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10 About Town: New Year's Weekend

Here's what's happening around Knoxville during last weekend of December.

Friday, Dec. 29:

►Market Square is about to get even sweeter. The Knoxville Chocolate Company's new Market Square location opens to the public on Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 30:

►Will Ferrell's classic Christmas movie, “Elf” is getting a makeover for the big stage. 'Elf the Broadway Musical,' which is based on the 2003 movie, will be playing at the Tennessee Theatre for two days only. The touring show performs 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 30 and at 1:30 p.m. on December 31. Tickets range from $44 to $94 at tennesseetheatre.com.

►Pour on the syrup and raise money for the Little Ponderosa Zoo at the same time. From 8 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday, you can purchase a pancake breakfast at the Longhorn Steakhouse on Parkside Drive to raise money for the zoo that suffered a devastating fire earlier this month. Tickets are available at the Hardin Valley Animal Hospital and Admiral Veterinary Hospital in Knoxville, and The Houndry in Oak Ridge. All proceeds go to help the zoo. For more information, call (865) 755-3716.

Sunday, Dec. 31

►Travel back in time for Knox Heritage's Gilded Age Gala and Dinner at the Historic Westwood on Sunday night. The dazzling affair offers two different arrival times. At 7:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a lavish dinner featuring lobster and other delicacies. At 9:00 p.m., the party will move into the expansive tent on the grounds for live music and entertainment leading up to a midnight breakfast. You can buy tickets online at Knoxheritage.org/gildedage or by calling (865) 523-8008.

►Watch the clock count down to the new year at the annual “New Year's on the Square” event in Market Square. The Bicho Brothers will perform at 10:00 p.m. leading up to fireworks and the traditional ball drop at midnight.

►If your kids aren't night owls, you can ring in the new year early at the Muse's Cheer in the New Year at noon. The family-friendly event will include a photo booth, crafts, snacks, and a ball drop at 12 noon. Tickets are $12.50 and you'll need to buy them ahead of time.

►Gatlinburg does it big when it comes to celebrating New Year's eve. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to gather at the base of the Space Needle for the annual Ball Drop while fireworks blast off the roof of the 400-foot tall Space Needle that will be displaying a rhythmic LED lights show.

Monday, Jan. 1

►Start the new year out on the right foot with Tennessee State Parks' #ResolutionToHike. 55 different Tennessee State parks are offering free, guided hikes as part of the annual nationwide 'First Day Hikes' event.

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