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Step Into Whoville - A Magical Grinch-Themed Movie Night at Ancient Lore Village
Issue #725
In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 41
📰 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at the Tennessee Theatre
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here
✅ Advertising Opportunities


Today’s Record High: 75 in 2007 — Record Low: 10 in 1957

Holiday Nights at Nightfall Acres

Nightfall Acres (13100 W Lee Hwy in Philadelphia, TN) is transforming into a winter wonderland this December as Holiday Nights returns on weekends, through December 21st. This celebration offers families a charming, small-town Christmas experience filled with lights, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Guests can stroll through immersive Christmas photo scenes, snap pictures with Santa, and cozy up by the bonfire as the smell of hot cocoa fills the air. Kids and adults alike will love the Holly Jolly Hayride, Christmas Shoppe, Sweet Shoppe, and a variety of carnival games that make the farm come alive with joyful energy. With colorful decorations, friendly farm animals, and whimsical touches throughout the property, every corner offers a perfect moment to capture and remember.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or returning for another year of fun, Holiday Nights at Nightfall Acres is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Bundle up, bring the whole family, and let the magic of Christmas shine. More Info
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at the Tennessee Theatre

Get ready for a classic holiday movie night with Holiday Movie Magic: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation showing on December 13th at 8:00 PM at the historic Tennessee Theatre (604 South Gay Street).
Join fellow film fans for this special screening of the beloved 1989 Christmas comedy on the big screen in one of Knoxville’s most iconic venues. Before the movie begins, the theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ fills the auditorium with festive music, adding to the joyful atmosphere and making the experience even more memorable. Get Tickets
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Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

Step Into Whoville - A Magical Grinch-Themed Movie Night at Ancient Lore Village

This holiday season, Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) is transforming into a whimsical winter wonderland inspired by the beloved world of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. On December 17th at 6:00 PM, you are invited to experience an unforgettable Whoville Movie Night Under the Stars.
Friendly “Villagers” greet guests with warm holiday cheer and a special Whoville Passport, encouraging everyone to explore festive activities before the movie begins.
Kids and adults alike will delight in themed experiences including a Whoville Cookie Decorating Station, a playful Grinchy Green Hot Cocoa Bar, and even a mischievous Meet & Greet with the Grinch himself—perfect for hilarious photo ops and unexpected fun.
When it’s time for the feature presentation, guests will cozy up beneath fairy lights in the Pavilion at the Village Gardens. Heaters keep the space warm, but blankets are encouraged for extra snug movie-watching comfort. Each seat comes with a Grinch Snack Pack, complete with popcorn and candy canes.
The evening also includes a delicious holiday dinner featuring fruit kabobs for kids, stuffed mushrooms for adults, Chicken Alfredo with veggies, and decadent desserts like chocolate mousse cups and sugar cookies to decorate.
With its magical atmosphere, whimsical touches, and heartwarming gathering of family and friends, Whoville Movie Night is truly one of Knoxville’s most charming holiday experiences.
Tickets are limited — Adults (10+) are $59, and Youth (ages 3–9) are $51.
Don’t miss your chance to step into Whoville for a night of joy, laughter, and Grinchy holiday fun. More Info & Tickets

Business Spotlight on Nancy Hannan’s Neora

For more than 11 years, Nancy Hannan has helped individuals look and feel their best as an Independent Brand Partner with Neora, a family-based direct sales company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Neora is built on the philosophy that lasting transformation is best achieved through an inside–outside approach to wellness and skincare. The company burst onto the scene in 2011 with a single product — its now-iconic Night Cream — and generated an astonishing $100 million in first-year sales. Today, Neora continues to transform the industry with breakthrough innovations. Its newest launch — a holistic topical alternative or supplement to tox and filler that trains skin to lift and plump itself — has shown a 1223% increase in collagen production. In the U.S. this May, five months of inventory sold out in five days, and the same thing happened again during its November 2025 debut in South Korea, the skincare capital of the world. Neora was recently recognized among the Top 20 companies for momentum and growth by Direct Selling News.
Nancy’s passion for uplifting others was shaped by her childhood in South Korea as the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries, where she learned the values of compassion, generosity, and community involvement. She later earned a master’s degree in international development from Columbia University, but discovered her deepest fulfillment came from helping individuals transform their well-being on a personal level — a mission that aligned perfectly with Neora’s heart-centered philosophy of “making people better.” Though she has very sensitive skin, Nancy was delighted to find that Neora’s products not only soothed her skin but visibly improved it. Even her four teenage boys began noticing that she looked younger. As Neora expanded its product line, her results continued to improve. With the newest innovation, she has seen more lifting, clarity, and radiance than ever — even after recently turning 58. Inspired by Neora’s vision of dreaming bigger, and supported in part by her income as a Brand Partner, Nancy made the life-changing move from Alaska to East Tennessee, where she purchased a home and now cares for her aging mother.
Service remains at the heart of Nancy’s work — both through Neora’s global partnerships and her own involvement in East Tennessee. Neora is a leading donor to Big Brothers Big Sisters nationwide and supports World Vision, the Happiness Movement through Live Happy magazine, and IPEN. Locally, Nancy proudly serves as a Big Sister, volunteers at community events, and she and her family are active at their church, continuing the spirit of generosity she learned as a child.
Those interested in exploring Neora’s skincare and wellness innovations can attend upcoming Sip and Sample events in Knoxville, request a complimentary $150 skin scan, or schedule a private gathering to learn more. Nancy can be reached at [email protected] or (334) 301-0691, and additional information is available at nhannan.neora.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram @growyoungerwithme, on Facebook at facebook.com/nancy.hannan.5, or through her Linktree at linktr.ee/nhannan.
If you’re ready to explore a science-supported, heart-centered approach to wellness and anti-aging — backed by cutting-edge innovation and genuine personal care — reach out to Nancy to begin your journey.

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 11th - Step into a lively conversation about the past at The History Parlor, happening 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. More Info
🗓️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 - Add a touch of classic holiday tradition to your December plans with The Nutcracker at Clayton Center for the Arts (502 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy in Maryville). Show times are December 12th at 7pm and December 13th at 3pm. More Info & Tickets
🗓️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 - National Wreaths Across America Day, Volunteers needed. Opening ceremonies are at noon at the following locations: Knoxville National Cemetery (939 Tyson Street NW); parking at 1000 North Central Street at Baxter Avenue with shuttle service from 9am - 2pm. ||| New East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (2200 East Gov. John Sevier Hwy); parking at Aqua-Chem ( 3001 East Gov. John Sevier Hwy) and Knox-Chapman Utilities (1905 East Gov. John Sevier Hwy) with shuttle services from 10am - 2pm ||| Old East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (5901 Lyons View Pike); parking at Lakeshore Park with shuttle service from 9am - 2pm.
🗓️December 13th - Spend a refreshing Saturday morning at the farm during Open Farm Day at Pygmy Harbor Farm (2222 Robin Ben Lane) 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.
🗓️December 13th - Get ready for a full day of festive fun at the Christmas Vendor Fair 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.
🗓️December 13th - Get ready for a fun and uniquely Knoxville holiday photo opportunity with Photos with Smokey Claus 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.
🗓️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 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
🗓️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 - A Christmas Carol, live at the Clarence Brown Theatre (1714 Andy Holt Ave) More Info & Tickets
🗓️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 - The Peppermint Trail invites you to stroll through the heart of downtown and enjoy peppermint-themed treats, drinks, décor, and shopping at dozens of participating local businesses. More Info
🗓️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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