Calendar of Events
Friday, December 13, 2024
The WordPlayers: Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Category: Comedy, Kids, family and Theatre
The WordPlayers presents a holiday season kick-off for the entire family: Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! The WordPlayers is excited to present one of the most exciting holiday shows you and your family will ever see! Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! plays December 13 at 7:30 pm and December 14 and 15 at 2:30 pm at the Clayton Performing Arts Center at Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville. Tickets may be purchased online at https://wordplayers.org/tickets/ or at the door. Adults: $18, Youth (13-18): $12, Children (12 and under): $8. Group Rate: $2 off each ticket of 10 or more purchased in advance. For more information, please call 865-539-2490.
Junie B. Jones, a First Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Singalong and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So, when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park and written by Allison Gregory.
The WordPlayers is a 501(c) 3 faith-based theatre organization dedicated to providing high-quality productions for the Knoxville community.
Kern's Food Hall: Magical Weekend!
Category: Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Meetup
Join Us For a
December 13th | Live Music | The Mix Messengers Jazz | 6 - 9 PM
December 14th | Winter Market & Meet Santa | 9 AM - 4 PM
December 15th | Santa, Live Music, Cookies, & Crafts | 1 - 8 PM
Mabry-Hazen House: Candlelight
Category: Festivals, special events, History, heritage and Kids, family
Candlelight Christmas Tours at Mabry Hazen House on Friday, December 13 from 6 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday, December 14 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Tours will be offered every thirty minutes.
See the historic house all lit by candlelight and decorated in a festive mix of historic and modern styles by our docents! Learn about the advent of Victorian Christmas in all its glory, join in classic Victorian parlor games, and celebrate the season with us.
Mabry-Hazen House’s holiday exhibit titled "Holiday Greetings: A Century of Christmas Cards” will return! Nearly 100 years of holiday cards addressed to the Hazen family will be on display for visitors to learn about this sentimental holiday tradition. Reproductions of Christmas cards from the collection will be available for sale.
Tickets at: https://www.simpletix.com/e/candlelight-christmas-tours-tickets-193984
Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com
Tennessee Theatre: Holiday Movie Magic: It's a Wonderful Life
Category: Film and Kids, family
The Tennessee Theatre presents Holiday Movie Magic: It's a Wonderful Life.
Friday, December 13, 8:00 pm.
Tickets at: https://am.ticketmaster.com/tenntheatre/buy
Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com
Scruffy City Orchestra: Cathedral Christmas Festival (PART I)
Category: Free event, Kids, family and Music
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM (ET)
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is proud to present (Part I) of its’ Fifth Annual Cathedral Christmas Festival, featuring Scruffy City Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Ace Edewards, the Cantors of the Cathedral, the Cathedral Youth Choir and musicians of the Diocese of Knoxville, with instrumental, choral and all-sing Christmas carols!
O Come All Ye Faithful and Sing to the Lord!
Admission is Free: Seating is Limited.(doors open 1 hour before concert) Please Respect our Sacred Space: No Food/Drink/Gum.
Marble Springs State Historic Site: Christmas Candlelight Tour & Stargazing Night
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event, History, heritage, Kids, family, Meetup and Science, nature
Marble Springs State Historic Site invites the community to its Christmas Candlelight Tour & Stargazing Night, a free and family-friendly event happening on Friday, December 13th, from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Whether you want to immerse yourself in 18th-century holiday traditions, marvel at the stars, or do a bit of both, this evening offers something for everyone.
Guests can start their evening with the Christmas Candlelight Tour, running from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, as the sun sets over the historic grounds. Visitors will begin with a fireside chat, where they’ll learn about holiday customs in early Tennessee, before taking a guided lantern-lit tour through the candlelit historic buildings. Along the way, they may even meet Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, who will share stories and welcome visitors to his home.
For those who prefer stargazing, the evening continues with Stargazing Night, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, hosted in collaboration with the University of Tennessee’s Physics and Astronomy Department. Guests can tailor their experience during this portion of the event. Spend time in the Marble Springs Pavilion listening to UT graduate students give engaging talks about their latest research, or head to the main lawn to view the night sky through telescopes guided by astronomy experts. Visitors are encouraged to explore both activities throughout the evening, making it a night of discovery and wonder.
Whether you join us early for the Candlelight Tour, come later just for Stargazing Night, or stick around for the entire evening, this event promises a memorable holiday experience for all.
Admission: FREE and open to the public
Location: Marble Springs State Historic Site, 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
Dress for the weather—bring coats, gloves, and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and camp chairs to stay cozy during the stargazing portion.
Firepits will be available for added warmth, and flashlights are recommended for navigating the grounds.
This special event offers the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing Tennessee’s rich history and the beauty of the winter night sky. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an astronomy lover, or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the holidays, Marble Springs has something for you. For additional information, please contact Danielle Carey at (865) 573-5508 or via email at danielles@marblesprings.net.
School of Rock: 2nd Annual Rocktail Fundraiser
Category: Kids, family and Music
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 13, 2024, and join the School of Rock Knoxville community for a special holiday celebration at Scruffy City Hall in Market Square, starting at 6:00 PM.
This festive evening promises an unforgettable experience featuring live performances by the House Band, Adult Band, and Staff Band. Watch as your favorite instructors and directors take the stage together to deliver an incredible rock and roll showcase.
The event isn’t just about great music; it’s also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. All proceeds will go toward helping School of Rock students in financial need, ensuring they can continue to benefit from the transformative experiences and supportive community the program offers. Donations will be accepted via card or cash, and you can contribute in person, over the phone, or via email.
To add to the fun, attendees who donate will have a chance to enter a raffle for the opportunity to pie Music Director Owen in the face. Don’t miss this once-a-year celebration filled with music, holiday cheer, and the joy of giving back. Join us on December 13 to rock the holidays and support the next generation of musicians!
Lighthouse Youth Theatre: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Category: Kids, family, Music and Theatre
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem–and the fun–when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas!
Show Dates: Dec. 12-14, 2024
https://www.lytknox.com/2024-season
Appalachian Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
Category: Dance, movement, Kids, family and Music
Join the Appalachian Ballet Company and Clara on a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets. Principal Artists, Laura Morton La Russa and James La Russa will be taking the stage as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, as well as welcoming back guest artists, Aaron Smyth and Alexandre Gonzaga. This production features live music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra for all public performances conducted by ABC’s Music Director, Mr. James Fellenbaum.
At Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Saturday, December 7th 2024 Evening Performance 7pm
Sunday, December 8th 2024 Matinee Performance 3pm
At Clayton Center for the Arts
Friday, December 13th 2024 Evening Performance 7pm
Saturday, December 14th 2024 Matinee Performance 3pm
Knoxville Children's Theatre: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Category: Comedy, Kids, family and Theatre
Performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM; Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM; and Sundays at 3 PM and 6 PM.
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids: probably the most inventively awful kids in history! You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdman’s collide with the Christmas story head on!
The play is performed by twenty-four talented young actors ages 8 to 16. The cast includes KCT veterans Vivienne Bullard as Imogene Herdman, Mason Cox as Leroy Herdman, Julian Daniel as Ollie Herdman, Desmond Gondo as Claude Herdman and Harper Monday as Gladys Herdman. Mother and Father will be played by Leeland Robbins and Quinton Stiffler respectively, while Luna Chavez will be playing Beth Bradley and Owen Bellamy will be playing Charlie Bradley. Joining them will be Connor Watters as Elmer and Rev. Hopkins, Lydia Komeshak as Mrs. Armstrong, and Chloe Beeler as Mrs. McCarthy. Also featured are KCT veterans Camila Herrera, Hogan Honeycutt, Saha Lau, Caroline Simmons, Sophia Stiffler, and Auden Tatler. Making their KCT debuts in this production are Luke Bounds, Laila Brown, Amelia Carroll, Lola Longmire, Julia Luehrs, and Camden Powell.
The show is directed by guest director Ashlee Latimer and designed by eleven student designers ages 10 to 16. KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families. Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com
Cherokee Caverns Christmas in the Cave
Category: Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Science, nature
Bring the family and join us for an underground Christmas wonderland at Historic Cherokee Caverns! Enjoy themed scenes, photo ops, thousands of twinkling lights, festive music and lots of family fun along the stalagmites and stalactites! Get your photo with Santa or The Mean One! Shop the vendor booths for locally made gift items and sweet treats! Enjoy a craft for the kids or a kiddie ride! Grab dinner at The Grotto or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa by the campfire! Shop the vendor booths for locally made gifts and yummy treats. The cave path is stroller and wheelchair friendly, and the cave is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round.
Hours of operation:
Friday, December 6th - 5pm-8pm
Saturday, December 7th - 3pm-8pm
Sunday, December 8th - 3pm-8pm
Friday, December 13th – 5pm-8pm
Saturday, December 14th – 3pm-8pm
Sunday, December 15th – 3pm-8pm
Friday, December 20th – 5pm-8pm
Saturday, December 21st – 3pm-8pm
Sunday, December 22nd– 3pm-8pm
Admission is $15 per person for ages 4 & up. Children 3 & under are admitted free. Photos with Santa or The Mean One are sold separately. Purchase tickets in advance online or at the ticket booth. Cash and credit cards accepted. Parking is free. Historic Cherokee Caverns is located at 8524 Oak Ridge Highway in the Karns community.
https://www.historiccherokeecaverns.com/
Ijams Nature Center: December Events
Category: Classes, workshops, Kids, family, Meetup and Science, nature
12/1 • 11th Annual Ijams Holiday Marketplace
12/8 • Creative Series: Holiday Card Crafting with The Big Camera
12/8 • Self-Care Sunday Yoga
12/14 • Beyond the Blueprint - Exploring Neutral Tones with Van Dyke Brown Photography
12/14 • Ijams Junior Naturalist
12/14 • Pickin' on Christmas with Evie and the Elves
12/14 • Geminid Meteor Shower - Guided Night Program
12/15 • Sound Bath Meditation
12/15 • Self-Care Sunday Yoga
12/15 • Bluegrass Jam with ETNBA
12/15 • Geminid Meteor Shower - Guided Night Program
12/22 • Self-Care Sunday Yoga
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org
