Comcast Christmas opens the season at Chilhowee Park
By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
The city of Knoxville began its “Christmas in the City” series Friday, November 18, kicking off the holidays with the Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park. Mayor Indya Kincannon made a brief appearance as she and Santa together counted down to the Christmas tree lighting. Guests stood in line at the park’s historic bandstand for a chance to take free pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wishes.
In addition to Santa, there were many other photo opportunities among the holiday displays and celebrities, including Mrs. Claus, who was seen sitting comfortably in her rocking chair, crocheting her next gift. The City of Knoxville Special Events crew helped contribute to the Christmas fun by providing guests with treats such as hot chocolate, candy and candy canes, Krispy Kreme, chocolate from Kilwins, reindeer hats, and crafts with The Muse.
Area businesses in on the fun included Zoo Knoxville, Robert Zasowski and Bill Renaud from the Great Smoky Mountains Curling Club, Childhelp Foster Family Services and Comcast. Knox County Health Department was on hand with a craft table with books and rubber ducks for the children and the fire department set up two of their trucks for the Holiday Touch-A-Truck. Music was played throughout the park by B97.5 radio station, while guests could enjoy more food options with Chuck’s food truck. The evening concluded with an opportunity to walk around or enjoy a hayride around the park, enjoying the lighted view of Lake Ottosee.
The “Christmas in the City” series continues with the WIVK Christmas Parade on Gay Street on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The parade will include bands, dancers, lighted floats, classic vehicles, Santa Claus and other costumed characters.
Tour de Lights, presented by Bike Walk Knoxville and Visit Knoxville Saturday, will be on Dec. 10. This will be an all-ages holiday bicycle ride, beginning at Suttree Landing Park and ending at Market Square.
The “Christmas in the City” series will end the year and welcome a new year at New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere on Saturday, Dec. 31. Guests will ring in the New Year with another all-ages celebration on the World’s Fair Park with a DJ, live band and a ball drop at midnight.
The Holidays on Ice skating rink on Market Square will be open through the season and close January 2, 2023.
For more information about the “Christmas in the City” events, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/Christmas.
