Experience the magic of the holiday season in Knoxville, TN, where both locals and visitors are treated to a variety of festive events. "Knoxville's Christmas in the City" transforms downtown into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating in Market Square and festive aromas filling the air. "Fantasy of Trees" offers a dazzling display of creatively decorated Christmas trees, benefiting East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Don't miss "Christmas at Chilhowee Park," where you can enjoy hayrides through illuminated grounds and nostalgic decorations. From historic tours to vibrant parades, Knoxville's Christmas events promise memorable holiday experiences for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Knoxville
- Knoxville's Christmas in the City
- Fantasy of Trees
- Christmas at Chilhowee Park
- Market Square Holiday Market
- The Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey
- Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tours
- The Nutcracker by Appalachian Ballet Company
- WIVK Christmas Parade
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Ice Skating on Market Square
Knoxville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Chilhowee Park
What to Expect:
Historic park transformed into holiday celebration
Description:
Christmas at Chilhowee Park revitalizes a beloved Knoxville landmark for the holiday season. This 81-acre park, established in 1890, serves as a picturesque backdrop for seasonal festivities. Visitors can enjoy a hayride through the illuminated grounds, taking in the sights of decorated trees and festive displays. The event pays homage to the park's rich history, incorporating elements that reflect its past as a fairground and exposition center. Children delight in visits with Santa, while adults appreciate the nostalgia of vintage decorations. The park's lake reflects the colorful lights, doubling the visual impact of the displays.
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Knoxville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Market Square Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Open-air market featuring local artisans and craftspeople
Description:
Market Square Holiday Market brings together local artisans and craftspeople in the heart of downtown Knoxville. This open-air bazaar showcases unique, handcrafted gifts that capture the essence of East Tennessee. Visitors can browse booths offering everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to locally produced honey. The market continues a tradition of commerce in Market Square that dates back to the 1850s. As you explore the stalls, the crisp winter air carries the scent of fresh evergreens. The Holiday Market provides a platform for local creators to share their work, offering an alternative to mass-produced gifts and supporting the local economy.
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Knoxville Holiday Giving Opportunities
Fantasy of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees benefiting children's hospital
Description:
Fantasy of Trees showcases a forest of intricately adorned Christmas trees, each telling a unique story. This annual event, benefiting East Tennessee Children's Hospital, has raised over $8 million since its inception in 1985. Visitors can marvel at the creativity on display, from whimsical themes to elegant designs. The event features a special children's area where young ones can craft their own ornaments. As you wander through the dazzling display, the soft glow of thousands of twinkling lights creates a cozy atmosphere. Fantasy of Trees combines artistic expression with charitable giving, embodying the true spirit of the season.
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Knoxville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Appalachian Ballet Company
What to Expect:
Regional ballet company's interpretation of classic holiday ballet
Description:
The Appalachian Ballet Company's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses the classic tale with local flavor. This long-standing production showcases the talent of regional dancers, bringing Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life. Visitors can marvel at the intricate costumes and set designs, many of which incorporate elements of Appalachian culture. The company, founded in 1972, has been performing The Nutcracker annually for over four decades. As the dancers gracefully move across the stage, the familiar melodies transport you to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. This performance offers a unique blend of classical ballet and regional artistic expression.
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The Nutcracker by Appalachian Ballet Company
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Professional orchestra performing holiday classics and new arrangements
Description:
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert elevates seasonal music to new heights. This annual performance features a mix of beloved holiday classics and innovative arrangements, showcasing the orchestra's versatility and skill. Visitors can experience the power of a full symphony orchestra bringing familiar tunes to life in unexpected ways. The KSO, founded in 1935, is the oldest continually operating orchestra in the southeastern United States. As the musicians play, the rich tones of strings, brass, and woodwinds fill the concert hall. This event offers a sophisticated musical celebration of the season, appealing to both classical music enthusiasts and holiday revelers.
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Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Christmas Lantern Express on the Three Rivers Rambler
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with holiday storytelling and carols
Description:
The Christmas Lantern Express on the Three Rivers Rambler takes passengers on a journey through time and holiday tradition. This vintage train, pulled by a steam locomotive, winds its way through the Tennessee countryside. Visitors listen to classic holiday stories and join in singing carols as the landscape rolls by. The Three Rivers Rambler operates on a line first established in 1867, connecting Knoxville to rural communities. As the train chugs along, the rhythmic sound of wheels on rails provides a soothing backdrop to the festivities. This unique experience combines the nostalgia of rail travel with the warmth of holiday celebrations.
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Christmas Lantern Express on the Three Rivers Rambler
Knoxville Other Holiday Activities
Knoxville's Christmas in the City
What to Expect:
City-wide celebration transforming downtown Knoxville
Description:
Knoxville's Christmas in the City transforms downtown into a winter spectacle. The event spans several weeks, featuring a diverse array of activities that capture the spirit of the season. Visitors can ice skate on the outdoor rink in Market Square, a tradition since 2010. The celebration honors Knoxville's rich history, with many events taking place in historic buildings and landmarks. As you stroll through the illuminated streets, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. This expansive festival unites the community, showcasing local artisans and performers throughout the city center.
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Knoxville's Christmas in the City
The Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey
What to Expect:
Interactive adventure based on popular children's book
Description:
The Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey brings a beloved children's book to life. This immersive experience transports visitors into the world of Santa's scout elves. Participants embark on a quest to help save Christmas, engaging in various challenges and activities along the way. The journey incorporates elements from the original story, first published in 2005, which has since become a global phenomenon. Children can earn their own Elf on the Shelf badge by completing special tasks. This unique event blends storytelling with interactive elements, creating a memorable experience that goes beyond traditional holiday attractions.
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The Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey
Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tours
What to Expect:
18th-century home decorated for a colonial Christmas
Description:
Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tours offer a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of the late 18th century. This stone house, built in 1797, is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, illuminated by the soft glow of candles. Visitors step back in time as costumed interpreters share stories of colonial holiday traditions. You can sample traditional treats made from recipes of the era. The tours highlight the Ramsey family's significant role in early Tennessee history, including their contributions to Knoxville's founding. This unique event provides an educational and atmospheric experience, contrasting sharply with modern holiday celebrations.
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Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tours
WIVK Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Long-running radio station-sponsored Christmas parade
Description:
The WIVK Christmas Parade marches through downtown Knoxville, continuing a tradition that spans over half a century. This beloved event, sponsored by one of Tennessee's oldest country radio stations, showcases a vibrant mix of floats, marching bands, and community groups. Spectators line the streets to catch glimpses of elaborate displays and perhaps a certain jolly man in a red suit. The parade has been a staple of Knoxville's holiday season since the 1960s, evolving alongside the city itself. As the procession passes, the air fills with the sounds of holiday music and cheering crowds. This event brings together diverse elements of the community, creating a shared holiday experience.
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Ice Skating on Market Square
What to Expect:
Open-air ice skating rink in historic downtown square
Description:
Ice Skating on Market Square transforms the heart of downtown Knoxville into a winter playground. This open-air rink offers a quintessential holiday experience against the backdrop of historic buildings. Visitors can glide across the ice under twinkling lights, surrounded by the bustling energy of the city. The rink sits in the same square where farmers have sold their goods since the 1860s. As skaters circle the ice, the crisp winter air carries the sounds of laughter and holiday music. This seasonal attraction brings a touch of winter magic to Knoxville's mild climate, creating a gathering place for both skilled skaters and first-timers alike.
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Holiday Open House at Marble Springs
What to Expect:
18th-century homestead decorated for pioneer Christmas celebration
Description:
The Holiday Open House at Marble Springs offers a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of early Tennessee settlers. This historic site, once home to Governor John Sevier, comes alive with period decorations and reenactors in 18th-century attire. Visitors can explore the rustic cabins and grounds, learning about holiday traditions of the late 1700s. You can sample traditional treats prepared using authentic recipes from the era. Marble Springs, named for the limestone deposits on the property, played a significant role in early Tennessee politics. As you wander the grounds, the scent of wood smoke and evergreens evokes a sense of times past. This event provides a unique perspective on holiday celebrations, rooted in the pioneer spirit of early America.
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Holiday Open House at Marble Springs
Nearby Events
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas (Pigeon Forge)
What to Expect:
Appalachian-themed Christmas celebration at famous theme park
Description:
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas infuses Appalachian charm into holiday celebrations. This award-winning event transforms the theme park with millions of lights and seasonal decorations. Visitors can experience "Twas the Night Before Christmas," a heartwarming show based on the classic poem. The celebration honors Dolly Parton's mountain heritage, featuring traditional crafts and music of the Smokies. As you explore the park, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread wafts through the air. Dollywood's event stands out for its blend of thrilling rides and holiday cheer, creating a unique experience that captures the spirit of an Appalachian Christmas.
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Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland (Sevierville)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to music
Description:
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland illuminates the night with a spectacular drive-through light show. This innovative display synchronizes hundreds of thousands of LED lights to holiday music, creating a multi-sensory experience. Visitors tune their car radios to a special frequency, immersing themselves in the coordinated audio-visual spectacle. The show features towering light sculptures and animated displays, some reaching heights of 40 feet. Shadrack's has been dazzling audiences since 2007, continually evolving with new technology and designs. This unique attraction allows you to enjoy an impressive light show from the comfort of your own vehicle.
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Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
Christmas In The Cave (Townsend)
What to Expect:
Underground holiday celebration in natural cave system
Description:
Christmas in the Cave offers a subterranean holiday experience unlike any other. This unique event takes place in the Cherokee Caverns, a natural underground wonder formed over 300 million years ago. Visitors descend into the earth to explore caverns adorned with holiday lights and decorations. You can enjoy live music performances echoing through the limestone chambers. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a cool respite from winter weather. This distinctive celebration combines natural history with holiday cheer, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that contrasts sharply with traditional above-ground festivities.
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Santa’s Village at the Museum of Appalachia (Clinton)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration showcasing Appalachian holiday traditions
Description:
Santa's Village at the Museum of Appalachia brings mountain Christmas traditions to life. This living history museum transforms into a holiday spectacle, showcasing how Appalachian families celebrated Christmas in bygone eras. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle dipping or ornament making. The village features demonstrations of holiday cooking methods from the 18th and 19th centuries. Founded in 1969, the Museum of Appalachia preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region. As you explore the historic buildings, the scent of pine boughs and wood smoke fills the air. This event offers a unique perspective on holiday celebrations, rooted in the traditions of the Appalachian Mountains.
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Santa’s Village at the Museum of Appalachia