Here are some of my favorite family-friendly holiday activities to do in Knoxville over winter break with the kiddos that will keep everyone in the Christmas spirit!

If your kids are in school, winter break can be a tad overwhelming. It’s a busy time of year, and sometimes it’s hard to slow down and appreciate the extra time we have with family and friends because of the hectic nature of the season. If you’re on the lookout for holiday family-friendly activities in Knoxville to keep the kids entertained and get the family in the Christmas spirit, I’ve got you!

P.S. These places also photograph well if you are looking for some updated family pictures for the Christmas card!

1. Holiday Market Downtown

Complete with an ice skating rink and free cookie and coffee samples, the holiday market in Downtown Knoxville has a lot to offer. The kids will love the opportunity to skate around the rink with friends to some fun music, and parents can even get some Christmas shopping done at the same time! The booths offer everything from produce, to pottery, to jewelry, to coffee, to baked goods – and that’s just the beginning. On all Saturdays from December 7th-21st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be all kinds of holiday inspired goods and activities.

2. The Festival of Lights at Concord Park

Who doesn’t want to go on a walk and see Christmas lights with some hot cocoa in hand? Available every evening from 6-9 p.m., the Festival of Lights in Farragut is something you can’t miss out on. It’s the perfect place to let the kids run off some energy, get in some quality family time, snap some festive pictures, and enjoy the sights. The kids can even meet Santa on Friday and Saturday nights for some extra fun!

3. Three Rivers Rambler Christmas Lantern Express

This train ride is simply magical! If you are looking for something more educational and peaceful, this is the holiday activity for you. The train rides past Knoxville’s first settlement and beautiful farmland, with volunteer staff that are well-versed in the history of Knoxville and the surrounding areas. It is an open air car, making it feel even more immersive and the views are gorgeous! Purchase a ticket for the Three Rivers Rambler, and you’ll have a couple hours of quality time with the kiddos, some historical education, and amazing views.

4. Zoo Knoxville Visit With Santa

Zoo Knoxville is absolutely transformed during the holiday season. With so many beautiful decorations, this spot is perfect to take some pictures and let the kids enjoy seeing all the animals. The kids can also visit with Santa on select days in December from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plus, the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere make every corner of the zoo feel magical. I definitely recommend getting a warm drink and taking the kiddos through the wonderfully festive Knoxville zoo.

5. Christmas Theatre Performances

There are several high quality classic Christmas story theatre performances happening in Knoxville that would be great to take some older kids to. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is playing at the Tennessee Theatre on December 13th for free. Clarence Brown Theatre is having their annual “A Christmas Carol” performance from December 5th to December 21st. A little outside of the Knoxville area, Oak Ridge Playhouse is putting on a performance of “Cinderella” until December 15th. While not a traditional Christmas story, it’s still magical and a great way to spend some quality time with the family.

From the Downtown Holiday Market, to Christmas performances, to magical train rides, Knoxville has a lot of options for some fun family-friendly holiday activities over this winter break!