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- ✨ Concord Park just flipped the switch on 27 years of cheer
✨ Concord Park just flipped the switch on 27 years of cheer
Plus: Santa’s high above the city, neighbors are helping neighbors, and a kitten’s chasing joy across the floor
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Some December traditions come with fanfare, others arrive quietly with deep impact. Knoxville’s showing off both this week. Between glowing parks, mobile clinics, rooftop Santas, and a tavern that feels pulled from a Christmas novel, there’s a lot to feel good about.
Come for the sparkle, stay for the heart, and maybe take home a kitten while you’re at it.
In today’s Scoop:
🎄 Holiday Glow Returns Bright
🩺 Care on Wheels Rolls In
🎅 Where Knoxville Finds Its Cheer
✨ This Week’s Merry Must-Dos
🎄 Fireside Cheer, Irish-Style
Tucked inside one of West Knoxville’s oldest (and most charmingly haunted) homes, Finn’s Irish Restaurant & Tavern is where the season really feels like the season.
Between cozy fireside brunches, chef-driven Irish comfort plates, live holiday music, and a full calendar of festive happenings (from Christmas Eve dining to their themed NYE bash) this spot has a way of turning December nights into tradition.
Warm lights, warm buttered bread, warm service… what more could you ask for?
💫 Not too late. But not for long.
If you're still thinking about lights, Knox Fantasy Lights is the easy button that makes December feel like December.
• Custom designs that fit your home + your style
• Installed safely, stored later—no ladders, no stress
• Just in time for visiting family + porch memories
🎡 Golden Views Above Knoxville
The Sunsphere feels especially fun during the holidays! Folks can head up this weekend for Santa photos on the fourth-floor deck, and that's just the start of their season offerings.
The elevator ride is quick, then you step into a wraparound view of Knoxville and the Smokies, plus little nods to the 1982 World’s Fair. It’s an easy stop, especially with the park and downtown just steps away.
🎄 Knox County’s Holiday Lights Shine Again
The Gist: The Cove at Concord Park lit up for its 27th annual Festival of Lights, welcoming families with a free monthlong display filled with trains, letters to Santa, and plenty of sparkle. Mayor Glenn Jacobs kicked things off with a playful railroad-arm “ribbon cutting,” a nod to the handmade touch park staff bring each year. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the Love Kitchen to help neighbors in need.
Why It Matters: It gives local families a bright, affordable spot to celebrate and give back all season long.
🩺 Free Mobile Clinics Bring Care to Neighbors in Need
The Gist: Knoxville Street Medicine Outreach is continuing its hands-on work across the city, offering free health care to people experiencing homelessness. Led by Dr. Danielle Darter, the team sets up mobile clinics like the recent one at Vestal United Methodist Church, where volunteer physicians and LMU medical students provide checkups, medications, and support in a calm, welcoming space.
Why It Matters: These pop up clinics help neighbors who often face the biggest barriers to basic medical care. The outreach team will keep rotating through local sites as winter approaches.
Pippie is a lively 12 week old Tabby and Domestic Short Hair.
She brings pure “tortie energy” to every room she enters. Playful, inquisitive, and always zooming, this spunky little girl loves stick toys and would thrive with another kitten or playful cat to help guide her manners.
She may be tiny, but her brave start in life shines through her bold personality and sweet moments. Adoption fee applies.
To learn more about this sweet kitten...
🎄 Christmas in the Cave | Historic Cherokee Caverns | Knoxville | 12/5–12/7 | More
Opening weekend of the glowing underground walk with lights, Santa visits, & more!
🎅 Santa at the Sunsphere | 810 W Clinch Ave | Knoxville | 12/5–12/7 | More
Capture festive photos with Santa high above the city, complete with cookies and candy!
🦌 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. | Knoxville Children’s Theatre | Knoxville | 12/5-12/7 & 12/11-12/14 | More
Rudolph and his misfit friends learn that being different can save Christmas.
❄️ Smokies Winter Wonderland | Covenant Health Park | Knoxville | 12/5–1/5 | More
Opening week of a walk-through light show with Santa, kids’ rides, crafts, treats, and more.
✨ 52nd Annual WIVK Parade | Gay Street | Knoxville | 12/5 | More
Kick off the season with the biggest Christmas parade filled with music, lights, and more.
🎁 Parade & Christmas Fest | Rocky Hill Center | Knoxville | 12/6 | More
A cozy holiday market, live entertainment, parade fun, and Santa’s glowing tree lighting.
⛄ 12th Annual Holiday Marketplace | Ijams Nature Center | Knoxville | 12/7 | More
Festive open-air and indoor market featuring jewelry, candles, pottery, & baked goods.
🥞 Pancakes at the North Pole | Main Event | Knoxville | 12/7 | More
Dig into pancakes with Santa plus crafts, cookie decorating, photos, and unlimited play.
🎄 Christmas Craft Extravaganza | Little River Art & Frame | Knoxville | 12/5 | More
A hands-on evening of bow-making, cookie decorating, DIY tags, & watercolor portraits!
🏡 Victorian Holiday Home Tour | Historic Old North | Knoxville | 12/6–12/7 | More
Tour lovingly preserved and modernized Victorian homes glowing with holiday décor.
🎶 Alabama: One Night Only | Food City Center | Knoxville | 12/7 | More
Catch Alabama live as they perform decades of chart-toppers in this special show.
🎺 Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Christmas Caravan | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 12/8 | More
A lively holiday show blending retro jazz, speakeasy swagger, and festive favorites.
🎤 I Shaved My Legs For This?! 2 | Scruffy City Hall | Knoxville | 12/11 | More
A bold, hilarious night of stand-up featuring some of East Tennessee’s funniest women.
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