🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: Dance Through the Decades, Walk Red Clay With a Ranger, Make Colonial Christmas Crafts, Sip Christmas Tea, Hunt Candy Canes in Rome, Jog the Reindeer Run and Stroll a Candlelit Huntsville Tour

Or: Seven Fresh Outings From a Sock-Hop Saturday to a Luminary Walk, Plus One Thing to Remember: Five of Them Land on Saturday, Dec. 5, So Pick Just One

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, November 13, 2026

Good evening, neighbor. Here are seven outings we haven’t told you about before. On Saturday, Nov. 21, Fairfield Glade throws a Dancing Through the Decades party with music from the ’50s through the ’80s. The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27, a ranger walks you through the historic Red Clay Council Grounds near Cleveland. Then comes a busy Saturday, Dec. 5: Colonial Christmas Craft Day at Marble Springs in Knoxville, a Christmas Tea Party at the Historic Sam Davis Home in Smyrna, the Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest in Rome, Ga., and the LaFayette Reindeer Run in North Georgia. On Saturday, Dec. 12, five old Huntsville homes open their doors by candlelight for the Spirit of Christmas Past Luminary Tour. What it means for you: two are free, the Huntsville tour is $20 for grown-ups and $5 for kids, and the closest one, in Fairfield Glade, runs on our own clock.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sat., Nov. 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Central: Dancing Through the Decades, The Center at Fairfield Glade. $25.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 1 p.m. Eastern (noon our time): Day After Thanksgiving Hike, Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland. Register ahead.
• Sat., Dec. 5, 9 a.m. Eastern (8 a.m. our time): LaFayette Reindeer Run, Joe Stock Park, LaFayette, Ga. $35 after today.
• Sat., Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Eastern (10–2 our time): Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest, Rome, Ga. Santa photos are free.
• Sat., Dec. 5, noon–3 p.m. Eastern (11–2 our time): Colonial Christmas Craft Day, Marble Springs, Knoxville. Free.
• Sat., Dec. 5, 2–4 p.m. Central: Christmas Tea Party, Historic Sam Davis Home, Smyrna. Reservations required; price: check before you go.
• Sat., Dec. 12, 5–9 p.m. Central: Spirit of Christmas Past Luminary Tour, Huntsville. $20 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.

📝 The one thing to remember: Cleveland, Knoxville, Rome and LaFayette are on Eastern time, an hour ahead of us. If a sign says noon there, it’s 11 a.m. on your kitchen clock. Fairfield Glade, Smyrna and Huntsville are on Central, same as Dunlap. And since four of these fall on Saturday, Dec. 5, circle just one and enjoy it.

💃 Dance Through the Decades in Fairfield Glade

Dust off your poodle skirt, your bell-bottoms or your ’80s jacket. Fairfield Glade Rotary is throwing a Dancing Through the Decades night with hits from the 1950s through the 1980s, and everyone is invited to dress like their favorite era. Each guest gets an individual snack box, and there’s a cash bar. It’s a community fundraiser for Rotary’s work, and a fun reason to get out of the house on a November Saturday.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Central, our time.
• Where: The Center at Fairfield Glade, Fairfield Glade, Tenn. (north of Crossville).
• How far: About 60 miles, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $25 per person. Tickets are sold at The Center.
• Who’ll love it: Couples, retirees, sock-hop fans and anyone who still knows all the words.
• Good to know: We have this from one announcement, so check before you go that tickets are still available.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today — Dancing Through the Decades Comes to Fairfield Glade)

🥾 Walk Off the Turkey With a Ranger at Red Clay

Skip the Black Friday crowds and take a gentle walk with a park ranger at Red Clay State Historic Park, south of Cleveland. The ranger leads a guided tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds, where the Cherokee Nation held its councils in the 1830s, and shares the stories of this important Southeast Tennessee landmark. It’s part of the long-running Tennessee State Parks tradition of getting families outside the day after Thanksgiving.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Nov. 27, 1–2 p.m. Eastern (noon–1 p.m. our time).
• Where: Red Clay State Historic Park, 1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland, Tenn.
• How far: About 75 miles, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not listed, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: History buffs, grandparents with grandkids home for the holiday and anyone who needs fresh air after a big meal.
• Good to know: Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up early. Questions? Call the park at 423-478-0339. Wear walking shoes and a jacket.

👉 Read more (Visit Cleveland TN — Day After Thanksgiving Hike at Red Clay)

🕯️ Make Colonial Christmas Crafts at a Governor’s Old Home

Marble Springs State Historic Site in South Knoxville was the farm home of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor. For Colonial Christmas Craft Day, the old Tavern fills with hands-on Christmas crafts, kids help decorate a gingerbread version of the Sevier cabin, and “Governor Sevier” himself signs certificates for Christmas wish lists to let Santa know who’s been good. Bring your list!

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, noon–3 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m.–2 p.m. our time).
• Where: Marble Springs State Historic Site, 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville, Tenn.
• How far: About 110 miles, roughly 2 hours. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free.
• Who’ll love it: Young children, crafty families and homeschoolers who like their history hands-on.
• Good to know: Have the kids write their Christmas list at home and bring it along for the governor to sign.

👉 Read more (Marble Springs State Historic Site — Events)

🫖 Sip Christmas Tea in an Old Tennessee Farmhouse

The Historic Sam Davis Home in Smyrna is an 1800s family farm and house museum. Its Christmas Tea Party starts with afternoon tea at 2 p.m., then guests walk through the historic house to see it dressed for Christmas. There’s good food, music, a craft to take home and pretty spots for photos. The museum says it’s the kind of afternoon folks come back for every year.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2–4 p.m. Central, our time.
• Where: Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum, 1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna, Tenn.
• How far: About 100 miles, roughly 1 hour 55 minutes by way of McMinnville and Murfreesboro. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The price isn’t shown on the event page, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Mothers and daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters, and anyone who loves a decorated old house.
• Good to know: Space is limited, reservations are required and tickets must be bought online in advance. Call 615-459-2341 with questions. (That same night, the museum also holds an adults-only “Curious Christmas” after-dark tour.)

👉 Read more (Historic Sam Davis Home — Christmas Tea Party)

🍬 Hunt Candy Canes and Meet Santa at Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest

Rome, Ga., turns Ridge Ferry Park on the riverfront into a holiday playground for one Saturday. Shop a holiday vendor market, stroll the Tinsel Trail of trees decorated by local businesses, and let kids 12 and under loose on a candy cane hunt at noon. Then Santa and local team mascots throw a party, with free photos with Santa, and the first 400 children get a free ball (basketball, soccer ball, volleyball or football). You can skate at the park’s ice rink, too.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m.–2 p.m. our time). Candy cane hunt at noon Eastern (11 our time); Santa and mascots 12:15–2:15 Eastern.
• Where: Ridge Ferry Park, Rome, Ga.
• How far: About 115 miles, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. A bit past our 100-mile line; check your map app.
• Cost: Santa photos are free. General admission and ice-skating prices aren’t listed, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Families with young children and anyone doing Christmas shopping.
• Good to know: Bring a bag for the candy cane hunt, and arrive early if you want one of those free balls. Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation: 706-291-0766.

👉 Read more (Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation — Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest)

🦌 Jog, Walk or Toddle the LaFayette Reindeer Run

For its 15th year, the LaFayette Reindeer Run takes over downtown LaFayette, Ga. Pick what fits: a timed 5K, a 1-mile fun walk/run or the Elf Run for little ones 5 and under. Strollers are welcome, and awards go by age group. The money helps LaFayette High School scholarships, the Shop with a Cop/Firefighter program and the LaFayette Woman’s Club’s community projects.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. Eastern (8 a.m. our time). Rain or shine.
• Where: Joe Stock Park, downtown LaFayette, Ga.
• How far: About 65 miles, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Early-bird pricing ($30) ends today, Nov. 13. After that it’s $35 per person or $140 for a team of five. No refunds.
• Who’ll love it: Walkers, runners, families with strollers and anyone who likes a good cause.
• Good to know: Packet pickup is Thursday, Dec. 3, 5–7 p.m. Eastern at the Bank of LaFayette Community Room, and you can sign up in person then or on race day.

👉 Read more (Adventure Chattanooga — LaFayette Reindeer Run)

🏛️ Stroll Five Old Huntsville Homes by Luminary Light

Huntsville’s Twickenham neighborhood holds some of the oldest homes in Alabama. For the Spirit of Christmas Past Homes and Luminary Tour, five of them open their doors on a candlelit December night: the Weeden House Museum (built 1819), the Perkins Mansion (1815), the Bibb Mansion (1836), the Leroy Pope Mansion (1814) and the Moore-Rhett Mansion (1826), once home to the owner of Lily Flagg, the famous prize-winning Jersey cow.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 5–9 p.m. Central, our time.
• Where: Starts around the Weeden House Museum, 300 Gates Ave., Huntsville, Ala., in the Twickenham Historic District.
• How far: About 100 miles, roughly 1 hour 55 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $20 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Tickets are non-refundable.
• Who’ll love it: Old-house lovers, history fans and couples looking for a quiet, pretty Christmas evening.
• Good to know: Tickets are sold in Huntsville at Harrison Brothers Hardware, Brooks and Collier, The Greenery and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Center, paid by cash, local check or PayPal. Online sales aren’t mentioned, so call the Weeden House at 256-536-7718 before you go. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between homes.

👉 Read more (Weeden House Museum — Twickenham Tour of Homes)

✅ Your Trip-Planning Checklist

• ✅ Clock check: Cleveland, Knoxville, Rome and LaFayette are on Eastern time (noon there = 11 a.m. here). Fairfield Glade, Smyrna and Huntsville are Central.
• ✅ Sat., Nov. 21: Dancing Through the Decades in Fairfield Glade. $25; pick out your decade outfit.
• ✅ Before Thanksgiving: Register for the Red Clay ranger hike on Fri., Nov. 27. Space is limited.
• ✅ Sat., Dec. 5: Pick one: the Reindeer Run (early), Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest, Marble Springs crafts or the Sam Davis Home tea (buy tickets online ahead).
• ✅ Thu., Dec. 3: Reindeer Run packet pickup, 5–7 p.m. Eastern, if you’re running.
• ✅ Sat., Dec. 12: Huntsville’s luminary tour. Call 256-536-7718 about tickets; bring cash.
• ✅ Fill up before you go. Need gas, a tire check or a good breakfast spot on the way? Look on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these is closest to Dunlap?

Dancing Through the Decades in Fairfield Glade (about 1 hour 10 minutes) and the LaFayette Reindeer Run (about 1 hour 20 minutes).

Which ones are free?

Colonial Christmas Craft Day at Marble Springs is free, and Santa photos at Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest are free. Check with Red Clay about any cost for the hike.

So many things on Dec. 5. Can I do two?

Maybe, if they’re close together. The Reindeer Run in LaFayette is early in the morning, and Rome is about an hour farther south, so you could do both. Knoxville and Smyrna are in opposite directions, so pick one of those.

Do I have to run the Reindeer Run?

No. There’s a 1-mile fun walk, strollers are welcome and little ones 5 and under have their own Elf Run.

Who was Lily Flagg?

She was a Jersey cow from Huntsville who won a famous butter-making prize in the 1890s. Her owner lived in one of the homes on the luminary tour.

Why do some times look an hour off?

Cleveland, Knoxville, Rome and LaFayette are on Eastern time. Subtract one hour to get Dunlap’s Central time.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today — Dancing Through the Decades in Fairfield Glade
• Visit Cleveland TN — Day After Thanksgiving Hike at Red Clay
• Marble Springs State Historic Site — Events
• Historic Sam Davis Home — Museum Calendar
• Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation — Ridge Ferry Holiday Fest
• Adventure Chattanooga — LaFayette Reindeer Run
• Weeden House Museum — Twickenham Tour of Homes
• Dunlap.Directory — local businesses and services

🌅 Take It Easy, and Pick the One That Fits

You don’t need to do all seven. If you want something close and on our own clock, dance the night away in Fairfield Glade. If you’d rather walk off Thanksgiving dinner, join the ranger at Red Clay. If you want a sweet Christmas afternoon, choose tea in Smyrna or crafts at Marble Springs, and save Dec. 12 for Huntsville’s candlelit homes. Jot down three things: Cleveland, Knoxville, Rome and LaFayette are an hour ahead; register for Red Clay and reserve the tea early; and call before you go for anything we flagged. For more calm, useful news from right here at home, keep reading Dunlap.Today and find local help on Dunlap.Directory.