East Tenn. holiday events and activities

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)-- If you're looking for things to do during the holidays, take a look at some of the events and festivities that are happening around Knoxville for the entire month of December.

Parades

WIVK

The 45th annual WIVK Christmas Parade is on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The parade starts on Gay Street and will end near Barley's in the Old City.

Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights

Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade was cancelled last year due to the wildfires. This year, the parade is back, and is set for Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The route starts at traffic light 1A on Hwy 321(East Parkway) and ends at traffic light 10 on Hwy 441(Main Parkway). This parade usually brings more that 60,000 people together.

Sevierville

The 55th annual Sevierville Christmas Parade is on Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Sevierville.

Halls

The Halls Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. The parade will start at Halls High School and will finish at Fountain Valley Drive.

Rocky Hill

The Rocky Hill Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 2 in the Rocky Hills area. Although the event starts at 6 p.m., festivities will begin at 4, including Christmas carols, food, local vendors, and a reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. After the parade, stick around to see the lighting of the tree

Month-long festivities

Holidays on Ice

The annual Holidays on Ice will be set up in Market Square from now until Jan. 7, 2018. Families and friends can ice skate while listening to Christmas music. Hot Chocolate and other concessions will be available for a separate fee. The cost is $11 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Admission includes skates and unlimited amount of skating. For the list of hours and special events for each day of the week, go to http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/special_events/knoxvilles_holidays_on_ice

Christmas in the Cave

At Cherokee Caverns, families can experience the North Pole by walking through the trails and having their picture taken with Santa and even the Grinch. The cost is $10 per person 4 & up, but a $2 discount will be applied if you bring non-perishable food items for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Hours for Christmas in the Cave:

Dec. 8 and 15- 5-8 p.m.
Dec. 9 and 10- 3-8 p.m.
Dec. 16 and 17- 3-8 p.m.

Chilhowee Park

Drive your car through Chilhowee Park until Jan. 1, 2018 to see the area light up. This event is completely free for everyone.

Holiday Festival of Lights

Although not month long, the Holiday Festival of Lights will be set up at The Cove at Concord Park from Dec.15, to Dec. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Third Creek Coffee will be providing hot drinks and festive snacks for everyone, and the park will be showing off over a thousand lights and several displays. The event is free, however Knox County will be collecting non-perishable food items for The Love Kitchen.

Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping

Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping will be hosting free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. from now through Dec. 16. Willow Ridge is located at 97 Oak Ridge Tpk.

One day events

Trees Knoxville Tree Give-Away

Knoxville Botanical Gardens is giving away free trees on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The trees are for planting on private properties. The only requirement is that you are a resident or business located in Knoxville and Knox County. Each person or business is allowed up to five trees. Tree's include: Overcup Oak, Sweetgum, Redbud, Sugar Maple and Persimmon.

Ijams Holiday Marketplace

The 5th annual Holiday Market Place will be back at Ijams Nature Center on Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come shop from local crafters, designers, and food vendors. Christmas is a great time to support local businesses in Knoxville.

Santa at Knox Center Mall

Although children can come meet Santa at Knoxville Center Mall every day until Dec. 21, on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. kids can come meet Santa in a calmer environment. Noises will be reduced, as well as bright lighting. Children can also bring their favorite pet to meet Santa on Dec. 10th.

A Maryville Christmas

On Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Maryville College's Division of Fine Arts will be hosting "A Maryville Christmas." The event will feature seven music ensembles from the college, who will sing traditional Christmas carols as well as contemporary Christmas music. The event will take place at Clayton Center for the Arts' Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre.

Christmas at Chilhowee

Before you drive through Chilhowee Park to see the lights, make sure to stop by the Exposition Center at Chilhowee Park on Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for some free events. Families will see a forest of lighted trees floating on the lake and can have their picture taken with Santa. Some other festivities include: Roasting marshmallows, face painting, balloon animals,train rides, and gingerbread house making. Everything at the event is free for all.

Breakfast with Santa

First Farragut United Methodist is hosting a Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 9. For $10, adults and kids can receive a breakfast, visit the ELF Shop and craft area, and get their picture with Santa. All proceeds go to FFUMC Children's Ministry Program. Although walk-Ins are welcome, you can buy your ticket in advance online at www.ffumc.org under "event registration." First Farragut United Methodist is located at 12733 Kingston Pike.

Santa Hustle Smokies 5K &s; Half Marathon

Stay active during the holidays while having fun by participating in the annual Santa Hustle Smokies 5k & Half Marathon on Dec. 10. Participants will receive a Santa hat, beard, shirt and socks that they will wear during the race. The race begins at The Wilderness Resort and runners can either compete in a 5K or half marathon. If you don't feel like running, cheer on the other runners and enjoy cookies and candy canes. To register go to http://www.santahustle.com/smokies/.

Tour de Lights

Enjoy a free 5 mile bike ride that goes from Market Square to Downtown Knoxville on Dec.15. Participants can decorate their bikes and themselves to win prizes. Prizes will be awarded before the race at 6 p.m., and the actual event starts at 7. Mast General Store and Three Rivers Market will be providing free hot cocoa and cookies for all participants. All riders must bring a helmet and have white front lights and red rear reflectors.

Candlelight Christmas

The Museum of Appalachia is hosting a Candlelight Christmas on Dec. 1st and 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature a tour of selected cabins by candlelight, Christmas storytelling and ornament making. There will also be a live Nativity scene and various music and craft demonstrations. Members of The Museum of Appalachia and children under 5 can get in for free, and adults 18 years and older are $12, while children between 5 and 17 can get in for $6.

Nutcracker on Ice

The beloved Nutcracker takes on a unique ice skating approach at the Ice Chalet. This 30th annual program runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, showcasing both professional and amateur ice skaters. All programs are at 7 p.m., with an additional time at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Nativity Pageant

Knoxville Civic Coliseum is hosting the 49th annual Nativity Pageant from Dec. 9 to December 11. The program is free for everyone. The nativity will have three showings: Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., Dec. 10 at 3 p.m., and Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.