Dec. 13, 2024
As East Tennessee schools enter winter break and families gather, Downtown Knoxville is the ultimate destination for holiday fun with activities for all ages. The seasonal celebrations continue through Jan. 5.
“The holidays are a special time to enjoy Downtown Knoxville together,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Whether you’re here with kids, meeting up with friends or showing visitors around, we have a lineup of festive fun to brighten up the season!”
Holiday highlights include:
- The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure scavenger hunt: Kids and adults alike can enjoy this holiday scavenger hunt, searching for Santa’s playful elves hiding in local businesses throughout downtown. Grab a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or the Knoxville Visitors Center, both located on Gay Street, and find 20+ elves to enter for special prizes. Don’t forget to capture your elf encounters with #ElvesInKnox.
- The Peppermint Trail: Treat yourself to the tastes of the season! The Peppermint Trail leads you to holiday-inspired drinks, sweets and gifts. Follow peppermint decals on the sidewalks to discover seasonal surprises.
- Holidays on Ice: Take a break from holiday prep and hit the rink at Holidays on Ice in Market Square. This open-air rink is perfect for skaters of all ages and is open every day through Jan. 5.
- Santa’s Mailbox: Kids can send their holiday wishes straight to the North Pole from Market Square. Drop off letters at Santa’s mailbox, designed by local artist Paris Woodhull, before Christmas Eve for guaranteed delivery.
- Holiday shopping: Check out Downtown Knoxville Alliance’s gift guides and shop small this holiday season. Plan to make one of the many holiday markets as well for handmade and homegrown gifts.
- Capture magical memories: Snap photos in front of photo ops at Market Square, including Peppermint Grove and the Knoxville Chamber and Knoxville Entrepreneur Center window. Seasonal décor and Strong Alley murals also make the perfect backdrop. Share your holiday cheer on social media with #lovedowntownknox.
For more on the holiday happenings, visit downtownknoxville.org/holiday.
“We’re so grateful to the businesses and artists who help make Downtown Knoxville a vibrant holiday destination,” Hummel said. “We can’t wait to welcome even more families and visitors to celebrate, explore and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.”
About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.
