Fantasy of Trees, after peppermints, elf hunt, ice skating and more

Knoxville kicks off a new season this weekend and is bursting with activities now accompanied by Christmas lights! Ice skating, elf hunting, sightseeing, or maybe just getting some peace and quiet away from your crazy relatives in the days after Thanksgiving. There are a ton of options to choose from, but you enjoy bringing in the newfound air of festivity.

Light the Park – Founders Park at Campbell Station – (November 26 – December 23)

The holiday season has kicked off in Farragut a little early this year with its annual Light the Park event. Visitors can sail or stroll through the display at their leisure or participate in the long list of activities that take place throughout the month. The lights are set to come on around 6:30 each evening.

Fantasy of Trees – Knoxville Convention Center (27 November – 1 December)

Be a part of the biggest fundraiser of the year for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital! The Fantasy of Trees is one of Knoxville’s largest and most famous Christmas events, celebrating its 40th anniversary with over 350 festive scenes displayed around the Knoxville Convention Center. All proceeds from tickets go to the hospital.

The peppermint trail (29 November-5 January 2025)

Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of downtown Knoxville to discover all sorts of treats with the favorite red-and-white candy. From candy coffee for morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candlelight, you’ll find peppermint treats around nearly every corner—along with plenty of gingerbread, cinnamon, cranberry, apple spice, and other holiday flavors. In addition, shops and gift shops offer peppermint-themed T-shirts, scented soaps, candles and all kinds of holiday surprises.

The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in downtown Knoxville (November 29-January 5, 2025)

Santa sends sneaky elves to downtown Knoxville for a magical adventure with Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt from the day after Thanksgiving until January 5, 2025.

Pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Knoxville Visitor Center to guide you through the adventure. The first 5,000 participants will receive a holiday stamp to self-stamp their passport.

Once you’ve spotted elves at 20 or more locations, you can enter to win prizes at Mast General Store, the Santa-approved Scout Elf Adoption Center.

Regal Celebration of Lights – Market Square (November 29)

Who needs Central Park when you have Scruffy City? Market Square will light its 42-foot-tall Mickey Mallonnee Christmas in the City Tree. Local businesses will set up craft booths, a goblin workshop, and a card-making station to be sent to veterans as part of Heroes Holidays. The celebration will be soundtracked by some live music from Milk Man & the Big Band.

Knoxville Holidays on Ice – Market Square (November 29 – January 5)

Another diverse excursion in the heart of downtown, lace up your skates and make some memories under the lights of the new tree. Whether you’re looking to tire out the kids or looking for a unique date idea, this event promises to be fun for the whole crew.

Christkindlesmarkt – Schulz Brau Brewing (November 29 – December 22)

It is always exciting to get an insight into how other cultures celebrate the holiday. Fortunately, North Knoxville’s Shulz Brau Brewing offers just that throughout the holiday season. Come and have a glass of the German’s best and meet Santa Claus and Krampus, or see the many different local retailers setting up shop. The event is completely free for all ages.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Oak Ridge Playhouse (November 29 – December 15)

The holiday season always invites tradition, even in the art community. Oak Ridge Playhouse will stage a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless classic, “Cinderella,” filled with the opulence and elegance the story has carried throughout time. Single tickets are now available.

My Three Angels – Theater Knoxville Downtown (November 29 – December 15)

For fans of the unconventional, Theater Knoxville Downtown has you covered. “My Three Angels” tells the story of a Christmas day in French Guiana, where three convicts try to redeem themselves in this season of giving. Shows will run every Thursday through Sunday until December 15.

Hikes after Thanksgiving Day – more places (November 29)

If the Thanksgiving rush has you feeling overwhelmed, get a breath of fresh air in the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond with one of the many post-Thanksgiving hikes to choose from. For a leisurely stroll or an intense hike, there are options for all levels of hikers looking to burn off the turkey and add some adventure to their days off.

Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for KnoxTNToday who loves to tell stories about music, art and culture in and around his hometown. Do you have a story for Adam? He can be found at e-mail or text 865-919-5059 with your story idea.