Nov 26, 2025
December Happenings on the Peaceful Side
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
From tree lightings and makers markets to concerts, fun runs and cozy workshops, December on the Peaceful Side is full of festive fun. Here’s a preview of what’s happening this month, with a late November event to kick things off.
November 29 – City of Maryville Tree Lighting
Wrap up the downtown holiday market with the City of Maryville tree lighting at the Maryville Municipal Parking Garage on Broadway. The tree will be lit at approximately 5:30 p.m.
December 1 – City of Alcoa Tree Lighting
Celebrate the lighting of the City of Alcoa Christmas tree at the pedestrian bridge at the Springbrook Corporate Center in Alcoa at 6:15 p.m. Following the ceremony, enjoy special music, refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus.
December 2 – “A Maryville Christmas”
The annual “A Maryville Christmas” concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The evening features the Maryville College Concert Choir performing A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, sing-along selections with the Orchestra at Maryville College, the Maryville College Community Chorus, and chamber ensembles Off Kilter, Lads and Lassies sharing beloved holiday classics.
December 4 – Blount County Festival of Trees
The Blount County Courthouse lawn in Downtown Maryville will be illuminated by live Christmas trees of all sizes, colors and themes, with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The opening celebration includes entertainment, refreshments and Santa Claus, and the trees remain on display throughout the month for visitors to walk through or drive by and enjoy.
December 4–6 – Santa Mouse Christmas House
Presented by the Blount County Arts & Crafts Guild, the Santa Mouse Christmas House fills Dotson Memorial Baptists Church in Maryville (814 Dotson Memorial Rd) with handmade arts and crafts. Shop unique gifts and decor from local artisans throughout this three-day holiday event.
Join Peaceful Side Brewery in Maryville from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening of education and tasting. Learn about the history of farmhouse brewing and taste a curated selection of Belgian and American saisons, each paired with the story behind the brewery that created it.
December 5–6 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Broadway Center for the Arts presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a heartwarming holiday tradition filled with laughter and the true meaning of Christmas. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., featuring a talented cast from across East Tennessee.
December 6 – H.O.M.E. for the Holidays
H.O.M.E. (Hall-Oldfield-Maryville Empowerment) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Alcoa partner for this annual community celebration to kick off the Christmas season, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy family fun and light refreshments at 209 E Franklin Street.
December 6 – The Maryville Makers Market Christmas Event
Head to Maryville College campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Maryville Makers Market Christmas Event. Browse more than 100 makers, and enjoy live music, demonstrations, kids’ activities and food vendors.
December 6 – Story Time with Santa
Bring the family to Neighborly Books in Downtown Maryville at 11 a.m. for story time with everyone’s favorite jolly fellow.
December 12 & 13 – The Nutcracker
The Appalachian Ballet Company and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra present The Nutcracker, bringing this beloved holiday classic to life at the Clayton Center for the Arts over two days. Act One features a glittering holiday party and snowy scene, while Act Two transports audiences to the Land of the Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy, Cavalier and more.
December 7 – Reindeer Run 5K Road Race & 1-Mile Fun Run
The final leg of the Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running features a 5K road race and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk from 2 to 4 p.m. Awards are given to Overall and Masters winners, the top three in each age division and the best male and female Christmas costumes. All Fun Run participants receive a keepsake, and a portion of proceeds benefits the Empty Pantry Fund.
December 7 – Townsend Christmas Parade
Join the community for the Townsend Christmas Parade from 2 to 4 p.m. See local floats and bands, as well as Santa Claus himself.
December 8–13 – A Claus to Celebrate
Louisville Mercantile kicks off a week of holiday fun, running December 8-13. Each day features a new special, with a highlight Sip & Shop event on Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.
December 9 – Santa Calls for Ages 3–6
Children ages 3–6 in Blount County can receive a very special phone call from Santa Claus between 5 and 7 p.m. Thaks to volunteers from the Maryville-Alcoa Civitan Club, Santa will ring directly from the North Pole for this free program. The deadline to register is December 8.
December 13 – Christmas Market at Southern Grace Coffee Co.
Southern Grace Coffee Co. Hosts its annual Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., packed with local vendors, hot coffee and cocoa, baked goods (including dairy-free and gluten-free options), boutique clothing, handcrafted decor and gifts.
December Weekends – Christmas in the Village
Experience a taste of Appalachian Christmas traditions at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Christmas in the Village festivities. Enjoy living history demonstrations, evening tours of historic structures and warm refreshments during select weekend evenings (12/5–12/6, 12/12–12/13 and 12/19–12/20) from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.