Experience the best holiday highlights in Knoxville! Our guide showcases all the must-see events. Whether you're a Knoxville local or a global adventurer, this guide helps you embrace the city's festive charm.
One enchanting highlight of the season is the classic performance of A Christmas Carol, where audiences are transported into the timeless tale of Scrooge and the true spirit of Christmas. Alongside this, enjoy the dazzling displays and festive atmosphere at the Regal Celebration of Lights, featuring a spectacular showcase of holiday decorations. And the Fantasy of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss, where beautifully decorated trees inspire the holiday spirit in a whimsical setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Knoxville
- A Christmas Carol
- Winterfest (Pigeon Forge)
- Fantasy of Trees
- Regal Celebration of Lights
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
- A Drag Queen Christmas
- Christmas at Chilhowee
- Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas (Greeneville)
- Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market (East Ridge)
See these and even more events listed below!
Knoxville Holiday Light Displays
Regal Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Live music and craft activities accompany the tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Regal Celebration of Lights at Krutch Park Extension features a 42-foot tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live music by Jingle Five, and various activities including a craft workshop for children and a miniature train set. Local businesses will also be offering crafts and other activities.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Regal Celebration of Lights
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Elaborate holiday light displays and festive events.
Description:
Pigeon Forge Winterfest features over 6 million twinkling lights, intricate animal displays, and festive holiday events, transforming the area into a vibrant winter destination.
Where: Pigeon Forge | More Info: Winterfest
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
What to Expect:
Award-winning illusionists Scott & Ana perform Scott's Holiday Magic Show.
Description:
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA, transforms into a spectacular holiday light show featuring Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. Enjoy photo opportunities and a visit with Santa Claus.
Where: Hiawassee | More Info: Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Enchanted Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with interactive Santa experience.
Description:
Walk through Rock City Gardens' winter wonderland featuring over a million sparkling lights, including a 43-foot walk-through tree of lights, and immerse yourself in an all-new Santa experience with two photo opportunities.
Where: Lookout Mountain | More Info: Enchanted Garden of Lights
Tweetsie Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive train ride through dazzling holiday lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Tweetsie Railroad with a 20-minute nighttime train ride through over 1 million Christmas lights, a live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, and meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House filled with candied furnishings.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
What to Expect:
Hayride through lit landscapes with hot cocoa.
Description:
At Darnell Farms, Christmas Wonderland offers a festive hayride through beautifully lit landscapes, accompanied by hot cocoa.
Where: Bryson City | More Info: Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa visits and festive lighting.
Description:
Blowing Rock's Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town is an annual holiday event featuring hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa. The festival takes place in Memorial Park and includes carnival games, hayrides, and live music.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town
Market in the Park Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday market with lighted displays and live music.
Description:
Market in the Park Celebration of Lights features a variety of vendors, food trucks, and activities, including lighted displays and live music.
Where: Fairmont | More Info: Market in the Park Celebration of Lights
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and festive parade.
Description:
Join us on Main Street in Downtown Galax for the Christmas Tree Lighting Parade, a festive event kicking off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony and parade.
Where: Galax | More Info: Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Nationally recognized event with elaborate floats and live performances.
Description:
The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg features a procession of brightly illuminated floats, lively marching bands, giant balloons, and festive characters, transforming the city into a dazzling winter spectacle.
Where: Gatlinburg | More Info: Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
LDI’s Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual holiday celebration with carols and Santa visits.
Description:
Celebrate the season in Downtown Luray during LDI's annual Christmas tree lighting at PAL's plaza, featuring carols and visits with Santa.
Where: Luray | More Info: LDI’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Knoxville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fantasy of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday event with over 350 beautifully designed trees and local school children's decorations.
Description:
East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees is a holiday event featuring over 350 beautifully designed trees, holiday accessories, store front windows, door designs, and table centerpieces. The event includes an Adopt-a-Tree forest decorated by local school children and offers special holiday shopping opportunities.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Fantasy of Trees
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Unique, handmade art and crafts from across the country.
Description:
Christmas Made in the South is a premier fine arts and crafts festival featuring hundreds of artists and craftsmen showcasing unique, handmade works including pottery, glass blowing, jewelry, and more. The event offers a diverse array of art, gourmet food, and entertainment for the entire family.
Where: Dalton | More Info: Christmas Made in the South
Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Free Santa and Grinch photo opportunities.
Description:
The Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market is an indoor event at Camp Jordan Arena featuring over 140 vendors selling gifts and seasonal items. Enjoy free pictures with Santa and the Grinch, and explore a variety of food options.
Where: East Ridge | More Info: Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market
Wintertide
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday market with local vendors and activities.
Description:
Wintertide in Highland County, Virginia, is a holiday celebration featuring local vendors, kids' activities, and festive events throughout the county.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Wintertide
Farmers Market Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling seasonal items and fresh produce.
Description:
The Greer Farmers Market Christmas Festival is a two-day event featuring local bakers, makers, farmers, and artisans. Enjoy live music, food, and a festive atmosphere at Greer City Park.
Where: Greer | More Info: Farmers Market Christmas Festival
Knoxville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with professional actors and designers.
Description:
A timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring a cast of characters in a story of hope and redemption.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: A Christmas Carol
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class circus acts with a holiday twist.
Description:
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances by world-class entertainers. The show features acrobats, contortionists, aerialists, and jugglers performing to your favorite holiday music, creating a perfect blend of magic and holiday cheer.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
A Drag Queen Christmas
What to Expect:
Live performances by top drag queens celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
A Drag Queen Christmas is a spectacular holiday event featuring Nina West and a lineup of renowned drag queens, including Sasha Colby, Sapphira Cristal, Roxxxy Andrews, and Angeria Paris VanMichaels. The show promises an unforgettable night with performances by winners, fan favorites, legends, and queens from Season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars 9.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: A Drag Queen Christmas
Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas
What to Expect:
Sibling trio's inimitable harmony and chart-topping holiday music.
Description:
Girl Named Tom brings their harmonious blend of folk and holiday music to the stage, featuring siblings Bekah, Joshua, and Caleb Liechty. Known for their chart-topping covers and debut holiday EP "One More Christmas," which reached No. 1 on iTunes Charts, they have captivated audiences with their heart-wrenching performances and impressive streaming numbers.
Where: Greeneville | More Info: Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas
Knoxville Other Holiday Activities
Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
What to Expect:
Themed nights with live music.
Description:
Knoxville's Holidays on Ice is an outdoor ice skating rink located in Market Square, Downtown Knoxville. The rink offers regular and extended hours, including special holiday hours. Admission includes entry fee, skate rental, and unlimited time on the ice. The event features themed nights, such as Ice Bears Night and Decade Night, with music provided by local DJs.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
Christmas at Chilhowee
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with free activities and a Touch--Truck display.
Description:
Join us for a free holiday event in Chilhowee Park, featuring the lighting of the tree, free activities, photos with Santa, crafts, and a Touch--Truck with decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks, and police cars. Enjoy a free hayride around the park to see the lights.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Christmas at Chilhowee
Christmas Celebration & Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local traditions.
Description:
The Christmas Celebration & Parade in Niota features a festive procession and community gathering, celebrating the holiday season with local traditions and spirit.
Where: Niota | More Info: Christmas Celebration & Parade
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Santa's presence in a festive parade with various vehicles and floats.
Description:
The Helen's Annual Christmas Parade is a fun small-town event featuring fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, unique floats, and plenty of candy. Santa himself will be there, making it a memorable experience for all.
Where: Helen | More Info: Christmas Parade
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with decorated floats and marching bands.
Description:
Luray's annual Christmas Parade is a festive event where the town comes together to celebrate the holiday season. Decorated floats, marching bands, and community groups create a lively atmosphere along Main Street.
Where: Luray | More Info: Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Farragut (14 miles)
- Maryville (14 miles)
- Oak Ridge (20 miles)
- Morristown (39 miles)