Here is a list of Northeast Tennessee festivals and events for December 2021. Many people will be attending events centered around their own, friends, families, and churches but I am sure at least a few are looking for more general admission events. December is a hectic time for everyone so information on these events is still coming in. You can also check out the Middle East Tennessee and Southeast Tennessee event lists

Covid-19 is still active and we are now in cold and flu season so stay home if you think that’s best and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe when you do go out. Please follow any safety rules these events have in place. We advise checking websites or Facebook pages or calling ahead to make sure things haven’t been canceled or decided to change times and dates when possible.

The Event List (in calendar order)

Ongoing Events

Jonesborough‘s Gingerbread Village event will take place from December 3rd through December 25th. Local adults, children, and professionals have decorated numerous gingerbread houses that are on display in downtown shop windows until Christmas. You can stroll through the area and vote for your favorites.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland will be at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray from now through December 31st from 6 PM through 11 PM. Immerse yourself in a multitude of custom-built light displays dancing in perfect synchronization with the festive music on the radio in your vehicle, including 3 drive-through tunnels and a 50’ light tree! Tickets can be purchased online or using a credit card at the entrance. Tickets are $30 for cars (up to 8 passengers) and $60 for vehicles that hold 9 to 25 passengers. There are a few weekdays where discount tickets can be purchased.

December 4th

There will be a Doggone Christmas event in Jonesborough on December 4th from 11 AM to 3 PM. Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, treats at the treat station, and then shop at the Christmas Market for pet-friendly items. There will also be a pet costume contest, a couple of other contests, and a pet parade. Registration is required for participation in the contests or parade.

Christmas in the Country, the annual celebration of winter and the holiday season at
Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport will take place on December 4. It will run from 10 AM to 4 PM and all activities will take place outdoors. Fresh greenery and handcrafted wreaths will be a major feature of this festival. There will be unique folk arts and handcrafts created by local and regional artisans, favorite holiday foods made from generations-old recipes, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

December 11th

Jonesborough will host Santa’s Christmas Village on December 11th from 11 AM to 3 PM. throughout the historic downtown area. This event includes pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, a Santa Mart, horse-drawn carriage rides, and multiple children’s crafting stations. Jonesborough’s parade is also scheduled for this day.

December 18th

The Christmas in Olde Jonesborough series wraps up on December 18 with the Christmas Church Tour from 11 am to 3 pm. Visit participating churches in the downtown historic district and see beautifully-decorated sanctuaries, enjoy music including handbells, discover historic information. You can get a guide at the International Storytelling Center to begin the tour and hosts will also be available at each location. The churches are located within easy walking distance of downtown and you can shop for last-minute gifts while you are in the area.

The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on December 18th at 7:30 PM at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville. Presented by the Chattanooga Ballet it will feature dancers from their company as well students from the Chattanooga Ballet School and dancers from the Greeneville region. Tickets are between $25 and $35.

Ending Thoughts

There is a separate post with information about Christmas parades. It covers all three divisions of East Tennessee has all the information I could find. If you can help me make that or this post more complete please contact me at LucindaBrown@TravelEastTennessee.com You can also contact me if you are the organizer or publicity manager of an upcoming event you would like included in future posts.

I will try to add to this post and update information (especially about cancelations) at least once a week.

What sort of events do you attend during the holiday season? Are you planning on attending any of these Northeast Tennessee festivals and events for December 2021? Do you love going out and doing things are do you prefer smaller friends and family events. Did I miss an event you would recommend others attend? Let us know in the comments.