The Craft and Greenery Market, a four-day outdoor market featuring handmade crafts and gifts, opens today at Market Square - the first of a host of holiday activities slated for downtown Knoxville this year.

Local artisans, wreath and tree vendors will set up in the Square and adjacent Krutch Park for the outdoor market that will run from Wednesday, Nov. 17 to Saturday Nov. 20.

The market will have extended evening hours on Friday, Nov. 19 when the Celebration of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Mayor Bill Haslam will kick off the evening's entertainment with the traditional lighting of the tree. Music, a children's area, a visit from Santa, and carriage rides will round out the evening's activities.

Other upcoming downtown holiday events include the Fantasy of Trees, November 24-28 at the Knoxville Convention Center; the RiverLights Festival, Nov. 26 at Volunteer Landing; and the Christmas Parade, Dec. 3.

"There's more to do and see than ever before in downtown Knoxville," Mayor Haslam said. "With diverse cultural attractions, shops, restaurants and special events, downtown Knoxville is a fun holiday destination."