Lunch & Learn: Unwrapping Chistmas Past. Tennessee State Museum Curator of History Rob DeHart will take you on a tour of Christmases past. Featuring unique holiday items of yesteryear and the stories they tell. You will learn how past cultures expressed themselves during this festive time of year. Bring your lunch. The event will take place on B level in front of the stage. Free. 505 Deaderick Street. Thursday, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Information: http://www.tnmuseum.org/

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

Street Food Thursday

Enjoy a gathering of up to 20 local food trucks parked along Deaderick Street between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North. This event will take place every other Thursday November through March. Please note: If the high is not above 40 degrees on the day of the event, the event will be canceled.

THROUGH JAN. 3

Holiday Lights at Cheekwood

Featuring one million lights illuminating gardens. 5-10 p.m. daily. Closed on Mondays and Christmas Day. Fee: Non-member advance, $20 adult, $15 ages 3-17. Advance member pricing: $15 adult, $10 ages 3-17. Parking $5. 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville. Information: cheekwood.org/tickets

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

Gallatin Christmas Tree Lighting

Mayor Brown will light the City Christmas on the downtown square. 5 p.m., rain or shine. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1772950199624327/

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

Gallatin Christmas Parade

Get a sneak peek at Santa, and be a part of the cherished holiday tradition of Gallatin’s Old Fashioned Christmas Parade. The parade route begins at Steam Plant Road and Hartsville Pike and ends at the Gallatin High School. Noon.

Santa’s Workshop At Historic Amqui Station And Visitor’s Center

The young and young at heart are invited to stop by Amqui Station and enjoy hot chocolate and a treat while writing a postcard to Santa Claus, making an ornament or other festive craft, and learning the story of the railroad station Christmas tree. The elves promise fun holiday crafts and hands-on fun for all ages. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 303 Madison Street, Madison. Information: [email protected]

DEC. 10-11

Dickens of a Christmas

A recreation of the Charles Dickens era using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim Cratchit with his parents from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

Sunday, Dec. 11

Victorian Christmas Zoo Tours

The Grassmere Historic Home is decked for the holiday season with vintage decorations of the Croft family, which lived at Grassmere for five generations. Live entertainment on the porch and lawn. Fee: included in zoo admission. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and run on the half hour until 3 p.m. Additional dates: Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Information: https://www.nashvillezoo.org Entertainment:

• Dec. 11: Caroling by the American Caroling Company, 1-3 p.m.
• Dec. 17: Ted Guillaum, organ grinder, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Dec. 18: Caroling by the American Caroling Company, 1-3 p.m.

Franklin Civil War Round Table

The Franklin Civil War Round Table will present Curt Fields, who will speak on “Grant, the Man Behind the Uniform.” The event is free to the public. The Franklin Civil War Round Table is an educational program of Franklin’s Charge, and meets each month at Carnton Plantation’s Fleming Center, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle. 3 p.m. Information: http://boft.org/events/

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

Women In Business Holiday Mixer

Check out the fantastic scenery at Mint Springs Farms during our great holiday mixer. You will also be able to enjoy networking, drinks, and a great holiday marketplace with female owned businesses. This is an event you won’t want to miss out on! Mint Spring Farm, 7730 Nolensville Road, Nolensville. 4-6 p.m. Fees: $30 Chamber members and guests. Information: williamsonchamber.com

Williamson Chamber Orientation

Are you a new Chamber member? Do you have a new employee that wants to get involved? Want to learn how to make a difference with your Chamber membership? Attend our next Chamber 101 Member Orientation to learn how to maximize your membership. Discover the many ways to get involved. We’ll show you how at this fun, educational meeting where you will learn about the Chamber and meet other new and existing members! Williamson, Inc. Office, 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150, Franklin. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Free Event. This event is for new or current members only. Information: williamsonchamber.com

Salon@615

Robbie Robertson (The Band) will discuss Testimony, his new book. Ingram Hall, Blair School of Music, 6:15 p.m., $35.50 includes signed copy of book. This is a paid, ticketed event. Seating is limited, and advanced ticket purchasing is advised. Information: www.salon615.org. Upcoming events/authors include:

• January 19: Zadie Smith, Book: Swing Time, Belmont University, McAfee Concert Hall. 6:30 p.m. A paid ticketed event. Fee: $31.50 – includes copy of book. Advanced tickets available: Nov. 16 at 8 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Nashville Area Chamber orientation

An opportunity to learn about member benefits and involvement opportunities from Chamber staff. Cost. Free to new Chamber members Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 Commerce Street, Suite 100. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration required. Information: nashvillechamber.com

Network After Dark

For professionals of all industries and career levels interested in expanding their professional network. Upon entering, guests will receive a name tag color coded by industry, which allows for easy navigation. Network After Work events allow guests a chance to get their name and brand in front of some of Nashville’s top business professionals while visiting the city’s best after work destinations. The Pub Nashville, 400 11th Ave. South. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fee: $12-$15.99

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Goodlettsville Chamber Luncheon

Monthly membership luncheon, begins with networking and spotlights on business. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. GoodNaz Church, 400 Loretta Drive, Goodlettsville. Fees: $15 for members and $17 for non-members. Information: www.goodlettsvillechamber.com

DEC. 15-16

Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Conference

This year’s conference will highlight a variety of renewable energy technologies, case studies and opportunities. Keynote address given by Mike McWherter, TVA Board member. Tennessee Tech University. Information: [email protected], 931 372-3306

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Christmas In Carrie’s Attic

The children will be read A Visit from St. Nicholas (aka ‘Twas the night before Christmas), make Old fashioned Christmas cards and ornaments and may even be visited by old Saint Nicholas himself. Reservations are required. Fee: $15/child. Carnton Plantation, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin.

MONDAY, DEC. 19

2016 Education Report Card For Metro Nashville Public Schools

Please join the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and co-chairs Harry Allen of Pinnacle Bank and Katherine McElroy of c3/Consulting, as we present the 2016 Education Report Card for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. This year marks the 25th edition of the Report Card. The Nashville Area Chamber annually convenes a diverse committee of business and community volunteers to evaluate the progress of Nashville’s public school system. Each year, they offer recommendations for continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, interviews, and overall assessment of Metro Nashville Public Schools. Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville. 10-11:30 a.m. Free event, but registration is required. Information: www.nashvillechamber.com