The most wonderful time of year is upon us. Did you know there's a reason it's deemed "wonderful" every year. It's because of all the fun activities in the community to do with your loved ones!
We've worked hard to find you the best events to check out this Holiday Season. From ice skating with the family, to decorating workshops or Holiday-themed marathons, there's a little something for everyone here.
November
Vintage Market Days
November 19th - 21st
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bringing the Vintage Experience to you. Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more.
Feeding The 5000
November 20th | 9:00 am
Grace Baptist Church
We want to see everyone in the Knoxville area enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their family. On November 20, we will be giving away boxes of food to the first 1,000 families. Doors open at 9am. Each of these boxes will feed 5 or more people, and contains everything needed for a Thanksgiving meal. There is no registration necessary. This is a FREE event.
Chocolate Fantasy & Festival of Trees
November 20th | 5:00 pm
Empower Cocke County
Indulge in the 8th annual Chocolate Fantasy To Go! Chocolate vendors will sample their treats for your enjoyment. We will have a to-go option this year for $20 per box of candy. This can be picked up at the front or back. Tree bids will be taken online and in person. In-person bidding is a walkthrough only. To make multiple bids on the same auction item do so online via Facebook. All proceeds go to support the ministry efforts of Empower Cocke County which is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
FWF Knoxville Mimosa Crawl
November 21st | 12:00 pm
Scruffy City Hall
The official MIMOSA Bar Crawl is back! Visit the best bars & restaurants in Knoxville, TN for a mimosa -inspired bar crawl you won’t want to miss! (This Event is LIMITED to 1000 Tickets)
Purchasing a ticket/wristband grants you access to exclusive heavily discounted specials at participating locations. The amount saved from just a couple drinks will make up the cost of the ticket.
Christmas in Chilhowee
November 24th
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center will be lighting up the park and will be open until 10:00 pm nightly for the community to enjoy during the holiday season.
Fantasy of Trees
November 24th - 28th
Knoxville Convention Center
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is excited to announce Fantasy of Trees will return November 2021, with extended hours, after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event is the hospital’s largest fundraiser, attracting nearly 60,000 people during the week of Thanksgiving.
Gatlinburg’s Festival Of Trees
November 24th - 28th
East Tennessee History Center
The 2021 Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will kick off on November 24th at the WL Mills Conference Center. A full list of events will be added as information becomes available. The festival will also feature a children’s craft area, play area, entertainment throughout the week, photos with Santa and beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Proceeds from the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation.
Knoxville’s Holidays On Ice
November 26th - January 2nd
Market square
Whether with family, friends or on a date you’ll love skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville in Market Square! Join us at Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank to make memories that will last long after the holidays are over. Enjoy skating under the stars and twinkling lights while listening to music every night.
Madisonville Christmas Festival on the Square
Nov 26th - Dec 11th | Various Times
East Tennessee History Center
Make this year’s holiday season extra special with a visit in Downtown Madisonville. Get into the spirit of the holiday season with Christmas lights galore, activities for the whole family, holiday eats and treats and of course shopping!
Peppermint Trail
November 27th - January 3rd
Downtown Knoxville
Follow the peppermints along the sidewalks in Downtown Knoxville to discover all sorts of treats featuring the favorite red-and-white candy, plus plenty of gingerbread, cinnamon, cranberry, apple spice, and other holiday flavors. From candy cane coffees and cranberry cocktails, to eggnogs and peppermint martinis, you’ll feel the holiday magic with every sip! Many treats and cocktails on the Peppermint Trail are available for takeout, so you can enjoy from home! More info: https://www.downtownknoxville.org/holiday/peppermint/
Great Smoky Thanksgiving & Christmas
Arts & Crafts Show
November 29th - December 4th | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans makes its home in Gatlinburg and the 8-mile Arts and Crafts Loop along Route 321, Buckhorn Road and Glades Road.
The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure
November 27th - January 3rd
Downtown Knoxville
Did you hear the most wonderful news? Santa is sending Scout Elves to Downtown Knoxville for a magical window front scavenger hunt! And Saint Nick has granted these special elves permission to remain in Knoxville from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, January 3. Since the North Pole is following health and safety guidelines just like us, the Scout Elves will hide in holiday storefront windows only. You can pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Visit Knoxville to guide you through the adventure.
December
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 4th | 3:00 pm OR 7:30 pm
Tennessee Theatre
Do you remember the first time you heard the Christmas sounds of Mannheim Steamroller? You can again celebrate the holiday magic of Mannheim Steamroller in 2021 when they bring their annual holiday tour to fans throughout the country.
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
December 7th | 7:00 pm
Bijou Theatre 803 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Jim Brickman His star-studded vocal collaborations have crossed genres to feature luminaries like Martina McBride, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis and Kenny Loggins amongst many others.
2021 Knoxville Christmas Extravaganza
December 10th | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Grande Event Center, 5441 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912
Join us for the 2nd Annual 2021 Knoxville Christmas Extravaganza! This year there be a few changes we are moving to Friday evening and Saturday show this year. Second there will be a $5 admission charge for adults. Half of all ticket sales will be donated to a local charity announced soon! This year we will have Santa’s Village with activities free of charge!
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical
December 10th | 6:30 pm
Tennessee Theatre
Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. It is an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Do not miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Tour de Lights
December 11th | 12:00 pm
Downtown Knoxville
Tour de Lights is a fun, free, family friendly bike ride through downtown and North Knoxville. Participants are encouraged to get in the holiday spirit by decorating themselves and their bikes. The event engages neighborhoods and businesses, along with others who come out to view the festivities. https://www.bwknox.org/tourdelights
4th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl: Knoxville
December 11th | 8:00 pm - 2:00 am
Skybox, 415 S Gay St, Knoxville
Come get UGLY with us this holiday! Join us for the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl! Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK on Dec. 11th, 2021. Regular Ticket Includes: Welcome Holiday shot, Ugly Sweater Koozie, First 100 to check in get additional holiday giveaway, Themed Discounted Drink specials at participating bars, Christmas movie live stream trivia during crawl for prizes, Registration party to kick off the crawl, DJ’s playing holiday music at multiple stops, Ugly Sweater Digital Crawl Map to help guide you bar to bar, Ugly Sweater After Party VIP Ticket Available.
*Sizes S-3X available. All get a shirt at after party but sizes not guaranteed.
Bar Partners: Skybox, Preservation Pub, Scruffy City Hall, Bernadette’s Crystal Gardens, Tommy Trent’s
KJO: A Swingin’ Christmas: Featuring Warren Wolf
December 14th | 8:00 pm -10:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
Called “the hippest concert of the season,” sparkling arrangements of holiday favorites in the style of Ellington, Basie and other jazz greats will take the stage. Vibraphonist extraordinaire Warren Wolf joins the band this year to help make your season bright!
Rock’in Santa Half Marathon & Sunshine Santa 5k
December 18th | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Victor Ashe Park
Get into the holiday spirit with either a half marathon or 5K run Saturday, December 18th, 2021 from Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, TN. Events benefit the Sunshine Ambassadors - Enriching the lives of people with disabilities through dance! Christmas Rock-n-Roll music will abound from Victor Ashe Park and along the routes.