Things to do: Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting to bring holiday cheer

Jay Powell, The Daily Herald
·4 min read
A motorcycle rider takes part in the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018.
A motorcycle rider takes part in the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018.

1. Christmas Parade & tree lighting

Tis the season for two of downtown Columbia's biggest events, this year combining both into one festive night.

The Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade will return after taking a year off, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. Not only will there be more than 70 entries participating this year, but the parade route will also make its way down the newly-finished West 7th Street.

The weather is also forecast to be warmer than usual for this time of year, making it the perfect time to spend an evening outdoors with family and friends.

Columbia's 40-foot Christmas tree stands tall and illuminated at the first Night of Light lighting ceremony on the Columbia courthouse square on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018.
Columbia's 40-foot Christmas tree stands tall and illuminated at the first Night of Light lighting ceremony on the Columbia courthouse square on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018.

Following the parade, enjoy what's become arguably an even bigger downtown holiday celebration as Columbia lights up its glorious 70-foot Christmas tree in front of the Maury County Courthouse, which will start at around 7:15 p.m.

Blair Garner of The Mulehouse music venue will once again emcee the festivities. After a year off due to COVID, the event will no doubt be one of the biggest and brightest we've ever seen, which means you do not want to miss it.

Two ride down Main Street on a float during the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Christmas Parade in Mt. Pleasant, Tenn., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.
Two ride down Main Street on a float during the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Christmas Parade in Mt. Pleasant, Tenn., on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.

2. First Fridays launches Fa La La Fridays in December

Prior to Saturday's Christmas Parade and tree lighting, the weekend will kick off with another First Fridays gathering downtown.

And like in previous years, December's First Fridays will be the start of a month-long "Fa La La Fridays", which will occur every Friday throughout December. Come shop local for holiday gifts, Christmas open houses and live music, among other festive activities starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

One big highlight this week will be the grand opening of Columbia's first hot chicken restaurant with the long-awaited Big Shake's, which will be open for business at 822 S. Main St., also featuring a night of live music and fun.

3. Christmas gala and market at The Factory

A book tree was erected at The Factory at Columbia, comprised of antique books. A $1,000 prize will be given to the person who can most accurately guess the number of books that make up the tree.
A book tree was erected at The Factory at Columbia, comprised of antique books. A $1,000 prize will be given to the person who can most accurately guess the number of books that make up the tree.

Downtown Columbia isn't the only place hosting a big Christmas Party this year.

The Factory of Columbia, 101 N. James M. Campbell Blvd., will host its first Christmas Black Tie Gala, which will start at 9 a.m. Saturday with a beautifully-curated Christmas market, featuring more than 60 local vendors, as well as pictures with Santa and live music.

The black tie gala will run from 6-9 p.m., which will be headlined by Columbia's own "American Idol" Top 10 finalist Cassandra Coleman, along with fellow "Idol" contestant Hunter Metts and jazz music from the Cord Martin Quartet.

Tickets to the gala range from $100-$150 and are available at www.EventBrite.com.

4. Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour

The James K. Polk Home & Museum will be one of five local historic sites to be featured in the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour, set to take place Dec. 4-5.
The James K. Polk Home & Museum will be one of five local historic sites to be featured in the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour, set to take place Dec. 4-5.

One of Columbia's oldest traditions will also be returning this weekend to round out the holiday festivities with the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour.

The tour will take place starting at 9 a.m. Friday, and will run until 4 p.m. Saturday.

This year's tour will take patrons through 11 local historic properties, including The Athenaeum, the President James K. Polk Home & Museum and historic Elm Springs.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at The Athenaeum or at the Maury County Visitors Bureau off West 7th Street.

5. Live entertainment

The Maury County Arts Guild, 705 Lion Parkway, will present "A Wicked Christmas Carol" with performances starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Join the Wicked Witch of the West as she finds the spirit of Christmas journeying through the would of L. Frank Baum's famous "Oz" books.

Neal McCoy will perform at The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Visit www.TheMulehouse.com for tickets.

Comedian Henry Cho will perform at Hardison Mill Homestead Hall, 4554 Highway 431, starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

Stephanie Adlington will perform at Vintage Winery, 616 N. Main St., starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

The Tennessee Stills Band will perform at Fozzy's, 150 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway in Spring Hill, starting at 8 p.m. Friday.

Rory Feek will perform at his Hardison Mill Homestead Hall starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Natasia Greycloud will perform at Vanh Dy's in downtown Columbia starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

New Binge will perform at Ember's Tavern & Grille, 2513 Hospitality Drive, starting at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The Escape Band will perform at The Boondox, 3546 Highway 431, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Jay Powell
Jay Powell

Jay Powell covers events and entertainment for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting to bring holiday cheer