It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Kingsport, so now is the perfect time for you and your family to plan a month of holiday cheer. And the best way to do that is by visiting ThisIsKingsport.com and checking out the Christmas in Kingsport page.

This is Kingsport is partnering with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring you the best holiday events this year. The excitement kicks off December 3 with the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting and continues throughout the month of December.

“Christmas in Kingsport will be a unique, festive and fun holiday experience that can be enjoyed throughout the Christmas season,” said Alderman Betsy Cooper.

Christmas in the Park was an amazing holiday event last year and this year, we’re more than doubling the amount of Christmas trees, adding decorations to two downtown parks, and creating the first ever holiday light walking trail.

Experience the Christmas magic not only at Glen Bruce Park, but also in Centennial Park. Over 100 trees will be decorated by local businesses and individuals and each park will include thousands of lights to make it feel like you are in your own holiday movie.

“If you want to feel like you’re in a Christmas movie or want the perfect holiday season selfie, Christmas in Kingsport is the place to be,” said Alderman James Phillips.

Decorated trees will go up in both parks and will continue to shine through January 3, so grab your families and friends and take a walkthrough our downtown Winter Wonderland.

With events planned each weekend in December, your holiday season is sure to be merry and bright. Plus, if Mother Nature doesn’t bring the flakes, we will.

“We’re excited to make it ‘magically’ snow every Friday and Saturday in the month of December in Kingsport, too,” exclaimed Alderman Phillips.

Here are some of our favorite events planned for December:

• Jingle & Mingle Shop & Hop: December 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Kingsport Christmas Parade: December 3 at 6 p.m.
• Christmas Tree Lighting (at Church Circle): December 3 at 7:45 p.m.
• Christmas Walking Tour (presented by Lamplight Theatre) December 8 & 15 at 6 p.m.
• The Grinch & Santa (at Centennial Park): December 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Professional Snow Photos (at Glen Bruce Park): December 10 at 6 p.m.
• Christmas at the Carousel: December 16 at 1 p.m.

Want to get into the Christmas spirit a tad early? Wander through downtown and check out the six lighted displays! You can find gifts at the intersection of Market and Broad Street, a snowflake in the 100 block of Broad Street, and an ornament at the intersection of Main and Broad Street.

For the map of all display locations and a full list of Christmas events taking place in December, visit www.ChristmasInKingsport.com. You can also sign up for our free email and text alerts, so you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

The City of Kingsport will be adjusting garbage routes next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Garbage route changes will be as follows:

Thursday (11/24) garbage will be picked up on Friday (11/25).

Friday (11/25) garbage will be picked up on Saturday (11/26).

Trash/Yard Waste route changes will be as follows:

Thursday (11/24) trash/yard waste will be picked up on Friday (11/25).

Friday (11/25) trash/yard waste will be picked up on Saturday (11/26).

In addition to the route changes, the city’s demolition landfill will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. The landfill will be open on Saturday, November 26 from 8:00 a.m, to 11:45 a.m. and will resume normal hours of operation on Monday, November 28.

City offices will be closed Nov. 24-25 and will reopen on Nov. 28.