The writer of the Christmas classic "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays", must have been thinking about Murfreesboro. With turkey under our belt, we're ready next for lighting Christmas trees and enjoying Santa in the parades across Rutherford County.  Plus, gathering with friends, church and social functions and more. 

CHRISTMAS TREE SALES (BSA Troop 197)

The tradition of BSA Troop 197 selling trees at Fellowship United Methodist Church (2511 New Salem Highway) is underway now. In fact, they began on Nov. 19th, and may run out soon. The troop's hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 5-8PM;  Saturday 9:00AM-8:00PM, Sunday 1:00p8:00PM.   

Christmas Tree Lightings

• SMYRNA: already happened at Train Depot on Nov. 21
• EAGLEVILLE: Sun., Nov. 26, 2023 at 4:15PM at Eagleville City Hall
• MURFREESBORO: Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 at 5:30PM on the east side of the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Murfreesboro town square
• La VERGNE (see below for parade...they combine the events)

Christmas Parades

• La VERGNE 12th Annual Parade of Light is Sat., Dec. 2, 2023 at 5:00PM. It starts at City Hall and ends at Veterans Memorial Park, where the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show will take place. This year's theme is "Peace On Earth". 
• SMYRNA: Christmas Parade is Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 2:00PM. The Smyrna parade travels northbound on Lowry Street toward Sam Ridley Parkway. Those attending should bring non-perishable food items to donate to Nourish Food Bank units in the parade. Entry deadline is Friday, November 17th. No Late Entries will be accepted. Contact Casey Conard at casey.conard@townofsmyrna.org or phone 615-267-5005
• EAGLEVILLE Christmas Parade is Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 at 5:00PM. Grand Marshals are the 2022 Eagleville Baseball and Softball State Champs. The parade's theme is "Christmas Past and Present". The parade wil go south on Main St., turn left on Highway 99 and end at the school. 
• MURFREESBORO Christmas Parade is 2:00PM Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. It begins at MTSU, travels down East Main St., around the square, onto West Main and ends at Walnut St. The theme is "CHRISTMAS MAGIC". Entries must be at Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department no later than 4:00PM Wed., Nov. 29, 2023. 

Other Chrismas Events

• Handel's "Messiah" Mon., Nov. 28, 2023 at 6:00PM in MTSU's Wright Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.). Tickets are $15 general admission and are available online at https://bit.ly/MTMessiahInConcert2022Tickets and at the door. MTSU students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with current IDs.
• CANNONSBURGH (312 S. Front St.) drive through and enjoy this FREE display from Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department. It's open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings 5-8PM Dec. 1-17, 2023. For more information, phone 615-890-0355.
• Christmas Dinners im Maney Hall at OAKLANDS MANSION (900 N. Maney Ave.). Oaklands Christmas Dinners will be held on two nights, Friday December 1st, and Saturday December 2nd. Tickets are $100 per guest. Sponsors will enjoy wine and charcuterie from 5:30PM to 6:30PM in the mansion and receive tickets to the Christmas Dinner in Maney Hall. Sponsorship begins at $250 for two guests.
• Tennessee Philharmonic's CHRISTMAS CONCERT is Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 at 7:00PM at Belle Aire Baptist Church (N. Rutherford Blvd.)
• Choral Society's CHRISTMAS CONCERT is Sun., Dec. 3, 2023 at 3:00PM in the MTSU Wright Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.)
• Sam Davis Home Christmas Candlelight Tour (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna TN) is Sat., Dec. 4, 2023 from 10AM-4PM. Bring your family and enjoy a day of 19th century holiday tradition. Make an ornament for your tree while sipping wassail and listening to carols. Take as candlelit tour of the historic house and see how the Davis family celebrated the holidays. *Regular admission
• BETHLEHEM MARKETPLACE at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr.) is Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 9-10, 2023) from noon-5:00PM. Free admission and free parking. Walk through a replica of the village of Bethlehem on the day after Christ was born. There are live camels, and other animals, Roman soldiers, and more. This is the church's 39th reenactment.  
• Oakland Mansion's CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES is Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 from 4:00-8:00PM. Tickets are available in the Museum Store (900 N. Maney Ave. in Maney Hall) or on-line.  Admission is $30.00 per adult and $10.00 per student ages 6-12. The tour is free for ages 5 and under.