A Guide to a Merry, Bright, & Local Holiday Season
We believe everything you need to have a beautiful life can be found within our community. And holidays are no exception. Ahead of Christmas, we’ve Scouted a few of the many local happenings filled with the spirit of the season. From peppermint trails to all the wreath classes, keep reading for Scouted ways to celebrate the season.
And keep checking back! We’ll be updating our list with insider information as it becomes available! UPDATED 11:20 AM DECEMBER 8TH, 2022.
DECK THE HALLS
Cachepot (5508 Kingston Pike # 190, Knoxville, TN) is our go-to for seasonal centerpieces — plus a few holiday knickknacks!
Ellenburg Nursery (722 Vanosdale Rd, Knoxville, TN) They’ll even decorate your mailbox, one of our favorite Southern Holiday traditions.
Stanley’s Greenhouse (3029 Davenport Rd, Knoxville, TN) grows poinsettias in-house! Babied from June until Christmas, it’s the longest, most care-intensive crop the nursery grows. And they do it fabulously! Make sure to purchase yours from Stanleys! Order online…
Sweet Pea (116 Carr St, Knoxville, TN) is pairing trees with tartan this year. Stop in for ample inspiration on how to deck your halls and a host of holiday greenery.
Christmas Trees, whether you want to cut your own or pick up a pre-cut option, abound from local farms. And Knoxville Moms has put together a lovely list of their favorite local farms. Read more…
SANTA-APPROVED SAVINGS
Bob’s Holiday Sale (December 1st – December 7th) at Bob’s Liquor + Wine is a week-long opportunity to stock up your bar for the holiday season. Stop by to grab all you need to whip up delightful holiday libations like a cozy old fashioned and festive martini, or pick up a few bottles of wine for the perfect Christmas dinner wine pairing. Learn more…
Enjoy 12 Days of Christmas Savings with Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Med Spa (December 5th – 17th). Each day, Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Med Spa will offer a Christmas special, redeemable on that day only! Make sure to follow along with them on Instagram for the insider information on these can’t miss Christmas savings! Learn more…
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Join The Beauty Mrkt for their Holiday Open House (December 8th) to sip and shop for the holidays. Makeup artist, Meg Patton, from Team Claire Balest, will be back sharing all her best makeup tips and tricks for looking merry and bright and Kristine Griffin from Body Ageless Living will be demoing all her gua sha magic for de-stressing and de-puffing during the holidays. Learn more…
Holidays on Ice (November 25th – January 3rd). Skate the day or night away on the open-air skating rink nestled under the twinkling lights of Market Square. Learn more…
Old City Market (December 3rd, 10th, and 17th) transforms Jackson Avenue into a curated market showcasing Knoxville’s best artists, crafters and creative makers. Browse through artisan crafts, pottery, glassware, jewelry, ornaments, art, and more, to find unique holiday gifts while supporting incredible local makers. Learn more…
Winters Farmers Market (December 3rd, 10th, and 17th). Grab a bite from the food trucks and meander through the festive outdoor booths to shop artisan crafts and find unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Learn more…
Tour de Lights (December 10th) invites locals to dress-up in their finest holiday garb and deck-out their bikes in festive decor for a fun, family-friendly bike ride through town. Enjoy the holiday scenery and end your ride with hot cocoa and cookies, for a family-friendly way to get in the Christmas spirit. Learn more…
Elf Night (December 21st) is hosted by the Knoxville Ice Bears for their final game of the season. Grab a buddy or come dressed as Buddy the Elf for a night of hockey and Elf-themed celebration at the Coliseum. Learn more…
Carol Cart (December 21st) is rolling back through downtown this year for another evening of holiday cheer presented by Make Music Knoxville. Join the mobile band as they parade through the community, serenading with familiar holiday classics and new Knoxville-themed singalongs written especially for the festive occasion. Be sure to stay for the after-party for even more music, merriment, and family fun. Learn more…
FOR LITTLES
Cookies with Santa at the Tennessee Theatre (December 7th). Bring your little one’s down to Tennessee Theatre where Santa is making a special stop for pictures, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and to check the naughty & nice list. Learn more…
Elf on the Shelf Adventure (November 25th – January 8th) is a magical scavenger hunt to find Santa’s Scout Elves who were sent to watch over Knoxville’s littlest locals and are hiding throughout more than two dozen businesses downtown. Send your little one on a holiday adventure for a fun time and festive prizes. Learn more…
Letters for Santa (December 1st – 24th) is a magical mailbox placed by Santa’s elves in Market Square where children can drop off their secret wishes to Saint Nick with express delivery to the North Pole. Learn more…
SPIRTS OF THE SEASON & MORE
Peppermint Trail (November 25th – January 8th) Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of Downtown Knoxville to discover tasty treats. With more than 90 businesses offering hundreds of cocktails, coffees, and sweet snacks, you’ll find festive flavors around every corner. Learn more…
Cruze Farm is celebrating the season with holiday flavors. Indulge in delights like Santa’s Milk & Cookies ice cream or go all with peppermint bark pie complete with candy cane ice cream and an Oreo crust. Learn more…
[SANTA’S] WORKSHOPS
Wreath Class at RT Lodge (December 13th) courtesy of Colby Design West, will lend their expertise and secrets for creating the most gorgeous holiday wreaths. Indulge in snacks and Christmas cocktails, while you learn! Learn more…
Adults only Gingerbread Class at RT Lodge (December 15th) makes for the perfect occasion for getting in the holiday spirit with gingerbread house decorating with pastry chef, Caitlyn Cox. This festive workshop is for adults only, so grab your pals to drink and be merry during this afternoon of Christmas crafts and cocktails. Learn more…
MERRY MOVIES & MORE
Moovie Nights at Cruze Farm (December 2nd – December 23rd) channels old-fashioned movie going at the drive-in at Cruze Farm Family Pizza Barn or opt for a cinematic screening under the stars with movies on the lawn at Cruze Farm Morristown. It’s first-come, first-serve, so come early to secure your spot for viewing Christmas movie favorites like The Grinch, Elf, and Polar Express. Learn more…
Clarence Brown Theater’s A Christmas Carol (December 5th – December 18th) follows Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Yuletide magic to teach us what’s really important about the holiday season. With dazzling stage effects and live music, attendees of every age will be enchanted as they embark on three extraordinary Christmas adventures alongside Scrooge. Learn more…
Move Magic at The Tennessee Theatre (December 9th, 10th, & 11th) boasts a weekend full of Christmas movie classics. This year’s showings include White Christmas (12/9), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (12/10), and Elf (12/11) – the perfect combination of old and new holiday favorites that all ages will love. Learn more…
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! (December 17th). Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the Ukrainian ballet stars from The Former Moscow Ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Learn more…
The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby (December 21st – December 23rd) is taking a break from the full-scale production this year and is stepping back to enjoy the music with a concert version of the community favorite Christmas musical. Gather family and friends young and old for an evening in candle light celebrating the magic of the nativity story with a comedic twist that brings a new sense of wonder and imagination to the age-old tale. Learn more…
A Drag Queen Christmas (December 22nd) is returning for the eight consecutive year in Knoxville! Both winners and fan favorites from Rupaul’s Drag Race will be performing live, on stage for an evening of truly unforgettable holiday entertainment unlike anything else you’ll experience this season. Learn more…
LIGHTS & HOLIDAY DELIGHTS
Downtown sparkles throughout the season. Brought to life by the twinkling lights and charming storefronts, downtown is a must visit. Plus you’ll get to cross everyone off your Christmas shopping list and experience the Peppermint Trail. Psst! Don’t miss Market Square!
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland lights up the night with holiday cheer. Watch from your car as the lights dance to favorite holiday tunes for a drive-through light display like no other. Learn more…
Light Up the Park at Founder’s Park in Farragut is a must come Christmas. From dusk to 10 p.m. nightly, the holiday lights will be on along Campbell Station Road from the I-40 commuter lot to the Campbell Station Inn Plaza at the intersection of Campbell Station Road and Kingston Pike. Enjoy strolling through the park, mailing letters to Santa and checking out the daily giveaways from local businesses and groups. Learn more…
Don’t forget to tell each of these businesses that Scout sent you – whether it’s a simple mention at the register or a note in your online checkout! Why? It’s incredibly helpful for small businesses to know where their customers are coming from and we want to do our best to help support their fabulous work!
