| The closer it gets, the greater your sense of | | | | over your ears, lace up your skates and hit the |
| excitement. That's because, regardless of your | | | | ice for a family adventure everyone will enjoy. |
| age, Christmas holds an abundance of fun and | | | | No celebration would be complete without music |
| enjoyment in the Smoky Mountains as well as in | | | | so stick around for bluegrass performances, |
| nearby towns. Take Knoxville, for instance. Just a | | | | clogging and more. And that's just one day! |
| 35 - 45 minute drive from Pigeon Forge, this | | | | Two Months Full of Christmas Joy |
| bustling town hosts the enormously popular | | | | Throughout November and December, you can |
| Christmas in the City festival each year. | | | | find more Christmas-related fun than you can |
| This short drive is a delightful addition to any | | | | shake a stick at. The Fine Craft Fair takes place |
| Smoky Mountains getaway. You'll find all the | | | | November 14-16 with 150 artisans displaying their |
| traditional Christmas highlights that make the | | | | wares and providing hands-on demonstrations of |
| season memorable. And, because it starts in | | | | their crafts. Woodworking, sculpture, stained glass, |
| November, you have plenty of time to explore | | | | jewelry and more will be available for purchase. |
| Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville plus take | | | | A Fantasy of Trees is held November 26-30. |
| day trips to the city of Knoxville. | | | | Wander through a forest of over 300 beautifully |
| What's in Knoxville? | | | | adorned Christmas trees. Then take in the |
| A complete Christmas village! The official kickoff is | | | | professionally decorated mantels, rooms and |
| November 28th. At that time, Knoxville | | | | doors that will fill you with ideas for your own |
| transforms itself into a gorgeous Christmas | | | | home. |
| playground ole Saint Nick himself would be proud | | | | Before you head back to the Smokies, hop a ride |
| of. Just imagine, carolers wandering the streets, | | | | on The Christmas Express on the Three Rivers |
| marshmallows roasting over a flickering flame and | | | | Rambler. Truly unique to Knoxville, this train ride is |
| Christmas bargains found on every corner. | | | | like no other. Kids of all ages will enjoy the |
| It all starts with the lighting of the 38-foot-tall | | | | journey via rail as "The Christmas Lantern" is |
| town tree and Krutch Park that glitters with over | | | | read. Christmas cookies and other refreshments |
| 100,000 bulbs. Free carriage rides usher you | | | | are served and there's even time to visit with |
| around town to take in all the amazing sights. | | | | Santa along the way. These rides always sell out |
| Decorate Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus, get | | | | fast so make your reservation soon and don't |
| your picture taken with Santa and warm up with | | | | forget your camera! |
| hot chocolate... it's all FREE. But the holiday spirit | | | | This season, get the best of both worlds when |
| doesn't stop there. | | | | you celebrate Christmas in the City and the |
| Make your way to Knoxville's only open-air ice | | | | mountains. Book your winter vacation in the |
| rink. There's just something special about ice | | | | Smokies and you'll also get ready access to |
| skating outdoors. (Especially if you don't have to | | | | Knoxville and other wonderful towns that are just |
| wait for the pond to freeze over!) Pull your cap | | | | minutes away. |
