Calendar of Events

The Arts & Culture Alliance proudly presents its 2019 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artists in the Greater Knoxville area. The fresh mix of two- and three-dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and more from regional artists who are all individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance, which serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Membership is open to all, and information may be found at www.knoxalliance.com/join-renew. Most of the works in the 2019 Members Show are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.

An opening reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on December 6 from 5:00-9:00 PM with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The First Friday reception features dances presented by Circle Modern Dance and Knoxville Argentine Tango Society and music by the Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus. The WIVK Santa Claus Parade starts at 7:00 PM along Gay Street and passes in front of the Emporium.

“We always look forward to this exhibition as a highlight and culmination of a year’s productivity on the part of Knoxville’s diverse and enthralling artist community,” says Liza Zenni, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture Alliance.

Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. Some of the members are full-time artists, while others have day jobs and create on evenings and weekends. Some Alliance members include art professors with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Carson-Newman University, Maryville College, Pellissippi State, Roane State, and Walters State. Others are teachers within Knox and surrounding county’s elementary, middle and high schools. Some Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes with the Appalachian Arts Craft Center Fountain City Art Center, Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center, Knoxville Museum of Art, and Oak Ridge Art Center. Many of the artists have working studios in their own homes, while some are part of studio collectives such as The Emporium Center, The Vacuum Shop, 17th Street Studios, Mighty Mud, Studio 2515, Broadway Studios & Gallery, and Knoxville Community Darkroom.

On display throughout the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed December 24-27 and December 31-January 1 for the holidays. Information: (865) 523-7543 or www.knoxalliance.com.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present “Elf: The Musical Jr,” based on the Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin.. The play will be performed December 6 - 22, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM; Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM; Sundays at 3 PM, with additional performances at 7 p.m. on Sunday December 15, and Sunday December 22.

This hilarious musical play is based on the 2003 comedy film. Buddy Hobbs, a young orphan child, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Years later, Buddy finds out that he's an ordinary human being and heads off to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs. But Walter, like many New Yorkers, doesn't believe in Santa Claus. Neither does Buddy’s brother Michael! Buddy must win over his birth family and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas.

KCT student Jacob Sousley will make his directorial debut with this production with Musical Director Paul Jones and Choreographer, Donya Walker. Bella Patterson is the stage manager. The show’s designers are all high-and middle-school students: Eric Magee (scenery), Sydney Allen (lighting), Reece Brown (costuming), and Anna Kate Stanley (Properties).

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

Adapted by Joe Landry

Sit back, as if in your family living room in the 1940s, and listen to the familiar story told in its entirety, complete with sound effects and commercials. George Bailey, a small town businessman and father, thinks he’s a failure and plans to kill himself on Christmas Eve. He is saved when a guardian angel shows him how his town, family, and friends would turn out if he’d never been born.

“One of the best holiday shows around. This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption.”
—Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times

“A well-loved tale told with style, charm and a heart so big it could burst the ribcage of the harshest Grinch.”
—Kerry Reid, The Chicago Tribune

“A fresh theatrical context that creates just the right kind of retro warmth. If you cry every time you see the movie, you’ll be blubbering away right on cue … Guaranteed.”
—Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Join us for the 2019 Christmas in the Cave at Historic Cherokee Caverns!

Stroll along the cave path with your family while you enjoy Christmas music and thousands of twinkling lights among the Stalactites and Stalagmites! Visit Santa and have your family photo made with the cave as your backdrop! (this is available for an extra fee and provided by a professional photographer)
Watch out for the Grinch! That Grinch is so sneaky! He likes to run around in the cave and sneak into your pictures!

Joke around with Cousin Eddie from "christmas vacation".
Shop our Vendor Booths for unique gifts and treats!
Food Truck and concessions available.

Open December 6-8, 13-15 and 20-21. Friday hours are 5:00-8:00PM, Saturday and Sunday hours are 3:00-8:00PM.

There are no advance tickets for sale.
You simply purchase tickets when you arrive at our ticket booth.
This event will never sell out.
Admission is $10 per person for ages 4 & up.
Children under 4 are admitted free.
Cash & Credit Cards accepted at our ticket booth.
The cave is handicapped and wheelchair accessible
Parking is Free

Historic Cherokee Caverns, 8524 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37931.
https://cherokeecaverns.com/christmas-in-the-cave

ZOO KNOXVILLE OFFERS $5 OFF WINTER ADMISSION
Kroger Discount Days offered December 1 through February 29, 2020

During Kroger Discount Days, guests can discover why winter is an enjoyable time to visit the zoo. Many animals, including red pandas, river otters, elephants, gorillas, red wolves, lions and tigers, enjoy the cooler temperatures. On days when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, some animals will be moved indoors, but visitors can still see most in their indoor viewing areas.

Discounted 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. 29, 2020, 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

Students, family, friends, and the public are invited to a reception and awards ceremony Tuesday, December 10 from 6 to 8pm at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The event is free and open to the public.

The Knoxville Museum of Art and the Tennessee Art Education Association present the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition. Now in its 14th year, 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. Approximately 316 works of the more than 840 entries in this highly competitive show made it through a rigorous jury process. The best-in-show winner will receive a purchase award of $500, and the artwork will become a permanent part of the collection of Mr. James Dodson, on loan to the Knoxville Museum of Art's Education Collection.

Since 2005, the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition has presented the work of nearly 4,000 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

We look forward to another great season! Whether with family, friends or on a date you'll love skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville in Market Square! Join us at Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank to make memories that will last long after the holidays are over. Enjoy skating under the stars and twinkling lights while listening to music every night. There may even be a panda sighting by our Holidays on Ice Mascot, 'Peppermint Panda'!

LOCATION & CONTACT INFO: Ice rink is located in Market Square in front of the Knoxville Chamber at 17 Market Square in Downtown Knoxville. You can reach the Ice Rink by phone at 865-215-4423.

WEATHER: The ice rink will be closed during inclement weather, please check the Holidays on Ice Facebook page to stay updated.

2019-2020 DAILY ADMISSION: Admission price includes entry fee, skate rental and unlimited time on ice! Adult: $11, Children Age 12 & Under: $8. Season Passes available.

Regular Hours November 29, 2019 - December 15, 2019
Extended Hours December 16, 2019 - January 5, 2019
http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=1238571

http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/special_events/christmas_in_the_city

by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Edward Morgan and Joseph Hanreddy
Music by John Tanner
CBT Mainstage

A Knoxville tradition! It wouldn’t be Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey in this celebration of generosity, compassion and personal transformation.

Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

Thousands of holiday lights come on at dusk from Monday, Nov. 25, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Founders Park at Campbell Station. Enjoy local performers throughout the park and kids can drop letters in Santa’s mailbox. The lights and park restrooms are open until 10 p.m. each night (except Dec. 25). A giant switch turns on the lights for the first time at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 during Countdown to Light the Park, sponsored by Shop Farragut.

This 17-acre green space features lighted walking paths, outdoor sculptures & picnic pavilions.
Address: 405 N Campbell Station Rd, Farragut, TN 37934
https://www.townoffarragut.org/

Climb on board the "Christmas Lantern Express" and be a part of this beloved Knoxville tradition. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday treats, story time with celebrity readers and a special visit with Santa.

Trips last roughly 2 hours and boarding starts 20 minutes before departure time.

2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919
Call 865-524-9411 with any questions or ticketing assistance.
*PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BRING A PRINTED RECEIPT WITH YOU TO THE TRAIN
WE WILL CHECK YOU IN VIA AN ELECTRONIC ROSTER WHEN YOU ARRIVE*

https://www.threeriversrambler.com/christmastix

Reception: November 22, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tu-Th 9-5, or by appointment. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartcenter.com

SCROOGE IN ROUGE by Graham, Roberson, Hargis and Turner

WHAT THE DICKENS? A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen before! Scrooge in Rouge is definitely not your average treacly holiday show...think more like Monty Python meets Benny Hill. This quick-change, cross-dressing version of the Charles Dickens classic is set in a Victorian music hall. The Royal Music Hall Twenty-Member Variety Players are beset with a widespread case of food poisoning. This leaves only three surviving members to soldier on through a performance of A Christmas Carol. The undaunted trio gamely face missed cues, ill-fitting costumes, and solving the problem of having no one to play Tiny Tim. Done in the style of British Music Hall, Scrooge in Rouge abounds in bad puns, witty songs, bawdy malapropisms, and naughty double-entendres. A raucous holiday treat! The show is directed by Flying Anvil artistic director Jayne Morgan, with musical direction by Paul Jones. Rounding out the cast are Jessica Magers-Rankin, Jacques DuRand, and Andrew Carlile.

Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm.
One Pay-What-You-Can preview on Wednesday, November 20 at 7:30 pm.

TICKET PRICES: Thu & Sun $22 (or $10 for students with ID); Fri & Sat $24 (or $10 for students with ID). The Opening Night Gala on November 22 is $32 (or $20 for students with ID). Tickets: https://www.ticketpeak.com/res/FlyingAnvil

Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com