It’s that time of year when the fall semester is ending, and winter break is right around the corner after finals. With holidays arriving soon, downtown Knoxville will celebrate the season with several events for all to join. Along with many events, downtown Knoxville is all lit up and decorated for the holidays.
If you are staying in town for the holidays, there are events from now all the way through January. Downtown Knoxville has everything from classic Christmas films to sweet treats available for purchase.
Even if you are not going to be in Knoxville over the holiday break, participating in some of these events may ease the stress of finals and could give you something festive to look forward to. Listed below are some of the events occurring in downtown Knoxville.
Outdoor ice skating rink
Located in Market Square of downtown Knoxville, there is an ice skating rink for adults and children. Adults can purchase tickets for $12, and children ages 12 and under can get tickets for $9. The tickets are bought online or at the rink.
Once you purchase your ticket, you can spend as much time on the ice as you would like. You can skate all the way into the new year up until Jan. 2.
Peppermint trail
A fun way to explore downtown Knoxville is to follow the peppermint trail, which will be available until Jan. 7.
Along the pathway, you will find all delights red and white like peppermint coffee and peppermint-themed decor. Some stores along the way are selling peppermint-themed clothing and peppermint-scented candles.
Christmas parade
On Dec. 1, celebrate WIVK’s 50th annual Christmas parade at 7 p.m. on Gay Street. Community groups, local businesses, marching bands and more will be in attendance.
Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt
Old Saint Nick has sent his elves to Knoxville to be part of a fun scavenger hunt until Jan. 7. To participate, you can obtain a pass from the Knoxville Visitors Center or Mast General Store.
To win prizes, find at least 20 of Santa’s elves and post your photos with the hashtag #ElvesinKnox. To help give you a head start, make sure to take an extra look in stores like Awaken Coffee, Art Market Gallery and Cruze Farm Ice Cream.
Cookies with Santa
See Santa on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. Make sure to get your ticket to spend time with Santa. Children can have one-on-one time with Santa and tell him their wish list. Along with spending time with Santa, there will be extra “elf” activities like drawing and decorating cookies.
Winter Farmers’ Market
The Winter Farmers’ Market will be hosted every Saturday until Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. After the new year, the Farmers’ Market will happen from Jan. 20 through March 30.
It will take place around Market Square and Market Street. Everything that you can purchase is homegrown in Knoxville. Some of the fresh items include pastries, greenery and coffee.
Holiday concert
Come listen to the Knoxville Community Band’s annual Christmas concert at no cost on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Bijou Theatre. All are welcome to stop by and listen to some festive holiday carols.
Charlie Brown Christmas
Check out the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” live on stage on Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. You can purchase tickets with Ticketmaster or at the KCAC box office.
New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere
If you do not have any plans for New Year’s Eve, the Sunsphere will host the famous ball drop at midnight. Before the countdown to the new year, there will be live and DJ music in addition to food trucks. You can find all of this at World’s Park Fair on Dec. 31.
