Embark on a tail-wagging adventure this holiday season as we guide you through the Top 10 Tennessee Destinations for a Pawsome Christmas Howl-iday!
In the Volunteer State, festive cheer isn't just for two-legged family members—our four-legged companions deserve a slice of the yuletide joy as well.
Let the Christmas bells ring and the doggy tails wag as we explore the best places for a howl-iday season that both you and your furry friends will remember fondly.
#1. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland - SEvierville
Nov 17th, 2023 to Jan 7th, 2024
This dog friendly event will be held from 6 PM to 10 PM on Nov 17, 2023 to Jan 7, 2024 at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, TN, US.
Admission is varied by day and size of vehicle, starting at $40 per vehicle.
#2. WIVK Christmas Parade - Knoxville
Friday, December 1st, 2023
Mark your calendars for WIVK Christmas Parade!
This dog friendly event will be held from 7:00 PM to TBD on December 1, 2023 in Downtown Knoxville.
Admission is free.
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023
Christmas in Olde Jonesborough continues on Saturday, December 2 with Doggone Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring your furry friends for pictures with Santa, a treat station, and shop at the Christmas Market for pet-friendly items and Christmas gifts for everyone!
While you’re here, explore downtown Jonesborough and support local businesses.
Bring donations in front of the courthouse for the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, formerly the Humane Society of Washington County, and help a pet in need this holiday season!
#4. Free Pet-Friendly Photos w/Santa - Murfreesboro
Saturday, December 9th, 2 PM - 6 PM
Enjoy a FREE pet friendly Santa visit with photo opportunity. Newly opened houseplant shop, refreshments and Santa... what better way to spend a Saturday?!
*photos will be taken with customers’ camera.
#5. Paws & Presents: A Christmas Extravaganza - Lawrenceburg
Saturday, December 9th, 2023
Get ready for a "Paws & Presents: A Christmas Extravaganza" like no other in Downtown Lawrenceburg.
Features of the event:
Vendor Wonderland: Shop till you drop at our jolly market, where vendors will be dishing out delightful Christmas gifts, decor, and more! Find that purr-fect present for your loved ones.
Pet Parade Paw-ty: Hosted by The Pet Palace, our pet parade promises to be a howling success! Dress up your four-legged companions in their merriest attire, and let them strut their stuff down the festive streets of Lawrenceburg.
Saturday December 9th, 2023
Grab the kids, the dog, and the grandparents! Head on down to Smoky Mtn. Farmers Co-Op in Sevierville, Tn to see the big man in red and make your own livestock feed for his reindeer!
This is the 3rd annual event that is open to the public!
While kiddos make magical reindeer feed and wait their turn for Santa, the grown ups can do some Christmas shopping! There is a wide variety of clothing, boots, home decor, and much more! Anyone can shop co-op!
Come on down on December 9th, 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm to enjoy this FREE event!
#7. Holiday Movie Night - Home Alone - NASHVILLE
Thursday, December 14th, 2023, 7 PM
We're all-ages, kid and dog-friendly all the time!
Come early for a seat and a pizza - movie begins at 7:00pm!
Movies will be moved to the Barn if raining.
#8. DECK THE HOWLS! 2023 - Franklin
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, 3 PM - 5:30 PM
Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) is partnering with dozens of other pet shelters across the country to paw-ticipate in a national howliday and gives back to our furry friends!
Children (ages 4-12) will have the opportunity to read to shelter pets, decorate cookies, create an ornament, and visit with Santa.
For Deck the Howls, children are invited to share the holiday spirit with adoptable pets by cozying up in their favorite pajamas and reading holiday stories provided by the Franklin Public library to furry friends.
The children benefit by practicing their reading skills in front of a non-judgmental audience and developing empathy to help make compassionate, responsible choices when interacting with animals in the future.
There will also be an opportunity to decorate cookies, create an ornament, take part in animal trivia for prizes and meet the big man himself, Santa! Cost is $25 per person.
The animals benefit by learning how to relax around visitors, leading to quicker adoptions. Space is limited, reserve your child’s spot today!
#9. Paw-liday Wonders - Memphis
December 1st & 28th, 2023
May your holidays be furry and bright at the Memphis Botanic Garden!
Explore Holiday Wonders at the Garden with your favorite fur baby during one of our special pet-friendly nights.
10. PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA - Opry Mills
Sunday, December 10th, 2023
Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Santa will be waiting for you near Entry 2, in between Coach and Ann Taylor.