Christmas is just over a month away, but there’s ways to celebrate the season almost daily! From shopping and craft fairs to the Kingsport parade and tree lighting and so much more, we’ve got your list of holiday happenings in and around Kingsport for the entire family to enjoy.
The Kingsport Senior Center is hosting its Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair this weekend, November 22-23 at the Kingsport Renaissance Center. This year’s event features more than 65 crafters from around the region. Stop by and browse through a variety of handmade goodies like baskets, greeting cards, woodworking projects, hand-sewn and crocheted items and more. The event is free to enter and takes place on the first floor of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 22 and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the 23rd. Live entertainment and food trucks will also be on site.
The 6th Annual Holiday Haven Bazaar is coming to MeadowView on Saturday, November 23rd. From crafts and artwork to food and boutiques, there will be more than 170 vendors present to help you check things off your holiday lists. Entry into the event is free and takes place from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Santa’s Depot is back on Saturday, November 23rd to celebrate the return of the Santa Train. Santa’s Depot is a free community event that features holiday activities for children of all ages. Happening at Centennial Park in Downtown Kingsport from 1 until 3 p.m., there will be treats, activities, photo ops and more. Children will receive an official Santa’s Depot activity passport upon arrival at the event to keep track of the booths they visit. At around 3 p.m., the Santa Train will make its final stop in Kingsport and Santa will disembark the train to wish the crowd a very Merry Christmas!
LampLight Theatre presents The Indescribable Gift, a Christmas musical presented in traditional Victorian fashion. This production was written in house with original music and is based on the real St. Nicholas and the events surrounding his life. The story is told from the viewpoint of Abigail and Frederick Pendry who are unable to have children of their own. In an effort to help out a local orphanage, they welcome two orphans, Seth and Lily, to stay in their home for a few days before Christmas. During their stay, Lily and Seth find out the truth about St. Nicholas through stories shared by the Pendry couple and their whimsical maids, Myrtle and Nettie. The bed-times stories of St. Nicholas come to life as we are swept back in time through the pages of history and the Holy Scriptures. The show runs from November 30 through December 22. For tickets or to learn more, click here or call 423-343-1766.
Downtown Kingsport Association is hosting the first-ever Downtown Kingsport Christmas Market, sponsored by Brightspeed, as part of its Small Business Saturday celebration. The market will be held at High Voltage (101 Cherokee Street) on Saturday, November 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. Browse among the local vendors, enjoy food from The Brunch Box food truck, toasty holiday beverages from the Vintage Vixens and a variety of beers and cider from the Fuse Box at High Voltage. There will also be holiday music, s’mores by the fire pits, pet pics with Santa and more. Admission is free. Food, beverages and pictures with Santa will be available for purchase.
This holiday season, let the sweet scent of peppermint guide you through Kingsport’s Peppermint Trail. Visit Kingsport invites you to explore festive storefronts, twinkling lights, and seasonal treats from local shops, restaurants, and bakeries. Enjoy peppermint-inspired drinks, desserts, and unique holiday gifts while soaking in the warmth of the season. Whether you’re strolling with family or enjoying a date night, the Peppermint Trail offers a joyful way to experience Kingsport’s holiday spirit. Be on the lookout for more details right here on our website! Kingsport’s Peppermint Trail launches Dec. 1 and runs through January 5!
Downtown Kingsport is the place to be on Saturday, December 7! The Downtown Kingsport Association Jingle & Mingle Shop and Hop takes place throughout the day at more than 50 downtown businesses. Specials and sales will help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas shopping list. The Very Merry Food Truck Rally, sponsored by Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, takes place between 2 and 8 p.m. There will be eight different food trucks set up on the 400 block of Broad Street. Santa Claus, the head elf himself, will be downtown for Pictures with Santa, sponsored by Brightspeed. Santa will be on hand from 3-5 p.m. on the terrace at City Hall to take photos. Memories Matter Photo Booth will be on hand for photography. Digital images are free and print copies will be available for purchase. During the evening, Christmas kicks into high gear with the Kingsport Christmas Parade, sponsored by Firestone Complete Auto Care, at 6 p.m. All parade entries are adorned with Christmas lights during this nighttime parade, providing a magical holiday experience! The parade will also be livestreamed on WJHL. Immediately following the parade at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Kingsport Christmas Tree Lighting, sponsored by Eastman Credit Union, will be held at the community tree in Church Circle.
The vendors of the Farmers Market will host their annual Christmas Craft Show on Saturday, December 7th at the Farmers Market (308 Clinchfield Street) from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. The show begins early but is a great time for shoppers looking for that unique gift. Entry into the craft show is free.
Christmas in the Country returns to the Exchange Place (4812 Orebank Road) this holiday season. On Saturday, December 7th, the living history farm will come alive with this festival open to all ages. Visitors will find fresh greenery, hand-crafted wreaths and roping, decoration ideas, herbal products and much more. There will also be hands-on activities for all ages. Gates open at 10 a.m. with shopping and demonstrations held until 4 p.m. At 4:15, the traditional Yule Log Ceremony will begin. Admission is $5 for those aged 12 and up and free for anyone under 12. For additional information, click here or call 423-288-6071.
Allandale Mansion (4444 West Stone Drive) is welcoming visitors to explore its grounds and see the beautiful Christmas displays on a self-guided tour. Christmas Tours at Allandale Mansion will take place December 7th from 1 to 6 p.m. (Harpist Martha Painter will perform from 1-3) and on December 8th from 1 to 5 p.m. (Santa will stop by for a visit between 2-4). At the end of your tour, enjoy cookies and cider in the mansion’s dining room (while supplies last). Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Symphony of the Mountains is bringing back its popular By the Fireside Holiday Concert on December 7th at 3 p.m. at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center. The Symphony is excited to welcome back Academy of Strings, Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, Mountain Mission School Choir and Voices of the Mountains to help bring this show to life. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 423-392-8423.
Experience the holiday season as Charles Dickens imagined it at Cate Farms (468 Holston Private Drive) as Emmy-winning journalist Keith Cate presents a one-man show of A Christmas Carol. Dressed in period costumes, Cate will bring Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other beloved characters to life. Further setting the stage for the show will be carolers and light refreshments. This event, sponsored by Ballad Health, takes place on December 7 with two show times to choose from (2 and 5 pm) and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Click here for more information.
On Thursday, December 12, Allandale Mansion is inviting you to party with The Grinch and Santa at the Food Truck Rally and Mansion Tours. Beginning at 4 p.m., stop by for a Christmas dance party, Christmas crafts, photo ops and more. This event is free and open to the public. A giant outdoor movie will play beginning at dark, weather permitting. This year’s movie will be The Grinch. Food trucks will be on site if you’d like to purchase dinner. Allandale Mansion will also be open for tours. Tickets are $5. Kids aged 12 and under can get in free.
Christmas in Downtown Kingsport continues on December 13 with the Dobyns-Bennett High School Jazz and Steel Pan Band in Glen Bruce Park (414 Broad Street). Come out and walk through festively-decorated Christmas trees in the park while listening to Christmas tunes.
Celebrate Christmas at the Netherland Inn and Boatyard National Historic Site as it was celebrated more than 200 years ago. The event dates back to 1818 and features beautiful decorations, warm cider, special treats and lively music. Visit on December 13 or 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. or December 15 from 2 until 4 p.m. For more information on tickets and entertainment, click here or call 423-429-7730.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the InterCity Ballet is excited to present the 45th Anniversary of The Nutcracker at the Eastman Employee Center for two dates in December. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m. Click here to learn more or to get tickets.
Join Santa, The Grinch and Lamplight Carolers at Christmas in Kingsport on December 14 in Glen Bruce Park from 6 until 8 p.m. Hot chocolate will be served and snow will be falling as you enjoy Christmas trees decorated throughout the park.
Experience the wonder of the Christmas Story at a Live Nativity at Church Circle. Gather with friends and family on Sunday, December 15 for this special tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life in the heart of Downtown Kingsport. Click here to learn more information as times will be updated soon.
Allandale Mansion is hosting a Holiday Tea Tasting at the mansion on December 19. Tickets are $25 and will include tea and snacks. Attendees will also make Christmas ornaments and participate in a scavenger hunt. This event is recommended for kids from ages 6-12. There will be two options to attend. The first is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the second is from 4:30 until 6 p.m., both on December 19. Wear your favorite festive outfit and get in the Christmas spirit!
The Kingsport Carousel (350 Clinchfield Street) is joining in on the holiday fun! Stop by for A Carousel Christmas on December 20 from 1 until 3 p.m. for free treats, festive games and a visit from Santa Claus. Kids of all ages can also take a spin on one of the iconic animals on the carousel.
The Washington Elementary School Choir and Jefferson Elementary School Hand Bell Choir are joining Christmas in Kingsport on the evening of December 20. Stop by Glen Bruce Park from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. to hear these students showcase their talents. We hear there may also be snow falling after their performances!
The Reserve (201 East Center Street) is hosting an Uptown Dueling Pianos event on December 20 from 8 until 10 p.m. This holiday themed show is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Wear your favorite ugly sweater and come with song requests to sing your heart out. Click here for more information about the event.
Stop by MeadowView (1901 MeadowView Parkway) on Saturday, December 21 for Breakfast with Santa. From 9 a.m. until noon, families can reserve a table and enjoy a festive breakfast made up of pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs, a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream and a variety of other festive toppings and meet Santa, share holiday wishes and take a photo. To reserve your spot, call 423-578-6600 or click here.
Also happening on December 21 at MeadowView from 1 until 2:30 p.m. is a Holiday High Tea experience. Step into a world of elegance with a high tea service in a vintage-inspired cattails foyer. There will be an extensive selection of teas, an assortment of savory finger sandwiches and a selection of delectable sweets. Reservations are required. Click here or call 423-578-6600 to ensure your spot.
Enjoy the spirit of Christmas with a showing of the Polar Express! Happening from 1 until 3 p.m. on December 21 at the Kingsport Farmers Market, this movie day will be fun for the entire family.
There will be a special holiday performance by Holloway School of Dance at Glen Bruce Park on December 21. Stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. to enjoy the decorated trees throughout the park and the festive holiday performances. Snow included!
Celebrate the tastes of the season with Christmas Brunch at MeadowView on December 22. From 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., guests can enjoy a spread of seasonal favorites and gourmet delights. Gather with family and friends to celebrate the season. Click here or call 423-578-6600 to make a reservation.
To stay up to date with any additional or events or for more details, check out the Christmas in Kingsport website by clicking here.
