(WJHL) — It may be up for debate whether it is considered socially acceptable to deck your house in holiday decor before Thanksgiving, but one thing is for certain: Christmas is just around the corner, and it never hurts to plan ahead.
That is why News Channel 11 compiled a list of holiday happenings that are sure to put a smile on faces and fill hearts with Christmas cheer. Refer below for events scheduled throughout the Tri-Cities during the 2022 holiday season.
JOHNSON CITY
Candyland Christmas
What: Two Johnson City parks decked out with decorated and lit Christmas trees
Where: Founders and King Commons parks
When: Nov. 26-Jan.8
More: Click here for further information.
Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Johnson City
When: Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
More: For further information, click here.
Holiday Sip, Shop & Stroll
What: Shopping, socializing and free beverages as participants shop throughout downtown Johnson City
Where: Downtown Johnson City
When: Friday, Dec. 2 from 4-9 p.m.
More: Tickets are $15. Click here to purchase.
Southern Christmas Show — 12 Days of Christmas
What: A trip to see the 12 Days of Christmas. The event is for those 21 years and older.
Where: Charlotte Park Expo and Conference Center
When: Tuesday, Nov. 15. A charted motorcoach leaves the Senior Center at Memorial Park Community Center located at 510 Bert St. at 6:45 a.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Transportation is $30. Event tickets are purchased at the door. Bus tickets must be purchased at the Johnson City Senior Center by Monday, Nov. 14.
More information: 423-434-6237
Santa’s Mailbox
What: Those 16 years and under can send a letter to Santa. Place the letters in a special mailbox at the Memorial Park Community Center without any postage. Santa’s helpers will ensure the letters make it to the North Pole before Christmas Eve.
Where: 510 Bert St., Johnson City
When: Dec. 1-19, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m.
More information: 423-434-5749
Tri-Cities Christmas Market
What: Will feature over 100 great crafters and vendors, including beautiful and unique items for everyone on your Christmas list
Where: The Appalachian Fairgrounds at 100 Lakeview St. in Gray
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
More: Parking is free
Visions of Christmas: 1861
What: Hosted by Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, this event will give family and friends a glimpse into life during the holiday seasons in the 1800s.
Where: 2620 S. Roan St. in Johnson City
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m. Tours begin at 2:15 p.m. and continue every 20 minutes until the last tour at 5:55 p.m.
More information: Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Reservations are strongly suggested due to limited space. Call 423-926-3631 or email tiptonhaynes@outlook.com to make a reservation.
Walnut Christian Church Drive-thru Nativity Scene
What: A journey through Bethlehem
When: Dec. 9 and 10 from 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Walnut Christian Church located at 2318 S. Greenwood Drive, Johnson City
More: Call 423-926-0126
BRISTOL
41st Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Cumberland Square in front of The Bristol Hotel
When: Monday, Nov. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Annual Christmas Open House
What: Merriment, good cheer and Santa
Where: Downtown Bristol
When: Monday, Nov. 21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
More: Horse and buggy rides are back. Cost is $5 per person. Ages 6 and under are $1.
Christmas Parade
Where: State Street
When: Thursday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m.
More: Parade goes on rain or shine. Click here for more information.
Winter Wonderland
What: First-ever Christmas tree display
Where: Cumberland Square and Downtown Center
When: Nov. 28 through Jan. 2
More information: Click here.
KINGSPORT
Christmas in the Country
What: The Exchange Place’s annual Christmas celebration featuring handmade items, food and more.
Where: 4812 Orebank Road
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
More: Cost is $5. For more information, call 423-288-6071 or email epfestivals.gf@gmail.com.
Downtown Kingsport Shop and Hop
What: Sponsored by the Bank of Tennessee
Where: Downtown Kingsport
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m.
More: Click here for further information.
Kingsport Carousel Christmas
What: Free carousel rides with Santa. Includes reindeer games with Parks and Recreation. Plus, more snow!
When: Friday, Dec. 16. Carousel is 1-3 p.m. Snow is at 1 p.m.
Kingsport Christmas Parade
Where: 400 Clinchfield St.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Kingsport Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Downtown Kingsport in Church Circle
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:45 p.m.
More: Also includes community candle lighting and caroling
Lighted Displays in Downtown Kingsport
More: Click here to see the map
Old Fashioned Christmas Fair
Where: Kingsport Senior Center
When: Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Polar Express Christmas
What: A special holiday viewing at the Kingsport Public Library
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
More: This day also includes snow in Kingsport at 4 and 6 p.m. at Glen Bruce Park
Snow in Bruce Park/ Professional Christmas Photos
What: Eric Donahue Photography will be in the park snapping pics of you and your loved ones
When: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. The snow begins at 7 p.m.
Snow in Centennial Park
What: Kingsport is bringing snow to the park. Will also include Santa, caroling, and the Grinch.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. The snow and hot chocolate begin at 7 p.m.
More: Click here for further information.
Vote for Your Favorite Tree
What: Cast your vote for Kingsport’s best Christmas tree
When: By Dec. 21. Also includes the final day of snow in Glen Bruce Park from 6-7 p.m. until Mother Nature takes over.
MORE
2022 Doggone Christmas
What: Participants can bring their furry friends for pictures with Santa, a treat station and shop at the Christmas Market for pet-friendly items
Where: Downtown Jonesborough
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
More: Click here for further information.
Abingdon Christmas Parade
Where: Main Street
When: Dec. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Appalachian Express Chorus
Where: First Baptist Church in Blountville located at 3358 TN-126
When: Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
More: Sponsored by Build a Better Blountville
Blountville Christmas Market
Where: Blountville Christian Church located at 1680 Blountville Blvd.
When: Dec. 10 from 10 a.m through 3 p.m.
More: Sponsored by the Friends of the Blountville Library
Blountville Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Historic Sullivan County Courthouse located at 3425 TN-126
When: Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
More: The lighting of a 30-foot Douglas fir on the courthouse lawn and a second tree lighting by the Hope for Victims Support and Advocacy Group in remembrance of victims of violence. West Ridge High School’s choral ensemble will sing Christmas carols.
Blountville Festival of Trees
What: The first-ever festival with over a dozen trees that are decorated by area businesses and organizations
Where: The Old Deery Inn located at 3397 TN-126 in Blountville
When: Dec. 2 and 16 from 6-8 p.m., Dec. 10 from 1-3 p.m. and Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 2-4 p.m.
Blountville Ruritan Christmas Parade
Where: Begins at Keystone Drive and ends at the Historics Sullivan County Courthouse
More: Will feature Santa Claus
Bluff City Christmas Parade
Where: Main Street
When: Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Christmas at the Carter Mansion
What: Step back in time to the 18th century and enjoy a colonial Christmas
Where: Carter Mansion located at 1031 Broad St. in Elizabethton
When: Dec. 2 & 3. Tours begin at 6 p.m., and the last tour starts at 8:20 p.m.
More: General admission is $12, and tours are by reservation only. Click here to register.
General Morgan Inn Holiday Events
What: Special holiday music from Leslie Vaughn and her students at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 in the hotel lobby located at 111 N. Main St. Kris Carlson will follow at 7 p.m. Complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided 6-8 p.m.
What: Santa will visit the hotel on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. in Brumley’s Restaurant with seatings available at 10 a.m. or noon. Reservations are required by calling 423-878-7500. Complimentary photos with Santa will be available for children.
Greeneville Christmas Parade
Where: South Main Street
When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
More: For further information, click here.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What: Readings of the holiday classic in Jonesborough
Where: Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum located at 116 W. Main St. in Jonesborough
When: Nov. 26 beginning at noon through 2:45 p.m.
More: Each program is limited to 20 people. Ticket sales begin at 11 a.m. the day of. For more information, call 423-753-4580.
Journey through Bethlehem
What: 11th annual free event that is live, outdoor and self-paced.
Where: First Baptist of Fall Branch. Park at Fall Branch School located at 1061 Highway 93
When: Dec. 9-11 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Northeast State Aviation Technology’s Photos with Santa
What: The public is invited to pose for Christmas pictures with Santa and a helicopter.
Where: The program’s facility located at 917 Hangar Road, Blountville
When: Friday, Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m.
More: The photos will be available for download here.
Rocky Mount Candlelight Christmas Tours
What: Rocky Mount’s auditorium is decorated as Santa’s village. The event features free pictures with Santa, refreshments, kid crafts and local vendors
Where: Rocky Mount State Historic Site located at 200 Hyder Hill Road in Piney Flats
When: Friday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 p.m.
Rogersville Christmas Parade
Where: Begins at Rogersville Middle School
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.
Tweetsie Christmas
What: The park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland
Where: Located on US 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane in North Carolina
When: Nov. 25 through Dec. 30. Park opens at 5:30 p.m. each evening
Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy Christmas concerts
What: A multitude of concerts presented by the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy
Where/When: There are multiple locations and dates, including the following: Toy F. Reid Auditorium in Kingsport on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.; Johnson City Library on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.; Blackbird Bakery in Bristol, Virginia, on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For a full schedule list, click here.
