Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Knoxville, Tennessee

Living in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the University of Tennessee with over 27,000 students; Gateway to the Smoky Mountains; birthplace of Kenny Chesney, the country music star; host to the World's Fair in 1982; home to the Knoxville Zoo, which covers 53 acres, has almost half a million visitors yearly and is called the Red Panda Capital of the world; and site of more than 20 museums; with a population of around 170,000 people, has a lot of good points any time of the year. But Christmas in Knoxville, Tennessee is a season you don't want to miss!

December in East Tennessee is a mild season. Snow doesn't even appear in Knox County until January or February and even that bit of white stuff doesn't come every year. But the lack of snow doesn't hinder the Christmas spirit here.

Fantasy of Trees
Probably one of the more outstanding events is the annual Fantasy of Trees, currently beginning its 23rd season. This event benefits East Tennessee Children's Hospital, began in 1937 as a 28 bed crippled children's hospital, and now boasting 152 beds and 28 subspecialties. The Fantasy of Trees is held at the Knoxville Convention Center and has been a holiday tradition in East Tennessee since 1985.

The Fantasy of Trees event is held from Thursday to Sunday on Thanksgiving Day weekend each year. One of the most thrilling attractions is simply the trees. Imagine wandering through a magical wonderland forest of 300 beautifully decorated trees, donated and decorated by local businesses and other charitable organizations. Room scenes, fireplace mantels, festive door designs, themed centerpieces and topiaries, and other holiday accessories add to the seasonal thrill.

A unique gingerbread village fashioned by local chefs, and decorated by area schoolchildren is another tradition much looked forward to. Each evening a 12-foot beautifully decorated tree is lit, reminiscent .of a beloved tree lighting tradition in Knoxville in the 1960's. The Fantasy of Trees also boasts the only indoor Christmas parade that features children from local daycare centers, themed storybook characters, a marching band, and of course Santa himself!

A beautiful 30 horse carousel, holiday-themed crafts, a visit with Santa, and a "Rudolph's Raceway" where children can ride on toys just their size, are just some of the reasons visiting the Fantasy of Trees event is a fantasy event for children. The Kris Kringle party, a free event for preschoolers held at the Fantasy Theater is another thrilling time for kids.
And finally, an area business (last year it was Target) raffles off a huge, beautifully decorated tree with all the wrapped gifts under, beside and piled up around it included. Proceeds of the raffle, of course, benefit the East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

Polar Express
Well, really it's called the Christmas Express Train Ride provided by Three Rivers Rambler. But I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of kids (and older) imagine themselves on the famed "Polar Express". This 90-minute, 11-mile ride leaves from Volunteer Landing and makes its way past the Tennessee River. Passengers are served a snack of Christmas cookies and hot chocolate or other refreshments, and pajama-wearing is not only allowed, it's encouraged. Santa himself takes a break from the Christmas rush and boards the train halfway through the ride to greet riders and to give each one a personal gift. The cars are heated but it is still cold in the dark, frosty night, and it's okay to bring your own blanket to snuggle under as you all listen to a holiday book being read aloud during the ride. The Christmas Express occurs on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17. and is usually sold out in November. There's nothing like a ride on the "Christmas Express" to warm your heart for the holidays.

Nutcracker on Ice
The Ice Chalet in Knoxville will be presenting its 20th annual presentation of Nutcracker on Ice. This beautiful story, one of the most famous Christmas tales ever, comes to life as skaters of all ages and skill levels play a role. Nutcracker on ice is a holiday fairytale about a girl named Claire and a magical Christmas night. The well-loved story features an enchanted land where rats and toy soldiers fight and the Nutcracker comes to life. After the Nutcracker defeats the Rat and saves Claire, they journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy where they are delighted by examples of dancing from around the world. Claire awakens from this dream with memories of a magical Christmas, and so will you after watching this enchanting story played out on ice at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Nativity Pageant
Since Knoxville, Tennessee is in the Bible Belt of the South, Christmas definitely means the birth of Christ here, and there is no shortage of activities honoring that event. One of the more spectacular, though, is the Live Nativity Pageant. This pageant has been a part of Knoxville's Christmas season for over 35 years. Many families return year after year, making it their own family tradition as well. The Nativity Pageant uses a combination of lighting, orchestral and choral music, live animals, realistic settings and authentic costumes to bring to life the Christmas story from Mary being told by the Angel of God that she was chosen to carry Christ to the sacred birth itself. This pageant involves hundreds of volunteers throughout the area to create a 55-minute, professionally directed drama of the first Christmas. The pageant is held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in December. Admission is free of charge and funded by donations.

There are lots of other fun and interesting holiday events in Knoxville, Tennessee. I guarantee the Christmas spirit is alive and well here.