Boot-Scootin’ into the Holidays at the Holly Jolly Hoedown

Issue #721

06 Dec

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 47

📰 Winter Wonderland Brings Holiday Magic to Monday Night Brewing

🗓️ Uncork the Holidays at the Crazy Hat Business Networking Mixer

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

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✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Today’s Record High: 74 in 1998 — Record Low: 9 in 1871

Boot-Scootin’ into the Holidays at the Holly Jolly Hoedown in Strawberry Plains

Get ready to dance into the Christmas season with the Holly Jolly Hoedown, a FREE Christmas-themed line dancing lesson happening on December 12th at 6:30 PM at Walnut Springs Winery (1175 Midway Road in Strawberry Plains). Hosted by Walnut Springs Winery, this festive evening is open to all experience levels, whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the very first time.

Holiday attire is encouraged—think cowboy boots, Santa hats, ugly sweaters, or a little holiday sparkle—as guests dance along to country Christmas classics and festive favorites. The event is family-friendly and full of cheer, with flatbreads and holiday wine slushies available for purchase to keep everyone fueled for the fun.

Round up your friends, embrace the Christmas spirit, and enjoy a night of music, movement, and merriment at this lively holiday hoedown at Walnut Springs Winery.

Winter Wonderland Brings Holiday Magic to Monday Night Brewing

Get ready for a cozy, festive afternoon at Winter Wonderland at Monday Night Brewing (2110 Chapman Highway), happening on Sunday, December 14th from Noon–6:00 PM. Hosted by Monday Night Proofing Co. – Knoxville, this free, family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to step into a taproom transformed for the holiday season.

Families can enjoy photos with Santa, ornament decorating at every table, and holiday movies playing throughout the afternoon, creating the perfect atmosphere for seasonal fun. Adults can sip on seasonal cocktails and specialty beers crafted just for the day, while everyone stays warm with hot cocoa and cider.

With festive surprises planned throughout the event, Winter Wonderland is the perfect way to slow down, gather with friends and family, and soak in the joy of the season. Wear your coziest sweater and come enjoy an afternoon full of holiday spirit at one of South Knoxville’s favorite gathering spots.

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Ladies Night Out at the Southern Market

Grab your friends and enjoy a festive evening of shopping, treats, and holiday cheer at Ladies Night Out at The Southern Market (5400 Homberg Drive). The popular event will be held on December 11th and December 18th, from 5:00–8:00 PM, offering extended evening shopping hours in a cozy, holiday-inspired atmosphere.

Guests can browse unique gifts and seasonal décor while enjoying free cocoa and cookies, plus receive a free holiday mug as a special thank-you gift (while supplies last). It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends, knock out some Christmas shopping, and soak up the festive spirit.

This free, public event is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to support local vendors while making a fun night of it.

Uncork the Holidays at the Crazy Hat Business Networking Mixer

Local business owners and professionals are invited to celebrate the season with a fun twist at “Uncork the Holidays: The Crazy Hat Mixer – BizGrow Free Christmas Social Networking,” happening on December 9th, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Sparrow Wine Bar (137 West End Ave in Farragut). Hosted by BizGrow Business Coaching and Networking by The Web Mavericks, this festive mixer combines holiday cheer with relaxed, no-pressure networking.

Guests are encouraged to swap out the ugly sweater for their wildest Christmas hat -think Santa, elf, cowboy, or anything over-the-top and creative. The best hat wins a prize, and attendees can also enjoy great wine, enter for door prizes, and make meaningful connections with other local professionals. Just bring your business cards and your holiday spirit.

Best of all, this event is free to attend and designed for fun, friendship, and festive networking—no sales pitches, no pressure. Bring a friend, wear your craziest hat, and raise a glass to the holiday season with BizGrow at Sparrow Wine Bar in Farragut.

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

Multi-Day Events that are ‘Now through a certain date are listed below the dated events.

🗓️December 6th - West High School invites you to experience a fun, fresh twist on a classic with Ken Ludwig’s “Midsummer/Jersey”, a hilarious reimagining of Shakespeare with a Jersey Shore flair. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM at West High School (Sutherland Entrance). Get Tickets - Students $5 | Adults $10

🗓️December 6th - Readers are invited to an afternoon of laughter, storytelling, and inspiration as local author Brenda Prater Sellers appears at the Burlington Branch Library (4614 Asheville Highway) from 2:00–3:00 PM. This featured Books & Authors special event is geared toward adults and offers a chance to hear directly from Sellers as she shares stories behind her book and the adventures that shaped it.

🗓️December 6th - Book lovers, bargain hunters, and library supporters won’t want to miss the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, happening from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Bearden Branch Library Meeting Room (100 Golf Club Rd). This popular community event offers an incredible selection of used books, movies, and music for readers of all ages—children, teens, and adults alike.

🗓️December 6th - 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: Sessions are from 11 AM–Noon and 2 PM–3 PM. 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.

🗓️December 6th - The Winter Solstice Folk Dance takes place at 7:00 PM at the Knoxville Square Dance Center (828 Tulip Avenue). More Info

🗓️December 6th - Pinball fans are invited to Pins & Pints Pinball Pub (1336 E. Emory Road) for a fun-filled Charity Pinball Event benefiting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The event runs from 2:00–5:00 PM and promises an afternoon of silver-ball action for players of all skill levels.

🗓️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 - 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 6th - at 3:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge. Music lovers and holiday enthusiasts are invited to take part in a cherished local tradition at the 25th Annual Messiah Sing-Along, led by longtime director Sandy Wells. Featuring a 27-piece all-volunteer orchestra and a chorus of nearly 50 singers, this beloved event is the only Messiah Sing-Along in the area, offering a truly special opportunity for both listeners and participants to experience Handel’s timeless masterpiece together.

🗓️December 6th-7th - One of Knoxville’s most beloved holiday traditions is back as Historic Old North Knoxville hosts its Annual Holiday Home Tour featuring the beautifully restored Bertha Clark House. This year’s tour takes place on December 6th from 4 PM–9 PM and December 7th from 1 PM–5 PM, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore this stunning Eastlake Victorian home fully decorated for the season. Get Tickets

🗓️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–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-20th - Step into a true winter wonderland at the Jackson Square Christmas Market in Oak Ridge (100 Broadway St.) from 5:00–8:00 PM. This festive outdoor market transforms the historic square into a glowing holiday destination filled with shopping, sipping, music, and seasonal cheer.

🗓️December 7th - Let’s go, Buffalo!! Keep the spirited cheers up and join the Buffalo Bills Backers during game days at Clancy’s Pub and Whisky House (602 Gay Street). The game starts at 1:00 PM. Lee Smith, local Knoxvillian and former NFL player, will be at Clancy’s. There will be items to raffle off, including signed photos of Lee Smith, a fleece Buffalo Bills blanket, a Keon Colman jersey, tickets for Ice Bears, tickets for Knoxville Smokies, and a few other items.

🗓️December 7th - at 3:00 PM, Cokesbury United Methodist Church – South Campus, 9908 Kingston Pike. Music lovers and holiday enthusiasts are invited to take part in a cherished local tradition at the 25th Annual Messiah Sing-Along, led by longtime director Sandy Wells. Featuring a 27-piece all-volunteer orchestra and a chorus of nearly 50 singers, this beloved event is the only Messiah Sing-Along in the area, offering a truly special opportunity for both listeners and participants to experience Handel’s timeless masterpiece together.

🗓️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 7th & 14th -Santa Claus is taking a special stop at Mast General Store (402 South Gay Street), giving children the chance to share their Christmas wishes and create lasting holiday memories. Families are invited to visit Santa from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

🗓️December 9th-13th - If you’ve been holding onto gold, silver, coins, jewelry, collectibles, or antiques, now is your chance to turn those items into instant cash. Premier Gold, Silver, and Coin is hosting a FREE five-day buying event in Lenoir City at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Knoxville Lenoir City/I-75 (330 Adesa Parkway). More Info

🗓️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 12th - The Ivan Racheff House & Gardens (1943 Tennessee Avenue) invites you to their annual Greens Tea Pre-Sale Event from Noon to 3:00 PM.

🗓️December 12th-13th - 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 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. Get Tickets. Learn more about the site’s history and preservation efforts at www.blountmansion.org.

🗓️December 13th - Step into a glowing Victorian Christmas as Mabry-Hazen House (1711 Dandridge Avenue) invites guests to its beloved Candlelight Christmas Tours on December 12th from 6 PM–9 PM and from 5 PM–8 PM. Tours depart every 30 minutes. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–17, and free for members and children 5 and under. Reservations are available at www.mabryhazen.com/christmas.

🗓️December 13th - Get ready for one of Knoxville’s brightest holiday traditions—Tour de Lights, presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville, from 3:30 PM–7:30 PM at Mary Costa Plaza near the Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum. This free, family-friendly event blends festive cycling, live holiday music, and a lively Holiday Market featuring local makers, food trucks, and hot chocolate and beer for purchase. Families can also enjoy Peppermint Village, with face painting, balloon creations, marshmallow roasting, a coloring area, and a mailbox for Letters to Santa. Pre-registration is required for the ride and costume contest. Full details and registration are available at:
https://www.visitknoxville.com/tour-de-lights/

🗓️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 one of the most festive nights of the season as Covenant Life presents Jingle Jam, a free, family-friendly Christmas celebration happening at 4:30 PM in Clinton. The event takes place at 151 Sycamore Place, and everyone is invited to come enjoy an evening packed with holiday cheer, laughter, and lasting memories.

🗓️December 14th - Let’s go, Buffalo!! Keep the spirited cheers up and join the Buffalo Bills Backers during game days at Clancy’s Pub and Whisky House (602 Gay Street). The game starts at 1:00 PM.

🗓️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).

🗓️December 19th - Get ready for a magical musical night as the Cathedral Christmas Festival returns to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Dr.) — this year featuring the talented Scruffy City Orchestra. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and will offer a beautiful blend of festive orchestral music, choral performances, and audience Christmas carol-singing. More Info & Tickets

🗓️December 19th-21st - The 39th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium December 19th-21st has four performances to choose from — December 19th at 7:30 PM; December 20th at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM; and December 21st at 3:00 PM — families and music lovers have plenty of chances to enjoy an evening full of holiday favorites, sing-alongs, show tunes, and festive surprises.

🗓️December 21st - Let’s go, Buffalo!! Keep the spirited cheers up and join the Buffalo Bills Backers during game days at Clancy’s Pub and Whisky House (602 Gay Street). The game starts at 1:25 PM.

🗓️December 28th - Let’s go, Buffalo!! Keep the spirited cheers up and join the Buffalo Bills Backers during game days at Clancy’s Pub and Whisky House (602 Gay Street). The game starts at 1:25 PM.

🗓️Now through December 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.

🗓️Now through December 19th - Tim’s Fencing is spreading holiday joy across Knox County with its Christmas Toy Drive benefiting Isaiah 117 House, now underway through December 19th. The community is invited to donate new, unopened toys to help bring comfort and cheer to children who are entering foster care during the holiday season. Donations may be dropped off at Tim’s Fencing office at 4237 Greenway Drive during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. For questions or additional details, contact Tim’s Fencing at (865) 255-9634 or [email protected].

🗓️Now 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

🗓️Now 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

🗓️Now through March - The Winter Farmers Market by Nourish Knoxville is back for the 2025–2026 season, bringing fresh, local food and artisan goods to Market Square every Saturday from December through March, 10 AM–2 PM EXCEPT December 27th, January 3rd, and January 10th.

🗓️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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