🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: Learn to Contra Dance in Chattanooga, Meet Red Wolves and Bobcats Up Close, Pull Weeds for the Box Turtles, Take a Quiet Forest Walk, Sip Free Cocoa With Santa at The Read House, Light Up Fort Payne and Sing Along With an ALABAMA Tribute

Or: Eight Friendly Outings, From a $15 Barn-Style Dance to a Free Night of Hot Chocolate

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Morning, neighbor. Here are eight outings we haven’t told you about before. In Chattanooga, a friendly contra dance teaches beginners the steps on Thursday, Nov. 12, and again on Nov. 28 and Dec. 10. At Reflection Riding, at the foot of Lookout Mountain, you can meet red wolves, bobcats and raptors up close, help pull out invasive plants to protect box turtles, or slow down on a gentle Healing with Nature forest walk. On Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, The Read House downtown throws a free Holiday Jubilee with cocoa, cookies and Santa. Down in Fort Payne, Christmas in the Park kicks off Dec. 11, and the next night an ALABAMA tribute band plays its yearly Christmas show. And for later, mark Jan. 22 for a winter walk with the red wolves. What it means for you: most of these are short, calm and cheap or free. The Chattanooga ones are on Eastern time, so give yourself an extra hour.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Thu., Nov. 12 (also Sat., Nov. 28, and Thu., Dec. 10): Chattanooga Contra Dance, St. Elmo. Lesson 6 p.m. our time (7 p.m. Eastern). About $15; no partner needed.
• Fri. & Sat., Nov. 13–14 and Nov. 20–21: Wild Wonders native animal tour, Reflection Riding. Sign up.
• Sat., Nov. 14 (also Nov. 21, Dec. 12, Dec. 19): Project ReWild volunteer workshop, Reflection Riding, 8–9 a.m. our time. Listed free; sign up.
• Sat., Nov. 14 (also Dec. 12): Healing with Nature forest walk, Reflection Riding, 9–11 a.m. our time. $23.18.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 3–6 p.m. our time: Holiday Jubilee, The Read House, downtown Chattanooga. Free; no tickets.
• Fri., Dec. 11, 4:30–6 p.m.: Christmas in the Park, Fort Payne City Park, then the parade. Central time.
• Sat., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.: 8th Annual Alabama Tribute Show, DeKalb Theatre, Fort Payne. Reserved seats.
• Later: Fri., Jan. 22, 2027: Under the Wolf Moon, Reflection Riding. Register; space is limited.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: Chattanooga is one hour ahead. Reflection Riding, St. Elmo and The Read House are on Eastern time. A 7 p.m. dance lesson there is 6 p.m. on your kitchen clock. The two Fort Payne events are in Alabama, on Central time, same as ours.

💃 Learn to Contra Dance in Chattanooga, No Partner or Experience Needed

If you’ve ever wanted to try an old-time barn dance, this is your chance. Contra dancing is a friendly line dance where a caller tells everyone what to do, step by step, while a live band plays. You’ll swap partners all night, so come alone or bring a friend. The Chattanooga Traditional Dance Society hosts it, with callers and bands from across the East Coast.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Thursday, Nov. 12, Saturday, Nov. 28 and Thursday, Dec. 10. The beginner lesson is at 7 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. our time), and the dance runs 7:30–9:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30–8:30 p.m. our time).
• Where: Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church, 1607 W. 43rd St., in Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood.
• How far: About 35–40 miles, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: One listing says $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, $30 family maximum. Another lists $7 to $15. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Couples, retirees, homeschool teens and anyone who loves fiddle music.
• Good to know: Bring soft-soled shoes and a water bottle. Come for the 7 p.m. Eastern lesson so you feel at ease.

👉 Read more (Country Dance & Song Society — Chattanooga Contra Dance)

🐺 Meet Red Wolves, Bobcats and Raptors Up Close at Reflection Riding

Most of us will never see a red wolf in the wild. At Wild Wonders: A Close Encounter with Native Animals, staff and volunteers walk you through Reflection Riding’s Native Animal Area and introduce its animal ambassadors, like bobcats, raptors and red wolves. You’ll learn how each one lives and why it matters to our East Tennessee woods.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Fridays at 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Eastern. That’s 12:30 p.m., 10 a.m. or noon our time. Listed dates include Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21.
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, at the foot of Lookout Mountain.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not clearly listed. You sign up through the nature center’s page. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Grandkids, animal lovers and anyone who wants a short, easy outing.
• Good to know: It’s outdoors and depends on the weather. The center is force-free, so if an animal doesn’t feel like coming out, staff will offer something else.

👉 Read more (Reflection Riding — Wild Wonders)

🐢 Pull Weeds for the Box Turtles and Plant Natives at Project ReWild

Here’s a way to help nature with your own two hands. At Project ReWild, you learn to spot invasive plants that crowd out native ones, pull some out on site and help plant natives in their place. The center says the Eastern box turtle struggles where an invasive grass takes over, so your work really helps. Afterward, you get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Native Wildlife Sanctuary and 20% off at the Native Plant Nursery.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturdays, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, 9–10 a.m. Eastern (8–9 a.m. our time).
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: The Eventbrite sign-up lists it as free. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Gardeners, scout troops, homeschool families and anyone with a stubborn privet hedge at home.
• Good to know: Everyone must sign a waiver before registering, and parents sign for kids. Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, pants and a hat, and bring water and work gloves. For an 8 a.m. Central start, leave Dunlap by about 6:45 a.m.

👉 Read more (Reflection Riding — Project ReWild)

🌿 Slow Down on a Gentle Healing with Nature Forest Walk

If the year has worn you thin, this one is a deep breath. Healing with Nature, offered with The Chattery, is a gently paced morning in Reflection Riding’s forests. A trained ecotherapist, Jenna Parker, LCSW, leads quiet sensory walks, nature journaling and gratitude practices you can carry home.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–noon Eastern (9–11 a.m. our time).
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $23.18 through The Chattery for the Nov. 14 class.
• Who’ll love it: Caregivers, busy parents and anyone who wants a quiet, unhurried morning outside.
• Good to know: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Outdoor programs can be canceled in severe weather.

👉 Read more (The Chattery — Healing with Nature)

☕ Free Cocoa, Cookies and Santa at The Read House Holiday Jubilee

The day after Thanksgiving, Chattanooga’s grand old Read House hotel opens its doors for a free Holiday Jubilee. There’s live entertainment, free hot chocolate, cider and cookie stations, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s a lovely way to see the historic lobby dressed for Christmas.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Nov. 27, 4–7 p.m. Eastern (3–6 p.m. our time).
• Where: The Read House, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd., downtown Chattanooga.
• How far: About 30–35 miles, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free, and no tickets needed. The optional kids’ Elf Workshop craft bag is $17 plus tax per child, sold at the front desk.
• Who’ll love it: Families with visiting relatives and anyone who loves old hotels at Christmas.
• Good to know: Bring your own camera for Santa photos. A parent must stay with kids at the Elf Workshop. Allow time for downtown parking.

👉 Read more (The Read House — Holidays)

🎄 Kick Off Christmas in Fort Payne’s City Park

Fort Payne does Christmas the small-town way. Christmas in the Park brings holiday lights and hometown traditions to Fort Payne City Park, and the city’s annual Christmas Parade rolls through downtown right after. It’s an easy, cheerful evening in the hometown of the band ALABAMA.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Dec. 11, 4:30–6 p.m., Central, same as ours. The parade follows downtown.
• Where: Fort Payne City Park, Fort Payne, Ala.
• How far: About 79 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No fee listed. Check before you go (City of Fort Payne, 256-845-1524).
• Who’ll love it: Families with little ones and anyone who loves a hometown parade.
• Good to know: The city’s page doesn’t list the activities in detail, so check before you go. Bundle up, since it gets dark early.

👉 Read more (City of Fort Payne — Christmas in the Park)

🎸 Sing Along to ALABAMA’s Hits at a Christmas Tribute Show in Fort Payne

Where better to hear “Mountain Music” than Fort Payne? Boys in the Band – The Alabama Tribute returns to the historic DeKalb Theatre for its 8th Annual Christmas show, full of music, memories and holiday cheer. Part of the money goes to the Alabama June Jam Foundation, which supports local causes.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 7–10 p.m., Central, same as ours. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
• Where: DeKalb Theatre, 306 Gault Ave. N., Fort Payne, Ala.
• How far: About 79 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Eventbrite shows tickets from about $34 to $71. No refunds. Check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Country music fans, ALABAMA lovers and couples looking for a Christmas date night.
• Good to know: All seats are reserved, and the band says tickets go first come, first served. It’s a late night, about a 1 hour 45 minute drive home after 10 p.m.

👉 Read more (Eventbrite — 8th Annual Alabama Tribute Show)

🌕 Coming in January: A Winter Walk With the Red Wolves Under the Wolf Moon

Here’s one to put on next year’s calendar. Old-timers called January’s full moon the Wolf Moon. At Under the Wolf Moon: Red Wolves & Mindful Trails, the City of Chattanooga’s Parks & Outdoors team starts with Reflection Riding’s American red wolves, one of the most endangered animals in the country, then leads a slow, mindful hike through the winter woods.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m.–noon our time). Times come from the center’s listing; check before you go.
• Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga.
• How far: About 35 miles, roughly 1 hour. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not listed on the center’s page. Registration goes through the City of Chattanooga. Check before you go (Outdoor Chattanooga, 423-643-6888).
• Who’ll love it: Wildlife lovers, walkers and anyone who likes a hush-quiet winter morning.
• Good to know: Registration is required and space is limited. Every adult signs a waiver, and parents sign for kids. All experience levels are welcome.

👉 Read more (Reflection Riding — Under the Wolf Moon)

✅ Your Trip-Planning Checklist

• ✅ Chattanooga is one hour ahead. Subtract an hour for the contra dance, Reflection Riding and The Read House.
• ✅ Fort Payne is on our Central time. No clock math for Dec. 11 or Dec. 12.
• ✅ Sign up ahead for Wild Wonders, Project ReWild, Healing with Nature and Under the Wolf Moon. ReWild and Wolf Moon need a signed waiver.
• ✅ Thu., Nov. 12: Contra dance lesson, 6 p.m. our time. Bring soft-soled shoes.
• ✅ Sat., Nov. 14: A full Reflection Riding morning: ReWild at 8, Healing with Nature at 9 or Wild Wonders at 10, all our time.
• ✅ Fri., Nov. 27: Free Read House Jubilee, 3–6 p.m. our time. Bring your camera.
• ✅ Fri., Dec. 11: Christmas in the Park, Fort Payne, 4:30 p.m.
• ✅ Sat., Dec. 12: Alabama Tribute Show, Fort Payne, 7 p.m. Buy reserved seats early.
• ✅ Jot down Jan. 22, 2027 for Under the Wolf Moon.
• ✅ Fill up and pack a snack. Need gas, work gloves, dance shoes or a good diner on the way? Look on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these are free?

The Read House Holiday Jubilee is free with no tickets, though the kids’ Elf Workshop is $17 plus tax. Project ReWild is listed as free on its sign-up page. Fort Payne’s Christmas in the Park lists no fee. Check before you go.

Do I need a partner or dance experience for the contra dance?

No. The organizers say no partner is needed, and a beginner lesson starts the night at 7 p.m. Eastern, which is 6 p.m. our time.

Which ones are on Eastern time?

Everything in Chattanooga: the contra dance, all the Reflection Riding programs and The Read House Jubilee. They run one hour ahead of Dunlap. The two Fort Payne events are on Central time, same as ours.

Which are best with kids?

Wild Wonders, with its red wolves, bobcats and raptors, and The Read House Jubilee with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Christmas in the Park in Fort Payne is also made for families.

Can I do more than one at Reflection Riding in the same day?

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Project ReWild runs 8 to 9 a.m. our time, Healing with Nature runs 9 to 11 a.m. our time and Wild Wonders starts at 10 a.m. or noon our time. Sign up for each one separately.

What should I wear for Project ReWild?

Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, pants and a hat. Bring water, sunscreen and work gloves if you have them; the center keeps some extras.

What if the weather turns bad?

Reflection Riding says its outdoor programs depend on the weather and may be canceled in severe weather. Check the event page or call the center at 423-821-1160 before you leave.

How do I get tickets for the Alabama Tribute Show?

Tickets are sold on Eventbrite, with reserved seating and no refunds. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Central.

🔗 Other Resources

• Country Dance & Song Society — Chattanooga Contra Dance (Nov. 12, Nov. 28, Dec. 10)
• ChattaDance — Contra Dance (2nd Thursday) prices
• Reflection Riding — Wild Wonders: A Close Encounter with Native Animals
• Reflection Riding — Project ReWild
• Reflection Riding — Healing with Nature with The Chattery
• The Chattery — Healing with Nature sign-up
• Reflection Riding — Under the Wolf Moon (Jan. 22, 2027)
• Reflection Riding — events calendar
• The Read House — Holiday Jubilee and holiday events
• City of Fort Payne — 2026 Christmas in the Park
• Eventbrite — 8th Annual Alabama Tribute Show
• Dunlap.Directory — local businesses and services

🌅 Take It Easy, and Pick the One That Fits

You don’t need to do all eight. If you only pick one, make it the free Holiday Jubilee at The Read House on Friday, Nov. 27. Hot cocoa, Santa and an old hotel all dressed up, and it costs nothing. If you’d like to move your feet, try the contra dance; if you’d like to sit still, try the Healing with Nature walk. Jot down three things: Chattanooga is one hour ahead; sign up ahead for the Reflection Riding programs; and check before you go, especially prices. And for more calm, useful news from right here at home, keep reading Dunlap.Today and find local help on Dunlap.Directory.