Downtown holiday events are launching in earnest

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. It’s always been my favorite holiday, though not for the reasons you might expect. The Pilgrim story was amazing to me until I got a little older and learned more about it. And while I’m really thankful that I have so many great family and friends in my life, that’s not really that part of it either. To me, the day always represented the less commercialized, less pressured version of a holiday that just precedes the steamer holiday madness that follows. I like the quieter stuff.

That said, there are tons of things to do in the city that don’t have to be about the commercial frenzy. Even the commercial part of it can be so much better, like how much better it is to stroll down actual historical streets and buy thoughtful gifts from people who own the business and really care about their customers than you know the alternative. But the best alternative is free fun with friends and family. Create memories instead of just buying gifts that will soon be forgotten.

With that in mind, the city center awaits. Some of the fun is the kind of thing that only lasts one day, while other things last into January. Some of it started earlier, but today has the big launch for the most part.

Blow off the mall and get downtown early today. You will find that Fantasy of treesfor the benefit of the Children’s Hospital started on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, for the benefit of the Children’s Hospital. It’s beautiful and it’s for a good cause, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The doors open at 9:00 a.m.

What starts today? Well, Elf on a shelfkicks off a Knoxville tradition when stores open—and it’s free for everyone. Little kids love it and I’ve seen groups of college kids and older people get into it too. Not your thing? For something a little more challenging, try ice skating (opens at noon today). Holiday on ice is back in the marketplace and the ice gods have given us actual cold weather as a launch. Not too shabby. It runs until January 5th, and if you really like hitting the ice, the season pass is the deal.

And light? Beautiful Christmas windows? We have them and it’s free. Spring for a hot chocolate and stroll around for a beautiful, cheap night of fun on the town. Or at least pretty lights. Up to 200,000 lights have been installed in Market Square and Krutch Park and beyond (don’t miss the candy canes in Old Town) for your festive enjoyment. Yes, it might sound a bit market-ee, but it really is beautiful.

The The peppermint trail also launches today (those are the stickers you see on the pavement) and runs into January. From free peppermints for the kids to special peppermint drinks for the adults, it’s another fun way to explore downtown.

Today culminates with Regal celebration of light features tons of family-friendly, free events. The fun starts at 5:15 with music in Krutch Park by Milkman and the Big Band. (Pro tip: Park in the Dwight Kessel Garage or Colosseum Parking Garage and walk a few blocks to the event. It’s free parking and you won’t have to fight for a spot and lose your holiday spirit. And Gay Street closes at 4:30, so know where you’re going before you confront that confusing fact.

Also, get there pretty early if you want to be close to the Santa act up front.) and runs until 21.00. Kids can catch a glimpse of Santa (and send him a letter – just remember kids, it’s “Santa” without the “n” on the end. That would be the wrong guy.) The tree will light up, fireworks will explode, lots of family fun like e.g. hot chocolate and open fires will occur. Did I mention it’s free?

Of course, this is just the beginning. Lots of big events will follow, like next weekend Christmas parade starts at 7pm on Friday 6th December on Gay Street (also free). On 7th and 8th Old North Knoxville presents their wonderful Victorian holiday home tourwhich is always great. The fantastic Tour De Lights (free) hits next weekend, Saturday, December 14, when the fun starts with a special holiday market at 3.30pm (at Mary Costa Plaza).

The list is by no means exhaustive. Stay tuned to the 10 Day Planner for all the details, and check out other official holiday guides like them too Downtown Knoxville, Visit Knoxvilleand The city of Knoxville.

It’s all fun and there’s something for everyone. My favorite moments will be the quiet ones, like a Tuesday night walk around town, when the excitement has subsided and the lights seem to be twinkling to me. I will enjoy early morning coffee walk through the decorations and watch kids skate, fall, laugh and try again. I will enjoy people watching in general when families and couples take time to recognize each other and the beauty that surrounds us.

Is all right with the world? No. Not close. But maybe we can take a moment to forget all that and just enjoy what is here. I hope you find some joy whether you celebrate certain holidays or not and I will be out there with you hoping to find the same.