KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – With the holidays just around the corner, several groups are putting on festive events to keep you and the family entertained and in the holiday spirit.
Below is a list of some of the most popular Knoxville-area events.
‘A Christmas Carol’ at UT’s Clarence Brown Theatre
A Christmas Carol is returning to the University of Tennessee’s Clarence Brown Theatre. The holiday tradition will bring Charles Dickens’ story of Ebeneezer Scrooge to the stage ahead of the holiday season.
Christmas at Chilhowee Park
This free event includes photos with Santa, holiday lights and more, all at Chilhowee Park.
Christmas at the Courthouse
A Sevier County tradition continues with the official lighting of the Sevier County Christmas tree. It goes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. There will be road closures starting at 3 p.m.
Christmas in Olde Town Loudon
Holiday cheer will ring out at the Loudon County Courthouse on Dec. 5. There will be a tree lighting, Christmas concert, kids crafts, refreshments and a visit with Santa. It starts at 6 p.m.
Christmas Lantern Express
The Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville is gearing up to take guests on this year’s Christmas Lantern Express journey.
This tradition shows riders festive decorations, offers holiday treats and includes a story time with celebrity readers.
City of Clinton Tree Lighting
In addition to the tree lighting, the event includes a silent auction to support Quilts of Valor, a chili cook off, free cookies and cocoa, and photos with Santa. It goes from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Clinton Community Center.
City of Clinton Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas parade in Clinton will be Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The city said the best place to watch is on Main Street between Market and Hicks Streets.
City of Oak Ridge Community Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual event features a countdown and tree lighting, “Letters to Santa” craft table and mailbox, music and refreshments. It starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 at A.K. Bissell Park.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
This East Tennessee favorite will see Dollywood decked head to toe in holiday cheer.
Elf on the Shelf Adventure
More than two dozen elves are hiding in Downtown Knoxville from Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Jan. 4.
Fantasy of Trees
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is gearing up for the 41st anniversary of their biggest fundraiser of the year, Fantasy of Trees.
The five-day holiday celebration will run from Nov. 26 until Nov. 30 showcasing hundreds of sparkling, designer-decorated Christmas trees.
Free Drive through Nativity
Dutch Bottoms Baptist Church in Newport will be hosting this holiday event Dec. 8 through 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The church is located at 1084 US-25E in Newport.
Fountain City Christmas Parade
The 2nd annual Fountain City Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.
Gatlinburg’s Christmas Parade
The City of Gatlinburg is gearing up for its 50th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, and this year it’ll feature a star-studded lineup.
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
The city of Gatlinburg has announced that the 52nd annual Festival of Trees is returning Thanksgiving Weekend.
It’s taking place from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 at the W.L. Mills Conference Center, located at 234 Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg.
It will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Holidays on Ice
Market Square in downtown Knoxville will be playing host to an ice skating rink in this annual tradition.
The rink is open from Black Friday through Jan. 4.
Hometown Christmas
Kick off the holiday season in Blount County on Dec. 4. The tree lighting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Blount County Courthouse. There will also be musical performances, hay rides, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa.
Karns Christmas Parade
The Karns Christmas Parade is slated for Dec. 6 and begins at 9 a.m. It’ll run from the Ingles on Oak Ridge Highway and travel 1.3 miles to the Weigel’s and Walgreens.
Karns High School Junior and cancer survivor Hayden Jennings is this year’s grand marshal.
Knox County Festival of Lights
The Cove at Concord Park (11808 S. Northshore Dr.) will play host to Knox County’s 27th annual Holiday Festival of Lights.
The family-friendly event will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 and showcase holiday lights all across the park.
Entrance is free, but people are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to The Love Kitchen.
Light the Park
From dusk to 10 p.m. each night through the holiday season, Founders Park (405 Campbell Station Rd.) will play host to a holiday light display.
Newport Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 5 will mark the Newport Christmas Parade. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Debbie’s Drive-In and will follow Broadway through downtown before ending at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.
This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Christmas.” Floats, cars and marching groups are expected.
“It truly is a magical night,” Lynn Ramsey, director of the Cocke County Partnership Chamber of Commerce, said. “We’re grateful for our sponsors and everyone who helps make this parade possible. It’s a moment to come together, enjoy the lights, and celebrate what makes our community so special.”
Santa at West Town Mall
Santa will be taking pictures with children from Nov. 7 though Christmas Eve.
Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show
Covenant Health Park is transforming into a winter wonderland. Through Dec. 5 to Jan. 5, there will be light displays, holiday activities, a kids train ride and Santa. Tickets start at $9.99, but kids three and under are free.
