Good girls and boys will have another chance to bend Santa’s ear this Friday, Dec. 9, from 6-9 p.m. during Christmas in Chilhowee, sponsored by SMG, at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center.

After the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa will greet guests and pose for photos in the park’s historic bandstand, which was built for the 1910 Appalachian Exposition. The Vine Middle Magnet School Choir will set a festive tone with holiday carols. 

Families are invited to build gingerbread houses with the Austin-East Culinary Arts Department, enjoy balloon animals and face-painting, and participate in hands-on activities with The Muse Knoxville. Krispy Kreme will serve doughnuts, and All Occasion Catering will provide hot cocoa. 

Visitors to Christmas in Chilhowee can tour the park’s 88 lighted trees by riding the train or hopping on a hayride. Through Jan. 1, motorists can drive through the lighted tunnel during park hours. Sunset is around 5:30 p.m., and gates close at 10 p.m. 

Admission is free. All events take place outdoors, so dress for the weather. 

Sponsors are WVLT Channel 8, WNOX 93.1 FM, Knoxville News Sentinel, All Occasion Catering, Krispy Kreme, The Muse Knoxville, and SMG Knoxville.

Keep track of all Christmas in the City happenings – including hours of the Holidays on Ice skating rink in Market Square – by downloading the free City of Knoxville Special Events app, available for all smartphone and mobile devices. All Christmas in the City events and updates are also listed on the City of Knoxville’s website: www.knoxvilletn.gov/christmas.