It’s almost Christmas Time in Knoxville, and our city is full of holiday cheer. The streets are lighting up, store windows filling with beautiful displays of Christmas celebrations, people scurrying busily down the frosty sidewalks in search of the perfect holiday gift. Amidst the chaos lies what seems to be Knoxville’s favorite part about the holiday season – the local events we enjoy with our family and friends. We’ve comprised a list of several holiday happenings that you and your loved ones can enjoy during this Christmas season, all while supporting local businesses and charities across town.
Regal Celebration of Lights
Friday, November 27, 6:00-9:00pm
The Celebration of Lights is the calm after the storm for many Black Friday shoppers. Following your shopping day, come down to Krutch Park off of Gay and Market Streets to watch as the 38-foot tall Christmas tree is lit, marking the official beginning of the Christmas season. The event will have live music, carolers, train rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, marshmallow roasting, and more fun for the whole family. Local businesses in the area will feature crafts for children as well as the Home Depot Little Elves Workshop, where cards can be created to send to soldiers through the American Red Cross ‘Cards for Heroes’ program.
Holidays on Ice
Friday, November 27 through Monday, January 18, 2016
Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice is a family-friendly fun time right in the heart of Market Square. The rink features special skate nights throughout the week including a skate with the Knoxville Ice Bears and Chilly on Monday evenings and a College Night where admission is discounted on Thursdays. Adults can skate all day for $10, children for $7. Sponsored by Home Federal Bank, the ice rink is open most evenings during the week and during the day on the weekends. Check the Knoxville Holidays on Ice website for regular and extended hours.
The WIVK Christmas Parade
Friday, December 4, 7:00pm
This year marks WIVK’s 43rd annual Christmas Parade in downtown Knoxville. Starting at the corner of Church and going all the way down Gay Street to the bridge, the parade features over 80 participants ranging from giant, decorated floats to high-school bands and dance teams. The WIVK parade is a staple in Knoxville history and this year is sponsored by the McGhee Tyson Airport and the Smoky Mountain Air Show.
Xfinity Christmas in Chilhowee
Friday, December 11, 6:00-9:00pm
Chilhowee Park will be hosting a free event this holiday season featuring events and activities for all ages. Come build a gingerbread house with the help of the Austin East Culinary Arts Department to take home, or take a picture with Santa Claus. The event will have train rides for all ages along with plenty of other family fun activities. Hot cocoa will be provided by the Salvation Army so come on out and get your Christmas on.
28th Annual Nutcracker on Ice
December 1-5, 2015
Come down to the Knoxville Ice Chalet for a showing of the Nutcracker on Ice, presented by the Robert Unger and Larry LaBorde School of Ice Skating and the Ice Chalet. This annual event features skaters of all ages and skill levels and tells the story of Claire and the magical Christmas night she has with the Nutcracker. Shows are at 7pm Tuesday-Saturday with an additional 2pm showing on Saturday. Tickets are available online for $15, $20, or $25. Be sure to dress warmly – the ice rink is a bit chilly!
Nativity Pageant of Knoxville
December 12-14, 2015
The Nativity Pageant is a grand reenactment of the night of Christ’s birth on that starry night. This production involves hundreds of volunteers in professionally directed pantomime drama. The cast includes over 100 fully costumed adults and children, moving narration, realistic sets, authentic costumes, and live animals to create a beautiful and powerful presentation of the Christmas story. The act will be accompanied by a 20-member orchestra and 200-voice choir. The one-hour performance starts in complete darkness, so be sure to arrive early to avoid trying to find seats in the dark. It takes place in the Civic Coliseum and is free of charge to all who wish to attend this year.
It’s a Wonderful Life at the Tennessee Theatre
Sunday, December 13, 1:00pm and 5:00pm
Home Federal Bank presents a free screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” this season at the Tennessee Theatre. This movie screening does not require a ticket and seating is limited to theatre capacity. Free parking is available in city-owned garages. Released in 1946 and starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a bittersweet comedy/drama about George Bailey, a compassionate but debt-ridden manager of a bank in typical small-town America, and the angel that helps him realize his importance in the world. Spend your Sunday afternoon in the beautiful Tennessee Theatre with a Christmas classic.
Tour de Lights Bike Ride
Friday, December 18, 7:00pm
Most Knoxville residents recognize the growing popularity of bicycle-riding across town during the year, and the holidays are no exception. The Tour de Lights is a 5-mile group bike ride through Knoxville in which riders are encouraged to outfit their bicycles with Christmas lights and decorations. The ride is free and awards prizes after the ride in several categories including Best Bicycle, Best Group, and Best Child Costume. Join a fun group of outdoor enthusiasts on this casual ride through downtown, Fourth and Gill, and Old North Knoxville. The ride ends back in Market Square where local volunteers from Three Rivers Market and Mast General Store wait with hot cocoa and snacks for the bicyclists. Decoration judging begins at 6 pm and helmets and headlamps are required to ride.
New Years on the Square
Thursday, December 31, 11:00pm
Join Knoxville in ringing in the New Year with music on Market Square, starting at 11pm. The evening begins with a recap of 2015 on the big screen on stage, followed by a ball drop and fireworks after the midnight countdown. The crowd will sing “Auld Lang Syne” together after the fireworks to welcome the New Year and the skating rink on the square will be open until the clock strikes 12. Come out and spend the first minutes of 2016 with your fellow Knoxville residents!
For more information on Knoxville events and happenings, visit knoxvilletn.gov
