The City of Knoxville launches the holiday season this week with the opening of the Craft and Greenery Market beginning Wednesday at Market Square.
The four-day outdoor market features nearly 20 booths selling art and craft items ranging from jewelry to birdhouses, as well as greenery, poinsettias and refreshments.
Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 9 p.m., Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Mayor Bill Haslam will lead the countdown to Christmas and light up Market Square during the City's Celebration of Lights, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday.
The family event will include a visit from Santa Claus, cooking decorating with Mrs. Claus, holiday stories and carriage rides.
Country music recording artist Jessica Andrews will lead caroling, and the Knoxville Opera and Knoxville Children's Choir will perform.
Parking downtown is free in the City's Locust Street and State Street garages weekday evenings and throughout the weekend.