Battlefield Illumination Ceremony. The ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Franklin’s anniversary will be at Carter Hill Battlefield Park, Thursday, 4 p.m. Brief remarks followed by the names of causalities. Visitors are allowed to walk throughout the luminaries to experience the somber event. Carnton and Carter House will be open to the public for a free walk-through from 5-7 p.m. Information: 794-0903
THURSDAY, NOV. 30
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 takes place every other Thursday. Deaderick Street (4th Avenue North to 5th Avenue North) will be closed 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Williamson, Inc. Young Professionals Connect
Rock around the tree at the Young Professionals Holiday Party. Mill Creek Brewery, 2008 B Johnson Industrial Blvd, Nolensville. 5-7 p.m. Have some drinks, network with likeminded young professionals, and play some mini golf thanks to Holes-2-Go. Information: http://cmdev.williamsonchamber.com/events/details/young-professionals-holiday-party-355571
FRIDAY, DEC. 1
Tree Lighting Events
Metro Christmas Tree Lighting with special guests Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell. Meet Santa and enjoy performances by East Magnet High School Choir, Thomas Edison Elementary School Choir, the Glencliff High School Mariachi Band and the Genesis and New Testament Choirs from The Temple Church. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. 6-7 p.m., Public Square Park. Gallatin, 5 p.m., Downtown square. Murfreesboro, 6 p.m. Public Square.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2
Nashville Christmas Parade
Former Nashville Predators Captain Mike Fisher will serve as grand marshal for the annual parade. 8:30 a.m. The parade route begins at Nissan Stadium at the base of Woodland Street Bridge, make its way down First Avenue, then up Broadway to Eighth Ave. Road closures for this event 4 a.m.- noon. Folding chairs permitted. Information: www.nashvillechristmasparade.com Other area Christmas Parades:
- Goodlettsville – Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m.
- Franklin – Saturday, Dec. 2- 3:30 p.m.
- Hendersonville – Sunday, Dec. 3, 2:30-5 p.m.
- Smyrna – Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.
- Mt. Juliet – Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.
- Gallatin – Saturday, Dec. 9 noon- 2 p.m.
- Leiper’s Fork, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
- Donelson Hermitage, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
- Murfreesboro, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m.
Holiday Open House
Tour historic Rock Castle and enjoy Christmas from a bygone era. Music, refreshments and more. 3-6 p.m. 139 Rock Castle Lane, Hendersonville. Information: 824-0502
First Saturday Art Crawl
Art galleries throughout downtown host receptions and art openings, presenting local and world-renowned artists and artwork. The galleries offer rare opportunities to view diverse exhibitions featuring every genre of art. Admission: Free. Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. 6-9 p.m. Information: http://www.nashvilledowntown.com/play/first-saturday-art-crawl
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
Nashville Curiosities Collective
The newly formed group of makers, artisans and collectors features geeky, nerdy, kitschy and unusual or weird handmade items. Noon-6 p.m., Fat Bottom Brewing, 800 44th Ave N. Free. Fat Bottom Brewing will be offering $15 wristbands that entitles attendees to unlimited beer. Information: www.facebook.com/nashvillecuriosities
TUESDAY, DEC. 5
Young Professionals Luncheon
Topic: Servant Leadership with guest speaker, Louis Upkins. Learn how to balance the demands of work and home. 304 Beasley Drive, Franklin. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fees: $20 Business Partners, $30 Guests. Information: http://cmdev.williamsonchamber.com/events/details/young-professionals-luncheon-354522
Real Estate Investors Network
Deals, Deals, Deals Focus Group: Learn where investors find and sell deals, as well as the mechanics of various deals. 6:20 p.m., REIN Center, 4525 Harding Rd, Suite 200, Nashville. Fee: Members free. Nonmembers, $25. Prepay required. Information, registration: reintn.org/calendar. Additional opportunities:
- Thursday, Dec. 7: Income Taxes & Year End Income Tax Planning. Speaker Clinton Hauser, with Stone, Rudolph and Henry accounting firm. 6:30- 8 p.m. REIN Center, Nashville. Fee: Members $10 if preregister by Dec. 5, $15 after deadline, Guest $50. Prepayment required.
- Monday, Dec. 11: Build you’re A-Team. Vendor expo with experts in new construction, rehabbing, property management, contacting, lending and networking. 5:30-9 p.m. Free event. Giveaways and door prizes. West End Community Church Classroom Building, 3rd & 4th floor, 235 White Bridge Pike, Nashville
- Tuesday, Dec. 19Deals, Deals, Deals Focus Group: Learn where investors find and sell deals, as well as the mechanics of various deals. 6:20 p.m., REIN Center, 4525 Harding Rd, Suite 200, Nashville. Fee: Members free. Nonmembers, $25. Prepay required.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6
Williamson Chamber Leads Exchange
A facilitated, casual networking opportunity to develop member relationships. Members-only event. Space is limited to 30 participants and spots will quickly. Take business cards, brochures and product samples to share with other participant’s Morning meeting, Williamson Inc., 5005 Meridian Blvd, Suite 150, 7:30-9 a.m. Lunch meeting option, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Del Frisco’s Grill, 207 Franklin Road, Brentwood. Afternoon meeting 5005 Meridian Blvd, Suite 150. 3:30-5 p.m. Registration required. Information: www.williamsonchamber.com
Chamber East Networking Coffee
Join business and community leaders in East Nashville for the Chamber East monthly networking coffee and community update. Burger Up East, 970 Woodland Street. 8:15-8:30 a.m. networking, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Registration is requested. Information: www.nashvillechamber.com
Tuba Christmas
Featuring Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble & local tuba players. First Baptist Church, 205 E. Main Street. 7-9 p.m. Fee: Free. Information: 452-5715
THURSDAY, DEC. 7
Member Orientation
An opportunity to learn how your business plays a role in the Chamber’s mission of creating regional economic prosperity. Lunch provided. Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 Commerce Street, Suite 100. 11:30 a.m. registration, 11:50 a.m. program. Fee: complimentary to new Chamber members. Deadline to register, Dec. 1. Information: http://web.nashvillechamber.com/events/eventdetail.
FRIDAY, DEC. 8
Fall Leadership Breakfast
Building tattoo-worthy customer relationships. Speaker: Ken Schmidt, former director of communications strategy for Harley-Davidson. Curb Event Center Arena, Belmont University. 6:30 a.m. registration and networking, 7-7:30 a.m. breakfast, 7:30 program. Fees: $45. Information: http://cmdev.williamsonchamber.com/events
Chamber North Quarterly Meeting
This meeting will focus on North Nashville’s flourishing art community. 8-9:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be served. This is a free event, but registration is required. Information: http://web.nashvillechamber.com/events
DEC. 8-9
Porter Flea Holiday Market
Holiday shopping at The Nashville Fairgrounds (625 Smith Ave) with more than 150 artists sharing their unique, local and handmade gifts. Friday will be a ticketed preview market (6-9 p.m.) offering early, intimate shopping access ahead of Saturday’s main market, which is free and open to the public (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). A collection of food trucks will be serving seasonal food. Information: www.porterflea.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 9
Music City Winterfest
This will be a free day of shopping, activities and entertainment with more than 100 artisan booths, live music, food and beer. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Centennial Park. Information: http://www.musiccitywinterfest.com
DEC. 9-10
Dickens of a Christmas
Franklin town square and side streets will transform into a scene out of a Charles Dickens’ novel. FREE family-friendly holiday festival. You can expect horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers, Dickens characters and numerous vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free and open to the public, though some attractions will involve a small fee. Information: http://historicfranklin.com/events/event
DEC. 9-11
Appalachian Christmas Dinner
Feast on a traditional Appalachian dinner complete with moonshine, wine and stack cake. Historic Rock Castle, 139 Rock Castle Lane, Hendersonville. Songs and dance with Sparky & Rhonda Rucker. Seating limited to 40 guests. 6 p.m. Fee: $40 each. Reservations: https://www.eventbrite.com
MONDAY, DEC. 11
Gallatin Chamber Membership Luncheon
The monthly membership luncheon features speakers of interest to local businesses and is held on the second Monday of each month. Topic: Grit, Grace, & Good Tidings. Speaker: Kim Baker, CEO, Gallatin Chamber. Hampton Inn, 980 Village Green Crossing, Gallatin. Catering: Gallatin High School Culinary Arts Students. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: Chamber Members: $18 for reservations made by noon on the previous Friday; $20 with reservations after the deadline; $25 at the door. The cost for non-members is $25. Reservations are required. Information: 452-4000
TUESDAY, DEC. 12
Gallatin Chamber Networking Power Lunch
Lunch and casual networking at various restaurants in the area. Note: this is the last meeting for the year. All attendees are responsible for the cost of their own meal. Osaka Japanese Restaurant, 223 West Main Street. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 452-4000
Williamson 101
Learn how to maximize your partnership. Discover many ways to get involved. Meet other new and existing partners at this fun, educational meeting. Williamson Inc., 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150. 3:30-5 p.m. Light refreshments. Please register. Fee: Free. Information: www.williamsonchamber.com
Women in Business Holiday Mixer
Holiday mixer is the best place to enjoy networking, drinks, and a great holiday marketplace with female owned businesses. The Barn at Sycamore Farms, 4866 Murfreesboro Road, Arrington. 4-6 p.m. Fee: $30 Chamber Member and Guests. Information: http://cmdev.williamsonchamber.com/events
SATURDAY, DEC. 16
Wreaths Across America
Remembrance ceremony for veterans, Gallatin City Cemetery. A live wreath placed on the grave of every American veteran who died serving our country. 11 a.m.-noon. Information: 451-5961
Rock Castle Concert Series
Come to experience our songwriter’s acoustic performance at Rock Castle. Amanda June & Cole Vosbury bring heart back into country music with seamless perfection. Light refreshments will be offered. Only 40 guests per event. Fee: $30 per concert or $100 series. Historic Rock Castle, 139 Rockcastle Lane, Hendersonville. 6 p.m. Information: historicrockcastle.ecwid.com Additional dates: