Free Christmas Events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010

The best thing about free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee is that they are always family friendly. Parking in the downtown area is free in the State Street garage and Locust Street garage after 6:00 pm and throughout the weekends.

My family tries to attend as many of the activities as we can. We've found it best arrive early for some activities because the best parking spaces and seats can fill up fast. Except for City of Knoxville activities many of the activities on the list are specifically Christian.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Regal Celebration of Lights
Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
My family makes it a point not to miss the Regal Celebration of Lights. Kicking off the holiday season is the lighting of the First Tennessee Foundation Christmas tree in Krutch Park. At almost 4 stories tall it's a lighting that the kids will remember!

Surprisingly, the entire event is free. Visitors will enjoy free eggnog and snow cream by Mayfield Dairy. The free horse drawn carriage rides and free pictures with Santa always draw a crowd! Free hot chocolate is there to help guests warm up.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
WIVK/Fowler's Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
My daughters used to have fun adding tinsel and lights to their high school marching band uniforms. Visitors will enjoy seeing the floats and marching bands as they go by. The parade is fun and festive but the weather can be cold. I find hand warmers, a blanket and thermos of hot chocolate to be helpful. The parade route can be found online.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Comcast Christmas in Chilhowee Park
Friday, Dec. 10, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
This is a smaller version of the Regal Celebration of Lights. Our family has found it to be less crowded but just as fun. There is free snow cream and eggnog, cake decorating, horse drawn carriage rides and pictures with Santa. Plus, there's free marshmallow roasting.

Chilhowee Park is also open for self-guided driving tours so that you can see the Christmas lights. The dates are Nov. 26-Jan 2.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Living Christmas Tree at Thompson-Bowling Arena
December 4 and 5 at 5:30 pm & 7:00 pm
December 6 at 7:00 pm.
The Living Christmas Tree has been inspiring crowds for two decades. It is a free all volunteer production by Sevier Heights Baptist Church. Tickets are free but required because of seating. Order them the Knoxville Living Christmas Tree website. My family always leaves with a deeper appreciation of the season. There is a parking garage right across the street from the auditorium. Follow this link for directions to the arena. A free will love offering will be received.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Tennessee Theater
"It's a Wonderful Life" sponsored by Home Federal Bank
Dec. 5 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
This free event is in the beautiful historic Tennessee Theater. Anytime you can visit this theater it's worth the effort. When visiting is free, it's even better. Seating is limited so go early. There is a small parking lot nearby at the corner of State and Clinch where you can usually find a spot.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Open house at James White's Fort
Dec. 9 from 4:00 pm '" 6:00 pm.
At James White's Fort you can see how life was 200 years ago. No admission is charged. Parking is available at the fort. Get directions online.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Mabry-Hazen House Christmas Tours
Dec. 11 and 12 from 6:00 pm '" 8:00 pm.
There is no charge but donations are accepted. At different points, the Mabry-Hazen House was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces. The house was originally built in the mid-1800s and is known for fine period furnishings and collections. Christmas is an especially good time to tour the home. Civil War history buffs will especially enjoy the decorations. Find out more online.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Knoxville Nativity Pageant
Dec. 12 at 3:00 pm.
Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:00 pm.
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
This production is now in its 42 year. Like the Living Christmas Tree, it too has an all volunteer cast. It's a scripted pantomime drama depicting the birth of Jesus. Admission is free but a free will love offering is collected. Sunday night is a popular time for church groups. We've found it to be less crowded the next two nights. Visitors may park in the garage across from the coliseum. Find out more here.

Free Christmas events in Knoxville, Tennessee 2010
Walk Through Bethlehem
Dec. 19 from 1:00 pm. '" 6:00 pm.
Church Street United Methodist Church
This is my favorite free Christmas event! Church Street UMC transforms into Bethlehem. The experience begins before you get into the church and gets better inside. Be sure to stop at the storyteller's tent and by the food tent. Parking is available in the church lot. Visit them online.

Sources:
Personal Experience
City of Knoxville
University of Tennessee
Sevier Heights Baptist Church
Knoxville Nativity Pageant
Tennessee Theater
James White's Fort
Mabry-Hazen House
Knoxville Nativity
Church Street UMC