In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 41

📰 Winter Market at Biddle Farms

📰 Christmas Market at NikNaks Ice Cream

🗓️ Drive Thru Live Nativity at Little Ponderosa Zoo

🗓️ Holiday Crafting Fun - Santa Gumball Machine Workshop for Kids

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Winter Market at Biddle Farms

Step into a festive winter wonderland at the Winter Market at Biddle Farms on December 14th, from 11 AM to 4 PM, at the Community Green at Biddle Farms (255 Biddle Farms Blvd. in Farragut). Hosted by Visit Farragut, this holiday market is shaping up to be one of the area’s most anticipated seasonal events, with thousands already showing interest.

Shoppers can browse a wide variety of one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and craft vendors, making it the perfect place to find unique holiday presents while supporting small businesses. Families will also enjoy fun winter activities for all ages, along with a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Gingerbread House Competition, where guests can admire creative edible designs—and even sign up to compete themselves. Whether you come to shop, stroll, sip a hot drink, or soak in the holiday spirit, the Winter Market at Biddle Farms promises a joyful afternoon for friends and families alike.

Christmas Market at NikNaks Ice Cream

Get your holiday shopping done while enjoying sweet treats at the Christmas Market at NikNaks Ice Cream (3537 W. Emory Road in Powell) on December 14th, from 1 PM to 5 PM. This festive, family-friendly market is the perfect way to support local small vendors while checking items off your Christmas gift list.

Santa will be on site from 2 PM to 4 PM with a professional photographer, offering affordable photo packages ranging from $20–$50, along with on-site printing and direct mailing options. There’s no obligation to purchase, and guests are also welcome to take their own photos. Best of all, NikNaks Ice Cream will be serving up plenty of delicious treats to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

With unique gifts, Santa photos, and dessert all in one stop, this Christmas Market promises a fun and festive afternoon for the whole family.

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Drive Thru Live Nativity at Little Ponderosa Zoo

Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with the Drive-Thru Live Nativity at Little Ponderosa Zoo (629 Granite Road in Clinton) on December 16th, from 6–8 PM. This beloved community tradition returns once again as a unique, family-friendly way to experience the story of Christmas—right from the comfort of your car.

Guests will drive through a marked route in the zoo’s parking area and encounter beautifully staged live scenes recreating the Nativity. With real actors, animals, and warm holiday lighting, this immersive experience brings the Christmas story to life in a peaceful, meaningful, and unforgettable way for all ages.

This special evening is expected to be a popular one. Gather your family, pile into the car, and enjoy this touching holiday tradition that continues to bring joy and reflection to the Clinton and surrounding communities each year.

Holiday Crafting Fun - Santa Gumball Machine Workshop for Kids

Kids can wrap up the holiday season with a fun and creative craft experience at the Santa Gumball Machine event on December 22nd, from 6–8 PM.  Hosted by Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive in Powell), this festive class invites young artists to design and build their very own Santa-themed gumball machine to take home or give as a special handmade gift.

This hands-on holiday activity is designed for children and includes all supplies for just $25 per child. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and Christmas cheer, giving kids a memorable way to celebrate the season while crafting something truly unique. Advance registration is recommended. Register

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-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 - 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 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. Best of all, this event is free to attend.

🗓️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 and December 18th - 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 from 5:00–8:00 PM, offering extended evening shopping hours in a cozy, holiday-inspired atmosphere.

🗓️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 - Get ready to dance into the Christmas season with the Holly Jolly Hoedown, a FREE Christmas-themed line dancing lesson happening 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.

🗓️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 a cozy, festive afternoon at Winter Wonderland at Monday Night Brewing (2110 Chapman Highway), happening 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.

🗓️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

Recurring events and upcoming 2026 events

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️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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