Where to go in Tennessee for the Christmas holiday spirit? Read this article with a list of the best Christmas towns in Tennessee with Christmas markets and holiday activities.
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Christmas Towns In Tennessee – Tennessee Christmas Vacation
Tennessee’s magical Christmas towns captivate with their enchanting blend of historic charm, festive events, and vibrant markets, creating a warm and welcoming holiday atmosphere that resonates with the season’s spirit. Plan your Tennessee Christmas vacation after reading this article.
Weather – Tennesse Christmas Vacation Tour
Tennessee experiences a diverse Christmas weather, ranging from mild temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit (4-9°C) in the western regions to cooler temperatures in the 30s (1-4°C) in the eastern areas, providing a chance for a cozy, sometimes even white, holiday experience.
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Gatlinburg – Magical Tennessee Christmas town
Gatlinburg transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Gatlinburg is one of the best Tennessee Christmas towns to celebrate your holiday spirit.
Christmas Market: Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Christmas Show features local artisans’ unique handmade gifts and crafts, creating a festive shopping experience.
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Christmas Things to Do:
- Witness the enchanting Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights.
- Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for festive hikes.
- Experience the renowned Gatlinburg Christmas Parade.
Christmas Mass – Gatlinburg, a smaller town in Tennessee, doesn’t have a cathedral in the traditional sense. However, consider local churches if you’re looking for a place to attend Christmas Mass. One of the notable options is the Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church, which often holds special Christmas services.
Franklin
Franklin offers a nostalgic Christmas experience with its historic charm and community-oriented celebrations. Franklin is the best historic and magical Tennessee Christmas town.
Christmas Market: The Dickens of a Christmas festival includes a delightful holiday market where vendors showcase Victorian-inspired crafts, gifts, and festive treats.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Enjoy Dickens of a Christmas, a Victorian-themed celebration.
- Shop in the charming downtown district.
- Attend festive concerts at the Franklin Theatre.
Christmas Mass – In Franklin, Tennessee, one of the notable places to attend Christmas Mass is the St. Philip Catholic Church.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga blends traditional and unique holiday experiences with scenic attractions and festive markets.
The Chattanooga Holiday Market in the First Tennessee Pavilion offers a wide array of handmade goods, local produce, and festive treats in a vibrant market setting.
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Christmas Things to Do:
- Visit the Rock City Gardens for the Enchanted Garden of Lights.
- Experience the Polar Express at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
- Enjoy the Chattanooga Holiday Market.
Christmas Mass – In Chattanooga, Tennessee, you can attend Christmas Mass at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. The Basilica, located in downtown Chattanooga, is a beautiful Catholic church with a rich history and often holds special services during the Christmas season.
Knoxville
Knoxville’s festive events and vibrant downtown make it a lively destination for Christmas enthusiasts. Knoxville shines as one of the best Christmas towns in Tennessee, blending festive traditions, dazzling lights, and a vibrant community spirit to create a holiday experience like no other.
Christmas Market: The Market Square Holiday Market transforms Knoxville’s downtown with a European-style market featuring local vendors offering holiday crafts, ornaments, and seasonal delights.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Fantasy of Trees event.
- Explore the Christmas in the City celebration.
- Participate in the Peppermint Trail for seasonal treats.
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a prominent Catholic cathedral in Knoxville known for its grand architecture and significant religious events. It is likely to host special Christmas Mass services.
Jonesborough:
Jonesborough offers a quaint and cozy Christmas atmosphere with its historic architecture and community-centric events.
Christmas Market: Jonesborough’s Holiday Mart showcases the work of regional artisans, allowing visitors to find unique, handcrafted gifts while enjoying the town’s historic charm.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Experience the historic storytelling tours.
- Participate in the Progressive Dinner Tour.
- Enjoy the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting.
Christmas Mass – Jonesborough, being a small town, may not have a traditional cathedral. However, one of the notable churches in the area where you can attend Christmas Mass is the Jonesborough United Methodist Church. It’s a historic church with a strong community presence.
Sevierville:
Sevierville combines holiday lights, shopping, and entertainment, making it a perfect family destination.
Christmas Market: Sevierville’s Tinsel and Treasures Craft Show brings together local and regional artisans, offering a diverse selection of handmade crafts, decorations, and festive goodies.
Sevierville deserves a spot on the list of Tennessee Christmas vacation with its magical blend of festive attractions, dazzling light displays, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that captures the true spirit of the season.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Explore Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.
- Attend the Winterfest Kickoff.
- Shop for unique gifts in the Tanger Outlets.
Christmas Mass – In Sevierville, Tennessee, you might consider attending Christmas Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Leiper’s Fork:
Leiper’s Fork offers a cozy and intimate Christmas celebration with its small-town charm and festive events.
Christmas Market: The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Village Market highlights local artists and artisans, allowing visitors to discover one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Holiday Village Market.
- Experience the Christmas Parade.
- Enjoy live music in this charming village.
Christmas Mass – Leiper’s Fork, being a small and charming village in Tennessee, may not have a cathedral. However, there are local churches that offer Christmas services. One such church to consider for attending Christmas Mass or services in the Leiper’s Fork area is Leiper’s Fork United Methodist Church.
Memphis:
Memphis combines festive lights with its rich cultural scene, creating a unique Christmas experience.
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Christmas Market: The Memphis Holiday Market at the Memphis Zoo features a festive market atmosphere with holiday gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats for the whole family.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Visit the Memphis Zoo Lights.
- Experience the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees.
- Enjoy the holiday lights at Shelby Farms Park.
Johnson City:
Johnson City offers various Christmas activities, from traditional parades to unique underground light displays.
Christmas Market: The Johnson City Holiday Market at Founders Park offers a delightful shopping experience with various vendors showcasing holiday-themed crafts and gifts.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Johnson City Christmas Parade.
- Explore the Tannenbaum Christmas Shop.
- Experience the Lights Spectacular at Appalachian Caverns.
Christmas Mass – In Memphis, Tennessee, you might consider attending Christmas Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and is known for its beautiful architecture and significant religious events.
Pigeon Forge:
Pigeon Forge is a hub of holiday entertainment with its theme park celebrations and unique attractions.
Christmas Market: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas includes a picturesque Christmas Craft Village, where artisans showcase their skills and offer handmade holiday goods.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Visit Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.
- Experience Christmas at the Titanic Museum.
- Stroll through the festive Island at Pigeon Forge.
Christmas Mass – In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you may consider attending Christmas services at St. Mary Catholic Church. While Pigeon Forge may not have a cathedral, St. Mary Catholic Church is a notable church in the area that often holds special services and celebrations during the Christmas season.
Columbia:
Columbia offers a blend of history and holiday cheer, making it a charming destination for Christmas festivities.
Christmas Market: The Columbia Main Street Christmas Market brings together local vendors, offering everything from handmade crafts to festive treats, creating a joyful shopping experience.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Parade.
- Explore the historic downtown district.
- Enjoy the Columbia Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting.
Christmas Mass – In Columbia, Tennessee, you might consider attending Christmas Mass at St. Catherine Catholic Church.
Murfreesboro:
Murfreesboro provides a historical backdrop for Christmas celebrations with its well-preserved landmarks and community events.
Christmas Market: The Oaklands Mansion Christmas Marketplace allows visitors to explore unique holiday gifts and crafts while enjoying the historic surroundings of the mansion.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Experience the Oaklands Mansion Christmas Candlelight Tour.
- Attend the Christmas in the Park event.
- Explore the festive lights at Cannonsburgh Village.
Christmas Mass – In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, one of the notable churches where you can attend Christmas Mass is St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Clarksville:
Clarksville’s riverfront lights and community events create a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Christmas Market: The Christmas on the Cumberland event includes a charming market with local vendors, allowing shoppers to shop for holiday gifts and decorations.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Christmas on the Cumberland light display.
- Explore the Downtown Commons Ice Rink.
- Enjoy the annual Christmas parade.
Christmas Mass – In Clarksville, Tennessee, you might consider attending Christmas Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Bristol:
Bristol offers a unique blend of Christmas events, combining the excitement of motor speedway lights with traditional parades.
Christmas Market: The Christmas Village in Downtown Bristol offers a festive market experience with various vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to seasonal treats.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Attend the Bristol Christmas Parade.
- Experience the Bristol Motor Speedway Speedway in Lights.
- Explore the downtown holiday decorations.
Christmas Mass – In Bristol, Tennessee, one of the notable churches where you can attend Christmas Mass is St. Anne Catholic Church.
Cleveland:
Cleveland provides a warm and welcoming Christmas experience with community-focused events and festive decorations.
Christmas Market: The Main Street Cleveland Christmas Market features local artisans and vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for holiday shopping in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
Christmas Things to Do:
- Visit the Main Street Cleveland Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes.
- Attend the Christmas Parade.
- Explore the holiday decorations in downtown Cleveland.
Christmass Mass – In Cleveland, Tennessee, one of the notable churches where you can attend Christmas Mass is St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church.
From Gatlinburg’s shimmering lights to Jonesborough, Tennessee’s cozy traditions, it offers a unique and unforgettable yuletide experience.
There are so many magical Christmas towns in USA, with famous Tenessee Christmas towns. So plan your Tennessee Christmas Vacation after reading about things to do at these Christmas Towns in Tennessee.
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