And you thought fall in Knoxville was good…you just wait! The air has turned cool and crisp. Leaves scatter the ground everywhere you look. Windows are lined with holiday displays. Christmas music spills from every store you enter. It’s here, folks! Tis the season! Knoxville knows how to celebrate the holidays and you are invited to a fabulous celebration all around the area that lasts for the remainder of the year! On that note, can you believe 2015 is just a few weeks away? Hold onto your jingle bells and hop into your sleigh because I am here to take you on a fantastic holiday ride!
Please note I have placed asterisks (**) on each event I personally recommend. Again, these are personal faves and nothing more, so if you trust me, you must see/do/experience these. If not, well then there is a lovely list of many, many more to choose from! AND, if you’re looking for activities with Santa, look below for the RED ink!
First stop, the events.
Events (listed in order of start date):
**Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland**
Sevierville/Kodak, TN
Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium
3540 Line Drive, Kodak, TN 37764
11/07/14-1/04/15 dusk-10:00PM (or possibly later on the weekends) Open rain or shine and on holidays.
Cars or family vans $20, larger vehicles $30, tour/school buses $75. Fees include admission to Santa’s Village. Credit cards accepted.
See a synchronized music and light show that will amaze you from the comfort of your vehicle and then get out at Santa’s Village to see Santa and do much more. See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
**Christmas at Biltmore**
Asheville, NC
The Biltmore
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
11/07/14-1/11/15
See website for ticket pricing as they vary depending on date and day.
See the hundreds of trees, thousands of lights, and miles of garland around the picturesque estate. Visit Antler Hill Village on Saturdays and Sundays to see Santa! See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
**Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas**
Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood Theme Park
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
11/08/14-1/03/15
See website for ticket pricing and park hours.
A must see indeed, as a five time award winner of America’s Best Christmas Event. Features over 4 million holiday lights and spectacular performances! You can also see Santa in the Parade of Lights! See website for details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
**Ice! featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas**
Nashville, TN
Gaylord Opryland Events Center
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
11/14/14-1/03/15
Pricing ranges from roughly $15-$35 depending on age and date.
Put on a giant snowsuit and tour the more than 2 million pounds of amazing ice sculptures created to the theme of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Finish it off with a trip down the 2-story slide made of ice! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Definitely worth a day trip to Nashville to experience Ice and tour Opryland decorated for the holidays from top to bottom! See website for more details.
Pajama Party with Santa
Maryville, TN
Foothills Mall
197 Foothills Mall, Maryville, TN 37801
11/15/14 10:00AM
FREE
Enjoy sweet treats, storytime, and visits with Santa. Wear your festive PJs for a free pillowcase to take home! See website for more details.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Kodak, TN
Bass Pro Shops
3629 Outdoor Sportsman Place, Kodak, TN 37764
(865) 932-5600
11/15/14-12/24/14 6:00PM-8:00PM.
A special preview event 11/15/14 at 5:00PM for Santa’s arrival including a magical tree lighting, giveaways, and holiday treats!
FREE
Other days include photos with Santa and holiday crafts. See website for more details.
*NEW* First Frost Festival
Knoxville, TN
7301 Bennington Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909
11/16/14 4:00PM-8:00PM
$10 donation or a new toy donation. Members of the military and their families free with military ID.
A benefit for the children of military families. Come enjoy holiday crafts, refreshments, and entertainment all the while providing Christmas gifts for the children of military families! See website for more details.
2014 National Gingerbread Competition
Asheville, NC
The Omni Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
11/19/14-1/01/15
Open to the public Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Resort guests only on Friday and Saturday.
$10 parking fee.
View the Gingerbread contestants’ projects, including the winners.
Lights up! at the Pinnacle Turkey Creek
Knoxville, TN
Turkey Creek
11/21/14 4:00-8:00PM
Come watch Santa light the 60-foot tree, take pictures with Santa, see live reindeer, and more. See website for more details. I must say if you’re looking for a great photo op with Santa, this is the one! They sit your child/children in a sleigh with Santa with the giant tree in the background! Makes for a perfect Christmas card! (See example below just above the parades.)
The Nutcracker by Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association
Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center
11/22/24 7:00PM
11/23/14 2:00PM
Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10.
See website for more details.
Holiday Canstruction
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Convention Center
11/22/14-12/03/14 8:00AM-5:00PM
FREE
Come check out all of the holiday-themed art projects made out of canned foods created by local architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and students, all the while fighting hunger as every can used will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. See website for more details.
**Fantasy of Trees**
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Convention Center
(865) 541-8441
11/26/14-11/30/14
Wednesday, 11/26/14 9:00AM-9:00PM
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day 3:00PM-9:00PM
Friday, 11/28/14 9:00AM-9:00PM
Saturday, 11/29/14 9:00AM-9:00PM
Sunday, 11/30/14 12:00PM-6:00PM
Adults $8, children 4-12 $4, 4 and under free, Family 4 Pack $20. *You can also find a coupon in your Knox Co Schools Coupon Book!*
This 30th annual celebration is a fabulous event filled with hundreds of sparkling holiday trees to see, decorations galore, and gift shops a plenty to find just the right gift this season. Make a craft, decorate a gingerbread house, or visit with Santa. Proceeds benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. This will be our first year to attend, but we have heard people all around rave over and over again about how great this event is and should be listed as a MUST on your Holiday Event To-Do list! See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A Christmas Carol
Knoxville, TN
Clarence Brown Theatre at UT
(865) 974-5161
11/26/14-12/21/14
Showtimes vary as well as pricing.
A production of the classic holiday story. See website for more details.
Holidays on Ice
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Market Square
11/28/14-1/4/15
Ice Rink $10/adults, $7 for children 12 and under
The square is transformed into a fabulous outdoor skating rink through the winter months. See website for more details.
**Regal Celebration of Lights**
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Market Square, Krutch Park, and Krutch Park Extension
11/28/14 6:00PM
FREE
A favorite indeed! Head downtown for the lighting of the gigantic 38 foot tree! Stay after for train rides, face painting, crafts, visits with Santa, marshmallow roasting and more! See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Chilhowee Park Drive-Thru Light Tours
Knoxville, TN
Chilhowee Park
11/28/14-1/1/15 nightly
FREE
Drive yourself through the park to view the lights and decorations. See website for more details.
Light the Park presented by TDS
Farragut/West Knoxville, TN
Founder’s Park at Campbell Station, formerly Campbell Station Park
405 N. Campbell Station Rd., Farragut, TN 37934
12/01/14 6:00PM-7:00PM
FREE
Enjoy a ceremonial tree lights, refreshments, and music! See website for more details.
*NEW* Mornings with Mommy’s Happy Birthday Jesus Party
West Knoxville, TN
Shepherd of the Hills Church
10231 Sherrill Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37932
(865) 966-3112
12/02/14, 12/03/14, and 12/05/14 10:00AM
$5 per family. Register in advance online or by phone.
Themed educational playdates for you and your little one. With a holiday theme this week, come celebrate the story of the Christmas season! All are welcome so bring fathers and grandparents too! See website for more details.
Nutcracker on Ice
Knoxville, TN
Ice Chalet
Bearden area, 100 Lebanon Street, Knoxville.
12/02/14-12/06/14 7:00PM daily with an extra show at 2:00PM 12/06/14
Tickets $12-$15 prior to 12/02/14. After 12/02/14, add $2.
Enjoy the holiday fairy tale performed by skaters of all ages and skill levels. See website for more details.
*NEW* Santa’s Village at the Knoxville Zoo
Knoxville, TN
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914
12/04/14-12/07/14 10:00AM-2:00PM
12/11/14-12/14/14 10:00AM-2:00PM
Free with regular zoo admission ticket.
Enjoy holiday crafts and activities, as well as a visit with Santa! Zoo members will also receive a special gift.
Celebrate the Season with the Town of Farragut
Farragut, TN
Town of Farrgut Building
12/04/14 4:30PM-7:00PM
FREE
Activities include photos with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, and more. Check back on their website soon for an update.
**WIVK Christmas Parade**
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Gay Street
12/5/14 7:00PM
FREE
Parade route: Howard Baker Jr. to Church Street, right onto Gay Street, right onto Jackson Avenue
Bundle up streetside to see decorated floats, marching bands, dancers, a special guest as grand marshal, and Santa, of course. See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town, ages 4 & 5
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center
1127 Broadway St. Knoxville
(865) 523-1401
12/06/14 9:00AM-10:00AM
Tickets $18
Preschoolers and a parent will experiment with a variety of different art techniques while making Christmas ornaments. See website for more details.
Breakfast with Santa
Farragut/West Knoxville, TN
Lakeside Tavern
10911 Concord Park Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 671-2980
12/06/14 9:00AM
Adults $10, children $5
Dine with Santa for a pancake breakfast! Must call to make reservations.
Holiday on the Square
Knoxville, TN
Franklin Square
9700 Kingston Pike
12/06/14 11:00AM-3:00PM
Activities include puppet show, carriage rides, visits with Santa, door prizes and more. See website for more details.
*NEW* Holiday Pop Up Craft Event
West Knoxville, TN
Bradley’s Chocolates and Gifts
141 N. Peters Road, Knoxville, TN
12/06/14 2:00PM
$15, must email [email protected] or stop by Bradley’s for reservation.
Partnership with Crafted Knoxville Workshops and Bradley’s Chocolates and Gifts for children of all ages to come and decorate their own Winter terrarium, which doubles as a nightlight! Also enjoy refreshments and sweet treats included in the price.
*NEW* Rocky Hill Christmas Festival
Knoxville, TN
12/06/14 5:00PM-8:30PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 5:00PM Come watch the movie with cider and cookies at Pero’s on the Hill.
Parade 6:00PM-6:30PM Start location will be near Rocky Hill Elementary and will end near Rocky Hill Baptist Church.
Christmas Tree Lighting 6:30PM-7:00PM Light the tree with the Rocky Hill Baptist Church Choir.
Christmas Vendors 7:00PM-8:00PM
This is a brand new event this year starting a new tradition for the Rocky Hill community. See website for more details.
Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
12/06/14 5:00PM-6:30PM
Tickets $22 and $32.50
A figure skating performance featuring 13 Olympic and World champion skaters performed to live music by MercyMe. This event will benefit Provision CARES Foundation and the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation supporting cancer education and wellness, clinical research, and patient assistance. See website for more details.
The Nutcracker by the Appalachian Ballet Company
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
12/06/14 8:00PM
12/07/14 2:00PM
Tickets vary from $25-$45. On sale 11/12/14.
See website for more details.
Portraits with Santa
West Knoxville, TN
Smart Toys and Books
9700 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 691-1154
12/07/14 1:00PM-5:00PM
$10 sitting fee, must register ahead of time.
Get professional photos by Lauren Blankenship Photography taken of your family with Santa! See website for more details.
Christmas Card to the City
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Market Square Stage
12/07/14 3:30PM
FREE
A group will be singing songs of the season and holidays. See website for more details.
**Dear Santa**
Knoxville, TN
Helen Ross McNabb Center-John Tarleton Campus
(865) 329-9176
12/08/14-12/12/14 8:30AM-4:30PM
Adopt a child or family in need by picking up a wishlist to help spread the joy of the season! See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A Family Christmas at Dowell Springs
Knoxville, TN
Provision Center for Proton Therapy
6450 Provision Cares Way
12/11/14 6:00PM-8:00PM
FREE and open to the public.
Cuddle up near the fireplace, visit with Santa, listen to the choir, and enjoy holiday treats at this family Christmas event! See website for more details.
Evening with Santa
Lenoir City, TN
War Memorial Building
103 North B Street
12/11/14 6:00PM-7:30PM
FREE
Enjoy a big-screen movie, crafts, refreshments, a visit with Santa, and more. See website for more details.
*NEW* Christmas in the Cave
Knoxville, TN
Cherokee Caverns
8524 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931
12/12/14-12/14/14 5:30PM-8:00PM
12/19/14-12/21/14 5:30PM-8:00PM
$8 ages 3 and up, additional $10 for photo with Santa. Free parking. Cash or credit cards accepted.
Come stroll through the underground winter wonderland, get your face painted, do some holiday crafts, and visit with Santa! (Wheelchair and stroller accessible.)
**Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park**
Knoxville, TN
Chilhowee Park
12/12/14 6:00PM-9:00PM
FREE
Watch them light the tree, listen to live music, visit with Santa Claus, ride a train, build a gingerbread house, and much, much more. See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
The Polar Express Reading
West Knoxville, TN
Smart Toys and Books
9700 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 691-1154
12/12/14 6:30PM-7:30PM
$5/child. Call for reservations in advance as they are required for limited seating. See website for more details.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Downtown Knoxville, TN
World’s Fair Park
12/13/14 10:00AM, registration at 8:30AM
See website for pricing and different race options.
Come out in your festive gear to run/walk to support the Arthritis Foundation! A fun bonus for kids, the Santa Chase: a short run to try to catch Santa. See website for more details.
Breakfast with Santa
Farragut/West Knoxville, TN
First Farragut United Methodist Church
12733 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934
(865) 966-8430
12/13/14 9:00AM-11:30AM
Enjoy craft-making and a pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. See website for more details.
Winter Holidays around the World
Knoxville, TN
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
12/13/14 1:00PM-4:00PM
FREE
Join the museum for a family fun day including tours, crafts, and activities while exploring the winter holidays around the world. All materials provided. See website for more details.
The Nutcracker by the Appalachian Ballet Company
Maryville, TN
Clayton Center for the Arts
12/13/14 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Tickets vary from $25-$45. On sale 11/12/14.
See website for more details.
ETH’s Holiday Open House
Downtown Knoxville, TN
East Tennessee History Center
601 S. Gay Street
12/13/14 11:00AM-3:00PM
FREE
Enjoy musical performances, make crafts and ornaments, listen to storytelling and more. See website for more details.
The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Civic Colisseum
12/13/14-12/15/14
Saturday, 12/13/14 3:00PM
Sunday, 12/14/14 3:00PM
Monday, 12/15/14 7:00PM
FREE, no ticket needed
See a live performance of the traditional Christmas story with beautiful costumes and live animals, also including an orchestra and choir. See website fore more details.
Smokies Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K
Sevierville, TN
The Wilderness at the Smokies (start and finish line)
1424 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville, TN
12/14/14 7:30AM
See website for pricing and registration.
Join the race to benefit Keep Sevier Beautiful and get a free sweatshirt, Santa hat, and beard! See website for more details.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Theater
12/14/14 1:00PM & 5:00PM
FREE, no ticket needed but seating is limited.
View the classic movie on the big screen of the theater. See website for more details.
*NEW* Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 28th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
12/19/14-12/21/14
12/19/14 7:30PM
12/20/14 3:00PM, 7:30PM
12/21/14 3:00PM
See website for ticket pricing.
Watch the orchestra perform some of your favorite holiday hits! See website for more details.
**Tour De Lights Bike Ride**
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Market Square
12/19/14 7:00PM, judging begins at 6:00PM
FREE
Get yourself and your bike decked out in holiday decor and ride a fun, casual ride around downtown. All ages and skill levels welcome, but you must wear a helmet and headlight. See website for more details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove
Farragut/West Knoxville, TN
The Cove at Concord Park
11808 South Northshore Drive
12/19/14-12/30/14, excluding Christmas Day. 6:00PM-9:00PM
FREE
See the park light up each night on a walk around a 3/4 mile loop! No further information available on this event yet. In the past, they have requested non-perishable goods for donations to the Love Kitchen. They have also had hot chocolate and s’mores available to purchase. See website for more details.
The Nutcracker by the Moscow Ballet
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Theater
12/23/14 3:00PM and 7:00PM
See website for various ticket prices. Tickets are on sale now.
Performed by the Moscow Ballet. See website for more details.
New Year’s on the Square
Downtown Knoxville, TN
Market Square
12/31/14 11:00PM
FREE
Celebrate the coming of the New Year in Market Square with a countdown, ball drop, and fireworks! See website for more details.
Next stop is the train stop! Check out the holiday versions of these train rides!
Train Excursions:
Christmas Lantern Express Train Ride
Knoxville, TN
Departs from a new location at the 3RR Depot at the University Commons located off Cumberland Avenue (site of new Walmart at the edge of campus)
11/28/14-12/21/14 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
See website for departure times.
Adults $26.50, Seniors (55+) $25.50, Children ages 3-12 $15.50, Toddler ages 1-2 $7.50, Under 1 free.
Enjoy a train ride fully decorated with refreshments and a visit from Santa. See website for more details.
Santa Train
Oak Ridge, TN
Departs from the Heritage Center as part of the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train
10 miles west of downtown Oak Ridge
12/06/14-12/14/14
12/06/14 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM
12/07/14 1:00PM, 3:00PM
12/13/14 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM
12/14/14 1:00PM, 3:00PM
Adults $19, Children ages 3-12 $15. Cash or check only. NO CREDIT CARDS.
Ride through the scenic area with Santa on board! Lasts approximately one hour. See website for more details.
North Pole Limited Train Ride
Chattanooga, TN
Departs from the Grand Junction Station
4119 Cromwell Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421
11/21/14-12/23/14
See website for departure dates and times.
All passengers ages 2 and up $24, Santa’s Private Car $48
Take an imaginary journey to the North Pole. Enjoy sing-a-longs, refreshments, and story-telling with a visit from Santa. See website for more details.
**The Polar Express**
Bryson City, NC
Departs from The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, approximately 2.5 hours from Knoxville.
45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
11/07/14-1/04/15
See website for departure dates and times, as well as different pricing based on date, age, and seat.
Sip on hot chocolate and listen to the story of The Polar Express during your 1 hour 15 minute ride to the North Pole and back. Santa will board the train and give each child the magic silver sleigh bell. We rode The Polar Express last year and I can honestly say it is one of my absolute favorite memories with my daughter. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this trip! (With that said, she was 3 at the time and my personal opinion is that ages 3-10 are probably best for the trip. If coming from Knoxville, note that there is about 5 hours of driving time total as well as roughly 1.5 hours of sitting time on the train so it seems difficult for a child under 3 to handle all of that still time. Just my own recommendation!) You can see more from our trip with all of the details and photos on The Polar Express here!
Third stop, the parades. Bundle up for these magnificent celebrations as they are often chilly, but well worth the extra layers!
Parades:
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Downtown Gatlinburg, TN
12/05/14 7:30PM
Parade route: Begins at traffic light #1A on Highway 321 at 7:30PM and ends about 90 minutes later at traffic light #10.
With over 100 parade entries, Santa, and a dozen marching bands, you’re guaranteed to have jingling good time!
Fountain City Optimist Christmas Parade
Fountain City, TN
12/06/14 10:00AM
No further information available at this time.
Lenoir City Christmas Parade
Broadway in Lenoir City, TN
12/06/14 6:30PM
Parade route: down Broadway from C Street to Pike Street
Sevierville’s Christmas Parade
Downtown Sevierville, TN
12/06/14 11:00AM-12:00PM
No further information available at this time.
Last stop, Santa. Nothing screams the holidays like a child on Santa‘s lap…no pun intended. Ok fine. Pun intended. But really, the season isn’t complete without an annual photo with that jolly big belly.
More Santa Sightings:
West Town Mall
Knoxville, TN
11/06/14-12/24/14
See the website for more information on times and dates for family and pet photos with Santa!
Knoxville Center Mall
East Knoxville, TN
11/08/14-12/24/14
See the website for more information on times and dates for family and pet photos with Santa!
Foothills Mall
Maryville, TN
11/15/14-12/24/14
See the website for more information on times and dates for family and pet photos with Santa!
[…] this list from Knoxville Mom’s Blog is great. Great. It is a comprehensive list of all the local holiday/ Christmas happenings around […]
Hi !
Wow this is an awesome list !!!! We would love if you and your family and readers would visit us for Knoxville’s Only Underground Christmas!!! This is our 4th annual year of Cherokee Caverns presents Christmas in the Cave!! The Cave is decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights, wonderful Christmas music…and we are so happy to announce pictures with Santa in the Cave!! There will also be plenty of sightings of The Grinch in the Cave and awesome suprises around each corner!! We will have Hot Chocolate and special goodies…a lil Christmas shopping and tons of Chriatmas fun!!!! Please join us for lots of wonderful Christmas joy and treats!
We are located at 8524 Oak Ridge Hwy Knoxville Tn.
Dates December 12,13&14th and December 19, 20&21st from 5:30-8:30 pm each night.
Tickets are $8 3 years and up
Please check out our facebook page for info and lots of ways to win free tickets to Christmas in the Cave!!
Thank you Dana. We have added it to our list!
Don’t forget to add F32’s Santa Experience. Its great for the more shy kids amongst us! http://f32photo.com/santa_exp.html
Thank you Ramona! I had not heard of this event. I checked the website but did not see any info about dates and times. If you give me more info, I can add it to the list.
Thanks for compiling this great list. Homespun fun!
[…] been known to print out the Knoxville Moms Blog Activities Round-up guide and keep it, in all its dog-eared glory, in our glove compartment just in case we end up […]