Enjoy Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park this year on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting will be at 6:15 p.m. at the Gazebo. Chilhowee Park is located at 3301 Magnolia Avenue. This free family event turns Chilhowee Park into a Christmas wonderland featuring dozens of lighted trees including many floating in the lake, it also includes free attractions and treats ranging from horse drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa to marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating and snow cream provided by Mayfield. This is the 11th Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park. The event developed from the company's desire to take part in the City of Knoxville's Christmas in the City celebration, to give something back to the community and to do it at a location near the company's office. It has become one of the city's most popular Christmas traditions and features nightly self-guided driving tours through the holiday light display which opened on Nov. 25, and continues through Jan. 1, 2012 - drawing several thousand visitors to Chilhowee Park. The park is open to motorists from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. every night through January 1 - with the one exception of this Friday night when the event will be taking place on the grounds.

After Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park drop by Knoxville's Holidays on Ice to skate. The rink is open, rain or shine, now through January 8, 2011. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children 12-years-old and younger. The admission price includes skate rental. For more information please call 865-215-4423 or visit www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com. For more information regarding Christmas in the City events please visit www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas.

December 1, 8, & 15
New Harvest Park Holiday Market

New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane 3-6 p.m. Enjoy a Holiday Market inside the community building for the month of December. No admission charge. www.knoxcouty.org (865) 215-6600 December 1 - 4 Appalachian Ballet Nutcracker Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Thurs.: 10 am & Fri.: 10 am (School performances), Sat.: 8 p.m., Sun.: 2 p.m. knoxvillecoliseum.com (865) 215-8999 Info, (865) 656-4444 Tickets December 1 - 18 It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Carousel Theatre 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Inspired by the classic American Film, "It's a Wonderful Life," the play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Prices Vary. clarencebrowntheatre.com (865) 974-5161 December 2 A Skaggs Family Christmas Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs joins his family on stage for A Skaggs Family Christmas, a performance of holiday songs both popular and traditional. Prices $37.50- $49.50. tennesseetheatre.com (865) 684-1200 ext 2 December 2 Gaither Christmas Homecoming Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. 7 p.m. Prices $80, $40, $30. knoxvillecoliseum.com (865) 215-8999 Info, (865) 656-4444 Tickets December 2 "First Friday" at Blount Mansion Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Ave. 5-7 p.m. Enjoy Candlelight and Carols and free tours of the decorated mansion, holiday food and drink. No admission charge. blountmansion.org (865) 525-2375 December 2 & 3 "A Gift of Lights" Crescent Bend House and Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pk. 1-9 p.m. Thousands of twinkling Christmas Lights and a historic home trimmed with traditional holiday decorations. No admission charge, but asking for cans of food for Second Harvest Food Bank, an un-opened toy for Toys for Tots, or a monetary contribution. www.crescentbend.com 865-637-3163 December 2 - 31 Featured Artist Exhibit and Reception Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St. Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m., Reception (Open to public) Dec. 2: 5:30-9 p.m. Exhibit of Kathy Holland (painting & drawing) and Harriet Howell (hand painted silk apparel). No admission charge. artmarketgallery.net (865) 525-5265 December 3 Christmas Open House Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Ave. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours of Blount Mansion. Holiday food and drink available. Price $10 for family up to 4. www.blountmansion.org (865) 525-2375 December 3 Dogwood Arts Bazillion Blooms Community Tree Planting Day UT Gardens off of Neyland Drive Pick up trees from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bazillion Blooms is a Dogwood tree-planting program established to beautify our region and restore East TN's Dogwood tree population. bazillionblooms.com (865) 637-4561 December 3 Santa is Coming to Town, Ages 3 1/2 to 6 Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center, 1127B Broadway Ave. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Students will make a variety of fun craft projects to decorate their homes for the holidays. Price $12. cityofknoxville.org (865) 523-1401 December 3 A Christmas Wish, Ages 6-10 Knoxville Arts and Fine Craft Center, 1127B Broadway Ave. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Share a special morning with your child listening to Christmas music as you create matching ornaments. Price $12. cityofknoxville.org (865) 523-1401 December 3 Fountain City Optimist Christmas Parade On Broadway in Fountain City 10 a.m. Annual Christmas parade on Broadway in Fountain City. Featuring "Elves on Broadway" and "Santa". (865) 523-2796 December 3 & 4 Pet Pictures with Santa "Claws" Young Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St. Dec 3: 12-4 p.m., Dec. 4: 1-4 p.m. Pet pictures with Santa can be made into holiday cards or gifts! www.knoxpets.org (865) 215-6599 December 3 & 4 Victorian Holiday Home Tour Historic Old North Knoxville Neighborhood Dec. 3: 4-9 p.m., Dec. 4: 12:30-5 p.m. Visit 10 historic homes decorated for the holidays in Old North Knoxville. Prices in advance $9, at event adults $12, senior citizens $9, and 12 & under free. oldnorthknoxville.org (865) 524-4267 December 3 - 5 Holiday Madrigal Dinner Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. Featuring the Webb School of Knoxville Chamber Choir. Reservations required. (865) 521-0276

December 4 Home Federal Bank presents "It's a Wonderful Life" Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to each show. Home Federal Bank presents the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." No ticket is required. Admission is free. HOMEFEDERALBANKTN.COM December 4 Service of Lessons & Carols Redeemer Church, 1642 Highland Ave., 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. Experience the story of Christmas thru an urban folk service of Lessons and Carols. No admission charge. www.redeemerknoxville.org (865) 524-4552 December 4 Christmas Choral Concert First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 510 W Main St. 6:30 p.m. The Sanctuary Choir will be joined by community orchestra and soloists to perform parts 1, 2 & 3 of J.S. Bach's "Christmas Bratorio." No admission charge. www.fbcknox.org (865) 546-9661 December 5 Mighty Musical Monday Program Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street 12 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Presented on the first Monday of each month and this one will include the Central High School Choruses. Bag lunch $5 and refreshment stand open. No admission charge. tennesseetheatre.com (865) 684-1200 December 5 - 19 Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority presents Songs of the Season McGhee Tyson Airport 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Songs of the Season holiday music program at the Airport by area schools and local choral groups. No admission charge. www.flyknoxville.com (865) 342-3016 December 6 - 10 24th Annual Nutcracker on Ice Ice Chalet, 100 Lebanon St. 7 p.m. Nightly & 2 p.m. Sat. The popular holiday tale of a little girl and her magical "Nutcracker" doll is brought to life on the ice. Prices $12-$15. chaleticerinks.com (865) 588-1858 December 7 Advent Noonday Recital/Service Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. Recital: 11:40 a.m., Service: 12 p.m. Advent noonday services provide a time of meditation and preparation for Christmas Day. (865) 524-3048 December 7 East TN Regional Student Art Exhibition Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park 6-8 p.m. The annual exhibition offers middle and high school students the opportunity to display their talents and be honored for their accomplishments in a professional art museum environment. No admission charge. www.knoxart.org (865) 525-6101 December 7 Garrison Keillor Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street 8 p.m. Garrison Keillor is an author, storyteller, humorist, columnist, musician, satirist, radio personality and is best known as host of the "A Prairie Home Companion." Prices $42.50-$62.50. tennesseetheatre.com (865) 684-1200 ext 2 December 8 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 West Vine Ave. 7 p.m. Immaculate Conception Church invites all to the lighting of the parish's Christmas Tree in front of the Church. Solemn Mass will follow in the church at 7:30 p.m. www.icknoxville.org (865) 522-1508 December 9 "Alive After Five" Holiday Dance Party Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park 5:30 p.m. Live music by the Atomic Horns, cash bar, food & free popcorn! Price $10. www.knoxart.org (865) 525-6101 December 9 - 11 Broadway at The Tennessee Presents CATS Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street Dec. 9: 8 p.m., Dec. 10: 2 & 8 p.m., Dec. 11: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Introduce your family to the wonders of live theater with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. Prices $37-$77. tennesseetheatre.com (865) 684-1200 ext 2 December 10 Christmas Open House Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Ave. 10 a.m -4 p.m. Tours of Blount Mansion. Holiday food and drink available. Price $10 for family up to 4. www.blountmansion.org (865) 525-2375 December 10 Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis Krutch Park, downtown Knoxville 10 a.m. Tie jingle bells to your shoes & come join the fun at the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk or 1 mile fun walk for arthritis. Prices $25 pre-registration, $30 day of race. www.knoxvillejbr.org (865) 254-3106 December 10 Contemporary Dance Ensemble: Holiday Spectacular Knoxville Civic Auditorium, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. 7 p.m. knoxvillecoliseum.com (865) 215-8999 Info, (865) 656-4444 Tickets December 10 ETHS Holiday Open House East TN History Center, 601 S. Gay Street 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ornament and craft-making for the kids, cookies and hot cider, craft demonstrations, music, holiday shopping discounts, and free admission to the Museum. www.easttnhistory.org (865) 215-8824 December 10 Wreath Making Workshop Ramsey House Plantation, 2614 Thorngrove Pike 12-2 p.m. Design and create a holiday wreath from natural materials. Reservations are required. Price $25. www.ramseyhouse.org (865) 546-0745 December 10 Pomander Workshop Ramsey House Plantation, 2614 Thorngrove Pike 12-2 p.m. During the adult wreath making workshop, children can enjoy making a traditional holiday ornament, holiday treats, games, and songs. Reservations required. Price $15. www.ramseyhouse.org (865) 546-0745 December 10 Christmas Home Tour Halls Area 2-7 p.m. A tour of seven beautiful homes in the Halls area. $10 per person (865) 922-1817 December 11 Community Christmas Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 5-6:30 p.m Bring your family and friends to re-enact the nativity story. (865) 524-3048 December 11 - 13 The Nativity Pageant Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Dec. 11: 3 p.m., Dec. 12 & Dec. 13: 7 p.m. No admission charge. knoxvillecoliseum.com (865) 215-8999 Info, (865) 656-4444 Tickets December 11 2nd Annual Leftover Run Tyson Park and 3rd Creek Greenway 2 p.m. Knoxville Track Club (KTC) event benefits the News-Sentinel's Empty Stocking Fund. Shirts from 2011 KTC races as well as leftover awards will be given out to participants. Price $5. www.ktc.org 1-888-217-5635 opt. 3 December 11 Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway 5 p.m. Readings appropriate to the season with beautiful choral anthems & festive hymns for all to sing to celebrate the Nativity. www.stjamesknox.org (865) 523-5687 December 11 Christmas Concert Knoxville Convention Center Lecture Hall, 701 Henley St. 3 p.m. Knoxville Community Band will play a variety of light classical and festive songs. Free and open to public. cityofknoxville.org (865) 215-2091 December 11 Candlelight Tours Ramsey House Plantation, 2614 Thorngrove Pike 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tour this magnificent historic mansion in the ambience of candlelight. Seasonal music, hot drinks, and baked goods will be available for guests. Price $10. ramseyhouse.org (865) 546-0745 December 12 - January 27, 2012 Annual National Juried Exhibition of 2011 Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay St. Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 6: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Jan. 7: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Closed December 26-30. No admission charge. www.knoxalliance.com (865) 523-7543 December 14 Advent Noonday Recital/Service Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. Recital: 11:40 a.m., Service: 12 p.m. Advent noonday services provide a time of meditation and preparation for Christmas Day. (865) 524-3048 December 15 Tour de Lights Market Square, downtown Knoxville 7 p.m. Bike ride that starts from Market Square and tours downtown, 4th & Gill and Old North Knoxville. Awards given to best decorated contest. No charge. www.knoxtrans.org (865) 215-3815 December 15 - 17 Modern Dance Primitive Light 2011 Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Dec. 15: 8 p.m., Dec. 16 & 17: 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Circle Modern Dance presents a holiday tradition of live music, dance, and performance art in the historic Laurel Theater. Prices $8.50 and $13 advance, $10 and $15 at the door, Penny Performance admissions and Children under 12 Free. circlemoderndance.com (865) 523-7521 December 16, 18 Miracle on 34th Street Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street 8 p.m. When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer defends him in court in this1947 film. Prices $8 & $6. tennesseetheatre.com (865) 684-1200 ext 2 December 16 Uniquely Kid's Friday Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St. 2-4 p.m. Enjoy a special holiday craft and a guest appearance from Spherit! A great way to enjoy the holidays and learn about everything Knoxville has to offer! No admission charge. www.knoxville.org (865) 523-7263 December 16 - 18 25th Annual Clayton Holiday Concerts Knoxville Civic Auditorium, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Dec. 16: 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17: 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18: 3 p.m. Maestro Lucas Richman leads the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Choral Society, Sound Company Children's Choir and special guests in your favorite songs and carols. Prices $14-$45. knoxvillesymphony.com (865) 291-3310 December 16 - 30 Holiday Festival of Lights Cove at Concord Park, 11808 Northshore Dr. 6-9 p.m., Closed Christmas Day The Cove at Concord Park sparkles with holiday light displays. Bonfires for roasting marshmallows, kettle corn, hot chocolate, and coffee available. No admission charge. www.knoxcounty.org (865) 215-6600 December 17 Family Fun Day Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park 11 a.m.-3 p.m Come celebrate traditional arts and handmade craft with the Knoxville Museum of Art. No admission charge. www.knoxart.org (865) 525-6101 December 17 28th Annual Holiday Craft Party Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. 11 a.m. -2 p.m Join Ijams Nature Center to celebrate the holiday season with their annual craft party. Pre-registration is required. Call 577-4717 for registration, information and pricing. www.ijams.org (865) 577-4717 December 17 - 19 Sevier Heights Baptist Church's 2011 Living Christmas Tree Thompson-Boling Arena, 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way Dec. 17th & 18th: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 19th: 7 p.m. Living Christmas Tree features a 240-Voice choir, 60-Piece orchestra, and a cast of over 300. Free tickets online. livingchristmastree.org (865) 577-2937 December 18 Christmas Musical Presentation Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. The Parish Adult Choir will present their annual Christmas music performance. (865) 524-3076 December 18 Walk Through Bethlehem Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 1-6 p.m. Experience the village of Bethlehem as it might have been the night Jesus was born. Visit the shops, worship in the synagogue, talk with the villagers, see the animals, and search for the special baby born that night. No admission charge. (865) 521-0282 December 18 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 510 W Main St. 6:30 p.m. Service similar to Lessons and Carols from King's College in Cambridge, England. Nine scriptures are read telling prophecies of the story of the Christ child's birth and carols are interwoven between the readings. No admission charge. www.fbcknox.org (865) 546-9661 December 19 Posada (Joseph & Mary's Walk from Jerusalem to Bethlehem) Churches around downtown Knoxville 6:30-8:30 p.m. Event will begin at one of the downtown Knoxville churches, actors will portray Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter for the night. Families are are invited to participate as the crowd moves from church to church. No admission charge. www.lacosecha.com (865) 755-7044 December 19-23 Empty Stocking Fund Chilhowee Park, Jacobs Building, 3301 East Magnolia Ave. Knoxville News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund provides food & gifts to 3,600 families who are in need during the holidays. Volunteers are needed for the week. No admission charge. knoxnews.com/charities (865) 342-6850 December 21 Blue Christmas Service Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 12 p.m. This special service is designed for those persons who are suffering a loss of a loved one this Christmas season. (865) 524-3048 December 24 Christmas Eve Family Service Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 3 p.m "Candlelight, Carols & Christmas Stories" designed for families with young children. Includes a "Blessing of the Babies." (865) 521-0282 December 24 Christmas Eve Communion Services Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 5 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Awe-inspiring traditional candlelight communion service begins at 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (865) 524-3048 December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 510 W Main St. 5 p.m. A worship service celebrating the birth of Christ that ends with the congregation singing "Silent Night" by candlelight. www.fbcknox.org (865) 546-9661 December 24 Christmas Eve Service Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 West Vine Ave. 6 p.m., 9 p.m., and Midnight Families with children are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Eve Children's Mass at 6 p.m., traditional Christmas Eve Masses at 9 p.m. and Midnight. www.icknoxville.org (865) 522-1508 December 24 Christmas Eve Family Holy Eucharist Service St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway 5:30 p.m. Family-centered service with Nativity Pageant and Music. www.stjamesknox.org (865) 523-5687 December 24 Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist Service St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway 10:30 p.m. This service begins with 30 minutes of glorious Christmas anthems sung by the St. James Parish Choir and Orchestra. www.stjamesknox.org (865) 523-5687 December 25 Christmas Morning Service Church St. United Methodist, 900 Henley St. 11 a.m. Christmas Day worship services. (865) 524-3048 December 31 "Alive into 2012!" New Year's Eve Party Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Musical entertainment by R&B band Soul Connection, all-night buffet by F.A.T.S. BBQ, dancing, party favors, cash bar, and complimentary midnight toast of bubbly. Prices $55, $40, $30. www.knoxart.org (865) 525-6101 December 31 New Year's Eve Celebration Crown Plaza Knoxville, 401 W. Summit Hill Dr. Dinner is at 6:30-8 p.m.; Dancing begins at 8 p.m. Celebrate New Year's Eve with an exciting guestroom package. Deluxe packages include dinner, dance admission and room accommodations for two. Dinner is all you can eat surf 'n turf buffet with live entertainment by The Max and a continental breakfast is served after the party. Call for reservations. www.crownknox.com (865) 522-2600 ext. 2366 December 31 First Night Knoxville 2012 Downtown Knoxville 3 p.m to Midnight New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts in downtown. Full evening of music, comedy and dance at over a dozen venues throughout the Market Square District. First Night Admission Buttons can be purchased at all Pilot locations firstnightknoxville.com

The annual WIVK / Fowler's Christmas Parade will be on Friday, Dec. 2, starting at 7:00 p.m. on Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville. Enjoy Floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, dancers, special appearance by Santa Claus and more! Parade will be live on Volunteer TV 8.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

Gay Street in Downtown Knoxvill One of Knoxville's Christmas favorites Floats & decorated vehicles Marching bands & dancers Special appearance by Santa Claus! Live on VOLUNTEER TV The parade route: start at the Knoxville Coliseum, run along Historic Preservation then left on Hall of Fame, right on Hill Ave., right on Gay St.

Knoxville's only open-air ice rink opens November 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Downtown Knoxville at Market Square. Rink is open everyday, rain or shine thru Jan. 8 except for Christmas Day.

Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 years and younger.

Knoxville's Holidays on Ice is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville in Historical Market Square.

WEEKLY NIGHTLY SCHEDULE:

Monday: Skate with the Knoxville Ice Bears and Chilly
Tuesday:B97.5 Family Night every other night (next night 12-21)
Wednesday: Bring canned food, non perishable items, or toy for a donation and receive $2.00 off admission
Thursday: Come see Patch the Penguin, the mascot of Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
Friday & Saturday: Skate to disco lights and DJ music provided by Knox Vegas DJ
Sunday: Family Day

Downtown Knoxville becomes a Christmas village with caroling, marshmallow roasting & unique shopping at the Christmas Market. Enjoy festivities at Krutch Park extension, Krutch Park, and Market Square.

Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Knoxville becomes a Christmas village with caroling, marshmallow roasting & unique shopping at the Christmas Market (Market open Nov. 25 noon-9 p.m. on Market Street) Festivities at Krutch Park extension, Krutch Park, and Market Square Lighting of the 38 ft. First Tennessee Foundation tree Krutch Park sparkles with more than 100,000 lights Performances by Unity Choir and Clarence Brown Theatre FREE horse drawn carriage rides FREE pictures with Santa Claus FREE cookie decorating FREE snow cream & eggnog provided by Mayfield FREE hot cocoa by the Salvation Army Award winning WDVX personality Freddy Smith and his Christmas Chicken will emcee the Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown starting at 5 p.m. on Market Square Stage

The City of Knoxville unveiled its Christmas in the City celebration during a late Thursday afternoon press conference in the lobby of the Tennessee Theatre today.

The theme "It's a Wonderful Life in Knoxville!" featured the Clarence Brown Theatre performing an "old time radio show" to the theme of "It's a Wonderful Life." The actors creatively described the many events for the holidays including everything from a parade and dazzling displays of lights to ice skating, dramatic performances, concerts and church services.

The city's annual holiday celebration - that gets a little bigger, brighter and better each year - features nearly 100 different events and attractions on a calendar that stretches from November to New Year's Eve.

As always Christmas in the City includes a mix of older Knoxville holiday traditions like the Christmas Parade in downtown, the Festival of Trees and ice-skating on Market Square along with newer traditions like the Regal Celebration of Lights - which illuminates downtown for the holidays - and Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park.

While there are events across the city, most of them take place in downtown Knoxville.

"Christmas in the City offers something for everyone and we've been very pleased to see more and more people coming out to enjoy it every year," said Judith Foltz, the city's Special Events Coordinator, who presided over this year's kick-off press event. "We think this year will be the best one yet."

The City of Knoxville, community organizations, artistic groups, businesses and churches sponsor the dozens of individual events that make up Christmas in the City while the city's Office of Special Events coordinates the celebration.

Christmas in the City takes place during both November and December though the number of events picks up fairly dramatically the day after Thanksgiving. The Regal Celebration of Lights - set for the Friday night after Thanksgiving - serves as something of an unofficial kickoff event.

Other events throughout the season range from loud and colorful festivities like the annual Christmas parade to more solemn observances like the Christmas Eve services at Church Street United Methodist and St. James Episcopal Church.

Among the highlights of Christmas in the City are:

Regal Celebration of Lights - set for 6 p.m. Friday, November 25, in Krutch Park Extension which features the lighting of the First Tennessee Foundation Christmas Tree. It also includes the thousands of lights decorating Krutch Park, the extension and Market Square along with a performance by the Unity Choir. In addition the event also throws the switch on Up on the Rooftops, which includes the scores of brightly lit Christmas trees adorning the roofs of buildings across the city.

WDVX Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown - begins at 5 p.m., Friday, November 25, and continues into the evening on the Market Square stage.

Knoxville's Holidays on Ice - the open air ice rink on Market Square opens at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 25, with the ribbon cutting to take place at 4:00 p.m. and will be open every day through January 8 (except Christmas Day).

WIVK-Fowlers Christmas Parade - 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 2, marches down Gay Street in downtown Knoxville featuring marching bands, floats and decorated vehicles.

Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park - 6 p.m., Friday, December 9, and features a forest of lighted trees decorating the lake and nightly driving tours from November 25-January 1st.

First Night Knoxville 2012 at Market Square - a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration on Market Square beginning at 3 p.m. and featuring music, dancing, storytelling, children's activities and much more.

Christmas in the City began in 1978 with a few holiday performances in the lobby of what was then the United American Bank on Gay Street.

More information and a complete schedule of Christmas in the City events is available at www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas.

The City of Knoxville will release the lineup for this year's Christmas in the City celebration, "It's a Wonderful Life in Knoxville!" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 27 in the Lobby of the Tennessee Theatre.

Representatives from many of the groups, organizations and businesses sponsoring events during Knoxville's annual holiday celebration will also be present.

Christmas in the City is a citywide holiday celebration that takes place in November and December.

It includes dozens of events ranging from outdoor ice-skating on Market Square to dazzling light displays, a great Christmas parade and dramatic performances, concerts and Christmas services.