What will the Jury Think? The American Association for Justice (AAJ) presents a seminar for attorneys who want to develop a case’s trial story and then test it before three focus groups. The seminar, which runs through Saturday, is being led by Nashville attorney Phillip H. Miller, past president of the Tennessee Association for Justice (TAJ) and held at the Sheraton Downtown. Information: justice.org/caseplus.

NOV. 30-DEC. 3

39th annual Carter House Candlelight Tours

The Candlelight Tour will showcase historic Franklin homes over the course of four nights, 6-8 p.m. The Carter House, Carnton Plantation and Lotz House will open on Nov. 30, offering a historic scene on the 147th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin. Both The Carter House and Carnton Plantation will host costumed re-enactors representing historic figures such as the McGavock and Carter families. On Dec. 1, the three homes will be transformed with 19th century traditional holiday decoration for the remainder of the Candlelight Tour. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cummins House and Clouston Hall will join the tour Dec. 2-3. Featuring living historians, St. Paul’s Church will be celebrating its 22nd year on the tour. The two pre-war homes, Cummins House and Clouston Hall, will be decorated for the holiday season. Information: battleoffranklintrust.org, 794-0903.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

59th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade

The Piedmont Natural Gas Christmas Parade officially kick starts the holiday season downtown with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Public Square Plaza at 7 p.m. by Mayor Karl Dean, Piedmont Natural Gas executives and parade Grand Marshal Vince Gill. This year’s parade celebrates “Christmas Around the World.” The parade starts at LP Field, crosses the Woodland Street Bridge, goes west down 2nd Avenue and up Broadway to 7th Avenue. Information: facebook.com/nashvillechristmasparade.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Book Writing Boot Camp

Author Carol Batey leads this workshop for aspiring authors at Symmetry, 212 Louise Avenue, 12:30-4 p.m. The class seeks to unlock a writer’s potential and is for writers who want to increase spirituality in their writing projects. Fee: $30. Information: 485-4548, [email protected].

SATURDAYS THROUGH DEC. 17

Santa Saturdays at Cheekwood

Santa will be available for photos in a custom designed and built workshop at Cheekwood. The cost to visit Santa and get a 5x7 photo is $10. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase additional photos. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with the exception of Nov. 26 when he will be available from Noon-3 p.m. Also featured, hands-on art activities, Dec. 10 magic show Rodney Kelly (10:30 a.m.).

THROUGH DEC. 31

Restaurants help the homeless

Nashville diners at select restaurants this holiday season can participate in “StreetSmart: Helping the Homeless” and give a unique gift. This inaugural program invites patrons to add a $1 donation to their check in support of Room in the Inn, a nonprofit organization providing a continuum of care for Nashvillians struggling with the short- and long-term effects of homelessness. The campaign, which originated in England, runs through New Year’s Eve. Participating restaurants include 360 Bistro, Burger Up, Cabana, Chagos, Cooper’s, Giovanni’s, Mad Platter, Mambu Restaurant & Bar, Merchants, Miel, Midtown Café, Sunset Grill, and The Patterson House. For more information and continued updates on participating restaurants please visit Room in the Inn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/roomintheinn.

THROUGH JAN. 15

Works of Rev. Howard Finster

The Tennessee State Museum presents a special exhibition featuring the work of the late folk artist Howard Finster. The exhibition, Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster, is free and available through Jan. 15 in the museum’s Changing Galleries. Finster was one of America’s most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, producing more than 46,000 pieces of art before his death in 2001. Information: tnmuseum.org.