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Christmas Lights in Knoxville, TN
The top places to see Christmas lights in Knoxville this season are Smoky Night Lights at Zoo Knoxville (Nov 13 – Mar 28), Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show (From Nov 27) and Christmas at Chilhowee (Nov 20 – Nov 20). We've mapped 10 displays in Knoxville and 1 more nearby (6 events, 2 light shows, 1 tree lighting). 8 are free. 1 is synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.
Updated Nov 11, 2026
Near Knoxville (within 25 miles)
Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Knoxville? Add it free.
Christmas lights in Knoxville: common questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Knoxville?
Popular picks this season include Smoky Night Lights at Zoo Knoxville (Nov 13 – Mar 28), Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show (From Nov 27), Christmas at Chilhowee (Nov 20 – Nov 20) and Holidays on Ice (Nov 27 – Jan 3). In all, 11 displays are mapped in and around Knoxville, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Knoxville?
Free options include Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show, Christmas at Chilhowee, Safety City Christmas and Light Up Lakeshore Holiday Market. 8 of the 11 displays near Knoxville are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Knoxville?
Yes. Festival of Lights at The Cove (Unknown). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.
Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Knoxville?
Yes. Regal Celebration of Lights. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.
When do Christmas lights start in Knoxville?
The earliest Knoxville-area displays turn on Nov 13, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.
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Professional Christmas light installers in Knoxville hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.
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