Knoxville, Tenn. is bursting with unforgettable activity during this holiday season. Parades, concerts, ice skating, holiday lights, and fireworks are all part of the annual Christmas in the City celebration.    

For travelers looking to ring in the holidays, Knoxville is once again hosting the most anticipated winter festival in East Tennessee.  Christmas in the City is a two-month celebration, which includes hundreds of events and attractions celebrating the holidays beginning November 1st and continuing through New Year’s Eve. 

“Knoxville is a holiday destination, whether it is for shopping, concerts, parades, or special holiday events,” said Gloria Ray, President and CEO of the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation. “As Knoxville transforms into a holiday wonderland, travelers from across the southeast will step out of vehicles and into local events.  Christmas in the City truly gives visitors the opportunity to connect with the culture and people in Knoxville.”  

For a full list of events visit the City of Knoxville’s Christmas in the City site http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/christmas or Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation holiday site www.knoxville.org/Christmas.

Event highlights include:

November 25, 2011
Regal Celebration of Lights
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/
Market Square, Krutch Park & Krutch Park Extension
Downtown Knoxville becomes a Christmas village with free hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, caroling and more. Also, experience the lighting of the First Tennessee Foundation Christmas Tree & holiday entertainment by the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Unity Choir.
(865) 215-4248

November 25, 2011
WDVX Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown
Market Square
Freddy Smith & his Holiday Chickens will emcee performances by local musicians & dancers.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/

December 2, 2011
WIVK/Flowers Christmas Parade
Downtown Knoxville/ Gay Street
The Christmas Parade has been a traditional Christmas event in Knoxville for over 35 years. The timeless classic includes Santa, a selection of high school bands, dancers, colorful floats, animals & local celebrities marching down historic Gay Street.
www.wivk.com
 
December 9, 2011
Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee
Chilhowee Park
Visit a winter wonderland at Chilhowee Park. Listen to Christmas carols, have pictures taken with Santa Claus, decorate cookies, roast marshmallows & take a horse-drawn wagon ride to tour the park's Christmas light display.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/

December 1 - 18
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Carousel Theatre
Inspired by the classic American Film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Prices Vary.
www.clarencebrowntheatre.com

December 2
A Skaggs Family Christmas
Tennessee Theatre
Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs joins his family on stage for A Skaggs Family Christmas, a performance of holiday songs both popular and traditional. For more information and ticket prices contact the Tennessee Theatre.
www.tennesseetheatre.com

December 2
Gaither Christmas Homecoming
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
www.knoxvillecoliseum.com

December 2 - 3
Emporium Holiday Extravaganza!
Emporium Center, downtown Knoxville
This two-day celebration features fine crafts and other handmade gifts by local artists and museum gift shops as well as live music and dance. No admission charge.
www.knoxalliance.com

December 3 & 4
Victorian Holiday Home Tour
Historic Old North Knoxville Neighborhood
Visit 10 historic homes decorated for the holidays in Old North Knoxville. Prices in advance $9, at event adults $12, senior citizens $9, and 12 & under free.
www.oldnorthknoxville.org

December 4
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Tennessee Theatre
Home Federal Bank presents the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Admission is free.
www.tennesseetheatre.com

December 9
“Alive After Five” Holiday Dance Party
Knoxville Museum of Art
Live music by the Atomic Horns, cash bar, food & free popcorn! Price $10.
www.knoxart.org

December 10
Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis
Krutch Park, downtown Knoxville
Tie jingle bells to your shoes & come join the fun at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk or 1 mile fun walk for arthritis.
www.knoxvillejbr.org

December 11 - 13
The Nativity Pageant
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
www.knoxvillecoliseum.com

December 11
Christmas Home Tour
Halls Area
A tour of several beautiful homes in the Halls area. Call for admission price.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/

December 15
Tour de Lights
Market Square, downtown Knoxville
Bike ride that starts from Market Square and tours downtown, 4th & Gill and Old North Knoxville. Awards given to best decorated contest. No charge.
www.knoxtrans.org

December 16, 18
Miracle on 34th Street – Movie
Tennessee Theatre
When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer defends him in court in this 1947 film.
www.tennesseetheatre.com

December 16
Uniquely Kid’s Friday
Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St.
Enjoy a special holiday craft and a guest appearance from Spherit! A great way to enjoy the holidays and learn about everything Knoxville has to offer! No admission charge.
www.knoxville.org

December 16 - 30
Holiday Festival of Lights
Cove at Concord Park
The Cove at Concord Park sparkles with holiday light displays. Bonfires for roasting marshmallows, kettle corn, hot chocolate, and coffee available. No admission charge.
www.knoxcounty.org/parks

December 17 - 19
2011 Living Christmas Tree
Thompson-Boling Arena
Presented by Sevier Heights Baptist, Living Christmas Tree features a 240-Voice choir, 60-Piece orchestra, and a cast of over 300. Free tickets online.
www.livingchristmastree.org

December 31
First Night Knoxville 2012
Downtown Knoxville
New Year’s Eve Celebration of the Arts in downtown. Full evening of music, comedy and dance at over a dozen venues throughout the Market Square District. First Night Admission Buttons can be purchased at all Pilot locations.
www.firstnightknoxville.com

We invite you to browse the links above to learn more about the unique holiday events taking place in Knoxville. For a full list of events about Knoxville’s Christmas in the City, please visit www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/christmas.