Holiday Calendar of Events

Plan your holiday in Downtown Knoxville!

From ice skating to elf hunting to tree lighting. Markets to parades to special performances. We've rounded up the list of holiday events and hope to see you Downtown. Check back as more events are added throughout the season.

Here's 2025 Holiday At a Glance for major events and dates.

Nov 26-30
Fantasy of Trees Knoxville Convention Center View Event Website A magical forest of more than 350 designer items, including beautifully decorated trees, holiday accessories, and more. Santa, Gingerbread Village, live bands and musical entertainment throughout the event.

Nov 28 - Jan 4
Holidays on Ice Market Square View Event Website Adults and children skate day and night, seven days a week, at the open-air ice rink nestled under twinkling lights in Market Square. Admission includes skate rental. Find pricing, weather updates, and hours on the website.

Nov 28 - Jan 4
Peppermint Trail various downtown locations View Event Website Downtown restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and boutiques feature peppermint specials throughout the season. Follow the peppermints on the sidewalks of Downtown Knoxville.

Nov 28 - Jan 4
The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure various downtown locations View Event Website A fun-filled scavenger hunt for children of all ages at dozens of Downtown Knoxville businesses. Pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Knoxville Visitors Center to guide you through the adventure.

Nov 28 5:15pm
Regal Celebration of Lights Krutch Park Extension, Market Square View Event Website Tree lighting, live music, photos with Santa in Market Square, children's activities and more.

Nov 29 11:00am
Old City Market (Small Business Saturday) Jackson Avenue View Event Website Jackson Ave is transformed into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.

Dec 5 5:00pm
Phil Kline's Unsilent Night Emporium Arts Center View Event Website Join Nief-Norf for an immersive, outdoor music experience where participants become the performers, carrying speakers or phones that together create a beautiful, shimmering, holiday soundscape.

Dec 5 7:00pm
WIVK Christmas Parade Gay Street View Event Website Parade down Gay St including floats, decorated vehicles, bands, majorettes, dancers, and Santa.

Dec 6-7
Knoxville Holiday Market World's Fair Exhibition Hall View Event Website The Knoxville Holiday Market features 200+ local food vendors, artists and crafters offering unique gifts and festive preparations – everything you’ll need for the holiday season! Saturdays 10am-5pm | Sundays 11am-5pm. Admission is FREE.

Dec 6 10:00am
Winter Farmers Market Market Square Enjoy locally grown produce and handmade products at downtown's open-air farmers market.

Dec 12
First (Second) Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.

Dec 13-14
Knoxville Holiday Market World's Fair Park Exhibition Hall View Event Website The Knoxville Holiday Market features 200+ local food vendors, artists and crafters offering unique gifts and festive preparations – everything you’ll need for the holiday season! Saturdays 10am-5pm | Sundays 11am-5pm. Admission is FREE.

Dec 13 3:30am
Tour de Lights Parade Mary Costa Plaza; Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Bikes, lights, garland and tinsel. Holiday Market and Expo 3:30 - 7:30 pm. Bike ride at 5:30 pm starts and ends at Mary Costa Plaza and winds through downtown and Gay St.

Dec 13 10:00am
Winter Farmers Market Market Square Enjoy locally grown produce and handmade products at downtown's open-air farmers market.

Dec 20 10:00am
Winter Farmers Market Market Square Enjoy locally grown produce and handmade products at downtown's open-air farmers market.

Dec 31 9:00pm
New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere World's Fair Park View Event Website Traditional ball drop, fireworks, and music at family-friendly New Year's Eve event.

Jan 2-3 2026
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.