If you are looking to visit a venue involving the arts, the Knoxville Tennessee Theatre might be of interest to you. While our family typically doesn’t enjoy theatre for many reasons, we did enjoy attending the Jazz Christmas concert and the Nutcracker this past Christmas season. I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the facility; from floor to ceiling, the design and atmosphere are crafted and laid out so elegantly. I’ve visited a few theaters for the Nutcracker, and I must say the Tennessee Theatre is definitely more beautiful than previous experiences. Despite the high ceilings, large entryway, and grand staircases, the Tennessee Theatre feels cozy and welcoming.
In our family, we have a tradition of taking our girls on a special date with daddy when they turn seven to see the Nutcracker during the holiday season.
This tradition came about because of my previous background and love for ballet. I love seeing my girls get all dressed up and spend one-on-one time with their dad for a special occasion. It warms my heart to see them creating such special memories with him. We usually buy them their own unique nutcracker and give it to them as a gift after they watch the show. My daughter enjoyed getting to take a picture with one of the ballerinas after the show. It’s kind of funny how this tradition developed over time and became a very special date that our girls look forward to when they approach their seventh birthday. We probably need to create more special moments like this. Also I’m still thinking of something equally special that our son would enjoy, so any ideas on that are greatly appreciated. 
This year, my husband surprised me with an evening at the Tennessee Theatre to see the Jazz Christmas concert.
I loved getting all dressed up and going out with just him to listen to beautiful jazz Christmas music. I remember the magic and wonder it was when we would go out to a fancy showing of the Nutcracker when we were first married. We’ve been busy with a newborn or far away from a theater, so it’s been a while since we’ve gotten to experience going to a nice show. I loved how beautiful the area was decorated for Christmas and in my view, I think it’s relatively clean and pleasant for the downtown area. This theater is so close to our house and I felt the parking wasn’t bad to deal with either, so that’s a plus! We parked at Market Square Garage on Walnut Street. Their parking is free if you enter after 6pm on weeknights and I believe it is free on weekends. As a newer Knoxville resident, I am still learning all the tips and tricks of navigating downtown, but after coming from the Austin, Texas area, I feel it is a much more peaceful experience walking around downtown Knoxville. The musicians were very talented and I enjoyed getting to relax and learn more about their craft and their individual instruments that they played. My husband and I don’t play any instruments unfortunately, but we are always up for learning more since we plan on getting our kids to practice and learn an instrument.
After hearing about the experience my daughter had at the Nutcracker, I started to wish I would have had the chance to see it this year as well. I was impressed by the quality of the theatre and the work it must have taken to make and run such a beautiful venue. I did read that the Tennessee Theater is undergoing an expansion and will soon have more space for reception areas, restrooms, and concessions. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation will handle the remaining amount needed to fully fund and complete the renovation project and the last I read, they are expecting to reveal the updates late summer 2025 or early fall.
The Tennessee Theater has a lot of options for entertainment. If you are like me and enjoy the ballet, symphony orchestra, or listening to the jazz orchestra, you may enjoy visiting the historic Tennessee Theatre!
