Top 10 Christmas Markets in Tennessee to Visit in 2025

Every year, Tennessee jumps into the holiday season with a wild mix of Christmas celebrations. You’ll spot all kinds of Christmas markets, parades, and holiday events—both in big cities and tiny towns.

Lights, music, and time-honored traditions pull people together everywhere you look. It’s hard not to get swept up in the holiday spirit.

Whether you’re hunting for quirky gifts, hoping to catch a Christmas parade, or just want to soak in some classic traditions, Tennessee’s got something for you. As you wander through these events, you’ll feel real holiday cheer and see how folks across the state celebrate this special time.

1) Chattanooga Holiday Market

If Chattanooga is on your December list, don’t miss the Chattanooga Holiday Market. This market pops up for three weekends at the Chattanooga Convention Center and brings in over 200 local vendors.

You’ll wander through booths full of handmade crafts, funky artwork, and tasty foods from regional makers. Lots of people come here to snag gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

The market feels lively, thanks to live music and plenty of seasonal snacks for sale. You can expect to see everything from jewelry and decorations to food treats.

Entry won’t cost you a thing, so you can save your cash for gifts and goodies. Wear comfy shoes, though—you might end up spending hours exploring.

Whether you’re shopping or just window-browsing, it’s easy to see why this market is a December tradition for so many in Tennessee. Here’s a quick look at the details:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2025	10 AM – 5 PM	Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402	Free Entry	Downtown Hotels (Booking.com)	Official Chattanooga Holiday Market Website

2) Knoxville’s German Holiday Market

Knoxville’s Christkindlmarkt brings a German-inspired holiday vibe right downtown. You can munch on bratwurst, warm pretzels, and sip spiced glühwein.

Local craftspeople set up shop with handmade gifts and seasonal décor—perfect if you want something a little more meaningful than big-box stuff. The market glows with festive lights and decorations, so don’t forget your camera.

Live music and carolers wander between the stalls, keeping things upbeat as you explore. Kids get their own fun, too—ornament crafts and carriage rides make it a family-friendly spot.

Locals and visitors alike show up for this simple, festive market experience in East Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Admission	Nearby Hotels (Booking.com)	Website
December 1-23, 2025	126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, TN	11 AM – 8 PM	Free	Downtown Knoxville Hotels	Knoxville Christmas Market

3) Nashville Christmas Village

Nashville Christmas Village is easily one of the biggest holiday shopping events in Tennessee. Every year, The Fairgrounds Nashville hosts over 260 vendors from all over the country.

You’ll find handmade gifts, local foods, and seasonal decorations. If you’re on the hunt for memorable presents, this is your spot.

Crowds can get huge—over 30,000 shoppers show up during the weekend. The vibe is festive and families love it.

Kids under nine get in free, which makes it easier to bring everyone along. Mark your calendar for November 7–9, 2025.

Tickets go on sale online October 1, and buying ahead keeps you out of long lines. Parking at the venue costs $10 cash, so plan for that.

The event’s at 500 Wedgewood Avenue, not far from downtown. Out-of-towners can book hotels nearby on Booking.com.

Find more details and updates at the official website.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 7–9, 2025	500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville	Friday: 9am–9pm Saturday: 9am–6pm Sunday: 12pm–6pm	$15 online $12 advance at TRUIST locations Children under 9: Free $10 parking	Find hotels at Booking.com	Nashville Christmas Village

4) Memphis Holiday Market

Key Information for Visitors

If you want a taste of Memphis during the holidays, this market is worth a stop. Over 200 sellers fill Ridgeway Trace Shopping Center from October 25 to 27, 2025.

You can browse handmade goods, local foods, and seasonal decorations. It’s a great way to get your gift shopping done before December gets crazy.

One cool feature? The silent auction and themed events like “Margaritas & Mistletoe” let you shop in a chill, festive setting. Plenty of parking and food options nearby make the visit easy.

If you’re into local art, check out the Memphis Arts Collective’s holiday market from November 24 through December 24. You’ll see works by area artists.

Memphis itself goes all out for the season, with pop-up vendors and light shows like Zoo Lights. If you stick around for a few days, you’ll have plenty to do.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
October 25-27, 2025	9 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Ridgeway Trace Shopping Center	Varies	Nearby hotels	Memphis Holiday Market details
November 24-Dec 24, 2025	Varies	5847 Poplar Ave. Suite 110, Memphis	Varies	Nearby hotels	Holiday artist market info

5) Franklin Dickens Holiday Street Fair

Step into Victorian times at the Franklin Dickens of a Christmas festival. Each December, downtown Franklin transforms into a scene straight out of Charles Dickens’ stories.

Main Street fills up with costumed characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Fagin. Musicians and dancers keep the holiday spirit alive with classic tunes.

As you stroll the festival, you can shop for gifts from all kinds of vendors and try festive snacks at local food stands. The historic architecture of Franklin adds to the old-fashioned charm, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Families and groups love this free, memorable experience during the holidays. Here are the details if you’re thinking about going:

Dates	Location Address	Times	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Website
December 13-14, 2025	Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free Admission	Hotels near Franklin, TN on Booking.com	Franklin Dickens of a Christmas Festival

The Franklin Dickens of a Christmas festival is the largest outdoor holiday celebration in Middle Tennessee. You can check out the official website for more info.

6) Gatlinburg Winter Magic Celebration

What to Expect

If you visit Gatlinburg in winter, you’ll walk right into a city bursting with bright lights and classic holiday traditions. From November 10 to January 27, colorful LED displays brighten up downtown.

The festive decorations stretch across Main Street and nearby spots, turning each night into a glowing scene. Millions of lights flicker on after dark, and it’s honestly hard not to feel a bit of wonder.

Hop on the Trolley Ride of Lights for a cozy tour through Gatlinburg’s best displays. The heated trolley rolls along decorated routes, letting you see the city’s winter glow without freezing. They run this every evening during the main festival months.

Early December brings the Fantasy of Lights Parade. Floats, marching bands, and costumed performers fill Main Street, while families and kids gather along the sidewalks to watch the show.

If you’re into history, check out the Festival of Christmas Past at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Local storytellers, musicians, and crafters show off old Appalachian holiday customs. You’ll get a taste of how folks here have celebrated Christmas for generations.

Shops and cafes all over Gatlinburg join in, too. Their windows burst with festive displays, local gifts, and sweet treats. Warm drinks and baked goods are everywhere—perfect for a quick break from wandering the town.

Key Festival Details

Event	Dates and Times	Location	Cost	Lodging Nearby	Website
Winter Magic Festival	Nov. 10 – Jan. 27, various times	Downtown Gatlinburg, TN	Free	Book hotels in Gatlinburg	Gatlinburg Winter Magic info
Trolley Ride of Lights	6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, nightly	Main Street, Gatlinburg	$10 per person	Stay near Main St. Gatlinburg	2025 Gatlinburg lights route
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade	Dec. 7, 7:30 PM	Main Street, Gatlinburg	Free	Book hotels along parade route	Fantasy Parade details
Festival of Christmas Past	Dec. 8, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Great Smoky Mountains National Park	Free	Stay near the Smokies	Festival information

7) Tennessee Christmas Market at The Mill

The Christmas Market at The Mill in Lebanon brings together local artisans, festive food, and a classic holiday atmosphere. You’ll wander through booths packed with handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and treats made by people from the area.

Families love the joyful music and the activities for kids, like crafts and meeting Santa. The historic building glows with decorated stalls and string lights, giving the whole place a warm, old-fashioned vibe.

Event Dates, Hours, Location, and Details

Event Dates	Location Address	Hours	Admission Costs	Nearby Lodging from Booking.com	Official Website
December 13-14, 2025	300 North Maple Street, Lebanon, TN	Saturday: 10am–8pm Sunday: 11am–6pm	Adults: $10 Kids (under 12): Free	Fairfield Inn & Suites Lebanon: 0.7 miles away	Christmas Market at The Mill

You can check out all the activities both days. Crafts, food, and events run from morning to night each day of the market.

Keep an eye on the event page for updates or any schedule changes.

8) Pigeon Forge Winter Festival

What to Expect

Every year, Pigeon Forge turns into a bright winter wonderland. The festival runs from November 9 to February 18.

More than a million LED lights blanket the streets, parks, and buildings. It’s pretty wild how much the city shines at night.

The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail really stands out. Over 20 creative light displays line the path. You’ll walk under glowing arches and past a giant caterpillar made of lights—great for photos with friends or family.

The festival isn’t just in Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg and Sevierville also deck out their streets and host events.

You can shop and explore places like The Island in Pigeon Forge or Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. It’s a fun way to make some winter memories.

People of all ages find something to do here. The friendly vibe and easy access to holiday events make it a favorite holiday trip in Tennessee.

Key Festival Information

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 9, 2025 – Feb 18, 2026	Pigeon Forge, TN	Varies by event	Varies by event	Hotels and cabins in Pigeon Forge from booking.com	Pigeon Forge Winterfest 2025–2026

You can get more info about the lights, activities, and planning your trip at the official festival website.

9) Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood

Dollywood absolutely comes alive for its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. Over six million lights sparkle across the park, and the holiday spirit fills every corner.

You’ll see special performances like “A Christmas Carol” and a brand-new drone show, where hundreds of lights paint patterns in the sky. It’s honestly pretty impressive.

Besides the shows, you can snack on seasonal treats, browse unique shops, and soak up the atmosphere. If you want to stay close, the DreamMore Resort and Spa sits right next door and offers a comfy spot.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026	2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863	11 am – 9 pm	Adults: $79	DreamMore Resort and Spa	Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas
			Children (4-9): $69
			Seniors (62+): $69

10) Johnson City’s Christmas Parade & Market

Parade and Market Information

Every December, Johnson City throws its annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Market. The “Christmas in Toyland” parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on December 2, 2025.

Founders Park fills with market booths selling holiday crafts, gifts, and all sorts of seasonal decor. Local vendors bring unique products that make great presents.

If you swing by, you’ll also find nearby festivities like the Tannenbaum Christmas Shop and the light display at Appalachian Caverns. All these events make the city feel extra lively.

Here’s a table with the basics for your visit:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2, 2025	Founders Park, Johnson City, TN	10:30 a.m.	Free	Find hotels in Johnson City	Christmas Parade and Market details