KNOXVILLE, TN (October 28, 2026) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Visit Knoxville announces holiday programming and events for both the Sunsphere and Visitors Center for November through December 2026. Additionally, the Sunsphere attraction and Gift Shop inside the Welcome Center will become a cashless venue as of November 2, 2026.
“Moving to a cashless system is an exciting step forward as we continue finding ways to improve the guest experience,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “From faster transactions to greater convenience, this change will help create a smoother, more enjoyable visit for everyone.”
“We’re excited to continue bringing new and returning holiday programming to the Sunsphere and Visit Knoxville Visitors Center,” continued Bumpas. “These events allow us to celebrate the spirit of the holidays by supporting local Makers and musicians, sharing a special moment as the sun sets, and creating memories with the community and beyond.”
SUNSPHERE PROGRAMMING
Sunsphere Story Club – November 1–30, 2026
The Sunsphere is celebrating National Family Literacy Month in November, and Visit Knoxville encourages families to come together and recognize the important role of shared reading time in helping children grow. The new Sunsphere Story Club is a reading challenge for kids, where participants will read 10 books, write a short book report or recommendation about their favorite, and bring it to the Sunsphere Welcome Center to receive a free ticket to the 4th Floor Observation Deck. This program kicks off on November 1, 2026, and will continue as an ongoing initiative. More details on joining the story club at www.VisitKnoxville.com/Kids-Activities.
Sunset at the Sunsphere – First Fridays November–March (with the exception of December)
The Sunsphere celebrates First Fridays in the fall and winter seasons with Sunset at the Sunsphere. This special ticketed monthly event invites visitors to enjoy refreshments, explore the 4th Floor Observation Deck, shop with a featured local Maker, and watch the sun go down over Knoxville. Event dates are November 6, 2026; January 8, 2027 (the second Friday due to New Year’s Day); February 5, 2027; and March 5, 2027. Event times vary based on scheduled sunset. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at SunsphereSunsets.com.
Sunsphere Sessions – November 20, 2026
The Sunsphere Welcome Center hosts Sunsphere Sessions, a free live music event that takes place at various times throughout the year. The last Session for 2026 will be held on November 20 from 6–7PM. The featured musician is Corey James Clifton and his band, a touring multi-genre artist blending soul, roots-rock, and psychedelic jams with his band & delivering powerful, heartfelt Americana solo. He has also co-created with the producers of OneRepublic.
Santa at the Sunsphere – December 4–6, 2026
The Sunsphere welcomes back the jolly man in red with Santa at the Sunsphere. Limited photo packages are available for purchase, and reservations allot for a photo opportunity with Santa for up to 3 children. For those with more than 3 children seeing Santa, an additional package must be purchased. (ex: 1 package for 3 children, 2 packages for up to 6 children). Package A is $60 and includes all digital high-resolution photos via email, plus a free candy cane, sticker, and Christmas cookies provided by Food City. Package B is $75 and includes all of Package A plus one wrapped present from Santa. Full details and purchasing options are at SunsphereSanta.com.
VISITORS CENTER PROGRAMMING
Postcards for Purpose – December 1–31, 2026
Visit Knoxville has partnered with The Lettering Loft and Paris Woodhull Illustrations to create holiday-themed postcards for the month of December. Visitors may purchase a postage-paid postcard (valid for mailing to any destination in the U.S.) for $5, and proceeds will benefit The Empty Stocking Fund, a local, volunteer-run organization focused completely on helping East Tennessee families experiencing food insecurity.
First Friday Holiday Pop-Up Shop – December 4, 2026
The Visit Knoxville Visitors Center celebrates First Friday monthly with free live music at 6PM in partnership with WDVX’s First Friday Live and a featured local Maker. For December’s First Friday, the featured Maker will be Paris Woodhull Illustrations. This will serve as a kick-off to Postcards for Purpose with an extended pop-up shop available all day from 8:30AM–7PM. The Visitors Center will be open until 7PM, when the WIVK Christmas Parade begins.
Sunsphere and Visitors Center Holiday Hours and Closures
- November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving) – Closed
- November 27, 2026 – 9AM–3PM
- December 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve) – 9AM–3PM
- December 25, 2026 (Christmas Day) – Closed
- December 31, 2026 (New Year’s Eve) – 9AM–3PM
- January 1, 2027 (New Year’s Day) – Closed
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ABOUT VISIT KNOXVILLE
Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders, and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings, and travel destination. Tourism is the second highest grossing industry in the state of Tennessee. Knoxville/Knox County annually produces over $2 billion in travel spending. Visit Knoxville is also home to the VK Sports Commission, the VK Film Office, the Sunsphere Welcome Center & Observation Deck, and the Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street. For more information, go to visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
