Calendar of Events

An exhibition by ORAC members. Reception on December 5, 2-4PM with gallery talk at 1:30 PM.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9AM-5PM; Saturday-Monday, 1-4PM. For information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

Dec. 4, 11 & 18
An extension of the Market Square Farmers' Market, the Holiday Market gathers vendors of local food, handmade crafts and farm products with gifts and decor for all your Holiday needs. Find farm-made wreaths, trees and greenery, handmade ornaments & decorations, baked goods, handmade gifts and more. Shop for locally made gifts while enjoying hot chocolate or cider, Old City Java coffee, burritos from just ripe and many other treats to warm you from head to toe. Photo above: glass ornaments and decor from Marble City Glassworks.

Also, from noon-3pm, join us for a farmers' market with farmers and food producers with winter produce, including kale, sweet potatoes, green onions, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, turnips, radishes and more.

Market Square District Association, PO Box 2263, Knoxville, TN 37901. Information: 865-405-3135, knoxvillemarketsquare@gmail.com, www.knoxvillemarketsquare.com

Everyone's holiday season should include the classic tradition of Tchaikovsky's timeless score, the Nutcracker. Accompanied by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the sights and sounds of the ballet company's elaborate production will resonate with adults and children of all ages.

At the Knoxville Civic Auditorium on Saturday, December 4th - 8:00 pm & Sunday December 5th - 2:00 pm

At Clayton Center for the Arts on Saturday, December 11th - 2:00 pm & 8:00pm

Tickets on Sale November 16. In advance - $36, $31 and $21; At door - $41, $36 and $26. $1 facility fee has been added to each ticket price. Student and senior citizen discount $5 off. Group rates available. For Tickets: Appalachian Ballet at 865.982.8463; Knoxville shows: Tickets Unlimited at 865.656.4444; Maryville Shows: Clayton Center at 865.981.8590. www.appalachianballet.com

The McClung Genealogical Collection

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: Monday-Friday: 9AM-4PM; Saturday: 10AM-4PM; Sunday: 1-5PM. For information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

Information: 888-214-3400, rugbylegacy@highland.net, www.historicrugby.org

Participants will design and create a holiday wreath from natural materials such as magnolia leaves, pine cones, boxwood, rosemary, Leland Cypress, holly, and berries. All materials will be provided, but participants may want to bring gloves and gardening shears. Cost is $25.00 per person for non-members and $20.00 for members of Ramsey House. Create warm holiday memories with your friends and family members by attending this traditional holiday event together.

Ramsey House Plantation, 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open year around (except Mondays & Holidays). For information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org

Bazillion Blooms is a tree-planting program which was designed to fulfill an important part of the Dogwood Arts mission: “to preserve and enhance the beauty of our region.” Saturday, December 4th is the official Dogwood tree-planting day in 2010 where volunteers will plant Dogwood trees on our Trails and By Ways. Civic organizations, garden clubs, and neighborhood associations may purchase trees in advance through Dogwood Arts and plant the Dogwood trees at their locations. Trees may be picked up on Saturday, December 4th from 9 am – noon at the UT Gardens parking lot off of Neyland Drive. UT Gardens will conduct demonstrations on how to plant and care for your Dogwood trees.

In partnership with local garden centers, the campaign will encourage individuals to purchase and plant trees in their yards this fall. Participating Garden Centers are: Ellenburg Landscaping & Nursery, Thress Nursery Gardens, Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping, Mayo Garden Centers, Stanley’s Greenhouses, Saplings.

For more information on how you can participate and/or donate to the program: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

Candlelight Tours of Marble Springs will take place on Saturday, December 4. Tour the 5 historic buildings decorated with fresh greenery for the holidays. In between tours you can experience the warmth of the Tavern lit by firelight while listening to old fashioned music. Holiday treats and warm drinks will set you aglow with holiday spirit! Cost for the event is $1.

Marble Springs: 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

Enjoy hot cider and cookies, music and crafts, while visiting with local authors and shopping for the history buff on your list. Special children’s activities include a Victorian Santa, making ornaments and crafts, and storytelling. Free Museum admission for the event.

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: Monday-Friday: 9AM-4PM; Saturday: 10AM-4PM; Sunday: 1-5PM. For information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

Create new memories and tell Santa all of your holiday wishes while sitting upon his knee. Enjoy cookies and milk or a cup of hot chocolate, play reindeer games and make fun holiday crafts. Two sessions: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 2:00-4:00 PM.

Knoxville Zoo, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open every day except Christmas. For information: 865-637-5331, www.knoxville-zoo.org

Come have breakfast with Clara and her favorite characters from The Nutcracker! Enter the world of snowflakes and wonder. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends Spanish, Chinese, and Russian! Enjoy face painting, have a delicious breakfast of sparkly princess pancakes, hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries and other delicious goodies! Make your own Christmas decoration, have your picture taken with your favorite characters and other fun activities! Dress up in your party clothes or favorite costume and join us in our magical world of make believe! Cost is $25.
At 1234 Rocky Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919. For information: 865-539-2475, www.gocontemporarydance.com

Shop Mighty Mud's gallery and studios for local, unique, handmade Christmas gifts. And to make your holiday even less stressful, we are offering complimentary gift wrapping for all gallery purchases that day. It is also a great chance to meet some of the artists behind the wares.

Jennifer Shaffer will be teaching a hand built angels workshop for ages 8 & up from 11am- 1pm. Space is still available. To register, call Mighty Mud.

8 Shooters Studio will again be taking holiday portraits during our show. We have gathered even more ridiculous Christmas sweaters and props for this year!!! And because Mighty Mud is pet friendly, its also a great place to bring your well-behaved pet for their Holiday portrait! Tell your friends and family!

Mighty Mud, 2444 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919. For information: 865-595-1900, www.mightymudclay.com