It’s barely turned cold outside, but it seems like Christmas is already in full swing, doesn’t it?! I guess let me be the first to say…Merry Christmas!
As I admitted in my recent Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Giveaway post, I am a die-hard post-Thanksgiving Christmas person. {I won’t get on my soapbox about “Black Friday” now starting on “Thanksgiving Thursday”…well, I guess I kinda did with that comment…um, you know.}
BUT!
Once we pass Thanksgiving, you’d better hold on to your britches, kids, because we’re all Christmas – all the time. One of the best parts about raising a family in gorgeous East Tennessee is that there’s SO. MUCH. TO. DO. around the holidays.
In years past, I sat down with my computer, notepad and pen and scoured the internet for great family-friendly Christmas events around town. It was kind of a pain. So, as my early Christmas gift to my friends at the Knoxville Moms Blog…here’s my round-up!
All-Around Great Family Events
Load up the whole crew and enjoy some of these long-standing – and festively fun – events around town!
Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Saturday, November 23rd at 7p.m. or Sunday, November 24th at 2:30 p.m. This is the ORCBA’s 50th Anniversary!
Fantasy of Trees from November 27th until December 1st. Browse the amazing assortment of decorated trees and garlands. Watch performers from across Knoxville and enjoy creating some festive crafts with your little ones!
Farragut Business Alliance Light the Park on December 2nd from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Kick off the holiday season by joining them for the lighting of Campbell Station Park and festive musical entertainment!
The Episcopal School of Knoxville’s Annual Winterfest on December 7th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Children are $10 and adults are free. Check in will be in Googe Hall that morning and then families can enjoy light refreshments, Santa photos (bring your own camera!), fun crafts, basket auctions, the Holiday Market (bigger and better than ever this year!), bounce house, Christmas music throughout the event and more! Children will have the chance to make an ESK themed ornament and gingerbread houses!
Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park on December 13th at 6 p.m. Enjoy the season with a host of festive activities including pictures with Santa Claus, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa by the Salvation Army, face painting, balloon animals & much more!
The Polar Express Reading on December 13th at 6:30 p.m., at Smart Toys and Books. Zip up your coziest pjs and cuddle up with your little ones while Miss Helen reads the Polar Express, along with other holiday favorites.
The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville from December 14th until December 16th. Experience the real meaning of Christmas at the live Nativity scene.
The Living Christmas Tree on December 21st and 22nd, experience a true sight to behold and maybe even volunteer to sing??
Knoxville Holidays on Ice Join us in the heart of Market Square to twirl, swirl and skate beneath the Christmas lights.
The Christmas Express Reserve your spot now! This 90-minute ride brings the magic of “The Polar Express” to life for kids {both young ones and the “young-at-heart” ones!}.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Visit one of America’s favorite theme parks during the most beautiful time of the year! Enjoy lights, food and a fantastic rendition of “A Christmas Carrol.”
Christmas Parades
Stake our your spot to spectate these incredible and entertaining parades!
Annual Fountain City Christmas Parade on December 3rd at 10 a.m. Don’t miss this annual event…or the “Elves on Broadway.”
WIVK Christmas Parade on December 6th at 7 p.m. Kick off the holiday season in style with one of Knoxville’s favorite Christmas events. View the floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and more. Be on the lookout for a jolly special guest!
Sevierville’s 51st Annual Christmas Parade on December 7th at 11 a.m. A traditional hometown parade with baton twirlers, pageant winners, marching bands and floats leading up to the appearance of Santa Claus!
Gatlinburg’s 38th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 7th at 7:30 p.m. This long-standing tradition will wow over 80,000 spectators as it winds through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg.
Santa Photos
What Christmas season is complete without the quintessential photo with the old jolly guy?? If you’re like me, you have more than one family photo like the one below. Jealous much?
Celebrate the Season with the Town of Farragut on December 5 from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Town of Farragut building. In addition to Santa photos, enjoy cookie decorating, snacks and other craft activities.
Santa at The Adorable Child on December 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m and December 7th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 865-671-6698 to book your appointment.
Santa Claws Event at PetSmart on December 7th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fur babies have Christmas wishes too!
Smart Toys and Books Santa Portraits on December 8th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5 sitting fee, with photos taken by Lauren Blankenship Book your appointment now!
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Park After you ooh and aah over the LIGHTS at Shadrack’s, head on into Santa’s Village and enjoy pony and camel rides, inflatables, and photos with SANTA!
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Head on over to stock up on all things hunting, fishing and outdoors…and while you’re there make sure to stop by Santa’s Wonderland.
Knoxville Zoo Visit the animals AND Santa in one trip! Check with the zoo for dates and times!
West Town Mall, Knoxville Center Mall and Foothills Mall As always, Santa’s a favorite at the mall. Tackle a bit of Christmas shopping while you’re there!
Christmas Runs
And finally, if you plan on enjoying lots of festive edibles this year, you may also be interested in some of these holiday fun runs!
Reindeer Run and Fun Run/Walk on December 8th
23rd Annual Knoxville Jingle Bell Run/Walk on December 14th
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5k on December 15th
Whew…I told you there are A TON of wonderful events going on around Knoxville.
What did I miss? Which events in town do you make it a point to attend?
Julie I HAD to share this post with you when I saw your comment re: your husband: http://www.neworleansmomsblog.com/2013/10/03/12020/
Ashley – I can barely breathe… love that Hank was “in no doubt of his initials”. We had an event at a great local consignment store tonight for Knoxville Moms Blog and a friend of mine and I were talking about how crazy it is that Kelly’s Kids sells longalls up to size 7 or 8! Fortunately, I ended up with a baby girl about the time we had to say see-ya to the boys smocking 🙂 Thanks for sharing that post… I’ll be sending it over to my husband, now!
Julie – have you done the same type blog for this year’s events? I’m just trying to get ahead of the chaos and looking for good info. (I’m also a first-year mom, so this Christmas will be extra-special for us!)