The 2012 holiday season in Tennessee promises holiday-themed fun for all ages. Mark your calendars for the following statewide events and find additional happenings in your region. Please visit www.tnvacation.com and click on “Events” for a complete listing of events happening statewide.
Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway offers millions of holiday lights and hundreds of displays lining the route, and visitors get to drive on the legendary "World's Fastest Half-Mile."
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are shining bright with holiday décor and lights, now through Feb. 28. 23rd Smoky Mountain Winterfest is a holiday tradition for many visitors who return year after year. Also not to be missed is Dollyood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, with more than four million lights.
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga celebrates the season with Ruby Red Christmas, each Friday and Saturday night during December.
The 29th year of Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas®” brings the 2012 edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular® starring The Rockettes®to Nashville. NEW this year is Lorrie Morgan's Enchanted Christmas Dinner & Show and Explore ICE!™ featuring DreamWorks' Shrek the Halls.
In Memphis, experience Christmas at Graceland. See traditional lights and decorations including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed by Elvis.
These events are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holiday happenings in Tennessee. From holiday parades and festivals to shopping extravaganzas and holiday shows, there is something for everyone in Tennessee!
Below are additional holiday happenings in East Tennessee:
Ongoing until Dec. 31
Christmas in the City – Knoxville – The city is aglow with Christmas from decorations, parades and a celebration of lights. For more information on the month-long activities, visit www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/.
Nov. 21 – 25
Fantasy of Trees – Knoxville – Stroll among evergreens decorated with whimsical Christmas decorations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit www.fantasyoftrees.org.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Christmas Show – Gatlinburg – Pottery, candle making, quilting and weaving are some of the fine art forms you’ll find at 10 a.m. in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. For more information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.
Nov. 22 – Dec. 29
Real Snow Off the Bow – Pigeon Forge – Snow will fall at the Titanic Museum Attraction at 7 p.m. each night as a part of the “Christmas in a Winter Wonderland” festivities. The Titanic will also be trimmed in Christmas lights and decorations. For more information, visit www.titanicpigeonforge.com.
Nov. 24
Small Town Christmas – Sweetwater – Enjoy horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, Christmas treats and much more 5 – 9 p.m. in downtown Sweetwater. For more information, visit www.visitsweetwater.com.
Nov. 30
Carols in the City – Cleveland – The community Christmas tree will be illuminated at 6 p.m. on Main Street Cleveland. Participate in a historic walking tour of some of the churches downtown. For more information, visit www.mainstreetcleveland.com.
Dec. 1 - 24
Christmas in Old Appalachia – Clinton – Sing Christmas carols with musicians in the Homestead House and see the log buildings decorated for Christmas at the Museum of Appalachia. For more information, visit www.museumofappalachia.org.
Dec. 8
“Christmas Night of Lights” Annual Christmas Parade – Jonesborough – See Christmas floats and even Santa at the end of the parade beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.jonesboroughtn.com.
Holiday Starlight Parade and Lighted Boat Parade – Chattanooga – Christmas floats will parade down 5th and Market Street and end at 5th and Broad at 6 p.m. The Lighted Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m. and a finale fireworks display will begin at 8 p.m. For more information, visitwww.chattanoogapresents.com.
Dec. 15 – 16
The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera “Home for the Holidays”— Chattanooga – This concert of Christmas classics starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Tivoli Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit www.chattanoogasymphony.org.
Dec. 17 – 22
Caroling Tour – Clinton – Sing Christmas carols in a horse-drawn wagon from dusk to 9 p.m. at River Ridge Farm. Tickets are $4 with a campfire and hot chocolate provided after the ride. For more information, visit www.riverridgefarmtn.com/tours.htm.
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