The Maker City 2025 Holiday Shop Local Gift Guide Now Live

Issue #699

12 Nov

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 58

📰 A Different Kind of Holiday Gathering: Finding Hope and Healing This Season

🗓️ Knoxville Flea Market Returns

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 77 in 1989 — Record Low: 20 in 2019

The Maker City 2025 Holiday Shop Local Gift Guide Now Live

Our creative community is shining bright this season with the launch of The Maker City 2025 Holiday Gift Guide — a curated online collection of locally made gifts, art, and experiences designed to make shopping local simple and inspiring.

The guide features more than 40 Knoxville-area makers, artists, and small businesses, each adding their own spark of creativity to the season. Shoppers can browse across ten themed categories: Hometown, Dwell, Custom Experience, Eye Candy, Eat & Drink, Cozy, Nature, Animal Lover, Stocking Stuffers, and The Littles — making it easy to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

Highlights include sustainable glass décor from Fourth and Glass Recycling Co., colorful handmade jewelry by Hunny Hush, and creations from other local favorites such as Pretentious Craft Co., Reclaim Creative, Family Tree Candle Company, and All Y’all Skincare.

Every purchase supports Knoxville’s makers and strengthens the city’s creative economy. The digital guide is live throughout the holiday season — explore it now and make your gifts truly local.

Shop local. Gift meaningful. Celebrate The Maker City. More Info/Full Guide

A Different Kind of Holiday Gathering: Finding Hope and Healing This Season

The holidays can be difficult for those who’ve experienced loss, separation, or major life changes — and this year, it’s okay if things feel different. To offer comfort and support, Wise Senior Living is hosting A Different Kind of Holiday Gathering, a free seminar designed to help individuals find peace, purpose, and hope through the season.

Led by Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Joy Gaertner, this gentle and encouraging session provides practical tools for coping with grief, navigating emotional challenges, and rediscovering meaning during the holidays.

The seminar is open to anyone seeking support — whether for themselves or someone they care about. It will be held on November 18th from 10 am - 11:30 am at the Fox Den Country Club (). Come as you are, and take a moment to heal in community this holiday season. Register here or call (865) 333-6232.


Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol Comes to Maryville

A heartwarming Appalachian twist on a timeless holiday story is taking the stage this season! The Clayton Center for the Arts (502 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy in Maryville) presents Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol — a spirited musical retelling of Dickens’ classic, featuring original songs by eleven-time GRAMMY Award winner Dolly Parton.

Set in the 1930s Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this reimagined version follows Ebenezer Scrooge, now the owner of a mining company whose greed blinds him to the joys of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his late business partner and three ghosts who guide him toward love, generosity, and redemption — reminding us all that the greatest gift of the season is the one we share.

Adapted by David H. Bell, Curt Wollan, and Couch, the production captures the heart and humor of Dolly’s mountain roots, blending storytelling, music, and Tennessee spirit into a must-see holiday event for families and fans alike. More Info & Tickets

Experience the magic of Dolly’s music and the message of Christmas — right here in East Tennessee.

Knoxville Flea Market Returns

The Knoxville Flea Market is back for another exciting weekend of treasure hunting and local shopping at the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Highway)! From November 21st - 23rd, shoppers can browse through more than 275 booths filled with antiques, collectibles, crafts, home décor, jewelry, and so much more.

With free admission and parking, it’s one of Knoxville’s most popular and affordable weekend events — now celebrating over 20 years strong!

Event Hours: 21st from 2 pm - 6pm; 22nd from 10 am - 6 pm; 23rd from 10 am - 4 pm.

Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, vintage finds, or just a fun day out, the Knoxville Flea Market is the perfect destination to explore and support small vendors from across the region.

Come shop local, discover hidden gems, and enjoy one of Knoxville’s longest-running traditions!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Looking for a relaxing midweek escape filled with creativity, comfort, and a touch of luxury? Join Flower Fire Spa for Illuminated Sips, at the Kraken’s Cup (4815 N Broadway, STE 107), a one-of-a-kind candle-making tea experience happening November 12th - and tickets are on sale now. More Info & Tickets

Get ready for a night of orange-and-white nostalgia as Friends of the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS) hosts Vintage Vols and Know-It-Alls—an unforgettable evening celebrating UT football history! November 13th| XUL Brewery, 213 E. Fifth Ave. |  Festivities begin at 7 p.m. More info

Knox County Master Gardeners - Master Gardener Cid Letsinger will host Q&A sessions at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Dr.) on November 15th from 10 a.m.–noon.

Get ready for a day full of flavor, fun, and farmyard excitement at the Bacon Festival at Friendly Farm (1104 Rebel Hollow Rd) on November 15th, from noon to 5 PM! This family-friendly event celebrates all things bacon with delicious food, hilarious competitions, and hands-on farm fun. More Info & Tickets

Get ready for an uplifting musical experience as acclaimed artists David Phelps and Selah take the stage together at Fairview Knox Church, 7424 Fairview Rd. in Corryton on Saturday, November 15th, at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:20 PM). More Info & Tickets

Get ready for the sweetest yoga class you’ll ever attend! Join Zoom Room Knoxville in Hardin Valley (10938 Springbluff Way) for Senior Dog Yoga on November 15th from 10am - 11am, a fun, relaxing fundraiser benefiting Knox Vintage Pet Project. To attend, visit the Zoom Room website, click the Schedule link, and register for the KVPP Senior Dog Yoga with Andrea class

Have a plant that’s struggling? Not sure how to tackle pests, pruning, or planting? The Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) are here to help! Join Master Gardener Cid Letsinger on November 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Drive) for a free Plant Clinic open to the public. More Info

Buffalo Bills Fans - November 16th at 1:00pm vs Tampa Bay, Thursday, November 20th at 8:15pm vs Houston, and lastly on November 30th at 4:25pm vs Pittsburgh. Don’t forget, too, Labatt’s is on tap!! All are welcome to join us on Bills game days at Clancy's Tavern and Whisky House, 602 S. Gay Street. Clancy's provides a family-friendly, non-smoking environment with a large TV and reserved space just for Bills supporters.

One of Knoxville’s most heartwarming holiday traditions is back! TinyTrees—those cheerful, kid-themed mini Christmas trees lovingly decorated by community groups—will soon brighten the halls of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH). November 17th from 6–8 PM is the one and only night to drop off your decorated TinyTree at ETCH (2018 Clinch Ave)! More Info

Join the McClung Museum, UT’s Department of English, Denbo Center for the Humanities & the Arts, and UT’s Creative Writing Program for a special evening with award-winning poet Annie Wenstrup (Dena’ina) on November 18th. A light reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by Wenstrup’s reading at 6 p.m. in the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture auditorium on the UT campus. (Please note: time and location differ from usual creative writing events.) More Info

As the leaves fall and planting season begins, Dogwood Arts is once again inspiring East Tennesseans to dig in and help Keep Knoxville Blooming through its beloved Bazillion Blooms campaign. Bare-root trees, standing 2–4 feet tall, are available for $25 each or $20 each when purchasing five or more, with your choice of white or pink blooms. Orders placed by November 19th can be picked up at the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue) on December 5th (10 AM–4 PM) or December 6th (9 AM–12 PM). More Info/Order or call (865) 637-4561

If you’ve ever wondered “what is tea?”, here’s your chance to explore the answer in style. Join the team at The Kraken’s Cup for a one-night-only tasting class on November 19th at 6:00 PM. The venue is located at 4815 N Broadway, Suite 107. More Info & Tickets

Get ready to step back in time as the Second Annual Norman Castle Siege returns to Millennium Manor Castle in Alcoa (500 N. Wright Road), hosted by The Lionheart Crusaders EMP. This exciting medieval festival takes place on November 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and promises a full day of armored combat, castle tours, and family fun.

Mark your calendars for an afternoon dedicated to rejuvenation, self-care, and community connection! The Knoxville Beauty, Health & Wellness Expo is happening November 22nd, from 1–4 PM at Ebony & Ivory Brewing (2300 Central Ave, Knoxville, TN).

On November 22nd from 10 am to noon, families are invited to drop in for storytelling, author Q&A, and hands-on activities inspired by the world of Red and her four-legged friend. Kids can explore Red’s Corner, where local animal organizations—including Knox Vintage Pet Project, Young-Williams, HABIT, and more—will share fun, interactive experiences perfect for young animal lovers. Location: East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay Street).

Mark your calendars for one of Knoxville’s favorite fall traditions — the Retropolitan Craft Fair, happening November 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Ave. More Info

Experience the magic of music, community, and the holidays in an entirely new way at A Soundwalk Through the City, a free, family-friendly outdoor music event where you become part of the performance! Join Nief-Norf for Unsilent Night, an immersive soundwalk created by composer Phil Kline. December 5th |  Participants meet at 5:00 PM; For full details and schedule, visit www.niefnorf.org/unsilentnight.

Get ready to experience a festive favorite this December as the Holiday Market comes to the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall in downtown Knoxville for the first two weekends of the month—December 6th–7th and December 13th–14th (Saturdays: 10 AM – 5 PM & Sundays: 11 AM – 5 PM). More Info

Celebrate the season at GermanFest’s inaugural Christkindlmarkt, a festive holiday market designed for all ages, to be held on December 6th from 4pm-8pm and December 7th from 1pm-4pm at First Lutheran Church (1207 N. Broadway). More Info

Get ready for a high-energy, community-driven event as Hero Athletics and Hello Market team up for It’s a Tap — Jiu-Jitsu Tournament & Vendor Fair on December 6th at Hero Athletics (11214 Outlet Drive). Whether you're a martial arts fan, a local-market shopper, or just looking for a fun family outing, this full-day event has something for everyone. Athletes can secure their spot now through Smoothcomp:
https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/25566. Hello Market is accepting vendor applications. Apply here:
👉 https://form.jotform.com/252414024677051

Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate—A Very Kraken Christmas Party at The Kraken’s Cup (4815 N Broadway, STE 107) is returning on December 7th, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be one of the most festive events of the season! More Info & Tickets

A Night Out with New Friends | Dinner with Strangers - Looking to expand your social circle and enjoy a memorable evening in great company? A Night Out with New Friends: Knoxville | Dinner with Strangers 2025 offers just that—a unique dining experience designed for mingling, connection, and making new friends over a delicious meal. These events turn the usual dinner out into something far more exciting and meaningful. More Info

Networking:

Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville on select Fridays—November 21st, and December 19th—from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for a night of laughter, conversation, and cozy fireside vibes. Families are encouraged to bring a snack, a drink, and a chair, and settle in for an evening where kids can play while adults network in a laid-back, welcoming environment.

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

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