Give ’N Gobble 5k. Annual Thanksgiving 5K in downtown Dickson to benefit Dickson County Help Center. Clement Railroad Museum, 101 Frank Clement Place. Thursday, 8 a.m. Turkey run, 8:30 a.m. 5k. Information: http://www.gg5k.org

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

Small Business Saturday

In an age of global markets and capitalism, it’s far too easy for small businesses to struggle and fail, even if they have superior products and services. Small Business Saturday encourages people in Middle Tennessee and everywhere else to shop with small businesses to change the world.

The 2016 Small Business Saturday Expo

Aligned with American Express’ nationally recognized Small Business Saturday, SBE 2016 will also serve as a local celebration of the recent opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. This free event will feature an art gallery, local authors, live entertainment, food, unique shopping opportunities, and holiday fun with local businesses and sponsors. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Emma, 9 Lea Avenue, Nashville. Information: https://www.universe.com/events/small-business-saturday-expo-celebrating-culture-tickets-0N63HS

MONDAY, NOV. 28

Williamson Chamber Prospective Member Open House

Learn how Chamber membership can benefit your business. Williamson, Inc. 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150, Franklin. 4-5:30 p.m. Free, but you must bring a prospective member to attend. Information: williamsonchamber.com

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

Meet the Mayor

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto is available for open discussion with members of the community every last Wednesday of the month at the Chamber office, 149 Public Square. All are invited from 1:30-3 p.m. Information: 444-1383

152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin Illumination

To commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, 10,000 luminaries, representing the casualties of the battle, will be lit at dusk. Illumination begins at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Carter Hill Battlefield. Carnton Plantation and The Carter House will be open to the public for a free walk-through tours, 5-7 p.m. This event is free to the public. Information: boft.org

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Business After Hours

An opportunity to develop relationships, walk away with new connections and market your business to more than 150 attendees. Increase your company’s marketing efforts by purchasing a display table to endorse your business. Tables include admission for four, a 6-foot table, and promotion among Chamber members and area business leaders. Table space is limited - register early. Cost: Chamber member $25, Future member $50, Chamber member display table $250, Pre-registration is required. Registration includes hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets. The Westin Nashville, 807 Clark Place, Nashville. 5-7 p.m. Information: nashvillechamber.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

Open Meeting with State Rep. Mark Pody

State Representative Mark Pody hosts an open meeting every first Friday of the month from 8-10 a.m. in the Chamber of Commerce office. The public is invited to come and meet Rep. Pody, discuss pertinent issues, and ask questions. No appointments are necessary. Information 390-2444 Location Chamber of Commerce, 149 Public Square

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Nashville Christmas Parade

Grand Marshal Kelly Clarkson will lead the annual parade. 9 a.m. The parade route begins at 7th Ave., proceeds down Broadway, up 2nd Ave. and ends at the base of the Woodland Street Bridge. Road closures with this event. Folding chairs permitted for event. Information: www.nashvillechristmasparade.com

Franklin Christmas Parade

An annual celebration of the holiday season, the Franklin Christmas parade will return to Main Street. 1-3 p.m. Information: franklintn.gov

Murfreesboro Candlelight Tour of Homes

Usher in the holiday season with this enchanting tour of historic homes featuring beautiful and historic private homes, as well as the graceful Oaklands Mansion. Set in the historic district of Murfreesboro, stops along the tour will be festively adorned historical homes and churches. Additionally, living history demonstrations will be presented on the lawn of Oaklands mansion. 4-8 p.m. 900 North Maney Avenue Murfreesboro. $12 in advance adults online or at Oaklands Mansion. Day of event: $15 adults, $5 students and children 5 and younger free. Information: http://www.oaklandsmuseum.org

DEC. 3-4

City Farmhouse Holiday Pop-Up Fair

The Factory, 230 Franklin Road, Liberty Hall. Prices: Early buying $25, Sat. 8 a.m.- noon; general admission $12, noon-4 p.m., Sunday, $12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The City Farmhouse Pop-up has been named as one of the top five events to attend by Southern Living magazine. Information: www.cityfarmhousefranklin.com

Middle Tennessee Civil War Show

The ultimate trade show for Civil War enthusiasts, featuring authentic civil war weapons and memorabilia. Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fee: Adults: $10, under 12 free. Information: www.mkshows.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Salon@615

Michael Chabon discusses his new book, Moonglow. This is a free ticketed event with advance tickets available Nov. 21 at 8 a.m. Main Library, 615 Church St. 3 p.m. Information: www.salon615.org. Upcoming events/authors include:

-- Dec. 13: Robbie Robertson (guitarist for 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.

-- 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.

Lebanon Christmas Parade

“A Toyland Christmas” parade begins in downtown Lebanon and travels through the square on Main Street. 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7

Lebanon Meet the Mayor

Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce presents City Chat featuring City Mayor Phillip Craighead and other City Officials. 8:30-9:30 a.m. 149 Public Square, Lebanon. City Chats is open to the public, all are invited to attend. Information: [email protected]

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.

DEC. 10-11

Dickens of a Christmas

Snow will be falling on the annual street festival 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

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

2016 Education Report Card for Metro Nashville Public Schools

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and co-chairs Harry Allen of Pinnacle Bank and Katherine McElroy of c3/Consulting 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. Nashville Public Library Auditorium, 615 Church Street. 10-11:30 a.m. Free event, but registration is required. Information: www.nashvillechamber.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Member Orientation

Joining the Chamber was an important step for your business. Now, how do you make the most of your investment? Join us for Member Orientation and learn about member benefits and involvement opportunities from Chamber staff. You’ll also learn how your business plays a role in the Chamber’s mission of creating regional economic prosperity. Lunch will be provided. 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

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.