Where to find parades, tree lightings, Santa sightings and more free seasonal fun this weekend

Staff Photo by Logan Foll / The Chattanooga Times Free Press 10/22/14 -
For the past 20 years, the Shrader family has decorated the hill on which a large part of their family lives on with Christmas lights in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Monday, December 15, 2014.
Staff Photo by Logan Foll / The Chattanooga Times Free Press 10/22/14 - For the past 20 years, the Shrader family has decorated the hill on which a large part of their family lives on with Christmas lights in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Monday, December 15, 2014.

BRIDGEPORT, ALABAMA

* What: Christmas Parade

* When: 10 a.m. CST Saturday, Dec. 7

About 30 units will march down Main Street Saturday morning in Bridgeport. After the parade, residents can enjoy hot cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus, when kids can whisper their wish lists to the jolly old elf.

CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE

* What: Carols in the City and Community Tree Lighting

* When: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6

This family event begins with a community Christmas tree lighting at the old Post Office. Afterward, the crowd can take part in reverse caroling downtown.

* What: MainStreet Cleveland Christmas Parade

* When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

This traditional holiday event's 3-mile route starts at Bradley County High School and travels through downtown Cleveland to end back at the school.

DAYTON, TENNESSEE

* What: Christmas at the Courthouse

* Where: Rhea County Courthouse, 375 Church St., Dayton

* When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7

A full day of fun is planned by MainStreet Dayton starting with the Jingle Bell Run at 8 a.m.

EAST RIDGE

* What: Pancakes with Santa

* Where: East Ridge Library, 1517 Tombras Ave.

* When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

The East Ridge Library is where Santa will park his sleigh for a hearty breakfast and photo session on Saturday. Required reservations (Santa's making a list) can be made by calling 867-7323.

EAST BRAINERD

* What: Community Tree Lighting

* Where: Heritage Park, 1428 Jenkins Road

* When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

St. Nick is making a stop at Heritage Park for its fourth annual tree lighting. Bring a blanket and enjoy the display of refreshments and music by local talents.

HIXSON

* What: Community Christmas Tree Lighting

* Where: Near Clear Creek Church of Christ, 5612 Hixson Pike

* When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

A program at 6:30 p.m. will feature sounds of the season performed by the Hixson High School Music Department before the festive evening concludes with the lighting of the tree at 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE, GEORGIA

* What: Christmas Parade

* When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; rain date Dec. 13

Riders on more than 75 decorated vehicles and floats will give out candy as they lead the way for Santa's grand entrance into town on a firetruck. The parade route begins at Ace Hardware, 512 South Main St. and ends at Margaret Street.

LAKESITE

* What: Christmas Tree Lighting

* Where: Lakesite City Park, 2250 Blue Ridge Drive

* When: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6

A longest popcorn string contest, ornament craft, seasonal food and drink, and photo-ops with a special guest are among highlights of the event, hosted by the city of Lakesite and Covenant Church.

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

* What: Holiday Open House at the Cravens House

* Where: Cravens House, Point Park Visitor Center, 110 Point Park Road

* When: 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7

Join staff from Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park as they discuss how soldiers and residents celebrated the holiday season under Union occupation. Reservations are required: 423-821-7786.

OOLTEWAH

* What: Spirit of Christmas Parade

* When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8

The city of Collegedale will mark its 20th annual Christmas parade with a new route this year. The one-mile route will start at East Hamilton Park/Ooltewah Youth Association ballfields, and continue toward the endpoint at Ooltewah Middle School.

RED BANK

* What: Christmas Festival and Parade

* Where: Red Bank City Park, 3801-3899 Redding Road

* When: 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6

The city of Red Bank's annual holiday festival at Red Bank City Park features family activities, music, food, vendors and a visit from Ole St. Nick.

RINGGOLD, GEORGIA

* What: Ringgold Downhome Christmas Expo and Parade

* Where: Expo in Ringgold Train Depot, 155 Depot St.

* When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6,

After checking off some of your gift list by visiting vendors in the expo, stick around Friday night for the Downhome Christmas Parade from 6 to 9 p.m.

SEWANEE, TENNESSEE

* What: Old-Fashioned Community Christmas with Tree Lighting

* Where: Angel Park on University Avenue

* When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6

Sewanee residents will gather in Angel Park for the lighting of the park's Christmas tree as well as the downtown village. There will be caroling, hot drinks, and refreshments.

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN

* What: Tree Lighting Festival

* Where: Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave.

* When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

The Mountain Arts Community Center is pulling out all the stops for the town's annual tree-lighting, which includes pictures with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, a holiday gift market and free refreshments.

TELLICO PLAINS, TENNESSEE

* What: Christmas Candlelight Walk

* When: 4-9 p.m.

Stroll through historic downtown streets illuminated by candlelight, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, listen to music and snap a selfie with the Grinch and Whoville characters at this town party.

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