Christmas Events for Kids in Knoxville (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Knoxville area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville on November 23 to The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in Knoxville, which runs through January 3. 5 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Tennessee, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Knoxville for 2026, in Knoxville and Oak Ridge
  • First: Fantasy of Trees, Knoxville, November 23. Runs latest: The Elf on the Shelf Adventure, Knoxville, through January 3
  • Free: Holiday Ornaments, Ornament Make and Take, WIVK Christmas Parade, Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! and Annual Christmas Parade
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Tennessee Christmas train rides page.

Knoxville Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Knoxville and Oak Ridge
Season
November 23, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
5
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, Santa visit, tree lighting and holiday event
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Knoxville Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville on November 23; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Knoxville? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Knoxville

8 confirmed events for kids in Knoxville, soonest first.

Knoxville: Fantasy of Trees

Santa visitEast Tennessee Children's Hospital · Knoxville

Host
East Tennessee Children's Hospital (opens in a new tab)
Where
Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902
When
Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (daily)
Cost
Ticketed, see event website
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Fantasy of Trees fills the Knoxville Convention Center from November 23 to 29, the week of Thanksgiving. The Downtown Knoxville calendar describes a magical forest of beautifully decorated trees and holiday accessories, with Santa, a Gingerbread Village, and live bands and musical entertainment throughout the event.

Proceeds benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital, which makes this a favorite way for local families to start the season while supporting a good cause. Plan a few hours to stroll the trees, watch performances and visit Santa. Check the hospital's event website for daily hours and ticket prices before you go. The event runs every day from Monday through Sunday, which gives families flexibility during the school holiday week, and the mix of music, trees and Santa offers something for every age.

Parent tip: Check hours and ticket prices on the hospital's Fantasy of Trees page before heading downtown, and plan for Thanksgiving week crowds.

See dates and details from East Tennessee Children's Hospital (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: Regal Celebration of Lights

Tree lightingCity of Knoxville · Knoxville

Host
City of Knoxville (opens in a new tab)
Where
Krutch Park Extension and Market Square, Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
When
Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 pm
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Regal Celebration of Lights opens the Christmas in the City season in downtown Knoxville on Friday, November 27, starting at 5 pm. The evening is centered on Krutch Park Extension and Market Square, with the lighting of the city Christmas tree, live music, photos with Santa on Market Square and children's activities.

The Downtown Knoxville calendar lists the celebration alongside the opening of the season's other downtown traditions, including the Holidays on Ice rink on Market Square and the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, so families can make a full evening of it. Expect a crowd, since this is one of the biggest holiday nights downtown. The calendar also notes free children's activities as part of the evening, which makes it an easy first holiday outing for little ones.

Parent tip: Arrive early for a good view of the tree lighting and to get in line for Santa photos. Combine the trip with a skate at Holidays on Ice.

See dates and details from City of Knoxville (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: The Elf on the Shelf Adventure

Holiday eventDowntown Knoxville Alliance · Knoxville

Host
Downtown Knoxville Alliance (opens in a new tab)
Where
Knoxville Visitors Center (pass pickup), 301 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (during business hours)
Cost
Check the host's page
Ages
Children of all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Elf on the Shelf Adventure turns downtown Knoxville into a holiday scavenger hunt from November 27 through January 3. Children of all ages search for elves hidden at dozens of participating Downtown Knoxville businesses, using a North Pole Pass to guide the way.

Pick up a pass at Mast General Store or the Knoxville Visitors Center on Gay Street, then set your own pace. It is an easy activity to fold into other downtown plans, like skating at Holidays on Ice on Market Square, watching the WIVK Christmas Parade or visiting Santa at the Sunsphere. Hours depend on the participating shops, so daytime visits work best. There is no set start time, so families can join the hunt on any downtown visit during the season and finish it over several trips if they like.

Parent tip: Grab a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or the Visitors Center first, and plan the hunt during shop hours.

See dates and details from Downtown Knoxville Alliance (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: Holiday Ornaments

Holiday craftsFreeKnox County Public Library · Knoxville

Host
Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Howard Pinkston Branch Library, 7732 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Howard Pinkston Branch Library in South Knox County invites families to craft a festive, sparkly holiday ornament to brighten a winter night. The program is Tuesday, December 1, from 6 to 7 pm in the branch meeting room on Martin Mill Pike.

It is open to ages 5 and up, and the library lists it for children, elementary-age kids, teens and adults, so parents and older siblings can join in. An evening time slot makes this a good choice for working families. For ADA accommodations, call (865) 215-8703 or email the library director at least 72 hours before the program. The library lists it under its activity and craft programs, and the finished ornament goes home with your child the same night.

Parent tip: Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request accommodations at least 72 hours ahead.

See dates and details from Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: Ornament Make and Take

Holiday craftsFreeKnox County Public Library · Knoxville

Host
Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Carter Branch Library, 9036 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Children, teens and adults
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Carter Branch Library on Asheville Highway hosts an Ornament Make and Take on Tuesday, December 1, from 4 to 6 pm. Visitors can create a holiday ornament to take home.

The program is listed for children, teens and adults, so it works for the whole family, including older siblings. With a two-hour window, it is easy to drop in after school, make an ornament together and head home with a new decoration for the tree. For ADA accommodations, the library asks that you call (865) 215-8703 or email the director at least 72 hours before the program. The branch is on Asheville Highway in East Knox County, and the program is listed under the library's activity and craft programs for all ages.

Parent tip: Drop in any time between 4 and 6 pm. Call ahead at least 72 hours for accommodations.

See dates and details from Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: Santa at the Sunsphere

Santa visitVisit Knoxville · Knoxville

Host
Visit Knoxville (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sunsphere, World's Fair Park, 810 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
When
Fri December 4, Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026
Cost
$60 to $75 per photo package (up to 3 children)
Ages
Children with an adult
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Visit Knoxville brings Santa to the Sunsphere's fourth floor Observation Deck from December 4 to 6. Visits are by reservation, and each photo package covers up to three children. Package A is $60 and includes all digital high resolution photos by email, plus a free candy cane, sticker and Christmas cookies from Food City. Package B is $75 and adds a wrapped present from Santa.

Check in at the Sunsphere Welcome Center on Level 3 at your reservation time, where Santa's helpers will check your name and take you up to the deck by keycard. Santa breaks from 12:30 to 1:30 pm each day to feed the reindeer. There is no on-site parking, so Visit Knoxville suggests the Fort Kid or Locust Street garages.

Parent tip: Reserve ahead, arrive on time at Level 3, and park at Fort Kid or the Locust Street Garage. Children must stay with an adult at all times on the deck.

See dates and details from Visit Knoxville (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: WIVK Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeWIVK · Knoxville

Host
WIVK (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gay Street, downtown Knoxville, Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 pm
Cost
Free to watch
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The WIVK Christmas Parade travels down Gay Street in downtown Knoxville on Friday, December 4, at 7 pm. The Downtown Knoxville calendar promises floats, decorated vehicles, bands, majorettes and dancers, with Santa making an appearance.

The parade falls on the same evening as the First Friday ArtWalk and the first day of Santa at the Sunsphere, so families can easily build a full downtown night around it. Watching from the sidewalks along Gay Street is free. Since it is an evening parade in December, bring warm layers, and plan parking ahead because downtown streets close for the route. Keep an eye out for Santa, who is part of the lineup, so kids get a chance to wave to him as he passes.

Parent tip: Pick a viewing spot along Gay Street early and dress warmly for a December evening outdoors.

See dates and details from WIVK (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville: Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam!

Holiday craftsFreeKnox County Public Library · Knoxville

Host
Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Grades 1 to 6
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bearden Branch Library's Dino Days program goes festive on Thursday, December 10, from 4 to 5 pm with the Jurassic Jingle Jam. This holiday-themed, multi-activity dinosaur event is designed for elementary students in grades 1 through 6.

Young explorers rotate through hands-on stations to mix custom holiday slime, craft festive dinosaur ornaments to take home and play prehistoric themed games. Registration is required and closes December 9 at 4 pm, so sign up early. The program meets in the Bearden Branch meeting room on Golf Club Road. For ADA accommodations, call (865) 215-8703 at least 72 hours ahead. The library notes that this program is part of its monthly Dino Days series for elementary students.

Parent tip: Register before December 9 at 4 pm. Slime can be messy, so dress kids in play clothes.

See dates and details from Knox County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Oak Ridge

6 confirmed events for kids in Oak Ridge, soonest first.

Oak Ridge: Christmas in the Cave

Holiday lightsCherokee Caverns · Oak Ridge

Host
Cherokee Caverns (opens in a new tab)
Where
Cherokee Caverns, 8524 Oak Ridge Hwy, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Fri December 4 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (3 to 8 pm), Sun December 6 (3 to 8 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 12 (3 to 8 pm), Sun December 13 (3 to 8 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 19 (3 to 8 pm) and Sun December 20 (3 to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
$15 per person, ages 3 and up
Ages
Admission for ages 3 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Cherokee Caverns presents Christmas in the Cave on three December weekends: December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20. Hours are 5 to 8 pm on Fridays and 3 to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Families walk a self-guided tour through the cave to see the wonders of nature dressed up for Christmas. Along the way, kids can stop to talk with Santa and have their picture taken with him, then brave the underground vortex for a North Pole thrill. Admission is $15 per person for everyone 3 and up. The caverns are on Oak Ridge Highway between Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Since the tour is self-guided, families can move at their own pace and linger with Santa as long as the line allows.

Parent tip: Children under 3 are not charged admission. Wear sturdy shoes for walking the cave paths.

See dates and details from Cherokee Caverns (opens in a new tab)

Oak Ridge: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingCity of Oak Ridge · Oak Ridge

Host
City of Oak Ridge (opens in a new tab)
Where
A.K. Bissell Park, 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 to 8 pm
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Oak Ridge holds its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 4, from 7 to 8 pm at A.K. Bissell Park on Oak Ridge Turnpike. It is the city's community kickoff to the holiday season, and an easy, short outing for families with young children.

The same weekend is packed with holiday events in Oak Ridge, including the opening of the Holiday Ice Skating rink at Oak Ridge Mall that day, the first weekend of Christmas in the Cave at Cherokee Caverns and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Oak Ridge Playhouse. Bundle up for an hour outdoors in the park. The ceremony is listed on the City of Oak Ridge community calendar.

Parent tip: Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and pair it with skating at the Oak Ridge Mall rink, which opens the same day.

See dates and details from City of Oak Ridge (opens in a new tab)

Oak Ridge: A Flattop Home for the Holidays

Holiday eventChildren's Museum of Oak Ridge · Oak Ridge

Host
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, 461 W Outer Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Ticketed, tickets on sale Nov 1
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge debuts A Flattop Home for the Holidays on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum's Flattop House, an original structure from Oak Ridge's Manhattan Project era, will be decorated for the holidays as it might have looked around 1945.

Visitors get access to both the museum and the Flattop House, along with special activities and holiday-themed refreshments. It is a hands-on way for kids to see how families in the Secret City celebrated during the war years. Tickets go on sale November 1, and since this is a new event, check the museum's site for pricing and details. The museum also notes that this is a brand new event for the holiday season.

Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead, since this is a one-day event. Allow time for both the museum exhibits and the Flattop House.

See dates and details from Children's Museum of Oak Ridge (opens in a new tab)

Oak Ridge: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Holiday showOak Ridge Playhouse · Oak Ridge

Host
Oak Ridge Playhouse (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026
Cost
Ticketed
Ages
For young audiences
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Oak Ridge Playhouse presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on December 5 and 6 as part of its For Young Audiences programming. In the beloved story, the Herdman kids, billed as the worst kids in the history of the world, unexpectedly take over the annual church pageant, and Christmas gets turned upside down.

The show mixes comedy with moments of unexpected honesty in a chaotic look at the true meaning of Christmas, which makes it a good first theater outing for school-age children. Check the Playhouse box office for show times and ticket prices for the weekend. The listing is part of the Oak Ridge city community calendar, which gathers local holiday events for the season.

Parent tip: Check the Oak Ridge Playhouse box office for exact show times before you go.

See dates and details from Oak Ridge Playhouse (opens in a new tab)

Oak Ridge: Annual Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeOak Ridge Chamber of Commerce · Oak Ridge

Host
Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oak Ridge Turnpike, near the Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
Cost
Free to watch
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosts the city's annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, from 6 to 8 pm. The city calendar announces that the parade is back for another year and asks families to save the date.

As an evening parade, it is a good finale to a holiday Saturday in Oak Ridge, which also includes Waffles with Santa at Fire & Salt and the Farm Holiday Market at Jackson Square that morning. Watching from the curb is free. Route details have not been posted yet, so check the Chamber of Commerce for the parade route and parking information closer to the date. The parade is listed on the City of Oak Ridge community calendar.

Parent tip: Check the Chamber of Commerce for the route closer to the date, and bring warm layers for an evening outdoors.

See dates and details from Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)

Oak Ridge: Waffles with Santa

Breakfast with SantaFire & Salt · Oak Ridge

Host
Fire & Salt (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fire & Salt, 792 Briarcliff Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (near Knoxville)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
Cost
$15
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Fire & Salt in Oak Ridge hosts Waffles with Santa on Saturday, December 12, from 9 to 11 am. The listing promises a cozy holiday experience filled with waffles, laughter and a special visit from Santa himself.

Tickets are $15. It falls on a busy holiday Saturday in Oak Ridge, with the Farm Holiday Market at Jackson Square that morning and the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade that evening, so families can plan a full day around it. The restaurant is on Briarcliff Avenue on the east side of town. The event is listed on the City of Oak Ridge community calendar. Seating at a restaurant breakfast can be limited, so buying tickets early is the safest plan for families who want a guaranteed spot with Santa.

Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead, then stay in town for the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade that evening.

See dates and details from Fire & Salt (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Tennessee Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Knoxville Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Knoxville in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Knoxville for 2026 on each host’s own page: Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville (November 23), Regal Celebration of Lights in Knoxville (November 27), The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in Knoxville (November 27), Holiday Ornaments in Knoxville (December 1), Ornament Make and Take in Knoxville (December 1), Christmas in the Cave in Oak Ridge (December 4), Santa at the Sunsphere in Knoxville (December 4), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Oak Ridge (December 4), WIVK Christmas Parade in Knoxville (December 4), A Flattop Home for the Holidays in Oak Ridge (December 5), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in Oak Ridge (December 5), Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! in Knoxville (December 10), Annual Christmas Parade in Oak Ridge (December 12) and Waffles with Santa in Oak Ridge (December 12). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Knoxville, Tennessee?

For families in and around Knoxville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Fantasy of Trees (Nov 23 to 29, ticketed, see event website); Regal Celebration of Lights (Fri, Nov 27, from 5 pm, see the host for cost); The Elf on the Shelf Adventure (Nov 27 to Jan 3, see the host for cost); Holiday Ornaments (Tue, Dec 1, 6 to 7 pm, free); Ornament Make and Take (Tue, Dec 1, 4 to 6 pm, free); Santa at the Sunsphere (Fri to Sun, Dec 4 to 6, by reservation, $60 to $75 per photo package (up to 3 children)); WIVK Christmas Parade (Fri, Dec 4, 7 pm, free to watch); Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! (Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 5 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Knoxville section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Oak Ridge, Tennessee?

For families in and around Oak Ridge, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas in the Cave (Fri to Sun, Dec 4 to 20; Fri 5 to 8 pm, Sat and Sun 3 to 8 pm, $15 per person, ages 3 and up); Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri, Dec 4, 7 to 8 pm, see the host for cost); A Flattop Home for the Holidays (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm, ticketed, tickets on sale nov 1); The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, ticketed); Annual Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 6 to 8 pm, free to watch); Waffles with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, $15). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Oak Ridge section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Knoxville?

Yes. 5 of the 14 events here are free: Holiday Ornaments in Knoxville, Ornament Make and Take in Knoxville, WIVK Christmas Parade in Knoxville, Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! in Knoxville and Annual Christmas Parade in Oak Ridge. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Knoxville this December?

Santa appears at Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville (November 23), Regal Celebration of Lights in Knoxville (November 27), Christmas in the Cave in Oak Ridge (December 4), Santa at the Sunsphere in Knoxville (December 4), WIVK Christmas Parade in Knoxville (December 4) and Waffles with Santa in Oak Ridge (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Knoxville?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Waffles with Santa in Oak Ridge (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Knoxville on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in Knoxville (through January 3).

How much is Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville?

Ticketed, see event website. Fantasy of Trees is on Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (daily) at Knoxville Convention Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Regal Celebration of Lights in Knoxville in 2026?

Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 pm, at Krutch Park Extension and Market Square. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

When is The Elf on the Shelf Adventure in Knoxville in 2026?

Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (during business hours), at Knoxville Visitors Center (pass pickup). The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Holiday Ornaments in Knoxville?

Free. Holiday Ornaments is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Howard Pinkston Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Ornament Make and Take in Knoxville?

Free. Ornament Make and Take is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Carter Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas in the Cave in Oak Ridge?

$15 per person, ages 3 and up. Christmas in the Cave is on Fri December 4 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (3 to 8 pm), Sun December 6 (3 to 8 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 12 (3 to 8 pm), Sun December 13 (3 to 8 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 19 (3 to 8 pm) and Sun December 20 (3 to 8 pm), 2026 at Cherokee Caverns. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at the Sunsphere in Knoxville?

$60 to $75 per photo package (up to 3 children). Santa at the Sunsphere is on Fri December 4, Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026 at Sunsphere, World's Fair Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Oak Ridge in 2026?

Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 to 8 pm, at A.K. Bissell Park. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is WIVK Christmas Parade in Knoxville?

Free to watch. WIVK Christmas Parade is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 pm at Gay Street, downtown Knoxville. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Flattop Home for the Holidays in Oak Ridge?

Ticketed, tickets on sale Nov 1. A Flattop Home for the Holidays is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Children's Museum of Oak Ridge. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in Oak Ridge?

Ticketed. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026 at Oak Ridge Playhouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! in Knoxville?

Free, registration required. Dino Days: Jurassic Jingle Jam! is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Bearden Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Christmas Parade in Oak Ridge?

Free to watch. Annual Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Oak Ridge Turnpike, near the Chamber of Commerce. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Waffles with Santa in Oak Ridge?

$15. Waffles with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Fire & Salt. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Knoxville?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Knoxville Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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