Christmas in Kingsport rings in holiday season with festive events
Christmas in Kingsport – now in its fourth year – is returning to downtown Kingsport, promising to ring in the holiday season with all your favorite, festive events for the entire family to enjoy.
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.christmasinkingsport.com and checking out the Christmas details.
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.
CHRISTMAS CONNECTION
For nearly half a century, Christmas Connection has hosted the region’s best arts and crafts vendors and celebrated their creations during the holiday season. Next weekend, the two-day event returns to the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.
The 45th annual Christmas Connection will be held in the main convention hall of MeadowView (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 16 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, pet accessories and much more.
SANTA’S DEPOT
Santa’s Depot returns to Centennial Park on November 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to kickstart the holiday season in the Model City.
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. Children will receive an official Santa’s Depot activity passport when they arrive at the event to keep track of each booth they visit. All activities are free for children.
Then, at 3 p.m. the 82nd running of the Santa Train will roll into Kingsport and Santa will hop off to say hello to all the children and collect their letters before heading back up north to begin work for the busy Christmas season. Santa and his elves encourage attendees to share their pictures on social media using #SantasDepotKPT.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
In what has become a popular tradition in downtown Kingsport, Christmas in the Park is returning this year and promises to be as festive and picturesque as ever before. 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.
Decorated trees will go up in both parks the last week of November and will continue to shine through the first of the year. And as in previous years, don’t be surprised if you see some magical snow fall in the parks on the weekend.
So, bring your families and friends to downtown Kingsport this December and take a stroll through our bright and shining Winter Wonderland.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
The Christmas season begins in earnest on December 7 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 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.
Other Christmas events planned for December:
- Dobyns-Bennett Jazz Band & ‘The Panimals’ will perform in Glen Bruce Park: December 13
- The Grinch & Santa and Lamplight Theater Yuletide Carolers in Glen Bruce Park: December 14
- Live Nativity at Church Circle: December 15
- Christmas at the Kingsport Carousel: December 20
- Washington Elementary Choir & Jefferson Hand Bell Choir in Glen Bruce Park: December 20
- The Polar Express at the Kingsport Farmers Market: December 21
- Holloway School of Dance in Glen Bruce Park: December 21
Magical snow will be falling on December 7 for the Christmas Parade and again in Glen Bruce Park on December 13, 14, 20 and 21. “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.
