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- 🐄 A Christmas cow is sneaking through West Knoxville
🐄 A Christmas cow is sneaking through West Knoxville
Plus LEGO sets, continuing holiday cheer, and communities coming together
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As we close the chapter on 2025, we’re feeling extra grateful for the way Knoxville shows up for each other. ✨
From sneaky inflatable cow swaps in Whittington Creek to volunteers bringing meals and kindness on Christmas Day, it’s the little things that have made this season feel big.
In this Scoop, we’re sharing some of our favorite, most recent moments plus fun, festive ways to welcome 2026 with music, magic, and maybe a mimosa or two.
In today’s Scoop:
🐄 The Cow That United
🎄 Christmas Day, Full Hearts
🍜 Bowl First, Then Browse
🎶 Kick Off January Together
🥟 Small Menu, Big Following
Angry Dumplings Tea has earned its regulars the honest way: one craveable bowl at a time. Come for the pork or veggie dumplings, stay for Grandpa’s Noodles and house-made boba that locals swear by.
It’s counter-order casual, family-run, and packed most evenings (ordering ahead helps). Closed New Year’s Eve, but open New Year’s Day, it's an easy win for a laid-back start to 2026.
🧱 The Best Builds: Better Late Than Never
Brickhouse Collectibles is a solid stop right as the calendar flips. You’ll find new and retired LEGO sets, comics, Pokémon, Gundam starters, and card game boosters, even this close to New Year’s.
When the shelves start thinning out, gift cards come in clutch and set you up for the January LEGO release. Pat keeps the vibe friendly and low-key, keeping this spot one that makes you glad you swung by.
🐄 A Christmas Cow Brings Whittington Creek Together
The Gist: What started as a $20 inflatable in one front yard has turned into a full-blown neighborhood tradition in Whittington Creek. Tinsel the Cow, a festive inflatable, is being “stolen” house to house in a friendly capture-the-flag style game dreamed up by Jenn and Mark Hultz. Kids and teens are plotting creative cow heists all through winter break, and neighbors are loving every minute of it.
Why It Matters: It is a simple, joyful reminder of how a small idea can pull a neighborhood closer. Whoever has Tinsel at 9 a.m. on January 1 wins bragging rights.
🎄 Neighbors Showing Up on Christmas Day
The Gist: On Christmas Day, about 150 volunteers with Mobile Meals fanned out across Knox County, delivering hot meals, small gifts, and friendly check-ins to homebound seniors. For many recipients like Ken, who relies on a walker and lives with limited mobility, the visit meant more than food. It meant conversation, kindness, and knowing someone cared enough to stop by.
Why It Matters: For seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone, these visits bring comfort, dignity, and real human connection. Mobile Meals continues serving seniors year-round with help from community volunteers.
Meet Clove, a stunning 4-year-old Boxer mix with a brindle coat.
With a beautiful heart and weighing around 50 pounds, this medium-sized girl is spayed, vaccinated, and ready for her next chapter. Clove is incredibly friendly, loves people, and is wonderful with children. Her adoption fee is $150.
To learn more about this beautiful girl...
🎶 New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere | World’s Fair Park | Knoxville | 12/31 | More
A lively downtown celebration blending music, activities, and iconic Knoxville views.
🌟 Harry Potter NYE Yule Ball | Regas Square Events | Knoxville | 12/31 | More
A magical New Years with dancing, themed cocktails, and enchanted neighborhood.
🎉 Cheer in the New Year! | Muse Knoxville | Knoxville | 12/31 | More
A high-energy countdown to noon featuring breakfast, dancing, and science fun!
🐶 Bow Wow Bingo | Barrelhouse | Knoxville | 01/03 | More
A playful bingo night supporting pets, different prizes, and community festivities.
🍨 Sundae Funday at Holidays on Ice | Market Square | Knoxville | 01/04 | More
Festive afternoon of skating competition paired with your classic sundae reward.
🍳 Ratatouille’s Family Brunch | The Cutting Edge Classroom | Knoxville | 01/04 | More
Cook, laugh, and enjoy the playful French-inspired culinary experience together.
🎅 Sleigh the Peppermint Trail | Downtown Venues | Knoxville | 01/04 | More
Wrap up the season exploring peppermint treats, boutique finds, and wintery sips!
✨ Light Up Lakeshore Holiday | Lakeshore Park | Knoxville | Through 01/01 | More
Twinkling displays where sponsored trees and lighted paths create a holiday tradition.
🍾 New Year’s Day Brunch | Mimosas Knoxville | Knoxville | 01/01 | More
Ease into the new year with flavorful brunch plates and relaxed vibes.
🍎 Live Music: Chris Morel | Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus Cider | Knoxville | 01/02 | More
Settle into 202 with free live music, local flavor, and a cozy atmosphere.
🎶 Hudson Macready | Open Chord Stage | Knoxville | 01/03 | More
Soulful Americana melodies paired with heartfelt songwriting and musician energy.
🎴 Fresh Pull Expo 2026 | The Collective Trading Co. | Knoxville | 01/03 | More
Kick off the new year with fresh-pack crackle, live breaks, surprise drops, and 30+ vendors!
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