Calendar of Events

Free / General Admission
At Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave, Knoxville TN 37915

Times: Saturday December 9 @ 3:00, Sunday December 10 @ 3:00, and Monday December 11 @ 7:00. Doors will open 1 hour prior to show time.

"Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas - for its meaning never ends."

Come join us for the 55th annual Nativity Pageant of Knoxville. The floor of the Civic Coliseum will become the towns of Nazareth and Bethlehem as we reenact the birth story of Jesus Christ in a 1 hour production featuring a 150 voice choir, a 150 member cast, a full orchestra, and a stable of live animals. Bring the entire family to celebrate together as we remind ourselves how the Prince of Peace entered this world. www.knoxvillenativity.com

Ijams Open House
12/9 • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join Ijams for a FREE Open House at the Visitor Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 am-2 pm! You’ll meet animal ambassadors, enjoy activities, and learn about all the great things happening at Ijams Nature Center.

Pickin' on Christmas: A Bluegrass Christmas Concert
12/9 • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
'Tis the season to join Ijams Nature Center and East Tennessee Bluegrass Association for the Annual Pickin' on Christmas Bluegrass Concert! Get your tickets now!

Self Care Sunday Yoga with Hope Irwin
12/10 @ 1:00 PM
Join Hope Irwin for a weekly Ijams yoga class on Sunday. Release all the holiday stress from the past week and get centered for the week ahead.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, https://www.ijams.org/calendar-of-events

Saturday, December 9, 2023 // 2:00 PM - 3:25 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church Knoxville | 620 State St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Celebrate the festive season with the harmonious voices of the Knoxville Opera Chorus and Knoxville Opera Children's Choir! On December 9th, First Presbyterian Church Knoxville will be filled with the sounds of holiday joy and classical charm. Join us for a magical performance that captures the essence of the holidays through music!

Tickets: $15, https://www.knoxvilleopera.org/events/christmas-concert
Knoxville Opera: 865-524-0795

Tour de Lights
Saturday, December 9, 2023
5:30 pm-8:30 pm

Tour de Lights is a fun, free, family friendly bike ride through Downtown and the Old City. Participants are encouraged to get in the holiday spirit by decorating themselves and their bikes. The event engages neighborhoods and businesses, along with others who come out to view the festivities.
More information available at BWKnox.org/TourDeLights

https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/special_events/christmas_in_the_city

Marble Springs State Historic Site is excited to welcome the community to "John Sevier's Yuletide Tavern," a special event that offers a glimpse into 18th-century Christmas traditions.

Crafting Traditional Decorations: On Saturday, December 9th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, visitors can enjoy the art of crafting traditional Christmas and winter decorations. Participants have the opportunity to create ornaments, garlands, and other handmade decorations, either to decorate the tavern or take home.

Warm Beverages and More: To keep guests warm during the event, hot cocoa, tea, and other refreshments will be available. These comforting beverages complement the crafting activities, adding to the holiday ambiance.

Meet John Sevier: A unique aspect of this event is the presence of John Sevier, the first Governor of Tennessee. He will be available to meet with attendees, share stories of the season, and spread some holiday cheer. This provides a chance to connect with history in a special way.

Living History Experience: The event will also feature skilled living history interpreters who will transport visitors to the 18th century. They will engage with guests through captivating tales and insights into the customs and traditions of the era.
"John Sevier's Yuletide Tavern" offers an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of an authentic 18th-century Christmas celebration. Families, friends, and history enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in this unique day of crafting, conversation, and commemoration.

Free to attend, but please RSVP.

Marble Springs State Historic Site: 1220 West Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-712-9076, www.marblesprings.net

Families looking to spread holiday cheer join for an afternoon of Elf fun in Maker Exchange, 710 Clinch Avenue Knoxville, TN 37902, on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:00 pm.

The Film & Food experience at The Tennessean Hotel welcomes guests to enjoy the holiday classic while selecting from themed offerings like chocolate spaghetti or movie snack grazing boards.

Admission $13.67 per person

Reserved seats are limited and advanced reservations should be secured. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-and-film-event-elf-tickets

Kidstuff Live – 12/9 – Will Carter
December 9 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
A multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and record producer, Will Carter is a busy man – performing as a sideman with other musicians (including Jackson Brown, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Ashley Campbell), performing and releasing his own music, and recording projects for other people. But amidst everything else, he has found time over the years to play music for kids at the Boys and Girls Club and in local Knoxville schools.

He’ll bring his many talents back to the Kidstuff stage on Dec. 9. And if you’re getting in the Christmas spirit, you’re in for a treat. Will loves to arrange and perform Christmas songs.
https://www.facebook.com/WCarterMusic/
https://wdvx.com/event/kidstuff-live-12-9-will-carter/

By Joseph Robinette
Directed by Caroline King
Performance Dates – December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13

Public Performances
Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:30 PM
Sunday Dec. 10 at 2:30 PM

School Matinees
Friday, Dec. 8 at 9:30 AM
Monday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 AM & 12:00 Noon
Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 9.30 AM
At Clayton Performing Arts Center

This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and end the reign of Aslan.

All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan’s resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowning of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Tumnus the Faun.

This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

Hardin Valley Campus of Pellissippi State: 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932. Information: 865-694-6405, www.pstcc.edu/arts

Join us for a weekend of book giveaways, cookie decorating, and holiday shopping!
The Change Center, 203 Harriet Tubman St, Knoxville, TN 37915, USA

Dec 8, 9 and 11, 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Sun Dec 10, 6-9 PM

Bring your friends and family, immerse yourself in the magic of books, and make a difference in the lives of others. The "Give the Gift of Reading Book Fair" is not just an event; it's a celebration of literacy, community, and the joy of giving! In the spirit of community, we are proud to partner with East Tennessee Freedom Schools, The Change Center, and UTK Children & Young Adult Lit Center. By joining forces, we aim to promote literacy, education, and empowerment in our community. Kick off the weekend with a sprinkle of sweetness! On both Friday and Saturday, engage your creative side with our first-come, first-served cookie decorating station. Delight in the art of cookie design as you explore the pages of captivating stories. Throughout the event, we'll be hosting exciting book giveaways to help you experience the magic of gifting and receiving. Attendees have the chance to take home some literary gems and share the love of reading with others.

https://www.thebottomknox.com/events-1/give-the-gift-of-reading-book-fair-2023-12-08-14-30

Adapted by Joe Landry
'It's a Wonderful Life' is based on the story, 'The Greatest Gift' by Philip Van Doren Stern

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve

River & Rail Theatre, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

The Winter Farmers' Market by Nourish Knoxville will be here to spice up your winter starting December 2, outdoors in the heart of downtown Knoxville.

2023 - 2024 Winter Farmers’ Market schedule:
Every Saturday, December 2 - December 23 (10 am - 2 pm)
*** NO MARKETS December 24, 2023 - January 19, 2023 ***
Every Saturday, January 20 - March 30 (10 am - 2 pm)

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/winter-market/

The Nutcracker, a full-length classical ballet, will be presented by the Appalachian Ballet Company in their 52nd season. Live music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, beautiful sets and scenery, lavish costumes and accomplished dancers will put you in the holiday mood! Dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy will be ABC alum, Laura Morton La Russa, “25 to watch” in Dance Magazine 2021. ABC will be featuring James La Russa as Herr Drosselmeyer and the Arabian Prince. For over 100 years, this classic story has proven to be a favorite, enchanting audiences of all ages. Come see the magic! Show runs 90 minutes with one intermission.

Knoxville Civic Auditorium
December 2, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
December 3, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Clayton Center for the Arts, Ronald & Lynda Nutt Theatre
December 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
December 9, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

865-981-8590
https://appalachianballet.org/tickets.html