Calendar of Events

Popcorn balls and paper chains… fruits and nuts in their stockings … carols by the fire... a cedar tree cut in the nearby woods- that’s the Christmas most rural Appalachian children knew. And it's the Christmas we recreate each year throughout the Museum village at our special.... Join us as we recreate a meaningful holiday of simpler times. Traditional trees and hand-made decorations, typical of austere pioneer days, transform the Museum’s authentic log buildings.

Wander through the village and marvel at the simple treasures of their settlement days. In the one-room, dirt-floored “Dan'l Boone” cabin, strings of popcorn and cotton bolls circle a dormant tree; Paper chains and other ornaments trim the tree in the Little Tater Valley Schoolhouse. Sweet gum and sycamore balls are strung throughout the Mark Twain Family Cabin, and a traditional silver star tops a native red cedar Christmas tree in the turn-of-the-century Peters Homestead House. Apples, nuts, homemade toys, and oranges fill stockings hung in the cabins. Pick up some stocking stuffers in the Museum Gift and Antique Shop, which features everything from hand-crafted ornaments, locally made muscadine and moonshine jellies, and beautiful pottery, along with baskets, quilts, and plenty of Appalachian specialties. Or just come and enjoy a homemade southern country lunch in front of the warm fireplace.

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy., Clinton, TN 37716 (16 miles north of Knoxville at I-75, exit 122, then one mile east). Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

Members of the community who love to sing are encouraged to come and be part of the chorus at the sixth annual “Messiah Sing-a-Long.”

It will be held at 5:30 pm on Sunday, December 4 at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church located at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike (near stoplight # 2) in Oak Ridge.

It will also be held on Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. at the Norris United Methodist Church located in Norris at 62 Ridgeway Road.

Music lovers are also invited to come to both free performances. Both performances will be presented by the Tri-County Community Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Sandy Wells. Members of the choir will sing the arias and audience members will be invited to join the choir in singing the chorus parts from portions of Handel’s “Messiah,” the classic most associated with the Christmas season. Music will be provided for early-arriving audience members who wish to sing.

Information: (865) 483-6761, www.oruuc.org

Featuring oil paintings of Downtown Knoxville by Inna Nasonova Knox and wood designs by Nelson Ziegler. An opening reception for the featured artists will begin at 5:30 p.m., December 2, during Downtown Knoxville’s monthly First Friday Art Walk with complimentary refreshments.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Th & Sa 11-6, Fri 11-9, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net or www.Facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery

4th Annual Uncommon Core - Exhibition & Performance
Opening Dec 2, 6-10 PM with awards at 8 PM

More events at http://ijams.org/events/. Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. The Visitor Center, including exhibits, gift shop, offices and restrooms is open M-Sat 9-5 and Sun 11-5. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

A version of the hit Broadway musical, specially adapted for children and families. The original Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award-winner, Stephen Schwartz, and it took the world by storm. Boasting a score with chart topping songs, Godspell JR. is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

COMPLETE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Friday 12/2 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/3 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/4 at 3 PM, Thursday 12/8 at 7 PM, Friday 12/9 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/10 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/11 at 3 PM, Thursday 12/15 at 7 PM, Friday 12/16 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/17 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/18 at 3 PM

The show will be directed and choreographed by Dennis E. Perkins, with musical direction by Paul Jones. Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

The world’s favorite nanny flies into Morristown this holiday season as Encore Theatrical Company completes the 10th anniversary season with “Mary Poppins” December 2-18. This magical musical is practically perfect for families and all ages. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's “Mary Poppins" delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances.

Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. The ensemble is made up of a talented mix of actors, singers and dancers from all over the region. The production is directed by Micah-Shane Brewer, music directed by Laura Ritter, choreographed by Kody Storm Rowe, and stage managed by Amy Webb.

“Mary Poppins” will perform for three weekends with evening performances on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. and matinee performances on December 4, 11, 17 and 18 at 2:00 p.m. Performances will be held in the William H. Inman Humanities Complex located on the Morristown campus of Walters State Community College at 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway in Morristown. For tickets, please visit www.etcplays.org or call 423-318-8331.

Part of the 2016-2017 Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre season!

The season kicks off with the Tony Award®-winning RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA. From the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific, this lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com, www.ticketmaster.com

Zoo Knoxville is offering “Buy One, Get One Free” admission tickets during Kroger BOGO Days, December 1 through February 28, 2017.

During Kroger BOGO Days, the zoo encourages guests to discover why this is the perfect time to see animals, including red pandas, river otters, elephants, gorillas, red wolves, lions and tigers, actively enjoying the cooler weather. On days when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, some animals will be moved indoors, but visitors can still see many animals in their indoor viewing areas. The Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure is a popular indoor play area that’s an entertaining stop for creative play during winter visits as well.

Buy one, get one free tickets can be purchased at the zoo ticket window during regular zoo hours and online at zooknoxville.org. Discounted admission tickets must be used by Feb. 28, 2017, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon.

Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open every day except Christmas. Information: 865-637-5331, www.zooknoxville.org

The Appalachian Ballet Company in their 45th season will present the annual holiday tradition - The Nutcracker. The production features live music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The Appalachian Ballet Company will present four public shows and two school matinees (includes K-8 curriculum guide covering common core standards). Dancing the role of the Nutcracker Prince will be Australian dancer, Aaron Smyth. This international guest artist will be partnering ballerina Kylie Morton Berry, the Sugarplum Fairy, formerly with North Carolina Dance Theatre. Both audience favorites, Smyth and Berry performed together in the spring of 2015 at the Tennessee Theatre in ABC’s production of Cinderella and in last year’s Nutcracker performance.

+ December 1 & 2 at 10 AM - Full length school matinee at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium - $6
+ December 3 at 7:30 PM and December 4 at 3 PM - Full length public performances at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
+ December 9 at 7:30 PM and December 10 at 3 PM - Full length public performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.

For over 100 years, this classic story has proven to be a favorite, enchanting audiences of all ages. Come see the magic with lavish scenery, glorious tutus, soldiers, snowflakes and sugar plums! For more information: 865-982-8463, www.appalachianballet.com

Students, family, friends, and the public are invited to a reception and awards ceremony Tuesday, December 6, 6-8 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

The Knoxville Museum of Art and the Tennessee Art Education Association celebrates the 11th anniversary of the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Friday. The exhibition offers middle and high school students from around East Tennessee the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition and to display their talents and be honored for their accomplishments in a professional art museum environment. The East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition is open to students in grades 6-12, attending public, private, or home schools in 32 counties across East Tennessee. Since 2005, the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition has presented the work of nearly 3,000 students who have competed for a total of $7 million in scholarships made available to eligible juniors and seniors by colleges and universities from around the nation.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM, Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Knoxville's Holidays on Ice, presented by Home Federal Bank, is an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Knoxville on Market Square. Enjoy skating under Christmas lights and stars while listening to music every night. The ice rink will be closed during inclement weather, please check the Holidays on Ice Facebook page to stay updated, www.Facebook.com/KnoxvillesHolidaysonIce. For questions about Knoxville's Holidays on Ice please call 865-215-4423.

Admission price includes entry fee, skate rental and unlimited time on ice! RINK HOURS:

Regular Hours Nov. 25 - Dec. 18: Monday thru Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Extended Hours Dec. 19 - Jan. 8: Monday thru Thursday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours Christmas & New Years: Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Christmas Day Closed, December 26: 1 p.m. to 10:00p.m., New Years Eve 10 a.m. to 10:00p.m., New Years Day 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com.

By Katherine DiSavino and Kevin Mead, directed by Sairy Martocci.

Seasonal Allergies tend to show themselves right around the holidays: do you feel a tickle in the back of your throat when you realize your vegetable dishes cooked faster than you thought, and now they're ready a full hour before the turkey will be out of the oven? Do your eyes water uncontrollably after you've nearly broken your back climbing into the attic to find the Christmas lights (and then discover that only half the strand lights up)? Do you find yourself overheated when family members decide to extend their vacation and "hang out" for a few more days in your home? Then you, my friend, have got Seasonal Allergies. And you are not alone! 9 out of 10 people have Seasonal Allergies, but nobody has a case worse than Julia Shelby and her brother Peter. So get ready to laugh away your throat tickle, and clear your sinuses with a healthy dose of Holiday Fun.

"SEASONAL ALLERGIES is a funny, heartwarming story about friends, family, and holiday stresses…this is a kinder, gentler comedy, ... a Neil Simon[-ish] family tale" – BroadwayWorld.com

"This is a delightfully funny play about a family dealing with one member in personal turmoil who comes to them seeking comfort, but turns into a monumental pain in the butt. The situation is real, the humor is real, but so is the sense of a family in turmoil trying to regain the warmth and love of the season." – Lancaster Intelligencer

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 North Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com