In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 67

📰 Cookies with Santa Returns to University Commons

📰 Arts & Culture Alliance Members Show Opens at The Emporium

🗓️ Riders Rev Up for a Cause at the 2nd Annual East TN Toys for Tots Ride

🗓️ Celebrate Friendsgiving at Pins & Pints Pinball Pub

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Cookies with Santa Returns to University Commons

The holiday season is getting a sweet start with the return of Cookies with Santa, happening Sunday, November 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at University Commons (2318 University Commons). Sponsored by Nicole Yarbrough State Farm, this beloved family event is part of the University Commons Market hosted by Capybara, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Families can enjoy crafts for kids, fresh cookies from Wrenhouse Bakery, and professional photos by ACGoodman Photography, with one free digital download per family to capture the memory. Children will have the chance to meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for that perfect holiday photo.

This festive gathering is the perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit with fun, food, and family time. Optionally RSVP by calling (865) 622-5000.

Bring your holiday cheer — and your sweet tooth — for a heartwarming afternoon of Christmas fun!

Arts & Culture Alliance Members Show Opens at The Emporium

The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville is proud to announce the opening of its 2025 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition celebrating local artistry and creativity in East Tennessee. The show will be on display at The Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street), from December 5th–23rd, featuring hundreds of two- and three-dimensional works created by regional artists.

The exhibition includes a stunning range of media—from oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and photography to ceramics, fiber, mixed media, and sculpture—showcasing the incredible diversity and depth of Knoxville’s creative community. Each piece has been crafted within the past two years by members of the Arts & Culture Alliance, which represents artists, educators, and organizations across East Tennessee.

Two free public celebrations will take place at The Emporium, both from 5 p.m.–8 p.m.:

• Friday, December 5: Enjoy Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night hosted by Nief-Norf and preview performances from Circle Modern Dance’s Modern Dance Primitive Light.

• Friday, December 12: Celebrate the season with live music by Nick Horner Family.

Visitors can explore and purchase works in person or online at knoxalliance.store. The Emporium is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (closed December 24–28). More Info

Riders Rev Up for a Cause at the 2nd Annual East TN Toys for Tots Ride

Get ready to ride for a great cause! The 2nd Annual East Tennessee Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride, hosted by The Knox VetNet and Bootlegger Harley-Davidson, takes place on November 29th, beginning at 12:00 PM. This festive ride brings together motorcyclists and community members to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, ensuring that every child gets to open a gift on Christmas morning.

The rally kicks off at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge (37830) with registration from 9–10 AM, followed by the Blessing of the Bikes at 10:05 AM. Kickstands go up at 10:15 AM, and the group will ride together to Bootlegger Harley-Davidson (605 Lovell Road, Knoxville), where the event will continue until 2 PM.

Registration costs one new toy (valued at $10 or more) or a $10 donation per rider, with all proceeds going directly to Toys for Tots. Riders are encouraged to dress up in their best Santa or Elf gear to spread holiday cheer along the route!

The annual ride is more than just a motorcycle rally—it’s a chance to create memories, support local children in need, and celebrate the season of giving.

For more information, visit Bootlegger Harley-Davidson or follow the event updates on Facebook. Grab your gear, bring a toy, and join the ride that brings smiles to kids across East Tennessee!

Celebrate Friendsgiving at Pins & Pints Pinball Pub

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed way to kick off the holiday season, Pins & Pints Pinball Pub (1336 E. Emory Road) is hosting its annual Friendsgiving Party on November 26th at 3 PM! Gather your friends, unwind before the Thanksgiving rush, and enjoy a festive afternoon.

Pins & Pints is pulling out all the stops with a special Thanksgiving dinner plate available for dine-in or take-home—perfect for anyone who wants a holiday feast without the kitchen hassle. Guests can also enjoy delicious specialty cocktails.

With great food, cold drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, this Friendsgiving celebration is the perfect chance to relax, reconnect, and kick off the holiday season with your favorite people.

Mark your calendar and come celebrate at Pins & Pints—where friends, fun, and festive flavors come together!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Buffalo Bills Fans - 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

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. It is open to anyone seeking support for life changes such as loss, separation, or other major changes — 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 (12284 N Fox Den Dr). Come as you are, and take a moment to heal in community this holiday season. Register here or call (865) 333-6232.

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

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.

Get ready for a weekend of festive fun and local shopping as Shannon Valley Farms hosts Pink Weekend, a special two-day pre-holiday market celebrating small businesses, makers, and local boutiques! November 22nd-23rd from 9am - 3pm. Your holiday gifting season starts right here — at home in Shannon Valley Farms (4900 Horsestall Drive)

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.

Game day is about to get spicy! Join Sevier Avenue Burger Company (1120 Sevier Ave) for a day of flavor, football, and friendly competition at their UT vs. Florida Watch Party & Chili Cook-Off on November 22nd, benefiting Young-Williams Animal Center. More Info & Tickets

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

Get ready to relive one of the most beloved holiday stories of all time as A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage comes to town, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium (500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave) on November 24th at 7:00 pm! This heartwarming production brings Charles M. Schulz’s timeless classic and Vince Guaraldi’s iconic music to life in a joyful, family-friendly performance that captures the spirit of the season. Use code: TURKEY for 30% off tickets! More Info

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, to be held on November 29th, featuring original songs by eleven-time GRAMMY Award winner Dolly Parton. More Info & Tickets

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 glow this holiday season at Merry, Bright and Beautiful, a festive evening hosted by Drip into Wellness and Skintentional Beauty Spa on December 10th at 318 Erin Drive, Suite 5 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm! This special event combines relaxation, self-care, and holiday cheer — the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself before the season’s rush. Space is limited — reserve your spot 

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

Kick off the holiday season with joy, music, and community spirit at the Knoxville Community Band’s annual Christmas Spectacular! This free concert will take place on December 7th at 3 pm at Bearden Middle School (1000 Francis Rd), and promises an afternoon filled with festive favorites and heartwarming holiday classics.

Get ready to glow this holiday season at Merry, Bright and Beautiful, a festive evening hosted by Drip into Wellness and Skintentional Beauty Spa on December 10th at 318 Erin Drive, Suite 5 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm! This special event combines relaxation, self-care, and holiday cheer — the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself before the season’s rush. Space is limited — reserve your spot 

Get ready for a festive morning full of holiday cheer at the Tennova Family YMCA (7540 Dannaher Dr) in Powell! On December 13th, the YMCA will host its first-ever Holiday Craft Market from 9 AM to 1 PM — right alongside its beloved Breakfast with Santa event happening from 9 AM to 11 AM.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in spectacular fashion — Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is back at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville (175 Gists Creek Rd), bringing one of East Tennessee’s most dazzling drive-through light shows to life! This beloved family tradition runs nightly from 6–10 PM through January 4th. More Info & Tickets

Experience the Smoky Mountains like never before with Smoky Night Lights, a brand-new 360° immersive music and light show debuting after dark at Zoo Knoxville. This captivating event invites guests to step into the spirit of the Smokies through a multi-sensory, multimedia experience that blends nature, sound, and light in stunning harmony. Show dates and times available through March 15th. 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:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Celebrate the season of gratitude with a twist of entrepreneurial inspiration at GalsGiving: A Feast of Business Wisdom, hosted by The Hub Pro Studio (1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103). This special November FUNction (November 18th) brings together women in business for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community — all with a festive Thanksgiving flair. More Info & Registration

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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