TENNESSEE, USA — Believe it or not, the holiday season is right around the corner, which means it's time to start decking the halls and getting ready for Santa Claus to visit once again.
Get those gloves ready and make yourself some hot chocolate while you're at it.
Whether you're shopping, caroling or hoping East Tennessee will see a white Christmas this year, make sure you stop and spend time with the ones you love.
Here are some of the activities near you to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Anderson County
Museum of Appalachia Candlelight Christmas: Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11
Blount County
Christmas in the Village: The event is held on select Saturdays from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18, with tours beginning at 5 p.m. and the last tour starting at 8 p.m. at the Village at the Heritage Center in Townsend. History interpreters will guide visitors through the Historic Appalachian Village filled with lights, decorations and chances to create crafts and enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider and kettle corn.
Smoky Mountain Christmas at the Museum: On December 10, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum will host an outdoor Christmas even in Townsend starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
City of Alcoa Tree Lighting: On Nov. 29 at 6:15 p.m. the City of Alcoa will offer music, refreshments, hayrides and visits with Santa Claus as it officially ushers in the holiday season.
Townsend Christmas Parade: Starting at 2:30 p.m. on December 5 at the Townsend IGA, the Christmas parade will end at Nawger Nob Village.
"All I want for Christmas is Y'all" Performance: Some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music, Dailey & Vincent, are bringing Christmas to the Clayton Center for the Arts. The bluegrass group makes a stop on their tour in Maryville on December 5 at 7 p.m.
Blount County Festival of Trees: Witness the illumination of Christmas trees of all sizes, colors and themes spread across the Blount County Courthouse lawn in Maryville. The event will occur all month long for people to drive or walk by and see, but the festival opening will occur on December 2 at 6:30 p.m.
H.O.M.E. For the Holidays: H.O.M.E. (Hall-Oldfield-MaryvilleEmpowerment) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center are partnering to host this annual community celebration. Kick off the holidays here from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. on December 4.
Greeneville
Greeneville Christmas Parade: Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. The parade will be staged on Bohannon Street, turning left on North Main Street. It will then travel through the downtown area on South Main, proceeding to West Main and dispersing on to Carson and West Main streets at the intersection in front of Crescent School.
Hamblen County
Morristown Christmas Parade: Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Morristown Christmas on The Market & City Tree Lighting: Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, the Morristown Farmers Market s hosting a festival with local vendors, crafts, music and visits with Santa.
Southerland Family Farm Christmas: Light display and holiday activities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 26, 2021 - Dec. 19, 2021.
Knox County
Christmas in the City: Nov. 26, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022
- During this event, Knoxville will be dressed for the holidays with a glimmering Christmas tree and decorations across town. Dozens of events and activities are also offered across town as part of the celebration, including WDVX's Holiday Ho Ho Hoedown in Market Square on November 26 starting at 5:15 p.m. The tree lighting takes place at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26!
Kwanzaa at The Bottom: Dec. 26, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022
The Bottom in East Knoxville is hosting a wide variety of activities to celebrate Kwanzaa including brunch, a sewing class and more. A full list of events is available at the group's website.
Knoxville Kwanzaa: Dec. 26, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022
- All events will have different hosts for each night of celebration. More information is available on the Knoxville Kwanzaa Facebook event page.
Regal Celebrations of Lights: Friday, Nov. 26 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Krutch Park
Holidays on Ice: Opens on Friday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. at Market Square
Christmas Parade: Friday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on Gay Street
Christmas Drive-In at Chilhowee: Friday, Dec. 10 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Chilhowee Park Midway
Tour de Lights Holiday Bike Ride: Saturday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. This event is for all ages and will take families on a bike ride through the Old City, for 5 miles of winter wonderland fun! For more information, click here.
Rocky Hill Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Blessings on Bell Street: Starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Overcoming Believers Church. The church is located at 211 Harriet Tubman Street. The event is in a drive-through format and one gift will be given to all children under 17 years old.
Powell Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. at Powell Middle School
Morgan County
Christmas at Rugby: December 4 and December 11, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Historic Rugby. The event features an old-fashioned Victorian dinner at 7 p.m. and tours of historic buildings, along with a community tree lighting.
WECO Wartburg Christmas Parade: Starts December 4 at 6 p.m., kicking off from Central High School and ending at the First Baptist Church. Cookies and hot chocolate will be given out in the church's fellowship hall, and Santa will be available for pictures.
Sevier County
Light the Way 5K: Run through Dollywood to see the Christmas lights on Friday, Nov. 12 starting at 11 p.m.
Wilderness of the Smokies Winter Wilderland outdoor ice skating rink: Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 - Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Sevierville
New Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge: Kicks off on Friday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas: Starts November 6 and runs through January 2, 2022.