Plan your festive fun in Johnson City with our ultimate guide. From Johnson City regulars to holiday explorers, this guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
One standout event is the Johnson City Christmas Parade, where beautifully decorated floats and festive music fill the streets, creating a warm holiday spirit. In addition, the Downtown Candy Land Christmas transforms the area into a whimsical winter wonderland, perfect for families and children to enjoy. And the Holiday Market is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring local artisans and unique gifts that celebrate the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Johnson City
- Johnson City Christmas Parade
- Downtown Candy Land Christmas
- Jonesborough Christmas Parade (Jonesborough)
- Holiday Market
- Elizabethton Christmas Parade (Elizabethton)
- Christmas Open House (Elizabethton)
- Santa’s Christmas Village (Jonesborough)
- Lighting of the Tree (Jonesborough)
- Doggone Christmas (Jonesborough)
- Mike Farris Sings The Soul of Christmas (Abingdon)
See these and even more events listed below!
Johnson City Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Candy Land Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday trees decorated by local businesses and non-profit organizations.
Description:
Downtown Candy Land Christmas features over 180 natural trees decorated by area businesses and non-profit organizations, spanning downtown areas like King Commons, Cupcake Commons, Founders Park, and Gumdrop Forest. Each tree costs $200, with 40 reserved for non-profit organizations at $150 each.
Where: Johnson City | More Info: Downtown Candy Land Christmas
Elizabethton Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Twinkling light-decorated floats celebrating Christmas magic.
Description:
The Elizabethton Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring floats decorated with twinkling lights and light accessories, celebrating the magic of Christmas through joy and illumination. The parade honors the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department as Grand Marshal, highlighting their contributions to the community.
Where: Elizabethton | More Info: Elizabethton Christmas Parade
Lighting of the Tree
What to Expect:
Authentic Fraser Fir tree lighting with live music.
Description:
The Lighting of the Tree in Historic Downtown Jonesborough features the illumination of an authentic Fraser Fir tree, accompanied by the sounds of David Crockett High School's Madrigal Singers and elementary school students from Jonesborough Elementary and Grandview Schools. A local artist, Jules Corriere, will tell a Christmas story.
Where: Jonesborough | More Info: Lighting of the Tree
Johnson City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors selling gifts and seasonal items.
Description:
The Holiday Market in Johnson City features local artisans and vendors selling gifts, fashion, and seasonal items at 290 Wine Castle.
Where: Johnson City | More Info: Holiday Market
Christmas Open House
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday shopping event with local businesses.
Description:
Join Downtown Elizabethton for the 26th Annual Christmas Open House, featuring holiday decor, gifts, refreshments, sales, door prizes, and gift wrapping. Support local businesses and kick off your holiday season with a wonderful community event.
Where: Elizabethton | More Info: Christmas Open House
Johnson City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Jonesborough Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with live music and lights.
Description:
The Jonesborough Christmas Parade is a nighttime event featuring floats, bands, classic cars, dancers, and Santa Claus, with a theme of "Spirit of Christmas." It takes place in downtown Jonesborough, showcasing the town's beautiful small-town setting.
Where: Jonesborough | More Info: Jonesborough Christmas Parade
Santa’s Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities with Santa and holiday crafts.
Description:
Santa's Christmas Village features family fun with pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, and children's crafting stations throughout downtown Jonesborough.
Where: Jonesborough | More Info: Santa’s Christmas Village
Mike Farris Sings The Soul of Christmas
What to Expect:
Heartfelt performances by Grammy Winner Mike Farris.
Description:
Grammy Winner Mike Farris serenades with soulful Christmas renditions, benefiting Sanctuary, a residential safe-haven for mothering adults recovering from substance misuse.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Mike Farris Sings The Soul of Christmas
Crooked Road Christmas Jam
What to Expect:
Traditional Appalachian music and holiday festivities.
Description:
The Crooked Road Christmas Jam brings together traditional Appalachian music and holiday cheer in a festive celebration of old-time and bluegrass tunes.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Crooked Road Christmas Jam
Milligan University Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Free concert with reserved seating, featuring Milligan's premier capella ensemble.
Description:
The Milligan University Christmas Concert features choirs, orchestra, and organ in a beautifully decorated auditorium, including a carol sing-along and candle-lighting ceremony.
Where: Milligan College | More Info: Milligan University Christmas Concert
Greeneville Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Family-friendly musical celebrating the power of Christmas.
Description:
Join Scrooge, George Bailey, and the Grinch for a delightful family musical about the transforming power of Christmas. This event features music, dance, and joy as the community comes together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Where: Greeneville | More Info: Greeneville Christmas Spectacular
Johnson City Other Holiday Activities
Johnson City Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-themed floats and performances celebrating Gingerbread City.
Description:
The Johnson City Christmas Parade, themed "Gingerbread City," features floats, marching bands, and community performances along a historic downtown route, promoting community spirit and creativity.
Where: Johnson City | More Info: Johnson City Christmas Parade
Doggone Christmas
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly holiday celebration with dog treat stops and a pet costume contest.
Description:
Doggone Christmas is a festive event in downtown Jonesborough where attendees can bring their furry friends for pictures with Santa, enjoy dog treat stops, and participate in a pet costume contest. The event also features a Tennessee Tails Pup Parade and a Christmas Market with local vendors selling pet-friendly items and holiday gifts.
Where: Jonesborough | More Info: Doggone Christmas
Abingdon Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with floats and marching bands.
Description:
The Abingdon Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups, all coming together to celebrate the holiday season.