It’s that time of year! Shop Small and Shop Local this holiday season by supporting local Knoxville area businesses.
For the Whole Family
Wilderness at the Smokies
This holiday season get your loved ones the gift of experiences. A Wilderness at the Smokies getaway allows your family to create endless memories in our newly expanded indoor waterpark or outdoor waterpark. For more information visit their website.
Don’t want to stay overnight? Consider a family four-pack of tickets to Soaky Mountain Waterpark, our 50 -acre sister property located across the street from our resort. It is open seasonally from May to September. For more information visit their website here.
Embassy Suites Gatlinburg Resort
Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, the newest resort in town, Embassy Suites Gatlinburg Resort—proudly named Hilton’s Hotel of the Year—offers moms the perfect setting to plan a magical and stress-free holiday or winter family getaway. Just a short drive from Knoxville, it’s an easy escape that feels worlds away. Imagine your family enjoying cozy evenings around the outdoor fire pits, splashing in the large indoor pool, or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub as the twinkling Winter Magic lights glow nearby.
Every stay includes a complimentary made-to-order breakfast and nightly reception, making it easy for families to start and end their days with warm hospitality and added value. With only suite-style accommodations, there’s space to spread out, giving everyone a little extra comfort during the busy season. Just minutes from downtown shops, attractions, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s the ideal home base for creating lasting family memories. Here, the value is in the moments—made easier, cozier, and more memorable at Embassy Suites Gatlinburg Resort.
Courtyard By Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg
Just a quick drive from Knoxville, the fully renovated Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg offers moms an easy, stylish, and stress-free way to plan a holiday or winter mountain getaway. With its modern mountain-lodge feel, cozy gathering spaces, and warm ambiance, it’s the perfect place to relax after a fun day exploring Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic lights, holiday shopping, or family attractions.
Moms love the convenience of being able to walk to downtown restaurants, Annakesta, and festive activities—no shuttles, no parking worries. Families can gather around the outdoor fire pits, enjoy the outdoor hot tub, or simply unwind in comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites. And with The Bistro serving breakfast, dinner, and Starbucks® coffee, you can start and end your day without ever leaving the hotel. It offers the perfect blend of location, comfort, and family-friendly convenience—where your holiday memories come to life, effortlessly.
Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
A quick and convenient getaway from Knoxville, Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg is a favorite for moms looking for a cozy, convenient, and family-friendly mountain getaway for the holidays or winter break. With its welcoming lodge-style feel and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic lights, downtown shopping, and fun family attractions. Kids love the indoor pool (great for year-round splashing), while parents can relax in the outdoor hot tub or gather around the fire pits for quiet, cozy evenings.
Families appreciate the on-site restaurant, evening bar service, and cooked-to-order breakfast—making mornings and evenings simple and stress-free. With comfortable rooms, balconies, mountain views, and easy walkability to the Parkway and the National Park, you’re never far from adventure—or relaxation. It’s everything you want in a mountain getaway—convenient, cozy, and made for memory-making.
Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge
Perfect for Knoxville families looking for an easy, family-friendly getaway, the fully renovated Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge brings comfort, convenience, and a touch of holiday magic to your mountain escape. Tucked just one street off the main Parkway, it keeps you close to all the festive fun—without the hectic holiday hustle. Kids will love the indoor pool, while parents unwind by the fire pit or soak in the outdoor hot tub under the twinkling lights. With an on-site restaurant and bar, you can enjoy cozy family breakfasts and relaxing evening meals without ever leaving the hotel.
Dollywood is just four miles away, and you’re on the trolley route and within walking distance to festive shopping, shows, and attractions. With modern rooms (many with balconies), beautiful views, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect, and make holiday memories that last. Comfort, convenience, and a little holiday sparkle—just what moms love about Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge.
Vol & Lady Vols Basketball
Looking to get out of the house over the holiday break? Join the fun in Food City Center for Vol & Lady Vol Basketball! There are plenty of games to choose from over the break including a top match-up for Vol Hoops vs #5 Louisville on December 16. Tickets can be found as low as $15 (plus taxes & fees) for select games over the holiday season! See list of games here & buy your tickets today:
12/14 – Lady Vol Hoops vs Winthrop – 2 PM
12/16 – Vol Hoops vs Louisville – 7 PM
12/21 – Vol Hoops vs Garnder-Webb – 3 PM – Meet Santa!
12/22 – Lady Vol Hoops vs Southern Indiana – 6:30 PM
12/30– Vol Hoops vs South Carolina State – 8 PM
1/1 – Lady Vol Hoops vs Florida – 2 PM
1/6 – Vol Hoops vs Texas – 9 PM
1/11 – Lady Vol Hoops vs Arkansas – 2 PM
1/13 – Vol Hoops vs Texas A&M – 7 PM
The Marketplace
Explore East Tennessee’s finest flavors all in one place this season. The Marketplace, part of The Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants, offers premium meats, fresh seafood, easy take-and-bake meals, gifts, and more — perfect for busy families or holiday entertaining!
Pair your visit with Copper Cards — gift cards redeemable at all Copper Cellar Family restaurants like Calhoun’s, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and Chesapeake’s. With no expiration date, they’re a festive stocking stuffer and the ultimate gift for foodies!
Visit us in West Knoxville at 214 Sherlake Ln next to Chesapeake’s.
For the Kids
Angela Floyd Schools
Angela Floyd Schools has been providing the Knoxville area with high quality dance and music lessons since 1997. With both group and private lessons in multiple styles of dance and a variety of instruments, AFS has the perfect class for every student, starting at the age of 2! We have gift certificates available for the holiday season, so give your aspiring dancer or musician the gift of performing arts lessons this year!
Muse Knoxville
Give the Gift of Play with a Muse Membership!
Give the gift of membership to someone so they can enjoy one whole year of AHA moments through the power of play at Muse Knoxville!
Muse Knoxville is a nonprofit children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEAM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children.
Learn more and Give the Gift of Play HERE: Memberships – Muse Knoxville
Santa’s Workshops
Monday, December 8 | 1 PM – 5 PM & Tuesday, December 9 | 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Step into a winter wonderland of creativity and holiday cheer at Santa’s Workshop! Families can enjoy hands-on holiday activities, sweet treats, and festive fun for all ages.
Event Highlights:
- Photos with Santa
- Cookie decorating station
- Hot cocoa bar
- Ornament-making crafts
- Toy-making and letters to Santa
- Reindeer games and more!
Register here: Santas Workshops! – Muse Knoxville
Cheer in the New Year – Blast Off into 2026!
Wednesday, December 31 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Muse Knoxville invites you to join us for our largest event of the year — Cheer in the New Year! Enjoy all the excitement of ringing in the new year without staying up past bedtime as we Blast Off into 2026! We will be celebrating our countdown to Noon with a catered breakfast, activity stations, sparkling juice toast, New Year’s swag bags, and a ball drop as we count down to Noon to celebrate the start of another orbit around the sun!
Register here: The Muse Knoxville
Winter Break Camp
December 22, 23, 29, & 30 – join us for one day or all four!
8:30AM-3:30PM | PreK(4) – 4th Grade
Bundle up for a day of frosty fun and discovery! Campers will become Snowbound Scientists as they explore Arctic habitats, design and race their own sleds to learn about forces and motion, and create snowy STEM projects each day. It’s the perfect mix of hands-on learning and winter wonder — all while staying warm inside Muse Knoxville!
Register here: Camp Muse – Muse Knoxville
The Little Gym
Looking for a fun and exciting experience for your children? Then purchase the gift of The Little Gym this Christmas season! From classes and camps, you can’t go wrong with these choices! If you haven’t experienced The Little Gym, now is the perfect chance with their holiday deals!
Black Friday Deal: 25% off an Awesome Birthday Bash using code BIRTHDAY25. Code valid only Nov 28- Dec 1, good for any NEW party booking Dec 2025 – Dec 2026, not valid on previous purchases.
Be sure to check out their Holiday Break Camps on their website.
For the Adults
Nothing Too Fancy
If you’re looking to shop local this Christmas, look no further than Nothing Too Fancy! Located just around the corner from Market Square in downtown Knoxville, this locally owned and operated t-shirt boutique has something for everyone on your list. From one of a kind locally designed & printed t-shirts, sweatshirts and blankets to handmade ornaments or vintage style beanies, Nothing Too Fancy has you covered.
Online Exclusive! 15% off your entire online order Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday with code HOLIDAY at check out.
Visit the store on Small Business Saturday to receive an additional 30% off all sale items as well as 15% off all fleece.
Free gift with all online purchases placed on Cyber Monday.
Use code SHIPFREE for free shipping on all web orders over $50!
Curbside pick up is also available by using code PICKUP
Burn Boot Camp
We’ve got your holiday shopping done for you! Give yourself and a friend the greatest gift that’s not under a tree – the gift of health! Sign up for our 4 weeks for $69 promotion and start your new year off with high intensity workouts customized for any fitness level, complimentary child watch, one-on-one focus meeting with our trainers and an amazing community determined to help you reach your goals.
*Offer available Dec. 29th-Feb. 2nd
Jenny Parkhurst Designs
