Classes may be over, but UT has plenty of activities to enjoy throughout December. Here are some events holiday “staycationers” won’t want to miss:
Clarence Brown Theatre
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol will run make its annual run at Clarence Brown Theatre, keeping with the theater’s holiday tradition that started in 2005. Directed by Casey Sams, the classic tale follows miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformational journey through Christmases past, present, and future.
The play runs through Sunday, December 22.
Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com for show times and ticket prices.
UT Gardens
Cold weather doesn’t stop UT Gardens from offering fun, informational activities for people of all ages. The following winter-themed events are in December:
- Garden Sprouts: Hand-made Decorations, Friday, December 13, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Children ages three through five will learn how early settlers decorated their homes for the holidays and make their own decorations to take home or give as gifts. Cost is $8 for Friends of the UT Gardens members and $12 for nonmembers.
- Adult Workshop: Wreath Making, Saturday, December 14, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Crafters will make their own wreaths with fresh greens, cones, assorted decorations, and ribbons. Although these materials are provided, crafters may bring any unusual greens or ornaments they would like to add to their creation. Cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
- Growing Healthy: Container Gardening During the Winter, Tuesday, December 17, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Children and their families will learn how to grow herbs and vegetables indoors with UT Gardens and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. This activity is free.
Pre-registration is required for all classes. Contact Derrick Stowell at 865-974-7151 or dstowell@utk.edu to pre-register.
Visit utgardens.tennessee.edu for more information.
Frank H. McClung Museum
UT’s McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture will offer two family-friendly events in December. Free and open to the public, the events include:
- Stroller Tour: Decorative Arts Holiday Tour, Monday, December 16, 10-11 a.m. Parents, caregivers, toddlers, and babies will take a winter-themed tour of the museum’s decorative arts gallery.
- Family Fun Day: Celebrating Winter Holidays, Saturday, December 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Children and their families will learn about winter holidays and celebrations around the world. Children can also make holiday ornaments and paper lanterns to celebrate the holidays and the winter solstice.
The museum is free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. It will be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1.
Downtown Gallery
UT will commemorate thirty years of the School of Art’s artist in residence program with an exhibition through January 10.
The exhibit shows work from past artists; the art is part of the permanent collection at the university’s Ewing Gallery.
The artist in residence program brings visiting artists to UT to teach courses in the painting and drawing curriculum.
UT’s Downtown Gallery is at 106 South Gay Street and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
UT Basketball
Vol fans can watch the men’s and women’s basketball teams play throughout December. For schedules and ticket information, visit utsports.com.
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CONTACT:
Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, ablakely@utk.edu)