If you’re dreaming of brightly colored Christmas lights, festive store window displays, or have fantasies about peppermint treats, there’s something for you in East Tennessee during the holiday season. Here’s a picture (or two) of what you might find as you venture out this Christmas.

Knoxville’s Peppermint Trail

There’s just something special about walking around a vibrant city during the holidays and Knoxville is no exception. All around town there are places to catch the spirit of the season and there’s even a trail to follow where peppermint treats abound. The Peppermint Trail centered in Downtown Knoxville is a way for restaurants and coffee shops to show off their peppermint creations. You can find a map of all the spots at downtownknoxville.org.

Even if you aren’t looking for a peppermint treat, the lights around historic Market Square will make you think you’ve stepped into a peppermint forest as the trees are wrapped in bright red and white lights. (It’s really one of the coolest things I think Market Square has ever done.) In addition to the Peppermint Trail you can also go searching for the Elf on the Shelf who is finding quite a few places to hang out Downtown.

Enjoying the Yuletide on Gay

Downtown Knoxville’s main thoroughfare knows how to shine this time of year. In the middle of Gay Street near Regal’s Riviera Theater there’s a big tree brushed up against a backdrop of Krutch Park (all decked out in lights) and several tall buildings. Just a short distance away, the grand marquee at the Tennessee Theater is getting into the holiday spirit with some “punny” references to Christmas and stars of the past. Going up the other way on Gay Street, shops and restaurants get into the spirit of the season with bright decorations and stunning window displays.

A Small Town Christmas

While Knoxville provides a “big city” Christmas experience, there are plenty of small towns throughout East Tennessee just great for exploring this time of year. From special Christmas and Winter Markets in Oak Ridge to the old fashioned Christmas shopping experience in Downtown Clinton it’s well worth the drive from Knoxville to find special gifts and soak in the Christmas Spirit. The town along the Clinch River is known for its antiques shopping, but there are specialty shops, coffee shops and boutiques too.

Where are the places you are going this holiday season?

Do you prefer big city shopping or small town shopping during the holidays?

What places do you dream of spending Christmas or want to visit again?

Let us know in the comments below.