In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 39

📰 Step Into Buddy’s World with an Elf Movie Night at Ancient Lore Village

📰 Create a One-of-a-Kind Living Ornament at Barley’s Knoxville

🗓️ Christmas Mock’Tail Party at Zoom Room TODAY

🗓️ Buffalo Bills Watch Party at Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House TODAY

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

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Step Into Buddy’s World with an Elf Movie Night at Ancient Lore Village

On December 26th at 6:00 p.m., Ancient Lore Village invites families to step into the whimsical holiday world of Elf for an immersive Christmas movie experience filled with laughter, lights, and festive fun. Set among the storybook surroundings of the Village, this special event brings Buddy the Elf’s joyful spirit to life with interactive activities, seasonal décor, and plenty of holiday cheer before the movie even begins.

From the moment guests arrive, cheerful elves welcome everyone with a candy cane “passport to the North Pole” as the Village sparkles with twinkling lights, candy-striped décor, and snowy touches inspired by the beloved film. Before the screening, families can explore themed activity stations, including a “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” hot cocoa bar with festive toppings, Buddy’s Candy Workshop for decorating cookies, and a snowball toss game inspired by Buddy’s playful adventures. Elves will also lead a merry sing-along of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” setting the tone for a heartwarming holiday evening.

Dinner is served following the games, featuring a village salad, spaghetti and meatballs with balsamic glaze, and decorated cookies for dessert. Signature cocktails are available for adults, and each child receives a special “Buddy’s Holiday Gift Bag” with a candy cane and sticker. Tickets are limited and available for $59 for adults (10+) and $51 for youth (ages 3–9). The event takes place at Ancient Lore Village, 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, offering a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Get Tickets

Create a One-of-a-Kind Living Ornament at Barley’s Knoxville

Get cozy, creative, and festive at the Living Ornament Workshop with The Plant Trolley, happening December 22nd from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. at Barley’s Knoxville (200 E Jackson Ave) in the heart of Old City. This relaxed, holiday-themed workshop invites guests to craft a beautiful living ornament while enjoying a warm, welcoming night out filled with plants, paint, laughter, and seasonal cheer.

For $25, participants receive everything needed to create their own living ornament, including a glass globe, a plant of their choice, soil, paint, and plenty of decorative touches. The experience also includes a beer token— or the option to swap it for an extra plant—making it easy to customize the night to your liking. The workshop is designed for everyone, whether you’re planning a friends’ night out, a date night, solo creative time, or a family activity. It’s even kid-friendly, with beer tokens automatically exchanged for an extra plant for younger participants.

Hosted upstairs at Barley’s by The Plant Trolley, Knoxville’s beloved mobile plant shop, this workshop offers a fun way to kick off the holiday week and head home with a handmade keepsake you’ll enjoy all season long. Register/Tickets

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

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

Christmas Mock’Tail Party at Zoom Room TODAY

Zoom Room Dog Training in Hardin Valley is getting into the holiday spirit with a fun and festive Christmas Mocktail Party (10938 Spring Bluff Way) TODAY, from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The celebration is designed as a cheerful night out for dog lovers—no pups required.

Guests can expect plenty of holiday cheer, including free mocktails, snacks, a holiday movie, and hands-on crafts. One of the highlights of the evening is a dog-themed ugly sweater contest, complete with a prize for the most festive look. Attendees will also get creative by crafting custom bandanas to take home for their dogs, making it a perfect way to include furry friends even though they’ll be staying home for this event.

The cost is $10 per person, and festive attire is encouraged—bonus points for dog-themed holiday wear. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. To reserve a spot, guests can register through Zoom Room’s website or call (865) 378-9380 or (865) 378-7200. It’s a cozy, creative way to celebrate the season with fellow dog lovers in our community.

Buffalo Bills Watch Party at Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House TODAY

Ok, Buffalo Bills fans!!  The fever is rising in Buffalo with talk of possible playoffs!! We were excited to have Lee Smith and his lovely wife and his assistant join us at Clancy’s on December 7th. The raffle raised $700 for his local charity No Athletes Left Behind. Future games to be watched at Clancy’s 602 S Gay Street, Knoxville are as follows:

TODAY, December 14th at 1:00 pm against the New England Patriots, December 21st at 1:00 pm against the Cleveland Browns , and December 28th at 4:25 pm against the Philadelphia Eagles.

January games are yet to be determined.  Remember, Clancy’s is family friendly with no smoking! They also sell Labatt Blue beer.  We hope to welcome all there who cheer on the Bills! As Josh says, “Do good, be good, thank God, go Bills!”

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.

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 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 18th - Let your creativity shine at the Stained Glass Canvas class 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. The class costs $28 per person. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged for this cozy winter art experience. Get Tickets

🗓️December 19th - Celebrate the holiday season with a dose of nostalgia and creativity at the Snow Day Snoopy Painting Class from 6 PM–8 PM at Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive, Powell). This fun and festive class invites participants to create an 11x14 Snoopy-themed winter canvas, featuring everyone’s favorite beagle in a cozy, snow-day scene that’s perfect for seasonal décor or gift-giving. Get Tickets

🗓️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 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 - Downtown Knoxville is getting a festive dose of holiday fun with The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure, a citywide scavenger hunt that invites families, friends, and holiday explorers to see downtown in a whole new way. Santa has sent Scout Elves to more than two dozen Downtown Knoxville businesses, transforming storefronts and streets into a playful holiday adventure filled with surprises around every corner. More Info

🗓️Now through January 4th - Something bright and festive is once again lighting up Aspire Park (777 Aspire Drive) in Clinton. Aspirations in Light has returned for the season. More Info & Tickets

🗓️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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