26th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove opens tonight
Knox County will cut the ribbon on the 26th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park (11808 S. Northshore Drive) during a family-friendly event at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be flipping the switch to kick-off this spectacular community lighting display.
The festival is free and open to the public although visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to The Love Kitchen, which provides meals, clothing, and emergency food packages for the homebound, homeless, and unemployed. In addition, there is a purchase-for-purpose opportunity, where festival-goers can buy a Christmas mug, and receive a free hot chocolate, with all proceeds going to The Love Kitchen.
The event will run each night from 6 to 9 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“The Festival of Lights is one of our most popular and well-loved events countywide,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Traditions like this are what makes this time of year special. Folks have the chance to drop by, enjoy the festive atmosphere, give back to the community, or just spend time taking in the lights and activities.”
Santa’s Workshop will be open every day to collect letters to Santa, tell North Pole tales, and host Christmas crafts. Patrons also will have the opportunity to purchase cookie-making items and decorate ornaments each night of the week. Additionally, the event will feature train rides on Mondays.
During the festival, The Cove’s three-quarter-mile greenway trail is illuminated by a sparkling light display coordinated to music. The Knox County Parks and Recreation Department staff does all the decorating, which includes placing displays and thousands of lights.
Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available for purchase, and The Cove has fire pits for guests to stay warm or roast s’mores. Pets on leashes also are welcome.
Stay up to date on the Holiday Festival of Lights and other Knox County Parks & Recreation events on the Knox County Parks Facebook page.
