Christmas in the City
Christmas in the City
Start off winter holiday season with Christmas in the City, Knoxville's most anticipated winter festival!
Our city dresses for the holidays with lighted trees and decorations - including the popular and growing Up on the Rooftops displays - plus dozens of events guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.
This festival celebrates the holidays in grand fashion. With special events occurring almost daily, there is something for everyone who wishes to join in the community spirit of Christmas in Knoxville. Events include Candlelight Tours of Knoxville's 18th century homes, a presentation of the Nutcracker by the Appalachian Ballet, and the annual Christmas Parade down downtown’s Gay Street.
One of the grandest events is the 21st Annual Living Christmas Tree held at Thompson Boling Arena by Sevier Heights Baptist Church! With more than 300 singers and instrumentalists, 300 cast members and incredible sets with a 49-foot tall stunning tree, this is a free event fit for the entire family. Performances are set for Dec. 19-21 and the event has even been named a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society.
January is sure to be a musical month! Begin your New Year with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s (KSO) “The Piano Men” on Jan. 9 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. This is a musical celebration of the 1970s – year-by-year, hit-by-hit – with the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John! Additionally, enjoy the KSO’s tribute to Beethoven and Brahms on Jan. 14 and 15 at the Tennessee Theatre during the Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series!
On Feb. 19, make plans to attend An Evening with Classic Lily Tomlin at the Tennessee Theatre. As one of America's foremost comedians, Tomlin continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in television, theater, motion pictures, animation, and video. It’s guaranteed to be a night you won’t want to miss.
But, wait; there’s more! A charming experience awaits you in Knoxville’s downtown area, which has quickly become the central hub for entertainment, shopping, nightlife and restaurants and it’s the perfect place to park the car and explore the Market Square District and Gay Street. Both areas are full of unique shops and museums, restaurants and nightlife such as the East Tennessee History Center, Bijou Theatre and World Grotto. The open, fun and relaxed atmosphere of downtown Knoxville is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
We encourage you to discover all that Knoxville has for you to enjoy by visiting the Knoxville Visitor Center, located at 301 South Gay Street in the heart of downtown (if you come at noon on the weekdays, you’ll get the experience the famous WDVX Blue Plate Special) and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Knoxville Visitor & Resource Guide!
