Santa Sightings In Knoxville And East Tennessee

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is making a special trip from the North Pole to visit good girls and boys in East Tennessee!

There are LOTS of chances for your children to talk to the jolly old elf this year. Many events require advance registration, so be sure to keep that in mind. Wishing you and your little ones tear-free Santa pictures you’ll cherish for years to come!

2025 Santa Sightings in Knoxville and East Tennessee

Santa at West Town Mall
Knoxville, TN
11/7/25-12/24/25

It’s time for holiday photos with Santa! Now you can save time and avoid the line by reserving online your magical moment with Santa here.

Caring Santa at West Town Mall
Knoxville, TN
12/7/25 9:00am-10:30am

Caring Santa^® is a special, sensory-friendly experience, exclusively for children with special needs and their families. Reservations are required for this private event. To reserve your spot, click here.

PJ Party with Santa at West Town Mall
Knoxville, TN
12/18/25 6:00pm-8:00pm

A certain jolly toymaker will be stopping by various Knox County libraries this month! Snap a photo with your little one completely free, just bring a phone or camera to take the photo with! Here is the list:

12/2/25 Burlington Branch Library 11:00AM-12:00PM
12/2/25 Howard Pinkston Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/5/25 Farragut Branch Library 3:30PM-5:00PM
12/8/25 Norwood Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/9/25 Carter Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/11/25 Cedar Bluff Branch Library 6:00PM-7:30PM
12/12/25 Corryton Branch Library 4:00PM-5:00PM
12/15/25 Sequoyah Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/16/25 Fountain City Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/17/25 Lawson McGhee Library 10:30AM-11:30AM
12/18/25 South Knoxville Branch Library 6:00PM-7:00PM
12/19/25 Halls Branch Library 4:00PM-5:00PM
12/22/25 Powell Branch Library 6:30PM-7:30PM
12/23/25 Karns Branch Library 5:30PM-6:30PM

Anakeesta Breakfast with Santa  {***SOLD OUT FOR 2025***}
Gatlinburg, TN
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
12/6/25, 12/13/25, 12/20/25 & 12/21/25
7:45am-9:30am
General Admission: $87.99 (4-11), $97.99 (Seniors 60+) & $104.99 (Adults 12-59). Infants are free. The ticket is good for Breakfast with Santa and general admission to Anakeesta.

Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us at Anakeesta for a delightfully enchanted breakfast this winter season with a very special guest, Santa Claus himself! A wonderful breakfast at our restaurant, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, with Ole’ Saint Nick is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and is sure to be a joyful moment and memory for you and your whole family!

Schulz Brau Christkindlesmarkt 
Knoxville, TN
126 Bernard Avenue
11/28/25-12/21/25 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Friday 3:00PM-8:00PM, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM-8:00PM

Schulz Bräu Brewing is hosting its annual Christkindlsmarkt! Enjoy live music and a traditional German-style Christmas market featuring hand crafted goods and German specialty items. In addition to German beers, German treats will also be available for purchase. Santa Claus will also be paying Christkindlesmarkt a visit along with Krampus (He punishes naughty children!). For details on when to see Santa and more, visit the Schulz Brau website.

Volunteer Princess Cookies with Santa
Knoxville, TN
956 Volunteer Landing
TBA
Admission: $30.00 Adults, $20.00 Children

Come see Santa as he makes his first stop of the year on the Volunteer Princess during this cheerful one-hour cruise. Decorate cookies and visit Ole Saint Nick!  Photos with Santa will be available for purchase. See website for more details.

Santa at the Sunsphere
Knoxville, TN
810 Clinch Avenue
12/5/25-12/7/25
$20.00-$60.00

Come see Santa at the Sunsphere! Visit Knoxville will be hosting photo reservations with Santa on the 4th Floor Observation Deck. Reservations must be made in advance. To book your session, click here.

Santa’s Workshop at The Muse
Knoxville, TN
516 North Beaman Street
12/8/25 1:00PM-5:00PM & 12/9/25 5:00PM-7:30PM
$20.00 per child (includes one adult), Additional adult $5.00

Families can enjoy hands-on holiday activities, sweet treats, and festive fun for all ages. The event highlights include photos with Santa, cookie decorating station, hot cocoa bar, ornament-making crafts, toy-making and letters to Santa, reindeer games and more! For more information, click here.

Ancient Lore Village Santa & Friends
Knoxville, TN
7107 Sevierville Pike
12/20/25 10:00AM & 12/21/25 1:30PM
$18.99 Ages 3+

Santa himself is making a special appearance! Come celebrate the season with family-friendly activities and create magical memories that will last a lifetime. To make reservations, click here.

Santa at Proper Popcorn
Knoxville, TN
29 Market Square
12/20/25 11:00AM-2:00PM
FREE

Santa is coming to town! Come and see Santa and take pictures with him for free! 

Steak with Santa at Ye Old Steak House
Knoxville, TN
6838 Chapman Highway
12/2/25 10:00AM 4:30PM-7:30PM
FREE

A “best dressed” Santa will be on hand so bring your wish lists and your camera or phone! 

Hot Chocolate, Santa & Shopping with Helping Mamas Knoxville & Bradley’s
Knoxville, TN
141 North Peters Road
12/1/25 5:00PM

Santa will be in attendance at this special event supporting Helping Mamas Knoxville. There will also be a hot cocoa bar for guests.

Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church Cocoa with Santa

Knoxville, TN
7753 Oak Ridge Highway
12/6/25 7:30AM-12:00PM

Bells, Boots & Barbecue at Smokin’ F Feedlot
Philadelphia, TN
1821 Lynn Road
12/7/25 1:00PM-5:00PM

You’re invited to a special Sunday at the Smokin’ F Feedlot with the Big Guy in Red! Gates will open at 12:45pm. There will be local vendors, barbecue, and, of course, the REAL Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Farm Pass is $2 for everyone over the age of 4 and includes fountain drinks and coffee. Santa pictures are $5/child. Cash is appreciated for Santa, but cards are accepted too.

Horse Haven Breakfast in the Barn
Seymour, TN
608 Old Brookhaven Farm Road
12/13/25 9:00AM-11:00AM
Admission: $20.00 per person, Children three and under free

Your admission price includes an ornament to take home, breakfast and a family photo with Santa! Spaces are limited so be sure to register in advance. See website for more details.

f/32 Pictures with Santa
Knoxville, TN
7838 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
11/22/25 & 12/7/25
Session Fee: $200.00

Reserve your special time with Santa! The visit will also include a credit for two digital files, with a print and social media release. Spots are expected to fill up fast so reserve your spot now! See website for more details.

Evening with Santa
Lenoir City, TN
War Memorial Building
103 N B Street
12/11/25 6:00PM-7:30PM
FREE

This event includes one on one time with Santa, light refreshments, crafts, games and a keepsake photo of your child with Santa. See website for more details.

Lunch with Santa
Loudon, TN
8760 TN-72 N
12/6/25 11:30AM
FREE

A gift and meal will be provided in addition to time with Santa! Children ages up to third grade are welcome to attend. There is limited seating and advanced registration are required. Visit the Loudon Parks and Recreation Department to Register. See Facebook for more details.

H.O.M.E. for the Holidays
Alcoa, TN
MLK Jr. Community Center
209 E. Franklin
12/6/25 6:00PM
FREE

Enjoy family fun and light refreshments at this community tradition!  See website for more details.

Blount County Santa Calls
Blount County, TN
Registration Deadline 12/8/25, Calls 12/9/25 5:00PM-7:00PM
FREE

Children Ages 3-6 in Blount County can enjoy a very special telephone call from Santa Claus free of charge thanks to the continued support of volunteers from the Maryville-Alcoa Civitan Club who provide special phone lines from the North Pole. The registration form can be found here.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Maryville, TN
429 Sandy Springs Road
12/13/25 8:30AM-12:00PM
Adults $10.00, Kids $5.00, Three & Under FREE

Blount County Girl Scout troop 20147 is hosting this breakfast as a fundraiser for the troop. The troop hopes to visit the home of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Tickets can be purchased here.

Clinton Cookie Crawl
Historic Downtown Clinton, TN
12/13/25 1:00PM-4:00PM
FREE

Come join us in Historic Downtown Clinton for our Annual Cookie Crawl! There is an entire day packed with fun activities for the whole family, not to mention LOADS of cookies to hand out. Have pictures made with Santa & Mrs. Claus, as well as The Grinch! See Facebook for more details.

WECO Wartburg Christmas Parade
Wartburg, TN
First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
308 North Maiden Street
12/6/25 6:00PM
FREE

This year’s parade theme is “A Storybook Christmas.”  The parade will run from Central High School to First Baptist Church along the normal route. Cookies and hot chocolate will be handed out after the parade in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Santa will also be available for pictures. See Facebook for more details.

Santa Photo Event with JCPenney Portraits
West Town Mall
Knoxville, TN
11/16/25 & 12/5/25

A fun photography session with Santa, new holiday backgrounds and prop options. See website for more information on times and details.

Foothills Mall
Maryville, TN
11/24/25-12/24/25

See the website for more information on times and dates!

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Kodak, TN
Bass Pro Shops
3629 Outdoor Sportsman Place, Kodak, TN 37764
(865) 932-5600
Now-12/24/25
Monday-Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm & Christmas Eve 10:00AM-5:00PM
FREE

Enjoy the magic of Christmas inside every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store! The visit includes free 4X6 photo with Santa plus a free shareable video! Advanced reservations are recommended. See website for more details.

Santa at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Sevierville, TN
11/15/25–12/23/25 6:00PM-10:00PM
Open Rain or Shine & On Holidays

The standard ticket is $39.95 and a value ticket is $34.95 plus taxes and fees. The price includes 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. Then get out of your car to visit Santa’s Village to see Santa and do much more. See website for more details.

Merry Mayfield Christmas Festival
Mayfield Farm Park
Athens, TN
12/6/25-12/28/25
General Admission: $14.43, Age 2 & Under Free

Tennessee Theatre Cookies with Santa  {***SOLD OUT FOR 2025***}
Knoxville, TN
12/8/25 4:00PM
$20.00 per Child

Santa is making a special stop at the Tennessee Theatre where he will visit with children on the stage. Each child (or family if multiple children) will have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa in front of the tree on the stage, tell Santa their wish list, and check the naughty or nice list for their names. We will also have coloring and craft stations available, along with cookie decorating stations. Cookies with Santa has SOLD OUT. Please email [email protected] to join the waitlist.

Mast General Store Visit with Santa
Knoxville, TN
402 South Gay Street
12/7/24-12/8/24 11:00AM-3:00PM

Join us for this treasured Christmas event so that everyone in your family, especially its smallest members and biggest believers, can say hello to Santa! Remember to bring your own camera for a family photo op.

Santa & Mrs. Claus are Coming to Lambert’s Pies!
Maryville, TN
131 East Broadway Avenue
Date TBA

Since 2016 Lambert’s Southern Pies & Bake Shop Cafe has hosted the Real Santa at the bakery and they’re back again this year!  Guests will enjoy a free photo with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa or coffee.

Zoo Knoxville Visit with Santa
Knoxville, TN
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive
11/29/24-12/1/24, 12/6/24-12/8/24, 12/13/24-12/15/24 & 12/20/24-12/22/24
11:00AM-2:00PM

Come visit with Santa at Zoo Knoxville! There is no additional cost to meet Santa. This special holiday event is included with general admission. Please be prepared to take your own photos. There will not be a photographer on site.

Waffles with Santa
Oak Ridge, TN
729 Briarcliff Avenue
12/13/25 9:00AM-11:00AM
Tickets: $15, Kids 3 & Under Free with Purchase of an Adult Ticket

Come join us for a delicious waffle breakfast bar and a souvenir photo with our Santa! Tickets include all you can eat waffle bar with toppings, choice of sausage or bacon, orange juice, coffee and a souvenir photo opportunity with Santa. Tickets can be purchased here.

Christ United Methodist Brunch Santa Brunch

Knoxville, TN
7535 Maynardville Pike

12/13/25 10:00AM-12:00PM
FREE

All guests will receive free breakfast along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus photos, special activities, raffle prizes and gifts! This event is free and open to the entire community. 

Pilot YMCA Breakfast with Santa
Knoxville, TN
400 North Winston Road
Date & Time TBA

It’s time to celebrate the season!  We’ll cook pancakes and sausage for a holiday breakfast for dinner! Bring the whole family and enjoy a warm meal together at the YMCA. Santa will be dropping by from the North Pole for photos. Breakfast with Santa is FREE for ALL! No registration is required.

Davis Family YMCA Breakfast with Santa
Knoxville, TN
12133 South Northshore Drive
12/6/25 9:00AM-11:00AM

This free community event will include pancakes, sausage, juice and milk. Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 8:45AM. Guests will be able to take a picture with Santa, too.

Hannah & Matt’s Breakfast with Santa
Knoxville, TN
Regal Cinebarre West Town Mall
Date TBA

Enjoy a morning filled with Christmas magic and fun! Hanah and Matt will join in dressed as Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch! Enjoy breakfast, crafts, and pictures with Santa! Once you have checked out all the fun activities and crafts you will head to a theater to watch the animated Grinch movie! Tickets are $12.51 per person. The best part of the event is ALL proceeds benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital! Merry Christmas from The Wolf, we hope to see you there!

Willow Ridge Garden Center Meet & Greet with with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Oak Ridge, TN
97 Oak Ridge Turnpike
12/6/25, 12/13/25 & 12/20/25 11:00AM-2:00PM

Come visit Santa & Mrs. Claus for a great (& free!) photo op, refreshments and you can even mail your letter to Santa!

Friendly Farm Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Tazewell, TN
1104 Rebel Hollow Road
12/20/25 12:00PM

Come on out to the farm to take all the pictures you want with Santa, make some Christmas crafts, pet a goat, feed a lamb, snuggle a piglet, bunnies, chicks and more! Space is limited to just 50 kids so you have plenty of time with Santa! Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $17.00 for children.

Alumni Hall Smokey Claus
Knoxville, TN
11309 Parkside Drive
12/13/25 12:00PM-1:00PM

 Did we miss a Santa sighting? Please let us know!