In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 54

📰 Help Fill Micheal’s Christmas with Cards, Love, and Community

📰 Alpine Repair Christmas Giveaway for Local Drivers

🗓️ Create a Stained Glass–Inspired Masterpiece at a Festive Art Night

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Help Fill Micheal’s Christmas with Cards, Love, and Community

This Christmas season, we’re asking our community to rally around a young man whose love for life—and for Christmas—has always shined brightly. Micheal is remembered by his family as an adventurous, generous-hearted boy who loved hunting, fishing, football, and baseball. He was happiest outdoors or spending time with people, and he never hesitated to help someone in need. Micheal especially loved Christmas—the lights, Santa, the reindeer, the hugs, and the feeling of togetherness. He always tried to convince his parents to put the tree up early and leave it up well past the New Year.

On July 9, 2017, just after turning 15, Micheal was tragically injured while helping a family friend work on a car. A sudden mechanical shift caused the vehicle to roll, pinning him beneath its weight and depriving him of oxygen for several minutes. First responders worked tirelessly to save his life, and after weeks in the trauma ICU and months of specialized care, Micheal returned home. Today, he is a quadriplegic and non-verbal, communicating through facial expressions and presence. Though his body has changed, the heart of the boy who loved people so deeply is still very much there.

Micheal continues to find joy in visits, familiar faces, and moments of connection. His family deeply misses being able to take him to places that once meant so much to him—especially church and the Bass Pro Shop, two of his favorite spots—but outings like those are no longer possible due to transportation limitations that make traveling with his medical equipment difficult. As a result, much of Micheal’s world now comes to him, and the love of others means more than ever.

That’s where you come in. A Christmas card—simple and heartfelt—can brighten Micheal’s days in a powerful way. Cards, notes, prayers, and drawings help bring the warmth, wonder, and connection of the season directly to him. If you’d like to help make Micheal’s Christmas brighter, please consider sending a card to:

Micheal Edmonds
1401 Misty Ridge Road
Lenoir City, TN 37772

This season, let’s surround Micheal and his family with reminders that they are not alone. Sometimes the smallest gestures—like a Christmas card—carry the greatest love.

Alpine Repair Christmas Giveaway for Local Drivers

Alpine Repair is spreading holiday cheer across Knoxville with its festive 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, running now through December 20th. This mobile mechanic service is celebrating the season with daily surprises, helpful car care tips, and chances to win practical prizes designed to make life on the road a little easier during the holidays.

Each day, Alpine Repair will feature a mini giveaway for Facebook followers, with prizes including quality flashlights, gas cards, jumper cables, and other useful automotive essentials valued up to $25. Along with the giveaways, the team is sharing lighthearted humor and simple car care tips that can save drivers time, stress, and money—perfect for the busy holiday season.

The celebration wraps up on December 20th with a $100 Walmart gift card grand prize, just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping. To enter the grand prize drawing, participants are encouraged to follow Alpine Repair on Facebook, comment on at least five of the 12 Days of Christmas posts, and tag friends to join in the fun. New posts go live daily at 9 a.m., giving followers multiple chances to participate and win.

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

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!

Create a Stained Glass–Inspired Masterpiece at a Festive Art Night

Let your creativity shine at the Stained Glass Canvas class on December 18th, from 6 PM – 8 PM at Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive, Powell). This relaxed, hands-on art night invites participants to create a beautiful 11x14 canvas designed to look like a glowing stained glass window, complete with bold outlines, vibrant colors, and light-inspired effects that feel perfect for the winter season.

No experience is needed—this class is beginner-friendly, and instructors will guide you step by step through the entire process. All supplies are included, making it easy to simply show up, unwind, and enjoy an evening of creativity. Whether you’re crafting a piece for your home or a thoughtful handmade gift, it’s a fun and festive way to spend a December evening.

The class costs $28 per person. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged for this cozy winter art experience. Get Tickets

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 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 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.

🗓️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

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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