🎄Knoxville’s turning on the Christmas magic

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Some years, November feels like a sprint. This one? It’s more of a slow roll into the season. A little chill in the air, early lights in the trees, and neighbors lingering over coffee at places like Fable Hollow or Nick & J’s.

This week, the calendar is stacked: Homecoming at Neyland, live blues at Open Chord, and the first sparkle of Christmas in the City.

It’s a good time to pause, bundle up, and take in what makes this place feel like home.

🥞 Breakfast with Heart and Hometown Flavor

Nick & J’s Café is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee refills and visitors feel instantly at home. Family-owned and spotless as ever, this diner dishes up country breakfasts, hearty lunches, and those famous giant cookies by the register.

The portions are generous, the smiles genuine, and every bite tastes like tradition made fresh. Learn more here.

☃️ Enchanting Holidays, minus the frostbite

Knox Fantasy Lights will handle it all (design, setup, even storage!) so your holidays stay warm, bright, and simple.

• Soft, balanced light across rooflines + trees
• No tangled cords, no risky climbs
• Premium bulbs that actually last

👉 Tap here to get started.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

🍂 Books, Brews, and a Bit of Magic

In Fountain City sits a little world of wonder: Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe mixes the joy of a neighborhood café with the soul of a story lover’s haven. Shelves brim with fantasy, romance, and classics, all perfectly organized for easy browsing.

The space glows with cozy charm. Enjoy the candlelight, comfy chairs, and the soft murmur of readers lost in their pages. Grab an early “Winter Frost”, find a corner, and let the story pull you in. Learn more here.

🎄 Knoxville Unwraps ‘Christmas In The City’ Lineup

The Gist: Knoxville is kicking off the holiday season with six weeks of free, family-friendly events from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4. Favorites return like the WIVK Christmas Parade, skating at Market Square, and the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Sunsphere. Festivities start Nov. 21 with “Christmas at Chilhowee” and continue with lights, markets, and music all season long.

Why It Matters: It’s Knoxville’s biggest annual holiday celebration, bringing the community together downtown for winter fun. Read more here.

🧣 Downtown Warming Shelters Reopen as Temperatures Drop

The Gist: With snow flurries brushing East Tennessee, ReLAUNCH is reopening its downtown Knoxville shelter to offer round-the-clock warmth, rest, and showers for those in need. The nonprofit, which partners with the Salvation Army, aims to provide a safe haven during cold weather and move closer to its goal of “functional zero homelessness.”

Why It Matters: As winter sets in, this shelter ensures Knoxville’s most vulnerable residents have a warm place to go. Doors are expected to open this week, with donations accepted through their website. Read more here.

Meet Little Richard! This lovable 3-year-old mixed breed is a 55-pound bundle of joy.

He still thinks he’s a lap dog! Full of energy and affection, he adores kids, though he sometimes forgets just how big he is. Little Richard gets along wonderfully with other dogs and even cats, making him a great fit for many families.

He’s happiest when snuggling and soaking up love.

To learn more about this beautiful boy, click HERE.

🌟 HVA Presents: Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. | Hardin Valley Academy Theatre | Knoxville | 11/14–11/16 | More
A century of Disney songs brought to life by HVA’s talented young performers.

🖼️ South Knoxville Art Walk | Old Sevier District | Knoxville | 11/14 | More
Monthly art walk featuring neighborhood artists, live music, and local drinks.

🍱 Asian Night Market | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 11/14 | More
Taste pork buns, pandan waffles, korean bowls & more: supporting local Asian vendors.

🥁 UT Homecoming: Alumni Band & Salute to Service | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville | 11/15 | More
Celebrate UT’s marching tradition with an alumni reunion and patriotic halftime salute.

🎋 November Saturday Spruce Up | Meet @ 640 Plaza | Knoxville | 11/15 | More
Community litter cleanup in West Haven to celebrate America Recycles Day.

💫 K-POP WARRIORS: Live Experience | Convention Center | Knoxville | 11/17 | More
Immerse yourself in a global sensation: dynamic dance, lights, and the spirit of K-Pop live.

🏈 Tennessee vs New Mexico State | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville | 11/15 | More
Catch the Volunteers in action as they take on the Aggies in Knoxville.

🍸 The Last Call: Alumni Edition | Regas Square | Knoxville | 11/15 | More
Sip, socialize, and celebrate at this vibrant late-night alumni affair in the heart of Old City.

🍊 UTK Party: Vols4Life Forever | Covenant Health Park | Knoxville | 11/15 | More
Reconnect and party with fellow UT alumni: live DJ, refreshments, and orange spirit.

🎤 Anthony Gomes Live | The Open Chord | Knoxville | 11/16 | More
Blues-rock powerhouse Anthony Gomes hits Knoxville for a high-energy show.

👑 Snow White by Grand Kyiv Ballet | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 11/18 | More
Experience a dazzling blend of music, dance, and storytelling in this live performance.

🎉 Friends’Giving | Adrian Hall Team with Rate, Inc. | Knoxville | 11/20 | More
Relaxed afternoon of food and drinks celebrating the real estate 2025 season.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.