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After a year off, Knoxville's annual Christmas parade, skating rink and tree lighting are back

Tee Willis
Knoxville News Sentinel

It's back! After the pandemic canceled so many holiday traditions last year, Knoxville Christmas parade will return this December.   

Along with it, Christmas in the City events are back on track, too. 

The city of Knoxville said its city crews are already hanging nearly 150,000 lights in preparation.

“We are so excited to celebrate the holiday season together and to bring back traditions that so many of us missed last year,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said in a news release. “I am looking forward to seeing families create memories downtown ice skating, taking pictures in Krutch Park and enjoying the Regal Celebration of Lights the day after Thanksgiving!”

Christmas in the City runs Nov. 26 through Jan. 2 and includes the following events:

Celebration of Lights

  • 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26
  • Krutch Park 
  • Lighting of the Downtown 42-foot Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. with live music with K-Town band at 5:15 p.m.

Holidays on Ice skating rink

  • Opening at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26
  • Rink hours vary. Check knoxvillesholidaysonice.com for times. 
  • Market Square
  • Admission (skate rental included): Adults $12, children age 12 and under $9

WIVK Christmas Parade

  • 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3
  • Along Gay Street. Parade starts on Church Avenue near the Coliseum, then turns right onto Gay Street, right onto Jackson Street ending at Jackson and Patton.

Christmas Drive-In at Chilhowee

  • 5:30 - 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10
  • Chilhowee Park Midway
  • Free photos with Santa and activities from 5:30-7 p.m. with a drive-in holiday movie at 7 p.m.

Tour de Lights Holiday Bike Ride

  • 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11
  • Festive bicycle ride for all ages. Visit bwknox.org/tourdelights for additional information.

Details about the City’s New Year’s Eve event plans have yet to be announced, but will be coming soon.

For more information on the year’s Christmas in the City celebrations, go to KnoxvilleTN.gov/Christmas.