(Rutherford County) As the old song proclaims, “It’s starting to look like Christmas”! And yes, there are times of the day when it feels that way. Scout troops and Christmas parades selling Christmas trees and Christmas tree illuminations in each municipality of Rutherford County. Here are some events you’ll want to put on your calendar.
Christmas Tree Sale (BSA Unit 197)
The tradition begins on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, when BSA Troop 197 will sell trees at Fellowship United Methodist Church, 2511 New Salem Highway. The store will open the following Sunday and remain open until all trees are sold. A spokesperson told WGNS, “Due to the fast-selling nature of our products, we are normally only open for about a week, but we will remain open until sold out.” The unit’s operating hours are as follows: Monday through Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday 1pm to 8pm.
christmas tree lighting
- Smyrna: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Smyrna Depot.
- Eagle Building: Sunday, November 26, 2023, 4:15 p.m. Eagleville City Hall
- Murfreesboro: Friday, December 1, 2023, 5:30 p.m., on the east side of Rutherford County Courthouse, Murfreesboro City Square.
- La Vergne (See below for parade…it’s a combination of events)
christmas parade
- La Vergne The 12th Annual Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The event begins at City Hall and ends at Veterans Memorial Park with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show. This year’s theme is “Peace On Earth.”
- Smyrna: The Christmas Parade will be on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The Smyrna parade heads north on Raleigh Street toward Sam Ridley Parkway. Participants should bring non-perishable food items to donate to the parade’s Nourish Food Bank department. The entry deadline is Friday, November 17th. Late entries will not be accepted. Contact Casey Conard at casey.conard@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-267-5005
- eagle building The Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The Grand Marshals are the 2022 Eagleville Baseball and Softball State Champions. The theme of the parade is “Christmas Past and Present.” The parade will continue south on Main Street, turning left onto Highway 99 and ending at the school.
- Murfreesboro The Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. It begins at MTSU, travels along East Main Street, around the plaza, to West Main Street, and ends at Walnut Street. The theme is “Christmas Magic.” Entries must be submitted to the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department by Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Other Christmas events
- Handel’s “Messiah” Monday, Nov. 28, 2023, 6:00 p.m., at MTSU’s Wright Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.). Tickets are $15 general admission and can be purchased online. https://bit.ly/MTMessiahInConcert2022 tickets And at the door. MTSU students, faculty and staff can enter for free with current ID.
- Visit the drive-thru in Canonsburg (312 S. Front St.) and enjoy this free exhibit by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. From December 1st to December 17th, 2023, we are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5pm to 8pm. For more information, please call 615-890-0355.
- The Tennessee Philharmonic Christmas Concert will be held at Bel Air Baptist Church (N. Rutherford Blvd.) on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
- The Choral Society’s Christmas Concert will be held at the MTSU Light Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.) on Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 3:00 p.m.
- The Sam Davis Home Christmas Candlelight Tour (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna TN) is Saturday, December 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy a 19th century holiday tradition. Make decorations for the tree while drinking wassail and listening to carols. Take a candlelit tour of the historic home and see how the Davis family celebrated the holidays. *Regular admission
- BETHLEHEM MARKETPLACE at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr.) will be held Saturday and Sunday (December 9-10, 2023) from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission, free parking. Walk through a replica of the village of Bethlehem the day after Christ’s birth. Live camels, other animals, and Roman soldiers are on display. This is the 39th reenactment of the church.
- Oakland Mansion’s Candlelight Tour of Home is Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Store, 900 N. Maney Ave. in Maney Hall, or online. Admission is $30.00 per adult and $10.00 per student ages 6-12. The tour is free for children under 5 years old.