Find holiday cheer at Knoxville tree-lightings, ice skating, Christmas parade and more

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
Updated ·4 min read

The holiday spirit is overtaking Knoxville. Whether you look forward to admiring shimmering lights and colorful decorations, ice skating, enjoying parades or spotting Santa, there are many ways to enjoy this holiday season in Knoxville with family and friends.

Knoxville’s popular Christmas in the City series includes a tree lighting ceremony at Krutch Park with live music and crafts, the 50th annual Christmas parade down Gay Street, ice skating in the heart of downtown and a New Year’s Eve bash at the Sunsphere.

So put on your favorite holiday sweater, shine up your sleigh and check out these festive events.

The downtown Knoxville Christmas tree will be lit for the season during the Regal Celebration of Lights on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving.
The downtown Knoxville Christmas tree will be lit for the season during the Regal Celebration of Lights on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving.

Christmas at Chilhowee

Nov. 17

  • The tree in the bandstand at Chilhowee Park will be lit during this free event. A holiday “Touch-A-Truck” featuring decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks and police cars, a hayride to look at the lights, photos with Santa and other activities will be offered after the tree-lighting ceremony.

  • Time: 6-9 p.m.

  • Location: Chilhowee Park

Regal Celebration of Lights

Nov. 24

  • Downtown Knoxville’s Christmas tree will be lit the day after Thanksgiving. The evening will bring fun free activities such as crafts, holiday card making and a miniature train set. The Mikki Norwood band will provide live music on Market Square stage.

  • Time: The celebration will be 6-9 p.m., with music starting at 5:15 p.m. and the tree lighting at 6 p.m.

  • Location: Krutch Park Extension, Market Square, Market Street

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Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice

Nov. 24-Jan. 2

People take to the ice at the ice skating rink in Market Square, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.
People take to the ice at the ice skating rink in Market Square, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.

  • Market Square is home to a real ice rink over the holidays! Skate under the twinkling stars as music plays.

  • Prices: $12 for adults and $9 for children age 12 and younger.

  • Hours: Opening day the rink will be open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Hours vary through Jan. 2, including extended and special holiday hours. Check the Christmas in the City guide at knoxvilletn.gov for more information.

  • Location: Market Square

WIVK Christmas Parade

Dec. 1

  • Beginning at 7 p.m., Knoxville's Gay Street will come alive with fun, lighted floats, bands, dancers, costumed characters, classic cars and Santa Claus. The 50th WIVK Christmas parade will march along Gay Street to Magnolia Avenue

Tour de Lights

Dec. 9

  • This year’s Tour de Lights is bigger than ever. Embrace the season’s joy with a holiday market and expo, food, a costume contest and lights along with the family-friendly holiday bike ride presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville. This year's event kicks off and concludes at Mary Costa Plaza at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Even Santa will be there!

  • Time: 3:30-8 p.m.

  • Location: Mary Costa Plaza

Unite Through Light celebration

Dec. 14

  • Join in fostering a deeper sense of unity across Knoxville and illuminating the commonalities of humanity at Chabad of Knoxville’s annual Hanukkah celebration, “Unite Through Light.”

  • The grand menorah lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Games, a bounce house, traditional latkes and other family-friendly activities begin at 5 p.m.

  • American Israeli rapper Nissim Black will perform a free concert at 6:30 p.m. His YouTube video have reached more than 26 million views.

  • More “Unite Through Light” and concert information is available at chanukahinknoxville.com.

  • Location: World’s Fair Park performance lawn

New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere

Dec. 31

  • Bring in 2024 at World's Fair Park with food trucks, free activities including a silent disco and live music by Knox Vegas DJs and the WIVK Band. And then watch the ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight.

  • This is a rain or shine event. Feel free to take your own chairs, but tents and canopies are not allowed. The event is also alcohol-free. Free parking is available all day long in all City-owned garages.

  • More information about New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere is available at at knoxvilletn.gov.

  • Time: 9 p.m.-midnight

  • Location: World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Things to do in Knoxville during the holiday season