Discover the magic of the holiday season with the Top 10 Christmas Parades in East Tennessee for 2023.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as these vibrant events showcase the best of seasonal cheer.
From dazzling displays to heartwarming community celebrations, these parades promise a joyous experience for all.
Mark your calendar and join the festivities that define the spirit of Christmas in East Tennessee in 2023.
Friday, Dec. 1st, 2023, 7:30 - 9 PM
Gatlinburg, TN
The 48th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Featuring a star-studded line-up, the parade holds in store a magical display of decorative floats, festive marching bands, holiday balloons, and of course Santa Claus.
The parade will illuminate downtown Gatlinburg with holiday cheer among the 1 million twinkling lights lighting up the downtown Parkway during Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Celebration. The parade route runs through the middle of downtown Gatlinburg.
Bringing a list of renowned talent to the area, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will be joined by several celebrity guests.
Rounding out the roster of well-known stars coming to Gatlinburg to ring in the beloved holiday tradition are Rachel Grant, Mark Wills, Canaan smith, Myron Mixon, and Janelle Arthur.
The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will step off at 7:30 p.m. at the Baskins Creek Bypass and process throughout the downtown Parkway, ending at Traffic Light #10.
The event is free and open to the public. However, due to the popularity of the event, eventgoers are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and parking.
Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2023, 11 AM
Be part of the merriment in historic downtown Sevierville during Sevierville’s 61st annual Christmas Parade.
The traditional hometown parade, which begins promptly at 11am on Saturday, December 2, 2023, features a marching band, car groups, pageant winners, baton twirlers and more!
The parade will follow its traditional route this year by traveling north on Forks of the River Parkway, making a right on Main Street, making a right on Court Avenue and returning to the starting point.
You can easily watch the parade from anywhere along the route but standing along Court Avenue near the Sevier County Courthouse (125 Court Avenue) provides one of the most scenic and festive viewing points available.
"Christmas in Toyland"
Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2023, 10:30 AM
This year’s parade, themed “Christmas in Toyland” will begin at 10:30 a.m.
The parade begins on the campus of East Tennessee State University and will turn onto University Parkway and then onto West State of Franklin.
It will take a left turn onto Buffalo Street and continue down East Main Street.
The route will then turn onto Colonial Way and conclude in the Old Burley Lot at the corner of Legion Street and East State of Franklin.
Learn more at jcchristmasparade.org.
Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2023, 2:30 PM
Townsend Visitors Center
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in the charming town of Townsend, Tennessee with an enchanting Christmas Parade that promises to be a delightful family affair.
New this year, the parade will start at the Townsend Visitor Center and end around the former location of Nawger Nob Village (7321 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy).
As the town glistens with festive decorations and the air fills with the sweet scent of hot cocoa, families can gather against the picturesque backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains to witness a procession of beautifully adorned floats, marching bands, and cheerful performers spreading yuletide joy.
The Townsend Christmas Parade is set to create cherished memories and foster a sense of community warmth that embodies the true spirit of the holiday season.
Thursday, Dec. 7th, 2023, 7 PM
Downtown Morristown, TN
The parade will follow the traditional route through downtown Morristown and disperse in the parking lot at HomeTrust Bank, 120 Evans Avenue.
The parade theme is “Christmas in the City.”
Thursday, Dec. 7th, 2023, 6:30 PM
Downtown Lenoir City, TN
Lenoir City’s annual Christmas Parade!! Set to begin at 6:30pm with pre-parade performances starting at 6:00pm!
Saturday, Dec. 9th, 2023, 3 PM
Seymour is celebrating 30 years since its Christmas parade.
This year, the parade theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.” The Grand Marshal will be Michael O’Connor.
"Sleigh Ride"
Saturday, Dec. 9th, 2023, 6 PM
Starting at 6:00PM, the parade will travel down the Oak Ridge Turnpike and end at the Oak Ridge High School.
Sunday, Dec. 10th, 2023
Christmas Village: 2 - 4 PM; Parade: 4 PM
The parade will start at Farragut Intermediate School, go around the Farragut High School circle, and then back into the FIS parking lot.
There will also be Christmas Village shopping open from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Sunday, Dec. 10th, 2023, 2 PM
Floats, animals, cars, bicycles, and Santa will be making an appearance.