Christmas in Kingsport returns with loads of holiday cheer
Christmas in Kingsport is back and bigger than ever with all your favorite holiday events returning, plus a few new ones debuting to help make the month-long celebration a time to remember.
Now is the perfect time to double-check your calendar and plan a month of holiday cheer for you and your family. And the best way to do so is by visiting www.thisiskingsport.com and checking out the Christmas in Kingsport page.
This is Kingsport has partnered with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring you the best holiday events this year. Here are just a few happening in downtown Kingsport this holiday season.
Get a jumpstart on the holidays with Christmas Connection this weekend at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center. This annual event showcasing the region’s best arts and crafts vendors will be held in the main convention hall of MeadowView (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 10 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Connection offers a variety of unique gifts including country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods and more.
SANTA’S DEPOT
Santa’s Depot will be held on November 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Centennial Park and feature multiple activity and treat stations for kids along with local entertainment. At 3 p.m., the Santa Train will roll into Kingsport and Santa will hop off to say hello to all the boys and girls and collect their letters before heading out to start the busy Christmas season.
Throughout the month of December, more than 100 Christmas trees – decorated by local businesses and individuals – will be on display in Glen Bruce Park and Centennial Park. Each park will include thousands of lights to make it feel like you are in your own holiday movie.
Decorated trees will go up in both parks the last week of November and will continue to shine through January 3, so grab your families and friends and take a walkthrough our downtown Winter Wonderland.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
The Christmas season begins in earnest on December 2 with the 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, proceeding down Center to Cherokee Street, then to Sullivan Street through Church Circle and ending at Clay Street.
Expect to see plenty of decorated vehicles and floats, marching bands and even a visit from Santa Claus. Immediately after the parade, be sure to gather around Church Circle for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:45 p.m., which will include a candlelight ceremony and carols.
The Kingsport Christmas Parade is sponsored by Eastman Credit Union and the Kingsport Christmas Tree Lighting is sponsored by Bank of Tennessee.
Other Christmas events planned for November & December:
- Dobyns-Bennett Marching Band will perform in Centennial Park: December 8 at 6 p.m.
- The Grinch & Santa and Lamplight Theater Yuletide Traveling Troop (at Glen Bruce Park): December 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Kingsport Ballet, Santa & Mrs. Claus (at Centennial Park): December 15 at 6 p.m.
- The Polar Express at the Kingsport Public Library: December 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- John Adams Elementary Choir at Glen Bruce Park: December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
- Live Nativity (at Church Circle): December 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Christmas at the Carousel: December 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Magical snow will be falling on December 2 for the Christmas Parade and again in Glen Bruce Park & Centennial Park on December 8, 9, 15 and 16. “Christmas in Kingsport” shirts will be available for purchase at Hometown Cottage later this month, so stay tuned for more information about prices and availability.
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.
