Photo Courtesy of Journal Communications/Misty Herron
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the Lakeside of the Smokies!
From twinkling Christmas lights and festive small-town parades to holiday markets, historic home tours, and seasonal traditions, Jefferson County, Tennessee, is filled with ways to make the season merry and bright.
Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway, shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts, or looking for festive activities to enjoy with family and friends, our communities have plenty of Christmas cheer to share.
Grab your favorite holiday sweater, gather your loved ones, and explore some of the holiday events happening throughout Jefferson County this November and December!
Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping
There’s something special about shopping small during the holidays. From handmade gifts and festive decorations to locally owned boutiques and unique treasures, Jefferson County’s holiday markets offer plenty of opportunities to check off your Christmas list while supporting local businesses.
2026 Holiday Fair
November 15 | 10 AM–5 PM | Jefferson City Community Center
Get an early start on your Christmas shopping at the 2026 Holiday Fair in Jefferson City! Spend the day browsing vendor booths, discovering unique gifts, and finding a little holiday inspiration as the Christmas season approaches.
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Craft Fair
November 21 | 9 AM–4 PM | Field of Dreams Activity Center, Dandridge
Get your Santa hat ready for a festive day of shopping! The Ho Ho Ho Holiday Craft Fair features approximately 70–80 indoor and outdoor vendor booths offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, seasonal decorations, and holiday goodies.
Bring your friends, browse the booths, and discover something special for everyone on your list.
Merriment on Main Street
November 28 | 10 AM–2 PM | Historic Downtown Dandridge
Kick off the Christmas season with Merriment on Main Street in historic downtown Dandridge! Held on Small Business Saturday, this annual celebration invites visitors to stroll through downtown, explore locally owned shops, discover unique holiday gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
With charming storefronts, seasonal decorations, and plenty of small-town hospitality, it’s the perfect way to support local businesses and welcome the holidays in Tennessee’s second-oldest town.
10th Annual Christmas Shopping Expo
December 5–6 | Field of Dreams Activity Center, Dandridge
Make a dent in your Christmas shopping list at the 10th Annual Christmas Shopping Expo! This two-day holiday market features a wide variety of vendors offering handmade goods, seasonal décor, boutique finds, and gifts for everyone on your list.
With food vendors and plenty of shopping opportunities, it’s a great way to spend a festive day supporting small businesses and local makers.
Shopping Hours:
- Saturday, December 5: 9 AM–4 PM
- Sunday, December 6: 11 AM–4 PM
Christmas Tree Lightings
Nothing welcomes the Christmas season quite like the glow of a beautifully decorated tree! Gather with family and friends as Jefferson County’s communities come together to celebrate the start of the holidays.
Jefferson City Christmas Tree Lighting and Market
November 28 | 4–7 PM | Mossy Creek Station, Historic Downtown Jefferson City
Kick off the Christmas season in Jefferson City’s historic Mossy Creek District at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Market! This festive community celebration brings together holiday shopping, Christmas carols, s’mores, and plenty of small-town cheer.
Browse local vendors for unique gifts, explore downtown shops offering holiday specials, and gather with family and friends to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. As the evening unfolds, celebrate the lighting of the community Christmas tree and the start of another magical holiday season in Jefferson City!
It’s the perfect way to spend Small Business Saturday supporting local businesses and making Christmas memories in the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Dandridge Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1 | Santa at 5 PM, Tree Lighting at 6 PM | Jefferson County Courthouse, Dandridge
Gather around the historic Jefferson County Courthouse as downtown Dandridge welcomes the Christmas season!
Bring the family for a visit with Santa beginning at 5 PM, followed by the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6 PM. Surrounded by the charm of historic downtown, this beloved community tradition is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.
Christmas Parades & Small-Town Celebrations
Few things capture the magic of Christmas quite like a small-town parade! From brightly decorated floats and sparkling lights to familiar faces lining the streets, these annual traditions bring communities together and create lasting holiday memories.
Christmas in White Pine and ParadeÂ
December 5 | 4–5 PM | White Pine, TN
Celebrate the season at the annual White Pine Christmas Parade! Local churches, businesses, organizations, and families come together for an afternoon filled with festive floats, holiday decorations, and community spirit.
Make a day of it by visiting White Pine’s Christmas Village before the parade and staying for an outdoor Christmas movie afterward!
New Market Christmas Parade
December 5 | 6 PM | Beginning at Lost Creek Golf Club, New Market
Experience the charm of a hometown Christmas at the annual New Market Christmas Parade! Gather with friends and neighbors as festive floats and community participants bring holiday cheer to this historic East Tennessee town.
Jefferson City Christmas Parade
December 12 | 5 PM | Historic Downtown Jefferson City
Celebrate Christmas in historic Mossy Creek at Jefferson City’s annual Christmas Parade! Enjoy festive floats, twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and plenty of community spirit as the parade makes its way through downtown.
Arrive early to browse the Jefferson City Christmas Market before finding your favorite spot along the parade route.
Dandridge Christmas Parade
December 19 | 1 PM | Historic Downtown Dandridge
Christmas in historic Dandridge wouldn’t be complete without the annual Dandridge Christmas Parade!
This beloved holiday tradition brings festive floats, Christmas decorations, and plenty of seasonal cheer to the streets of Tennessee’s second-oldest town.
Gather your family and friends, find a spot along the parade route, and enjoy an afternoon of small-town Christmas magic. After the parade, stick around to explore downtown’s local shops and return for an evening of candlelight shopping and carriage rides.
Historic and Christmas Faith Experiences & Traditions
Looking for a little nostalgia this holiday season? Jefferson County’s historic landmarks offer a beautiful setting to experience Christmas traditions of years past while discovering the stories that make our communities special.
Live Village Nativity at Hills Union Church
December 4–5 | Hills Union Church, Dandridge
Experience the true meaning of Christmas at the Live Village Nativity, hosted by Hills Union Church in Dandridge! This special multi-church, multi-denominational presentation brings the story of Christ’s birth to life through a live nativity experience.
Visitors can enjoy the Christmas story from the comfort of their vehicles during the drive-through presentations or take a closer look during Saturday’s walk-through experience. It’s a meaningful way for families to celebrate the season and reflect on the story at the heart of Christmas.
Event Schedule:
- Friday, December 4: Drive-through, 6–8 PM
- Saturday, December 5: Walk-through, 6–7 PM; Drive-through, 7–8 PM
Location:Â Hills Union Church, 2383 Hills Chapel Road, Dandridge, TN
Glenmore Mansion Candlelight Tours
December 4–6 & December 11–13 | Glenmore Mansion, Jefferson City
Step back in time and experience the elegance of a Victorian Christmas at historic Glenmore Mansion!
Built in 1868, this magnificent home comes alive during the holiday season with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, traditional greenery, wreaths, and festive touches throughout its historic rooms.
Guests can explore the mansion’s remarkable history while enjoying the warmth and charm of Christmas traditions from another era. Holiday refreshments, including hot wassail and Victorian-style sweets, add to this memorable seasonal experience.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover one of Jefferson County’s most treasured historic landmarks dressed in its holiday finest.
Learn More About Glenmore Mansion
Bush’s Beans Christmas Open House
December Dates To Be Announced | 11 AM–2 PM, Closed Sundays | Bush’s AJ & Sallie Homeplace & Visitor Center, Chestnut Hill
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned East Tennessee Christmas at the historic Bush’s AJ & Sallie Homeplace and Visitor Center!
Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the historic homeplace offers a nostalgic glimpse into Christmas traditions of years past and the family history behind one of Tennessee’s most recognizable brands.
While you’re there, explore the museum and gift shop, discover the story behind Bush’s famous beans, and enjoy a meal at Bush’s Café.
It’s a unique holiday stop that combines local history, family traditions, and a little Christmas nostalgia.
Family-Friendly Christmas Fun
From ice skating and holiday movies to carriage rides and sweet treats, there’s plenty of festive fun for families to enjoy throughout the season.
Downtown Dandridge Ice Skating Rink
Opening November 28 | 2 PM | Historic Downtown Dandridge
Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday season as the downtown Dandridge ice skating rink opens for another year!
Located in the heart of historic downtown, the seasonal rink adds a little extra Christmas magic to the community. Pair an afternoon of skating with holiday shopping, a warm drink, or a stroll through downtown’s decorated streets.
Dandridge Reindeer Run
December 5 | 10 AM | Maury Middle School, Dandridge
Get moving and spread a little holiday cheer at Dandridge’s annual Reindeer Run!
This festive running event is a fun way to kick off the Christmas season while enjoying time outdoors with friends, family, and fellow runners. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great way to celebrate the season with the community.
White Pine Christmas Village
December 5 | Noon–3 PM | White Pine Library
Make plans for an afternoon of holiday fun at White Pine’s Christmas Village! This family-friendly celebration offers a festive way to spend time together before the town’s annual Christmas Parade.
Enjoy the community atmosphere, make holiday memories, and stay for the parade beginning at 4 PM.
White Pine Christmas Movie: The Grinch
December 5 | 6–8 PM | Legion Park, White Pine
Wrap up a full day of Christmas celebrations in White Pine with an outdoor showing of the holiday favorite The Grinch!
Bring the family, bundle up for a December evening, and enjoy a festive movie under the stars following the town’s Christmas Village and parade.
Dandridge Cookie Crawl, Candlelight Shopping & Carriage Rides
December 12 | Beginning at 6 PM | Historic Downtown Dandridge
Experience the magic of Christmas in historic downtown Dandridge with an evening of sweet treats, candlelight shopping, and carriage rides!
Stroll through the decorated downtown streets, visit local shops, enjoy holiday treats during the Cookie Crawl, and take in the charm of the season with a festive carriage ride.
With historic buildings, glowing storefronts, and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s a wonderful way to spend an evening with family, friends, or someone special.
Christmas Cookie Extravaganza
December 18 | 6–10 PM | Jefferson County Rescue Squad, Dandridge
Calling all cookie lovers! Dandridge’s Second Annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza brings together bakers from across East Tennessee for an evening filled with delicious holiday treats.
Browse specialty cookie booths, discover unique Christmas sweets, and stock up on goodies for holiday gatherings. Warm up with hot cocoa, and don’t forget to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus!
With free admission and plenty of treats available for purchase, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season.
Candlelight Shopping & Carriage Rides in Dandridge
December 19 | Beginning at 6 PM | Historic Downtown Dandridge
Keep the Christmas spirit going with another magical evening in downtown Dandridge!
Following the afternoon Christmas Parade, return downtown for candlelight shopping and carriage rides. Explore charming local boutiques, admire the festive decorations, and enjoy the beauty of historic Dandridge during the holiday season.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down, shop local, and soak up the charm of Christmas in the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway to Jefferson County
With so many holiday celebrations happening throughout November and December, why not turn your visit into a festive weekend getaway?
Spend the morning browsing local boutiques, enjoy lunch at a hometown restaurant, take in a Christmas parade, or experience the glow of historic downtowns decorated for the season. After a full day of holiday fun, unwind with a cozy cabin stay overlooking Douglas or Cherokee Lake or enjoy the hospitality of one of our charming historic inns.
Whether you’re visiting for a favorite annual tradition or discovering Jefferson County for the first time, there’s something special about celebrating Christmas in the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Make this holiday season one to remember with small-town traditions, local treasures, and plenty of Christmas cheer in Jefferson County, Tennessee!
For additional holiday events, lodging, dining, and travel inspiration, visit VisitJeffersonCountyTN.com.
Event dates and times are subject to change. Check with individual event organizers for the latest details before attending.