The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most exciting events of the year is just around the corner - Knoxville's Christmas Parade! This annual tradition brings together the community, filling the streets with festive cheer, colorful floats, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Whether you're a Knoxville native or just visiting, here are seven ways to make the most of this merry event.
Firstly, Plan Ahead for a Prime Viewing Spot
To get the best view of the parade, it's essential to plan ahead. Arrive early to secure a prime spot along the parade route. Bring comfortable chairs, blankets, and hot cocoa to keep you cozy while you wait for the festivities to begin. Consider arriving as early as 4 pm to grab a good spot, as the parade starts at 6 pm.
Secondly, Enjoy the Pre-Parade Festivities
Before the parade begins, take some time to enjoy the pre-parade festivities. Many local businesses and organizations set up booths and stalls along the parade route, offering a range of activities, food, and drinks. You can browse the wares of local artisans, try some festive treats, or even get your face painted to get into the holiday spirit.
Thirdly, Be Prepared for the Weather
Knoxville's Christmas Parade takes place in early December, which means the weather can be quite chilly. Make sure to dress warmly, with layers, hats, and gloves. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and consider bringing a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee to keep you warm.
Parade Highlights: What to Expect
Fourthly, Look Out for the Parade Highlights
This year's parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a range of exciting floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. Keep an eye out for the following highlights:
- The parade will feature over 100 floats, including giant balloons, festive lights, and of course, plenty of holiday cheer.
- The parade will also include several marching bands, performing festive tunes to get you in the mood.
- And of course, no Christmas parade would be complete without a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!
Fifthly, Make it a Family Affair
Knoxville's Christmas Parade is a great event for the whole family to enjoy together. Bring your kids, grandparents, and even your pets to enjoy the festive atmosphere. There are plenty of activities and entertainment options available for kids, including face painting, crafts, and of course, meeting Santa.
Making the Most of Your Parade Experience
Sixthly, Take Advantage of the Parade's Photo Ops
With so many colorful floats, festive lights, and of course, Santa Claus, there are plenty of photo opportunities to capture the magic of the parade. Bring your camera or phone to take plenty of snaps, and consider sharing them on social media using the parade's official hashtag.
Seventhly, Get Involved in the Community Spirit
Knoxville's Christmas Parade is a great opportunity to get involved in the community spirit. Consider volunteering to help with the parade organization, or simply by spreading some festive cheer to those around you. You could even organize a group of friends to attend the parade together, making it a fun and memorable experience.
Parade Route and Schedule
The parade route runs through the heart of downtown Knoxville, starting at the intersection of Church Avenue and Gay Street. The parade begins at 6 pm and runs for approximately 1.5 hours. Here is a rough outline of the parade schedule:
- 4 pm: Pre-parade festivities begin, including food, drinks, and activities.
- 6 pm: The parade begins, featuring over 100 floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- 7:30 pm: The parade comes to an end, but the festivities continue with a special visit from Santa Claus.
We hope you've enjoyed these seven ways to make the most of Knoxville's Christmas Parade. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the season!
What time does the parade start?
+The parade starts at 6 pm.
Where does the parade route start?
+The parade route starts at the intersection of Church Avenue and Gay Street.
Can I bring my pet to the parade?
+Yes, pets are welcome to attend the parade with their owners.