Spending the holidays in Northeast Tennessee? Celebrate the season like a local, and join in on some of our area’s favorite traditions. From a winter wonderland of trees in downtown Johnson City to driving through millions of lights at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile, there’s plenty of ways to experience the Christmas magic in the mountains. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year!
Johnson City
Johnson City is the perfect hub for all holiday fun. It’s centrally located in the Tri-Cities, so it’s easy to experience the season throughout Northeast Tennessee.
Candy Land Christmas: From November 27 – January 2, Downtown Johnson City is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 150 brightly lit, 12 foot Christmas trees. The trees span from Founders Park to King Commons Park. You’ll feel like you’re in a holiday movie as you stroll through the Gumdrop Forest (Founders Park) down Candy Cane Lane (Commerce Street) and throughout Cupcake Commons (King Commons). This free event is a magical experience for the whole family.
Local Tip: Check out Candy Land Christmas during the Holiday Market on December 11th. The market features 40 local vendors and takes place in the middle of Candy Land at Founders Park Pavilion from 11am-5pm.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: This synchronized light show is one you won’t want to miss! Families can take a unique tour through thousands of dancing lights and custom-built displays. The world’s largest drive-through, fully computerized, LED light and music show of its kind is two miles and great for all ages! November 24 – January 2.
Christmas Cookie Class from Food Network Stars: Take a Christmas Cookie class at CakeBuds Bakery in Johnson City. You’ll learn from the best in the business who have appeared on (and won) several Food Network baking competitions. In this class, you’ll decorate one dozen holiday sugar cookies using three different techniques – royal icing, buttercream, and fondant. You can sign up for a class or schedule a private class by calling CakeBuds Bakery (minimum of 6 participants).
Jonesborough
Christmas in Olde Jonesborough: Each Saturday in Jonesborough from Nov. 27 – Dec. 18 there will be a variety of events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including caroling, visits with Santa, music, storytelling and extended holiday shopping hours in Tennessee’s Oldest Town.
Bristol
The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights: This event has been spreading holiday cheer throughout the region for 25 years! This 4-mile trek through 3 million lights offers visitors the chance to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Holiday light seekers will circle the concrete oval at Bristol Motor Speedway as part of their festive drive and end at the Christmas Village in the infield. November 12 – January 1 from 6-10pm.
Elizabethton
Skate by the Doe Ice Rink: Go ice skating in downtown Elizabethton at Covered Bridge Park. Skate by the Doe ice rink will be open from November 27 through January 16. Reservations and tickets are available online.
Looking for even more festive things to do? Explore our event calendar.