” 4-6 p.m. Sunday, 6-8 p.m. Monday. (Show dates, Feb. 28-March 8.)
— Dec. 1-2: Auditions for Youth Ensemble Theatre production of “Charlotte’s Web,” 2 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Monday. (Show dates Jan. 17-25.)
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.