Christmas In The Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities area in East Tennessee offers a variety of festive activities and events during the Christmas season. Here are some ideas for things to do:

Bristol Motor Speedway: The region’s most dazzling holiday light show returns to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights, Powered by TVA, is a 4-mile trek through 3 million lights and the chance to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Holiday light seekers will circle the concrete oval as part of their festive drive and also may visit the Christmas Village, which returns to its popular infield location.

Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway: The Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway is the Regions Best and Longest standing Ice Skating Rink. Come on out for some family fun.

Shadracks Christmas Wonderland: Welcome to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland! As the pioneers of drive-thru Christmas light shows synchronized to music, we’ve been creating unforgettable memories and family traditions during the holiday season for nearly two decades. Our show offers a magical experience that will leave you in awe. Complete your Christmas celebrations with Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, where enchantment meets tradition!  

Candy Land Christmas: Candy Land Christmas features over 150 natural trees decorated by area businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations. The holiday trees spanning two downtown parks will transform King Commons to Cupcake Commons and Founders Park to the Gumdrop Forest in Johnson City.

Christmas Parades: Parades often feature festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. Here is a list of local Christmas Parades: Kingsport December 2nd at 7am, Johnson City December 2nd at 10:30am, Elizabethton December 9th at 6pm, Jonesborough December 9th 6pm, Greeneville December 9th at 6pm, Abingdon Virginia December 2nd at 5:30pm.

Holiday Concerts and Performances: Check out local Christmas concerts, plays, or ballet performances in the area. Nutcracker Ballet by Kingsport Ballet on December 7-10th. The story of The Nutcracker is set in Germany in the early Victorian era.  It features an eccentric uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, who brings the Stahlbaum children a special, homemade Christmas present – a Nutcracker. At the family’s Christmas Eve party, Clara and her brother Fritz have quite an adventure with the strange toy. Fritz and the other party guests have no interest in the nutcracker, but Clara loves it very much. That night she dreams that her beloved, wooden nutcracker comes to life as a prince; huge mice come to life and engage in a battle to defend Clara, and the tree grows to giant proportions.

Visit Santa Claus: Look for events where children can visit with Santa, take photos, and share their Christmas wish lists. Many shopping malls or community centers host Santa during the holiday season like Bass Pro, Johnson City Mall, and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Doggone Christmas: Christmas in Olde Jonesborough continues on Saturday, December 2 with Doggone Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, a treat station, and shop at the Christmas Market for pet-friendly items and Christmas gifts for everyone! While you’re here, explore downtown Jonesborough and support local businesses.Bring donations in front of the courthouse for the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, formerly the Humane Society of Washington County, and help a pet in need this holiday season!

Follow The Star Nativity: The Barn at Boone Falls will host the free event called “Follow the Star” for Boone Trail Baptist Church. The live Nativity will be a drive-through experience where families will travel to “Bethlehem” for the census just as Joseph and Mary did. Don’t be surprised to see other travelers on Boones Creek Road on donkeys or walking in tunics and robes, heading to the town as well! Once families arrive their names will be taken for the census and the journey will begin.

Volunteer Opportunities: Embrace the spirit of giving by volunteering at local charities or community organizations. Many places have special programs or events during the holiday season.

Holiday Movie Nights: Host a holiday movie night with friends or family. You can either attend outdoor screenings if available or create a cozy movie night at home with classic Christmas films.

Christmas Tree Farms: Consider visiting a local Christmas tree farm to pick out and cut down your own Christmas tree. Some farms also offer activities like hayrides and hot cocoa. Some of our favorites are: Elk River Evergreens, Roan Valley Tree Farm, Joshua’s Mountain Tree Farm.

Remember to check local event listings and community calendars for specific details and updates on Christmas events in the Tri-Cities area.

**Photo credit to Joseph Harrison Snyder, Artist.