It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after football season…and after dogwood season…and…well anytime is a wonderful time in Knoxville but we admit the winter holiday season is particularly delightful. We’ve rounded up our favorite activities to enjoy your favorite traditions and make new memories along the way!
Whether you’re looking for Christmas lights in Knoxville, holiday shopping, ice skating, or a chance to visit Santa, there’s plenty of festive fun to fill your calendar this season.
Smoky Night Lights is Zoo Knoxville’s immersive 360-degree music and light show celebrating the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Created by internationally acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory, this after-dark experience brings light, music, and nature together in four captivating chapters: Awakening, Abundance, Harmony, and Mystery. From a Smoky Mountain sunrise to a star-filled night, guests can experience the region in a whole new light. This unique nighttime experience is a fun way for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy the zoo beyond its traditional daytime hours.
Kick off the holiday season with this free, family-friendly celebration at Chilhowee Park in East Knoxville! Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree in the bandstand, free photos with Santa, crafts, and a holiday Touch-A-Truck where kids can get an up-close look at decorated construction vehicles, fire trucks, and police cars. It's a festive evening with plenty of activities for the whole family.
The Retropolitan Craft Fair is a hand-selected indie-craft marketplace featuring some of the Southeast’s finest talents in contemporary craft and design, along with upcycled goods and plenty of funky, vintage-inspired finds. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, this popular holiday shopping event returns to the Mill & Mine. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting talented makers and artists!
The Town of Farragut knows how to make the holidays shine! Countdown to Light the Park kicks things off on November 23 at Founders Park at Campbell Station, featuring family activities, entertainment, and the lighting of more than 100,000 holiday lights. Beginning November 24, thousands of lights illuminate Campbell Station Road nightly from dusk until 10 PM. Take a stroll, enjoy the decorations, and don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the mailbox at Founders Park! There's also Campbell Station Skate, offering another fun way to enjoy the holidays in Farragut.
One of Knoxville's favorite holiday traditions returns! Fantasy of Trees features beautifully decorated Christmas trees, holiday displays, shopping, and activities for families, all in support of children's healthcare at Dolly Parton's Children's Hospital. This longstanding East Tennessee tradition is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a great cause.
Downtown Knoxville officially kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving! Join us in Krutch Park Extension for the lighting of the 42-foot Mickey Mallonee Christmas in the City Tree. Live music by The Warman Trio begins at 5:15 PM, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 6 PM. After the tree lighting, enjoy free family-friendly activities, children's crafts, holiday entertainment, and more throughout Market Square and Market Street. The Warman Trio will continue spreading holiday cheer with performances on the Market Square Stage from 7–9 PM.
Santa is sending some of his magical Scout Elves from the North Pole to more than two dozen Downtown Knoxville businesses! Families are invited to explore downtown and find where these sneaky little elves have landed for a fun holiday scavenger hunt. Pick up a North Pole Pass at the Knoxville Visitors Center or Mast General Store and start searching. Find 20 or more elves for a chance to win prizes! The adventure is a fun excuse to explore downtown, shop local, and see what other holiday surprises you discover along the way. Don't forget to share your elf sightings using #ElvesInKnox!
Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of Downtown Knoxville to discover all sorts of holiday treats featuring everyone's favorite red-and-white candy! From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to festive cocktails sipped by candlelight, you'll find peppermint treats around almost every corner, along with gingerbread, cinnamon, cranberry, apple spice, and other seasonal flavors. Plus, downtown boutiques and gift shops feature peppermint-themed gifts, ornaments, candles, and all kinds of holiday surprises. Make a day of it and explore Knoxville's shops, restaurants, and holiday decorations!
Whether you're skating with family, friends, or on a date, there's something magical about ice skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville! Holidays on Ice returns to Market Square, where visitors can enjoy skating under the stars and twinkling holiday lights while listening to festive music. It's one of Knoxville's favorite winter traditions and a perfect addition to an evening of downtown dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The rink is open weather permitting, with skate rentals included in admission.
Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show at Covenant Health Park
Begins November 27, 2026 | 6–9 PM nightly
The Knoxville Smokies are bringing holiday magic back to Covenant Health Park! Presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, the Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show transforms the ballpark into a festive destination filled with dazzling light displays and family-friendly activities. Stroll through the sparkling displays, visit Santa on select dates, decorate cookies and ornaments, write letters to Santa, or enjoy a train ride around the ballpark. With seasonal treats, campfires, and s'mores, there's plenty of holiday fun in store! Tickets start at $9, with free admission for children ages three and under.
The Old City Market transforms West Jackson Avenue into a curated outdoor market showcasing Knoxville's artists, crafters, and creative makers. Spend Small Business Saturday browsing unique gifts, supporting local businesses, and enjoying the restaurants, coffee shops, and creative atmosphere that make Knoxville's Old City so special! It's a great way to find something a little different for everyone on your shopping list.
Get into the holiday spirit at Safety City Christmas! This miniature city transforms into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Families can stroll through the decorated streets and enjoy a fun, free holiday outing that's especially magical for little ones. Admission is free, but donations of canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank are encouraged. It's a great way to celebrate the season while giving back to the community!
Everyone loves a parade, and this fun-filled evening of marching bands, dancers, illuminated floats, holiday characters, and Santa Claus is no exception! The WIVK Christmas Parade returns to Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville on Friday, December 4. It's also December's First Friday, so make plans to enjoy a festive evening filled with art, holiday cheer, and plenty of downtown excitement. Arrive early, grab dinner, and find a great spot along the parade route! The parade travels along Gay Street to Jackson Avenue, finishing past Covenant Health Park.
Santa is returning to one of Knoxville's most iconic landmarks! Visit Knoxville welcomes families to the fourth-floor Observation Deck of the Sunsphere for a special holiday photo opportunity with Santa himself. Photo packages are available with digital high-resolution images, sweet treats, and an optional wrapped gift from Santa. Reservations are required, and space is limited. It's a unique Knoxville holiday tradition with a view you won't find anywhere else!
Holiday shopping is even better when you can support local farmers and makers! Nourish Knoxville's Winter Farmers Market brings locally grown, raised, and handmade products to the heart of Downtown Knoxville. Browse seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs, honey, fresh breads, baked goods, artisan crafts, and more. It's a great place to pick up ingredients for holiday gatherings or find locally made gifts for friends and family.
Get a little holiday shopping done while enjoying one of Knoxville's favorite parks! The Light Up Lakeshore Holiday Market at Lakeshore Park's HGTV Overlook brings together local makers, food trucks, children's activities, and festive photo opportunities. Shop for unique gifts, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy an afternoon of holiday fun with the whole family. Admission is free, making this a great way to shop local and celebrate the season!
Light up Knoxville at Tour de Lights, presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville! This free, family-friendly holiday celebration has a new home at Covenant Health Park, bringing plenty of festive fun for riders and spectators alike. Decorate your bike, dress in your best holiday attire, and enjoy an approximately five-mile group bike ride through Knoxville's Old City, historic Fourth & Gill neighborhood, and Downtown. Festivities begin at 3:30 PM with holiday music, carolers, firepits, marshmallow roasting, children's activities, and more. The group bike ride begins at 6 PM. Registration is encouraged, and there's even a costume contest for those who really want to get into the holiday spirit!
Bundle up and enjoy a magical evening at The Cove at Concord Park! This annual holiday tradition transforms the park into a winter wonderland with festive light displays along the walking trail. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the sparkling decorations, and soak up the holiday spirit with family and friends. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the Christmas season!
More Holiday Fun
Looking for even more ways to celebrate? Explore the Visit Knoxville Events Calendar for additional holiday performances, historic home tours, holiday markets, Christmas lights, and special events happening throughout Knoxville and Knox County. For more seasonal inspiration, check out things to do in Knoxville, discover downtown shopping, and start planning your holiday visit!
New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere
December 31, 2026 | 9 PM–12:15 AM
Ring in 2027 with a Knoxville tradition! Head to World's Fair Park for New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere, a festive celebration featuring activities and entertainment as Knoxville counts down to midnight. Enjoy an evening exploring Downtown Knoxville, grab dinner at a local restaurant, take in the holiday lights, and make your way to World's Fair Park for the celebration. And of course, don't miss the countdown to the new year with the Sunsphere as the backdrop!
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
