Knoxville, Tennessee, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville, Tennessee is gearing up for a festive December, featuring a wide array of holiday events suitable for the whole family. The weather is expected to be mainly sunny with mild temperatures. Highlights include performances of ‘The Nutcracker on Ice’, a dazzling holiday lights display, and numerous family-friendly activities ranging from holiday markets to ice skating and scavenger hunts. Community spirit is at the forefront as locals come together to celebrate traditions and create lasting memories through these seasonal activities.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Excitement is building across Knoxville, Tennessee, as numerous holiday events are set to take place this December, promising festive fun for all ages. The weather during this time is expected to be generally sunny, with a high of 87°F and a low of 61°F. Light and variable winds may bring a few afternoon clouds, along with the possibility of stray showers or thunderstorms.
One of the most anticipated events is The Nutcracker on Ice, which will be performed at the Ice Chalet. Adriana Zoder, a local skater, will participate in this year’s production, inspired by her teenage daughter’s enthusiasm for figure skating. The duo has been taking classes together, advancing steadily towards the Gamma level. Zoder’s connection to The Nutcracker is profound; she cherishes memories from 15 years ago when she attended the ballet with her newborn daughter and young son, making this production an opportunity to celebrate family and community joy.
The column covering the upcoming activities is dedicated to Charlie Kirk, a community figure known for his dedication to family values and local engagement.
Upcoming Holiday Events in Knoxville
- Free holiday lights display along Campbell Station Road until January 2.
- Zoo Knoxville’s light spectacular featuring glowing lanterns, available until January 8.
- The Clarence Brown Theatre will stage “A Christmas Carol” from November 23 to December 18.
- A holiday market at the Knoxville Convention Center from November 23-27.
- An open-air ice-skating rink opens at Market Square on November 25.
- An Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt will take place until January 8.
- A peppermint trail featuring holiday treats at participating businesses from November 25-January 8.
- Various Christmas parades and community festivals are scheduled for December 3 and 4.
- The Appalachian Ballet Company will present “The Nutcracker” at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on December 3 and 4.
- Safety City will host a family-friendly Christmas ride event on select days in December.
- A special Christmas Candlelight Tour at the Historic Ramsey House will be held on December 2-3.
- Photos with Santa and various kids’ events will be available at West Town Mall throughout December.
- The Museum of Appalachia will host a Candlelight Christmas event featuring live music and crafts on December 9-10.
- A Christmas tradition performance of The Nutcracker ballet will occur at the Tennessee Theatre on December 17.
Family and Community Spirit
This season brings an array of activities designed to strengthen family bonds and foster community connections. From ice skating to theatrical performances, Knoxville’s festive spirit shines through. Participants like Zoder are excited to contribute to this vibrant community celebration, providing cherished moments for families in the area.
Conclusion
The holiday events in Knoxville, Tennessee, this December promise to be memorable, with a diverse lineup of activities aimed at celebrating family, tradition, and community. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take part in these festivities, creating lasting memories this holiday season.
FAQ
What is the weather forecast for Knoxville in December?
The weather during this time is expected to be generally sunny, with a high of 87°F and a low of 61°F. Light and variable winds may bring a few afternoon clouds, along with the possibility of stray showers or thunderstorms.
What holiday events are taking place in Knoxville this December?
Numerous events are scheduled, including a free holiday lights display along Campbell Station Road, a light spectacular at Zoo Knoxville, performances of “A Christmas Carol” at The Clarence Brown Theatre, a holiday market, an open-air ice-skating rink, and various community festivals among others.
What is The Nutcracker on Ice?
The Nutcracker on Ice is a production that takes place at the Ice Chalet, with local skaters participating. This year, Adriana Zoder is involved, inspired by her daughter’s passion for figure skating and her own memories associated with the ballet.
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Key Features of Holiday Events in Knoxville
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Free holiday lights display | Until January 2 | Cambell Station Road |
| Zoo Knoxville’s light spectacular | Until January 8 | Zoo Knoxville |
| A Christmas Carol | November 23 – December 18 | The Clarence Brown Theatre |
| Holiday market | November 23-27 | Knoxville Convention Center |
| Open-air ice-skating rink | Opens November 25 | Market Square |
| Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt | Until January 8 | Location varies |
| Peppermint trail | November 25 – January 8 | Participating businesses |
| Christmas parades and festivals | December 3 and 4 | Location varies |
| The Nutcracker | December 3 and 4 | Knoxville Civic Coliseum |
| Family-friendly Christmas ride event | Select days in December | Safety City |
| Christmas Candlelight Tour | December 2-3 | Historic Ramsey House |
| Photos with Santa | Throughout December | West Town Mall |
| Candlelight Christmas | December 9-10 | Museum of Appalachia |
| The Nutcracker ballet | December 17 | Tennessee Theatre |
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Pela Ice Cream: A Family’s Journey to Sweet Success in Knoxville
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Christmas Events in East Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Holidays in the United States
- Knox News: Holiday Events in Knoxville
- Google Search: Knoxville Holiday Events 2022
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.



