Photos with Smokey Claus at Alumni Hall

Issue #723

09 Dec

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Cloudy with a High of 46

📰 Photos with Smokey Claus at Alumni Hall

🗓️ Step Into History - History Parlor Conversation at East Tennessee History Center

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Today’s Record High: 72 in 1978 — Record Low: 5 in 1917

Holiday Cheer & Shopping Local at the Corryton Christmas Fair

Get ready for a full day of festive fun at the Christmas Vendor Fair on December 13th, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Corryton Community Club (9331 Davis Drive, Corryton). Hosted by the Corryton Elementary School PTA, this community event brings together shopping, food, and holiday spirit in one cheerful celebration for the whole family.

Visitors can browse a wide variety of local vendors offering unique Christmas gifts, crafts, and holiday décor—perfect for checking off those last-minute items on your shopping list. Food trucks will be on site throughout the day with plenty of delicious treats to enjoy while you shop, and families won’t want to miss the Christmas Parade at 11 AM, a highlight that adds even more seasonal magic to the day.

In the spirit of giving, guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to support Hope For All Ministries, a local food pantry serving the community. All proceeds from the event benefit the Corryton Elementary PTA, helping support students and school programs. Mark your calendar and join your neighbors for a day of holiday shopping, community connection, and Christmas cheer.

Photos with Smokey Claus at Alumni Hall

Get ready for a fun and uniquely Knoxville holiday photo opportunity with Photos with Smokey Claus on December 13th from Noon–1 PM at Alumni Hall in Turkey Creek (11309 Parkside Drive). Families are invited to stop by for festive photos with a Smokey-inspired Santa, along with holiday treats and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Hosted by Alumni Hall UT, this free, family-friendly event is open to the public and offers the perfect chance to capture a memorable holiday moment with the Vols’ beloved mascot twist.

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Local VIP Passes - No App, No Signup, Just Perks

Zoom Room - Indoor Dog Training
Specials, Events, & Announcements

Knoxville Insider
Giveaways, Announcements, & Exclusives

Mae Larue - Clothing Boutique
Specials, Events, & Announcements

COMING SOON…

Kat’s Purrfect Getaways
Travel Deals, Tips, and more!
—————
eWomen Network Knoxville Chapter
Networking event notifications, special announcements, and more!

Turn every customer’s phone into your personal billboard. With a VIP Wallet Pass, your business can send instant, lock-screen notifications straight to your customers -no apps, no social media algorithms, no email clutter. Announce sales, last-minute openings, events, emergencies, or VIP-only offers and be seen immediately.

If you already text, email, or post on social… this is the missing piece that gives you guaranteed visibility when timing matters most.

Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

A Family Morning on the Farm - Open Farm Day at Pygmy Harbor Farm

Spend a refreshing Saturday morning at the farm during Open Farm Day at Pygmy Harbor Farm (2222 Robin Ben Lane) on December 13th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This family-friendly event invites the community to step out into the fresh country air and experience the charm of a working farm up close.

Guests will have the chance to shop directly from the farm, explore the beautiful property, and meet the friendly goats that call Pygmy Harbor home. It’s a relaxed, hands-on opportunity to connect with nature, learn more about farm life, and enjoy a peaceful morning with family and friends.

Whether you’re looking for unique local products or simply a fun outdoor outing, Open Farm Day offers a welcoming escape and a chance to support a wonderful local farm.

Step Into History - History Parlor Conversation at East Tennessee History Center

Step into a lively conversation about the past at The History Parlor, happening December 11th, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the East Tennessee History Center (601 South Gay Street). This free, adult-focused gathering invites history lovers to come together for an informal, welcoming discussion centered on books, articles, and stories that explore history in all its forms—local or global, fiction or nonfiction, new or old.

Participants are encouraged to bring along something they’ve been reading and prepare a brief synopsis to share with the group. Whether you’ve been itching to revisit a favorite historical topic, discover new perspectives, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversation with fellow history enthusiasts, The History Parlor offers the perfect space to exchange ideas and spark curiosity.

The program is free and open to the public and is hosted by Knox County Public Library in partnership with the East Tennessee Historical Society. It takes place on the second Thursday of each month, making it a great ongoing opportunity to stay connected to the stories that shape our region and the world. More Info

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 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 - Step into a festive winter wonderland at the Winter Market at Biddle Farms 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.

🗓️December 14th - Get your holiday shopping done while enjoying sweet treats at the Christmas Market at NikNaks Ice Cream (3537 W. Emory Road in Powell) on 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.

🗓️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 -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 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 16th - Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with the Drive-Thru Live Nativity at Little Ponderosa Zoo (629 Granite Road in Clinton) 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.

🗓️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 22nd - 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. Register

🗓️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 December 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.

🗓️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

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.