Experience the Magic of Santa’s Visit at Pygmy Harbor Farm

Issue #710

25 Nov

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Heavy Rain with a High of 65

📰 Experience the Magic of Santa’s Visit at Pygmy Harbor Farm

🗓️ IBN Breakfast Club Networking

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Today’s Record High: 74 in 2010 — Record Low: 5 in 1950

Blount Mansion to Host Holiday Candlelight Tours

Step back in time this December as Blount Mansion, the Birthplace of Tennessee and Knox County’s only National Historic Landmark, opens its doors for Holiday Candlelight Tours.

The event will take place on December 12th-13th, at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Ave). Guests will enjoy guided candlelit tours showcasing American holiday traditions through history, accompanied by live music, cookies, and cider.

Tours begin at 5 PM, with the last tour departing at 7 PM. Tickets are $20.

Sponsored by Johnson Architecture, this festive event offers a chance to experience the warmth and charm of the season while exploring one of Knoxville’s most treasured historic sites.

Get Tickets. Learn more about the site’s history and preservation efforts at www.blountmansion.org.

Experience the Magic of Santa’s Visit at Pygmy Harbor Farm

Pygmy Harbor Farm is bringing in holiday magic with its exclusive Santa Experience, a limited-ticket event designed to create warm, personal, and unforgettable Christmas memories for families. Tickets may be purchased during two windows only: December 6th from 11 AM–Noon and 2 PM–3 PM.

When you arrive at the farm, you’ll be welcomed into a festive wonderland where Santa and Mrs. Claus are waiting to greet you. Each guest receives personal, unhurried time with the Claus couple—perfect for capturing photos, videos, and cherished holiday moments. A professional photographer will also be on-site to offer digital and print photo options for purchase.

The fun doesn’t stop there—Pygmy Harbor Farm’s friendly goats are eager to meet visitors! Guests of all ages can pet and feed the goats, adding a charming and interactive twist to the holiday outing.

While exploring the farm, be sure to browse the selection of handmade goat milk soaps and lotions, crafted right on the premises. These artisanal products make thoughtful holiday gifts or a special treat to take home.

This Santa Experience is intentionally kept small to ensure every family enjoys ample time with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the animals. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Please note that tickets are limited and non-refundable. The event is rain or shine, with cancellations only if dangerous winter travel conditions arise.

If you're looking for a unique, heartwarming, and hands-on holiday outing, the Santa Experience at Pygmy Harbor Farm is a perfect choice. Be sure to secure your tickets early—this festive celebration fills quickly! Get Tickets for 11AM-Noon or Get Tickets for 2 PM - 3 PM.

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Kick Off December with Santa Gnome Paint Night

Get into the holiday spirit with a fun and festive creative night! Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive, Powell) is hosting a Santa Gnome Paint Night on December 1st, from 6 PM–8 PM.

Participants will paint an adorable wooden Santa gnome, the perfect seasonal décor piece to brighten your home—or to gift to someone special. No prior painting experience is needed. Just bring your holiday cheer, and the instructor will guide you step-by-step.

This relaxed, holiday-themed workshop is open to anyone who wants to unwind, create something festive, and have fun. Seats are limited, so secure your spot and start December with a dash of creativity! Cost: $25 per person (includes all supplies) Payment Link

IBN Breakfast Club Networking

Local professionals and entrepreneurs are invited to kick off their month with connection and community at the IBN Breakfast Club – Corryton, happening December 4th, from 8 AM–9 AM at Wrenhouse Bakery (7404 Tazewell Pike, Corryton).

Hosted by Incredible Towns – Knoxville, this free monthly meetup takes place every 1st Thursday and offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for business networking—no fees, no dues, and no membership required.

Attendees are encouraged to share their business, promote services, and make new connections in a friendly, community-focused setting.

If you’re looking to grow your network or simply enjoy a morning of good conversation, the IBN Breakfast Club in Corryton is the place to be!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Coming Soon….a new Knoxville Insider community calendar experience!

Upcoming Events:

November 26th - 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.

November 26th - November 30th - Knoxville’s favorite holiday tradition, the Fantasy of Trees, returns to the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley St). Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 9am-9pm, Thanksgiving Day from 3pm-8pm and Sunday fron noon-6pm. Get Tickets

November 29th - 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. More Info & Tickets

November 29th - 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, 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.

November 30th - Buffalo Bills Fans - 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.

December 1st-15th - Brighten a Senior’s Christmas Morning! Holiday gift bags are needed for Mobile Meals, who will be delivering hot, delicious meals to over 700 homebound seniors in Knox County on Christmas morning. Donate gifts backs at one of these locations: L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Ave, Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; Grayson Suburu, 8729 Kingston Pike, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm. See knoxseniors.org, page 6 under the Holiday Donation Drives button, for info about what to include in the gift bags.

December 4th - Navigating Difficult Conversations workshop, Pellissippi State, Blount County Campus (2731 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Friendsville), 5:30–8:30 PM | West Building, Room 121, $69 Course Fee | Registration is open now at www.pstcc.edu or by calling 865-694-6400.

December 5th - Female entrepreneurs, creatives, and business professionals across Knoxville are invited to gather for the next First Friday Coffee Chat from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at The Hub Pro Studio (1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103).

December 5th - 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. Participants meet at 5:00 PM; For full details and schedule, visit www.niefnorf.org/unsilentnight.

December 5th - Enjoy Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night hosted by Nief-Norf and preview performances from Circle Modern Dance’s Modern Dance Primitive Light at The Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street).

December 6th - Join Davis Studio in Bearden (9 Mohican Street, Suite 2) for a festive milestone celebration! The beloved art and frame shop will host its 20th Anniversary Celebration and Holiday Open House from 11 AM to 5 PM.

December 6th–7th and December 13th–14th - 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—(Saturdays: 10 AM – 5 PM & Sundays: 11 AM – 5 PM). More Info

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

December 6th - 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 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

December 7th - Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate—A Very Kraken Christmas Party at The Kraken’s Cup (4815 N Broadway, STE 107) is returning, 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

December 7th - 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 at 3 pm at Bearden Middle School (1000 Francis Rd), and promises an afternoon filled with festive favorites and heartwarming holiday classics.

December 10th - Get ready to glow this holiday season at Merry, Bright and Beautiful, a festive evening hosted by Drip into Wellness and Skintentional Beauty Spa 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 

December 11th - Navigating Difficult Conversations workshop, Pellissippi State, Strawberry Plains Campus (7201 Strawberry Plains Pike), 1:30–4:30 PM, Room 1418, $89 Course Fee, Registration is open now at www.pstcc.edu or by calling 865-694-6400.

December 12th - Celebrate the season with live music by Nick Horner Family at The Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street).

December 13th - Get ready for a festive morning full of holiday cheer at the Tennova Family YMCA (7540 Dannaher Dr) in Powell! 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.

December 13th - The magic of the season is coming to Halls once again! Mark your calendar from 10 AM – 2 PM as the beloved Halls Christmas Market transforms Black Oak Plaza (6931B Maynardville Pike) into a bustling winter marketplace filled with local artisans, festive activities, and holiday spirit.

December 13th - Collectors, comic fans, and pop-culture enthusiasts—get ready! The Collective Trading Co. is hosting its Monthly Showcase at Pellissippi State Community College (10915 Hardin Valley Rd) from 9am-3pm.

December 14th - Get ready for holiday cheer, sparkling floats, and a joyful community celebration—the 6th Annual Christmas Parade at The Pointe at Lifespring Senior Living is happening, and everyone is invited to join the fun! This magical tradition brings friends, families, and neighbors together for an afternoon filled with laughter, festive sights, and Christmas spirit. The parade lineup begins at 2:00 PM at Arlington Baptist Church (4383 Lifespring Lane), with the parade officially starting at 2:30 PM and making its way to The Pointe at Lifespring (4371 Lifespring Lane).

Through January 4th - 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. More Info & Tickets

Through March 15th - 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. 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:

December 19th - Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville 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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