15 + Knoxville Area Christmas Parades Your Whole Family Will Love in 2021

Hit the town for a fun holiday celebration at one of these festive Christmas parades in Knoxville TN. From the marching bands to the decked-out floats, there may be no better place to find the Christmas spirit this season.

While Knoxville does have multiple parades in town, adventurous families may enjoy checking out neighboring parades while they explore some of East TN’s smallest towns.

Many of our small towns put their best foot forward for the holiday season. With festively decorated downtown streets and fun Christmas events, there is no better time to explore.

Of course, our region is filled with many wonderful things to do all season long!

Young girl with puppy riding in Christmas car representing Knoxville Christmas parades

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Knoxville Christmas Parades

1. Downtown Knoxville Christmas Parade by WIVK

  • Date: December 2, 2021
  • Location: Gay Street, Knoxville
  • Cost: FREE

This is the largest Christmas parade in Knoxville and one of the most anticipated events of the season. Local shops and restaurants will be open late so you can finish your shopping and grab a bite to eat before the parade.

2. Rocky Hill Christmas Parade & Festival

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Rocky Hill Business District, Knoxville
  • Cost: FREE admission

This popular parade takes place around the Northshore area of Knoxville. In addition to the parade, there will also be live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and more.

There are also many restaurants nearby where you can grab a late lunch, dinner, or tasty dessert. Maybe one of Cinnaholic’s Christmas cinnamon rolls will hit the spot. Yum!

3. Tour De Lights

  • Date: December 11, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Knoxville

This unique event is a lighted Christmas bike parade that is free for all to join or watch. The parade travels through Old City all the way over to Market Square.

Christmas Parades Near Knoxville

4. Kingston Christmas Parade

  • Date: November 29, 2021
  • Location: Cumberland Street, Kingston

This is one of the earliest Christmas parades of the season!

5. Morristown Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 2, 2021
  • Location: Historic Downtown Morristown
  • Cost: FREE

This nighttime Christmas parade will feature a variety of lighted floats wandering through the historic downtown area. Morristown’s historic downtown features many adorable shops and restaurants to help you extend your fun.

6. Harriman Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 2, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Harriman

The theme of this year’s Christmas parade is “sparkle and spirit.”


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This fun and easy learning game teaches kids to identify male and female birds, many of which can be found here in East Tennessee.


7. Fantasy of Lights Christmas ParadeDate: December 3, 2021

  • Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
  • Cost: FREE

This over-the-top Christmas parade is an East TN favorite. Grab a hotel and make a whole night of it by walking the parkway to see all the stunning Winterfest lights.

8. Lenoir City Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 3, 2021
  • Location: Historic Downtown Lenoir City
  • Cost: FREE

This magical evening parade will feature a stunning array of lighted floats. All floats will be based on the theme “Melodies of Christmas.”

9. Sevierville Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Historic Downtown Sevierville
  • Cost: FREE

A traditional hometown Christmas parade in the heart of downtown Sevierville. Local shops and restaurants will also be open for exploring.

10. Blount County Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Alcoa + Maryville
  • Cost: FREE

Blount County’s annual Christmas parade will run through Midland Plaza in Alcoa all the way through downtown Maryville.

11. Santa Comes to Town Christmas Parade & Festival

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Friendsville
  • Cost: FREE

This small-town Christmas festival and parade boasts a wide variety of entertainment including kids’ activities, a tree lighting ceremony, craft vendors, carolers, a live nativity, food trucks, and much more!

12. Greenback Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Greenback

This low-key parade is the perfect way to spend a December morning.

13. Townsend Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 5, 2021
  • Location: Parkway, Townsend

The best parade on the peaceful side of the Smokies.

14. Rockwood Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 6, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Rockwood

A fun and traditional evening parade with lighted floats.

15. Twelve Days of Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 11, 2021
  • Location: Lafayette Drive, Oak Ridge
  • Cost: FREE

Oak Ridge’s Christmas parade always has an adorable theme and this year is no exception. See the famous 12 Days of Christmas holiday song spring to life in a series of spectacularly decorated floats and musical performances.

16. Loudon County Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 11, 2021
  • Location: Carter St. across from Loudon High School
  • Cost: FREE

This fun and traditional Christmas parade will add a spark of magic to your holiday. Come early a peruse the quaint shops of downtown Loudon, which is just a few short minutes away.

17. Jefferson City’s Hometown Christmas Festival and Parade

  • Date: December 11, 2021
  • Location: Historic Mossy Creek District, Jefferson City

Shop with a variety of arts and crafts vendors while enjoying live entertainment, kids’ activities, food vendors, giveaways, a festive parade, and more!

18. Newport Christmas Parade

  • Date: December 11, 2021
  • Location: Downtown Newport
  • Cost: FREE

A Very Beary Christmas is the adorable theme of this fun daytime parade.

19. White Pine Christmas Parade & Christmas Festival

  • Date: December 4, 2021
  • Location: Community Center, White Pine

In addition to the parade, there will also be vendor booths to help you complete your Christmas shopping.

20. Clinton Christmas Parade

  • Date: TBA 2021
  • Location: Main Street, Clinton

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Written By
Erica Cardinal
Erica is a long-time resident of East TN and the founder of East TN Family Fun. She's also a sucker for a good adventure. Together with her hubs and kiddos, she spends her time exploring, homeschooling, and making memories.

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