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 for beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Westin Nashville, 807 Clark Place, Nashville. Thursday, 5-7 p.m. Information: nashvillechamber.com
THURSDAY, DEC. 1
Franklin Tree Lighting Ceremony
Featuring entertainment by Studio Tenn, Freedom Intermediate School Honors Choir, Centennial High School Chamber Choir, plus photo opportunities with The Grinch and Santa. The Downtown Square will close to traffic from 5-9 p.m. Information: www.franklin.gov
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
YP Nashville Leadership Series
As part of an ongoing effort to cultivate our city’s young professionals, YP Nashville has launched a new leadership series aimed at connecting, engaging and empowering future leaders to actively shape the future of this region. The goal is to build the next generation of community leaders and enhance regional prosperity by giving you the tools and resources to expand your career and continually build upon your leadership skills. Part one will feature guest speaker Joe Ivey, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor of Management at Lipscomb University. Topic: “Strategies for Business and Life.” Spark: Lipscomb’s Ideal Center, 3252 Aspen Grove Drive #9, Franklin. Fee: $45 includes breakfast and program. You must register by November 29, to attend. Information: nashvillechamber.com
DEC. 2-4
Tennessee Local Food Summit
The event features Nashville’s best chefs offering delicious, locally grown organic meals, educational workshops, networking, and the celebration of another great growing season. It also is designed to promote local farming and encourage the community to support local foods and chefs and restaurants who utilize locally sourced produce. Avon Williams campus of Tennessee State University, 330 10th Avenue North, Nashville. Tickets including all workshops and meals: $125 in advance or $150 at the door. Friday: 1 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. and will include a Farm Tour of Bell’s Bend Sulphur Creek Farm. Information: https://tnlocalfood.com
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 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
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. 3: Ted Guillaum, Organ Grinder, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Bicinium Recorder Duo, noon-3 p.m.
- Dec. 4: Caroling by the American Caroling Company, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Dec. 11: Caroling by the American Caroling Company, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Dec. 17: Ted Guillaum, Organ Grinder, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Dec. 18: Caroling by the American Caroling Company, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Middle Tennessee Civil War Show
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 (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.
TUESDAY, DEC. 6
Williamson Chamber: Young Professionals Holiday Mixer
Plenty of opportunities to network with peers, tour Ravenswood Mansion, and visit Snapshot Interactive GIF photo booth. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ravenswood Mansion, 1825 Wilson Pike, Brentwood. Fee: $25 or $20 if you bring a nonperishable food item. Information: williamsonchamber.com
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]
Williamson Chamber Leads Exchange
A facilitated, casual networking opportunity to develop member relationships. Space is limited to 30 participants and spots will quickly. Bring business cards, brochures and product samples to share with other participants. A member’s only event. Williamson Inc. Office, 5005 Meridian Boulevard, Suite 150, Franklin. 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m. Free, registration required. Lunch provided for the 11:30 event. Information: 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 St. 8:15-8:30 a.m. networking, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Community Update. Information: nashvillechamber.com
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.
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.
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
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
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
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