Holiday Activities and Events for Knoxville Residents This December

News Summary

Knoxville is buzzing with holiday cheer this December, featuring a variety of activities and events for all ages. From ice skating at the Holidays on Ice rink to the Downtown Peppermint Trail and the Christkindlesmarkt, there are plenty of festive experiences to enjoy. Don’t miss the WIVK Christmas Parade, the Holiday Festival of Lights, and special shows at local theaters. Mark your calendars for New Year’s at the Sunsphere to cap off the celebrations. Gather friends and family and make the most of this joyous season!

Exciting Holiday Activities and Events Unveiled for Knoxville Residents This December

Oh, Knoxville, you’re in for a treat this December! The city’s holiday spirit is in full swing with a fantastic lineup of festive activities and events that promise to make this season unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for family fun, romantic outings, or a chance to celebrate with friends, there’s something for everyone in our beautiful city. Let’s dive into the must-see happenings!

Holidays on Ice

Get ready to lace up those skates! The annual Holidays on Ice ice skating rink in the heart of Market Square opened its doors on November 29 and will be welcoming skaters every day until January 5, 2025. Not too sure about the ice? No worries! Tickets are just $12 for adults and $9 for kiddos under 12. Plus, if you’re planning multiple visits, don’t forget to grab a season pass for even more savings. It’s a perfect way to embrace the winter vibes!

Downtown Peppermint Trail

While you’re downtown, why not indulge your sweet tooth with a stroll along the Downtown Peppermint Trail? Launched the same day as the rink, this delightful trail runs through January 5 and leads you to local shops dishing out peppermint-themed treats and delicious drinks. It’s a great way to delight your taste buds and maybe even find some unique holiday gifts for friends and family.

Christkindlesmarkt at Schulz Brau Brewing

From December 6 to 22, enjoy a taste of Germany at the Christkindlesmarkt at Schulz Brau Brewing. This traditional holiday market is free to enter and runs Friday evenings from 3-8 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Wander among the stalls, soak up the festive atmosphere, and maybe even find that perfect handcrafted gift!

Holiday Festival of Lights at Cove Park

Every night in December, Cove Park transforms into a stunning winter wonderland during the Holiday Festival of Lights. From 6-9 p.m., you can stroll through a dazzling display of lights and, on Fridays and Saturdays, get a special visit from Santa Claus himself! The best part? Admission is free, but feel free to bring nonperishable food donations to help those in need.

WIVK Christmas Parade

If you love parades, don’t miss the WIVK Christmas Parade on December 6 at 7 p.m. Gather your friends and family along Gay Street to witness a spectacular show featuring floats, marching bands, and, of course, an appearance by the one and only Santa Claus. It’s a magical way to kick off the holiday season!

Santa at the Sunsphere

Taking the little ones to see Santa? Head over to the Knoxville Sunsphere from December 6-8 for some holiday magic. Reservations are required for photo sessions, so make sure to secure your spot to capture some festive memories!

Classic Film Screenings

Grab your loved ones and head over to the Tennessee Theatre on December 13 for a special viewing of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Admission is free, but digital tickets are a must for entry, so get those before they run out!

Theater Shows Galore

For theater enthusiasts, you can catch A Christmas Carol at the Clarence Brown Theatre from December 5 through 21. If you’re more into fairy tales, check out Cinderella being presented at the Oak Ridge Playhouse from November 29 to December 15. And don’t forget about River and Rail Theatre’s live radio play version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” running from December 5 to December 22. So many options to get your theater fix this holiday season!

Tour de Lights

For those who love biking, join the Tour de Lights on December 14 for a unique ride through stunning holiday light displays. This festive adventure includes a costume contest, so bring your holiday spirit and creativity!

New Year’s at the Sunsphere

Finally, ring in the New Year at New Year’s at the Sunsphere celebration on December 31. Kicking off at 9 p.m. at World’s Fair Park, you can enjoy food trucks, a silent disco, and the iconic ball drop at midnight. A fantastic way to end the year on a high note!

With all these delightful activities, Knoxville is truly a holiday wonderland. So gather your loved ones and make some magical memories this season. Happy Holidays, Knoxville!

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Additional Resources

• Inside of Knoxville
• UT Daily Beacon
• Knox News
• WBIR
• WATE
• Wikipedia: Knoxville
• Google Search: Knoxville holiday events
• Google Scholar: holiday events Knoxville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville Tennessee
• Google News: Knoxville events