Holidays at the Hunter begins Friday

photo Holidays at the Hunter enhances the Hunter Museum's exhibit spaces with Christmas trees and other seasonal displays decorated by local business and organizations.

If you go> What: Holidays at the Hunter> When: Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Jan. 4. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday> Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View> Admission: $9.95 adults, $4.95 children> Phone: 423-267-0968> Website: www.huntermuseum.org

photo Holidays at the Hunter enhances the Hunter Museum's exhibit spaces with Christmas trees and other seasonal displays decorated by local business and organizations.

Save the dateSpecial times for viewing the trees in Holidays at the Hunter include:> Thursday, Dec. 4: "Dazzling Lights on a City Night," 6 p.m.> Sunday, Dec. 7: Free First Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. ($5 charge for "New York Times Magazine Photographs" exhibit)> Sunday, Dec. 14: Jazzanooga Brunch, 11 a.m.> Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Party on the Bluff, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Since the late 1950s, Chattanoogans have made a tradition of visiting the Hunter Museum of American Art during the holidays to look at beautifully decorated Christmas trees and mantels. That tradition continues beginning Friday, Nov. 28, with the annual Holidays at the Hunter.

"About 13 trees will be located throughout the exhibit spaces, except for in the temporary exhibit spaces," says director of communications Hannah Legg.

The trees have been decorated by local businesses and organizations that donate their time and the decorations, she says. Those participating this year are Blue Ivy Flowers, Blue Skies, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Chattanooga Public Library (downtown), Crabtree Farms, Creative Discovery Museum, Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga, Hunter docents, Hart Gallery, Sewn to the Sky, Tennessee Aquarium and Wally's Friends.

As an added bonus, visitors will have a chance to see a new exhibit called "New York Times Magazine Photographs," featuring images from the last four decades.

Legg says she hears from people all the time who have made Holidays at the Hunter a family event for years.

"I think what I hear the most is, when people find out where I work, they say, 'I remember when my grandparents took me to see the trees and the lights.' It's become a generational tradition.

"And now they have an even better excuse to come because we have a new exhibit."

Holidays at the Hunter will be highlighted in a special evening Friday, Dec. 4. Called "Dazzling Lights on a City Night," it will feature Santa Claus, refreshments and holiday music for children and adults.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.

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