Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the best holiday highlights in Knoxville! Our guide showcases all the must-see events. Whether you're a Knoxville local or a global adventurer, this guide helps you embrace the city's festive charm.
One enchanting highlight of the season is the classic performance of A Christmas Carol, where audiences are transported into the timeless tale of Scrooge and the true spirit of Christmas. Alongside this, enjoy the dazzling displays and festive atmosphere at the Regal Celebration of Lights, featuring a spectacular showcase of holiday decorations. And the Fantasy of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss, where beautifully decorated trees inspire the holiday spirit in a whimsical setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Knoxville Holiday Light Displays
Regal Celebration of Lights
- What to Expect
- Live music and craft activities accompany the tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Regal Celebration of Lights at Krutch Park Extension features a 42-foot tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live music by Jingle Five, and various activities including a craft workshop for children and a miniature train set. Local businesses will also be offering crafts and other activities.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : Regal Celebration of Lights
Winterfest
- What to Expect
- Elaborate holiday light displays and festive events.
- Description
- Pigeon Forge Winterfest features over 6 million twinkling lights, intricate animal displays, and festive holiday events, transforming the area into a vibrant winter destination.
- Where
- Pigeon Forge | More Info : Winterfest
Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
- What to Expect
- Hayride through lit landscapes with hot cocoa.
- Description
- At Darnell Farms, Christmas Wonderland offers a festive hayride through beautifully lit landscapes, accompanied by hot cocoa.
- Where
- Bryson City | More Info : Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Nationally recognized event with elaborate floats and live performances.
- Description
- The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg features a procession of brightly illuminated floats, lively marching bands, giant balloons, and festive characters, transforming the city into a dazzling winter spectacle.
- Where
- Gatlinburg | More Info : Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Knoxville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fantasy of Trees
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday event with over 350 beautifully designed trees and local school children's decorations.
- Description
- East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees is a holiday event featuring over 350 beautifully designed trees, holiday accessories, store front windows, door designs, and table centerpieces. The event includes an Adopt-a-Tree forest decorated by local school children and offers special holiday shopping opportunities.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : Fantasy of Trees
Knoxville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Classic adaptation with professional actors and designers.
- Description
- A timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring a cast of characters in a story of hope and redemption.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : A Christmas Carol
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-class circus acts with a holiday twist.
- Description
- A Magical Cirque Christmas is a variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances by world-class entertainers. The show features acrobats, contortionists, aerialists, and jugglers performing to your favorite holiday music, creating a perfect blend of magic and holiday cheer.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : A Magical Cirque Christmas
A Drag Queen Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live performances by top drag queens celebrating the holiday season.
- Description
- A Drag Queen Christmas is a spectacular holiday event featuring Nina West and a lineup of renowned drag queens, including Sasha Colby, Sapphira Cristal, Roxxxy Andrews, and Angeria Paris VanMichaels. The show promises an unforgettable night with performances by winners, fan favorites, legends, and queens from Season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars 9.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : A Drag Queen Christmas
Knoxville Other Holiday Activities
Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
- What to Expect
- Themed nights with live music.
- Description
- Knoxville's Holidays on Ice is an outdoor ice skating rink located in Market Square, Downtown Knoxville. The rink offers regular and extended hours, including special holiday hours. Admission includes entry fee, skate rental, and unlimited time on the ice. The event features themed nights, such as Ice Bears Night and Decade Night, with music provided by local DJs.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
Christmas at Chilhowee
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with free activities and a Touch--Truck display.
- Description
- Join us for a free holiday event in Chilhowee Park, featuring the lighting of the tree, free activities, photos with Santa, crafts, and a Touch--Truck with decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks, and police cars. Enjoy a free hayride around the park to see the lights.
- Where
- Knoxville | More Info : Christmas at Chilhowee
Christmas Celebration & Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with local traditions.
- Description
- The Christmas Celebration & Parade in Niota features a festive procession and community gathering, celebrating the holiday season with local traditions and spirit.
- Where
- Niota | More Info : Christmas Celebration & Parade