Kickstarting a new season over the weekend, Knoxville is bustling with activities now accompanied by Christmas lights! Ice skating, elf hunting, sight-seeing, or maybe just getting some peace and quiet away from your crazy relatives in the days after Thanksgiving. There’s a plethora of options to choose from, however you enjoy bringing in that newfound air of festivity.
Light the Park – Founders Park at Campbell Station – (November 26 – December 23)
The holiday season has kicked off in Farragut a little early this year with its annual Light the Park event. Visitors can cruise or stroll through the display at their leisure, or take part in the long list of activities taking place throughout the month. The lights are set to flip on around 6:30 every evening.
Fantasy of Trees – Knoxville Convention Center (November 27 – December 1)
Be a part of the largest fundraiser of the year for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital! The Fantasy of Trees is one of Knoxville’s largest and most storied Christmas events, celebrating its 40th anniversary with over 350 festive scenes displayed all around the Knoxville Convention Center. All proceeds from tickets will go to the hospital.
Peppermint Trail (November 29-January 5, 2025)
Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of Downtown Knoxville to discover all sorts of treats featuring the favorite red-and-white candy. From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candlelight, you’ll find peppermint treats round almost every corner – along with plenty of gingerbread, cinnamon, cranberry, apple spice and other holiday flavors. Plus, boutiques and gift shops feature peppermint-themed T-shirts, scented soaps, candles and all kinds of holiday surprises.
The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in Downtown Knoxville ( November 29-January 5, 2025)
Santa is sending sneaky elves to Downtown Knoxville for a magical The Elf on the Shelf Adventure scavenger hunt from the day after Thanksgiving to January 5, 2025.
Pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Knoxville Visitors Center to guide you through the adventure. The first 5,000 participants will receive a holiday stamp to self-stamp their passes.
When you’ve spotted elves at 20 or more locations, you can enter to win prizes at Mast General Store, the Santa-approved Scout Elf Adoption Center.
Regal Celebration of Lights – Market Square (November 29)
Who needs Central Park when you have Scruffy City? Market Square will be lighting its 42-foot tall Mickey Mallonnee Christmas in the City Tree. Local businesses will be setting up crafts stands, an elves’ workshop as well as a card-making station to send to veterans as a part of Holidays for Heroes. The celebration will be soundtracked by some live music from Milk Man & the Big Band.
Knoxville Holidays on Ice – Market Square (November 29 – January 5)
Another diverse outing right in the heart of downtown, lace up those skates and make some memories under the lights of that new tree. Whether you’re looking to tire out the kiddos or searching for a unique date idea, this event promises to be fun for the whole crew.
Christkindlesmarkt – Schulz Brau Brewing (November 29 – December 22)
It’s always exciting to get a glimpse of how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Thankfully, North Knoxville’s Shulz Brau Brewing is offering just that throughout the whole Christmas season. Come have a glass of the German’s best and meet Santa and Krampus, or peruse the many different local vendors setting up shop. The event is totally free for all ages.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Oak Ridge Playhouse (November 29 – December 15)
The holiday season always invites tradition, even in the arts community. Oak Ridge Playhouse will be putting on a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless classic, “Cinderella,” filled with the opulence and elegance the story has carried with it through time. Single tickets are now available.
My Three Angels – Theatre Knoxville Downtown (November 29 – December 15)
For fans of the unconventional, Theatre Knoxville Downtown has got you covered. “My Three Angels” tells the story of a Christmas Day in French Guiana, where three convicts attempt to redeem themselves during this season of giving. Shows will run every Thursday through Sunday until December 15.
After Thanksgiving Day Hikes – Multiple Locations (November 29)
If the Thanksgiving rush leaves you feeling overwhelmed, get a breath of fresh air in the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond with one of the many after Thanksgiving hikes to choose from. For a leisurely stroll or an intense trek, there are options for every level of hiker looking to burn off that turkey and add some adventure to their days off.
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.
