As the holiday season ramps up, it can be hard to pinpoint where exactly the fun should and could be had here in Knoxville. Is it time to sit back and relax with some turkey and stuffing, or have you already started digging your Christmas lights out of the closet? Whatever the case, there’s always an array of season sensitive activities to choose from here in town.
A Christmas Carol – Clarence Brown Theater (November 21 – December 21)
There will be plenty of chances over the next month to see the cast and crew over at Clarence Brown put on this production, but it’s crucial to get it on your radar before tickets inevitably become harder to come by. One of the proudest traditions of the Knoxville theater community should come as no surprise by being our own interpretation of the timeless Charles Dickens story.
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales (November 22)
The symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933 is scheduled to make an appearance at the Food City on Morrell Road in west Knoxville. The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at the Morrell Road Food City at 4 p.m.
University of Tennessee Appalachian Strings – Laurel Theater (November 22)
A totally free event for patrons of the Laurel Theater, come and witness the immense talent and growth put on by students at the University of Tennessee. Established in 2022 by UT lecturer Sean McCollough, the group now has enough members to comprise three separate performing groups, rooted in the heart of bluegrass and Appalachian music. This finger-picking frenzy should be a whirlwind of entertainment.
Christmas At Chilhowee – Chilhowee Park at the Bandstand (November 22)
Another totally free event, Christmas at Chilhowee, plans to kick off an evening of holiday fun by illuminating the space with the tree lighting in the bandstand. Afterward, there will be a number of family-friendly activities. The list includes crafts, free photos with Santa and even a “Touch-A-Truck” event for kids to see decorated firetrucks and police vehicles up close.
Secret City Half Marathon and 5K – Melton Lake Park (November 22)
For the runners and cardio junkies amongst us, join the folks at Oak Ridge for their Secret City Half Marathon or Secret City 5K. The two events will be held in conjunction with another as distance runners whizz through the beautiful Melton Hill Park. Registration is now live, with prices varying between the two events.
Direct from Sweden-The Music of ABBA – Clayton Center for the Arts (November 22)
A blast from the past for our disco lovers, this tribute group is more than familiar with the classics that soundtracked some of the ’70s wildest moments. This collective paired with the opulent venue located at Maryville College promises to be a night of nostalgia right down to the finest of details. Come sing and dance to old favorites, and maybe even learn a few new ones.
Night Hike – Cove Lake State Park (November 23)
If you’re looking to exit your comfort zone or maybe do something different with the family, Cove Lake State Park is here to add some adventure to the holiday season. This is a great chance to not only explore and get some nature-centered exercise; it’s also a chance to explore the beauty of our own backyard. Bring a lamp and prepare to get nocturnal with the creatures that inhabit this great park.
Campbell Station Skate – Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza (November 23 – January 4)
This is a totally new addition to the town of Farragut’s holiday festivities. Conveniently placed in the middle of the action, patrons can slip off the skates and go into nearby shops and restaurants just a short walk away from the rink. The rink itself is synthetic, peppered with festive lighting to illuminate this premiering attraction.
Home Alone In Concert with The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra – Civic Auditorium (November 23)
A delightful way to ring in the Christmas season both in sight and sound, come see the immensely talented Knoxville Symphony perform the John Williams’ score for the classic film, Home Alone. This special occasion should be a fun evening for the whole family, as long as you remember to bring them all before leaving the house.
The Retropolitan Craft Fair (November 24)
This free annual Holiday Fair on is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Mill & Mine, 227 W Depot Ave in Knoxville. There will be holiday cheer, adult beverages and over 50 handmade and vintage vendors to shop for that perfect Christmas gift or simply just to treat yourself.
The Retropolitan Craft Fair has been bringing indie-craft markets to the Knoxville area twice a year since 2014. The goal is to provide independent makers with a space to sell their quality and unique goods to the community. Each vendor is chosen exclusively after a juried event and is curated based on one-of-a-kind products, creativity and retropolitan swagger.
Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for the KnoxTNToday who loves telling stories about music, arts and culture in and around his hometown. Have a story for Adam? He can be reached at email or text 865-919-5059 with your story idea.
