KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The holidays are here and Knoxville is kicking things off with a celebrated tradition of East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees. This year's theme is "It's Christmas Time in the City."
The five-day holiday event will celebrate 40 years of Christmas trees, sparkles, festive decorations, holiday gift shops and more that benefit patients and families of ETCH.
Last year's event had a huge turnout with 56,000 attendees and raising over $1 million.
Fantasy of Trees begins Nov. 27 and continues to Dec. 1 at the Knoxville Convention Center at the following times:
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving): 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Before Fantasy of Trees, ETCH will host a "Gala Among The Trees" on Nov. 26 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. People will have early access to purchase trees and other holiday items and enjoy live music and food.
The history of Fantasy of Trees
While Fantasy of Trees grows every year, it has always stayed true to its mission of celebrating the magic of the season and helping children.
What started in 1984 has become an East Tennessee community and family tradition for 40 years, providing funds that help serve patients and families. The annual event is the East Tennessee Children's Hospital's largest fundraiser, attracting nearly 60,000 people during the week of Thanksgiving.
And though Fantasy of Trees has evolved, it wouldn't be what it is without the dedicated volunteers and support from the community.
Plans for the 2025 Fantasy of Trees start the day after the 2024 Fantasy of Trees ends.
Family decorates tree in memory of East Tennessee Children's Hospital nurse
One of the trees sold at the event will have a special meaning to one family in memory of a beloved family member.
Christine Tolliver died in May. Tolliver was a long-time registered nurse at the East Tennessee Children's Hospital. She and her family spent many years decorating items for Fantasy of Trees. And now this year, the family decided to honor her memory with a tree.
The tree was decorated by Tolliver's mother, sister and daughter. It is located in the section with the Girl Scouts and community service trees. According to her daughter, the tree is in that section because Tolliver was a Girl Scouts troop leader when she decorated he first Christmas tree.
Painting group creates custom ornaments
Trees, trees and more trees can be seen everywhere at Fantasy of Trees. From big trees to little trees to trees with lights, ornaments and plenty of pizazz. They all have one thing in common: They've been decorated with love.
The Rocky Top Creative Painters started planning earlier in the year for their 2024 tree. After months of painting and decorating, the tree is about to make its debut.
Dancer overcomes illness to dance on Fantasy of Trees stage
Abby Britt, an instructor at the Dance Academy South, has a reason to celebrate the work of the East Tennessee Children's Hospital. It helped save her life.
Britt was 17-years-old when she found out she had Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During her aggressive treatment, she dreamt of being back on stage.
She was diagnosed in June and was back on stage by November dancing with her team during Fantasy of Trees.
ETCH patient ambassador is a fighting miracle
Every year for Fantasy of Trees, the East Tennessee Children's Hospital chooses a child ambassador to be the face of the fundraising campaign.
This year, little Kamerie is featured as a fighter who knows the halls of the hospital all too well.
Born before full-term, doctors at ETCH found many health problems for Kamerie, including a rare genetic disorder and chronic lung disease. With an array of equipment and appointments, it takes a village to care for Kamerie.
There have been some scares, like back in the spring when Kamerie's 6-year-old sister Emerie saved her life after she found her in a terrible state. But training from the team at ETCH came in handy.
There's a lot of fight in those hands and feet, which is why she is the ambassador for this year's Fantasy of Trees.
Her story is a testament to the power of the right care and equipment she received at ETCH.
Santa Claus visits East Tennessee Children's Hospital patients
One of the best parts of the holidays is seeing it through a child's eyes. But for many families at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, the holidays can be rough which is why it's always a good time when Santa comes to visit.
Santa will be at the Fantasy of Trees starting Wednesday and running all this weekend.
