Holiday Events in Knoxville, TN

• Knoxville, TN, hosts many beloved holiday events, including:
  • Christmas Lantern Express
  • Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee
  • Foothills Holiday Market
  • Celebration of Lights

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Picture towering Christmas trees, winter train rides, enchanting lights, and bustling markets. This is Christmas in Knoxville, infusing a small-town holiday spirit into the metropolitan buzz of city life. With dozens of events, Knoxville provides plenty of opportunities to gather together and experience the joys of the season. Plus, many of these activities are perfect for all ages and lifestyles. So whether you live in a city apartment or on one of the nearby lakes—Fort Loudoun, Tellico, and Watts Bar—you can have yourself a merry little Christmas in Knoxville.

Christmas Lantern Express

A Knoxville tradition since 1999, the Christmas Lantern Express is a two-hour Christmas train ride winding through the city’s wintry views. Three Rivers Rambler operates the train, and each car features a different holiday theme. On board, guests can enjoy holiday treats, storytime with celebrity readers, and a visit with Santa. It’s the perfect way to create your personal Polar Express experience with friends and family. The train runs from November 25-December 3, and you can purchase tickets here.

Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee

If you’re looking for a fun and free holiday event, you can’t go wrong with Comcast in Chilhowee Park. The event runs from 6-9 pm on November 18 and begins with the tree lighting in the bandstand. Afterward, guests can take free photos with Santa and hop on the hayride to view the park’s charming Christmas lights. Additionally, kids can visit the crafts station and the holiday “Touch-A-Truck”—an exhibit showcasing decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks, and police cars. Check out the City of Knoxville’s event page for the address and other details.

Foothills Holiday Market

On December 3, Maryville’s Foothills Holiday Market will return for the seventh year. The event will take place from 10 am-4 pm in the Smithview Pavilion,  featuring food trucks and top vendors. If you love shopping for boutique clothing, farmhouse decor, jewelry, and vintage items, this market is the ideal place to check off some gifts from your Christmas list. Plus, this year, Santa will be making an appearance for the first time! Check out the event page here for the address and additional information.

Celebration of Lights

Christmas in Knoxville is not complete without attending the beloved Celebration of Lights. The event will kick off at 5:15 on November 25 with live music in the Krutch Park Extension. Then, at 6 pm, the lighting of the tree ceremony will commence, boasting a 42-foot tall Mickey Mallonee Christmas tree. The event will also offer free activities and photos with Santa. Additionally, on Market Street, guests can visit the craft station, stop by Home Depot‘s Little Elves Workshop, write a letter to local veterans, and enjoy the splendid miniature train set. And, as if all of this is not enough, Evelyn Jack will perform jazzy holiday favorites on the Market Square Stage at 6:30. For more information, check out the City of Knoxville’s website.

So if you’re ready to experience Tennessee’s twist on the holiday season, mark your calendar for these top holiday events in Knoxville. From our lake home to yours, cheers to all things merry and bright!