What a bright time, it's the right time to start planning out those holiday calendars. To help you get started, we put together this guide to some festive events happening in and around Chattanooga.

Christmas parades

Red Bank | Friday, Dec. 1 | 4-9 p.m. | Red Bank City Park | Free+ | This festival + parade will feature local vendors, a DJ playing Christmas tunes, food, and more family-friendly fun. Note: The parade begins at 7 p.m. — applications are still open through Friday, Nov. 17.

Cleveland | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 6 p.m. | Bradley Central High School | Free | Travel through the downtown area of Cleveland during this holiday parade. Note: Applications are still open through Saturday, Nov. 18 (late forms will be accepted but will require late fees).

It's about to be lit. | Photo by NoogaLights via the City of Soddy-Daisy

Tree lightings

Hamilton County | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 4 p.m. | Hamilton County Courthouse | This second annual tree lighting event features Santa Claus, the Chattanooga Elf, face-painting, hot chocolate + food trucks.

Personally, we think all of our readers are on the Nice List this year. | Photo provided by J Public Relations

Santa sightings + more

Ruby Falls Christmas | Friday, Nov. 24-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Ruby Falls | $0-$34.95 | Experience a classic Christmas on Lookout Mountain featuring scenic views, beautiful holiday lights on the Village Plaza, visits with Santa, and plenty of festive cheer.

Holidays Under the Peaks | Monday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Tennessee Aquarium | Price of admission | Join the aquarium for various holiday programs including seeing Scuba Santa every Saturday + Sunday at 2 p.m. Pro tip: Snag a ticket for the special IMAX screening of "The Polar Express" before they sell out.

Holiday Jubilee | Friday, Dec. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | The Read House | Free+ | See live entertainment, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate + cookie station, and an elf workshop. Bonus: The Read House will offer several holiday events including "Breakfast with Santa."

In case you couldn't tell, the Scenic City loves to be jolly. Know of any other events? Let us know.