Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit? There are a lot of fun holiday events and activities here in the Boro and surrounding areas to get you in the mood for hot chocolate, candy canes, and all things Christmas. Here are some of the top holiday happenings this year in and around Murfreesboro.

Santa Arrives at Stones River Mall
November 10th 11 AM – 1 PM

Kick off a joyous holiday season full of family fun with Santa! Join in for a wonderful Elf magical show, craft activities, giveaways, hot cocoa, cookies, face painting and more.

Christmas SANTA Schedule 2018

MON-SAT: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
SUN: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM-3:00 PM
THUR (11/22): CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

**EXTENDED HOURS
MON-SUN (12/14-12/23): 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, BREAK 1: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM, BREAK 2: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
MON (12/24): CHRISTMAS EVE 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. BREAK: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Specialty Days

Pet Night 11/12/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pet Night 11/19/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pet Night 11/26/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Grandparents Day 11/29/2018
Holiday PJ Day 11/30/2018Pet Night 12/03/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Holiday PJ Day 12/06/2018
Pet Night 12/10/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ugly Sweater Day 12/13/2018
Breakfast with Santa 12/15/2018 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Pet Night 12/17/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ugly Sweater Day 12/13/2018
Breakfast with Santa 12/15/2018 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Pet Night 12/17/2018 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location:
Stones River Mall
1720 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Maps & Directions

Dancing Lights of Christmas
Open Nightly November 16 – December 31st

The Dancing Lights of Christmas returns for it’s 9th consecutive season. Wilson County and the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, home of the Wilson County Fair, will host the Dancing Lights of Christmas this holiday season. The new location comes with new displays and an extended drive route, some new rocking’ Christmas tunes and an expanded News 4 Santa’s Village. With over one and a half million lights dancing to the music on the radio, each visit will be a new experience.  It’s a great evening for the entire family​!
** Open rain or shine and on ALL holidays.

Hours:
Open nightly at 5pm

​Location:
James E Ward Agricultural Center
945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087
Maps & Directions

Delight the Lights Holiday Celebration
Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 4 PM – 6 PM

Join in the fun at The Avenue on Sunday, November 18th from 4 – 6 PM in the Central Park and roundabout area. This event will provide complimentary activities including face painting, live entertainment including DJ, festive stilt-walkers, holiday jugglers and visits with Santa, AND giveaways including the chance to win a $250 Shopping Spree to kick off the holiday season.

​Location:
The Avenue
2615 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Maps & Directions

Miracle on 34th Street the Musical
Nov 30-Dec 16

Center for the Arts presents Miracle on 34th Street. Single mother, Doris Walker, doesn’t want her six-year-old Susan’s head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor, Fred Gailey, tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works. Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out that Macy’s Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. Rated G. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for students, seniors (60+) and military, and $11 for children (12 and under).

*All ticket sales are final.  Exchanges for another performance of the current show may be made up to 24 hours prior to performance, subject to availability.

Click here to purchase tickets

Location:
110 W College St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Maps & Directions

35th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 4 PM – 8 PM

Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 1, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The tour, will feature beautiful and historic buildings, and as always, the historic Oaklands Mansion.

In addition to the tour, Oaklands Mansion will host a Holiday Marketplace in Maney Hall. A selection of local artisans and craftspeople will feature their wares for holiday shoppers. It’s the perfect opportunity to make holiday purchases for friends and family. Admission to the marketplace is included with tickets to the Candlelight Tour of Homes. In addition to the marketplace, see a live nativity displayed by Southeast Baptist Church’s Bethlehem Marketplace. Be sure to stop by Baker’s Dozen Cookie Cabin, Cousins Maine Lobster and Something Southern Food Truck for hot beverages and warm treats.

“The Candlelight Tour of Homes is a Middle Tennessee tradition thirty-five years in the making,” said James Manning, Executive Director. “Tour goers love that they can begin at any location and, if they have not already purchased a ticket in advance at oaklandsmansion.org, they can buy one at any home on the tour. You can find the tour route and parking suggestions on our website.”

Stops along the holiday tour include these historic buildings:
Oaklands Mansion & Cottage, 900 North Maney Avenue
Holiday Marketplace at Oaklands Visitors Center, 901 North Maney Avenue
Mr. Corey Williams, 450 Roberts Street
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Bell- Big Holly, 718 North Maney Avenue
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Bell- Big Holly’s Little House, 700 North Maney Avenue
Mr. & Mrs. Rhea Cole, 619 North Maney Avenue
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ventiegham, 603 North Maney Avenue
Mr. & Mrs. Daren Chambley, 525 North Maney Avenue
Dreamingincolor, 504 North Maney Avenue
Ransom School House, 717 North Academy Street

The cornerstone of the tour is the grand Oaklands Mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500- acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Rutherford County. Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes. Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950’s, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction, saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959. Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.

Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the continuing preservation of this historic treasure. Purchase advance tickets (either online at www.oaklandsmansion.org or in the museum shop) by 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th and receive a special price of $15.00 for adults. Admission is $20.00 per adult at the door, $10.00 students and children ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. On the night of the tour, tickets can be purchased at any home on the tour or at Oaklands’ Museum Shop.

Location:
Oaklands Mansion
900 N Maney Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Maps & Directions

Hollyday Marketplace Shopping-General Admission
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 9 AM – 4 PM

The 14th annual Hollyday Marketplace presented by The Junior League of Murfreesboro returns for a holiday shopping experience to help you with last minute gifts. Merchants from around the region will join again this year with unique gift giving items. Admission proceeds benefit the Junior League of Murfreesboro and support their mission and community service projects around Rutherford County. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

Location:
Tennessee Miller Coliseum, West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN
304 W Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Maps & Directions

Christmas at Cannonsburgh
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 AM – 3 PM

Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas with hot apple cider, photos with Santa, cookies, and a hayride. Weather permitting, local crafters will be selling their handmade goods. This is an outdoor event, so bundle up and come enjoy the day.

Free parking and admission; fee for photos with Santa.

For more information, call Cannonsburgh Village at (615) 890-0355.

Location: 
Cannonsburgh Village
312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
Maps & Directions

MTSU Christmas Village
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 9 AM – 12 PM

MTSU Agritourism presents Christmas Village featuring Santa & the MTSU Farm Animals
Adults: $10
Children 3yrs- 12yrs: $5 or FREE with the donations of 3 non-perishable food items
Children 2yrs and under: FREE
The event will include farm animals, a photo opportunity with Santa, MTSU chocolate milk and cookies, straw maze, two crafts, Little Acres (an interactive exhibit which allows children to be a farmer for a day), and more!
Please follow the provided link to the Google Registration form if you are planning to attend.
https://goo.gl/forms/d0esa8hqqhK48Dwq1

Location:
Tennessee Livestock Center
1720 Greenland Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Maps and Directions

The Ball Brothers Christmas Tour
Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6 PM – 8 PM

You won’t want to miss this amazing outdoor event at the Fountain at Gateway! One of the most unique places to enjoy the Ball Brothers Christmas Concert. Regular seating available or join the fun on the outdoor ice skating rink while enjoying the concert. It’s time to get the whole family together and welcome Christmas with the Ball Brothers. Expect a concert filled with great music and fun for all ages. No ticket needed.

Location:
The Fountains at Gateway
1500 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Maps and Directions

Murfreesboro’s Annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7th at 6:00

Come Downtown to enjoy special Christmas music and entertainment, beautiful window displays, the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus, and lighting of the official Rutherford County Christmas Tree!

Also mark your calendars because Santa will visit with children in the Courthouse:
Saturday, Dec. 8, 12—4 pm (bring your own camera)
Friday, Dec. 14, 6—8 pm (Shacklett’s Photography)
Saturday, Dec. 15, 12—4 pm (bring your own camera)
Friday, Dec. 21, 6—8 pm (Shacklett’s Photography)
Saturday, Dec. 22, 12—4 pm (bring your own camera)

Location:
Rutherford County Courthouse
S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Maps and Directions

Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2 PM

Bethlehem Marketplace 2018
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 12 PM – 5 PM
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 12 PM – 5 PM

The 38th reenactment of the Bethlehem Marketplace will be held on December 8 and 9, 2018 from noon to 5pm both days.

Marketplace is a walk-through drama re-enacting how the village of Bethlehem might have appeared the morning after the birth of Jesus. Its atmosphere and surroundings are those of 2000 years ago. It features characters in historically-accurate costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, tent makers, weavers, merchants in shops, census-takers, and more. Live camels and other animals lend authenticity to the re-enactment, and twenty-first century items do not appear.

Attendance has averaged about 6,000 in recent years with visitors from Kentucky, Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, and throughout Tennessee. Many people who trod the sawdust-lined streets of the village are repeat visitors.

The drama is put on entirely by approximately 150 church members. There is no admission, no donation accepted, and nothing actually is for sale. No reservations are required. Tour time averages about one hour, even at times of peak crowds.

Location:
South East Baptist Church
708 Minerva Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Maps & Directions