Christmas in Kingsport – A wonderful time of the year
The holiday season is a beautiful reminder of what makes our community so special—the spirit of togetherness, generosity and joy. The City of Kingsport is thrilled to welcome back Christmas in Kingsport for its fifth year – an annual event that offers a wonderful blend of long-standing traditions and fresh events for the whole family to enjoy.
This is Kingsport is pleased to have partnered with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring the community the absolute best holiday events this year.
To learn more about this year’s Christmas in Kingsport events, be sure to visit www.christmasinkingsport.com.
CHRISTMAS CONNECTION – Kick off the holiday season with a trip to Christmas Connection. Our 47th annual arts and crafts fair offers a variety of unique gifts from local and regional artisans, including country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods, pet accessories and much more.
The event will take place in the main convention hall of the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 13 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SANTA’S DEPOT – Visit Centennial Park on November 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for an afternoon at Santa’s Depot. The two-hour event will feature multiple activity and treat stations for kids, free hot chocolate, cookies, letters to Santa, Santa hats, stickers and candy canes. All activities are free for children.
And be sure to stick around because at 3 p.m., the 84th annual running of the Santa Train will take place with Santa hopping off to say hello and collect the children’s letters before heading back up north to begin work for the busy Christmas season.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK – Throughout the month of December, more than 100 Christmas trees – decorated by local businesses, individuals and city departments – will be on display in Glen Bruce Park and Centennial Park.
Bring your friends and family to downtown Kingsport and take a stroll through our bright and shining Winter Wonderland. And don’t be surprised if you see some magical snow fall in the parks on the weekend.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING – The Christmas season begins in earnest on December 5 with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Kingsport.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will start at the corner of Clinchfield Street and W. Center Street. Expect to see decorated vehicles and floats, marching bands and even a visit from Santa Claus. Immediately after the parade, gather around Church Circle for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:45 p.m., which will include a candlelight ceremony and carols.
Other Christmas events planned for December:
- December 11 – Hot chocolate with Santa in Glen Bruce Park.
- December 12 – Symphony of the Mountains in Centennial Park.
- December 12 – Christmas at Allandale Mansion.
- December 12-13 – Allandale Mansion Christmas Tours.
- December 13 – Live Christmas Nativity along Church Circle.
- December 17 – Park After Dark (Christmas Edition) at Bays Mountain Park.
- December 18 – Christmas at the Kingsport Carousel (with magical snow).
- December 18 – Lamplight Theatre Carolers at Glen Bruce Park.
- December 19 – The Polar Express at NCG Cinemas.
- December 19 – Appalachian Choral Express at Centennial Park.
The Kingsport Carousel will host free twilight carousel rides from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17. Magical snow will be falling on December 5 for the Christmas Parade and again in Glen Bruce Park on December 11 and 18, and in Centennial Park on December 12 and 19.
“Christmas in Kingsport” shirts will be available for purchase at the Kingsport Carousel and the Bays Mountain Park gift shop.
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.
