Fantasy of Trees: Thanksgiving Tradition in Knoxville
Since 1985, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has hosted the Fantasy of Trees at the Knoxville Convention Center, the proceeds from which benefit the Children’s Hospital. Each year’s festival brings a different theme around which decorations and tree designs are fashioned. This year’s theme, “Holiday Cheer Down South,” will feature the “many traditions found throughout the Southern States…. from a traditional country Christmas and Big Orange “Vol-iday”…. To merry magnolias and mountains….jingle bells and jazz, and big city shopping sparkle.” The 2007 Fantasy of Trees runs from November 21 through November 25.
The Fantasy of Trees kicks off with the Gala Preview Party, this year on November 20. This “black tie optional” party is filled with live music and dancing, open gift shops, strolls through the trees, and fantastic food. Following the Gala Preview Party are five days in which visitors can wander through the forest of over 300 decorated and lit Christmas trees, decorated room scenes, fireplace mantels, and Adopt-A-Trees - trees designed and decorated by local children’s groups, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and church youth groups - which are available for purchase. Visitors can also purchase tickets for the chance to win the Target Raffle Tree, a beautiful seven-foot fully decorated tree, visit gift shops, and participate in many family-friendly activities.
Everyone loves the Gingerbread Village featuring gingerbread houses that are “constructed and decorated by area bakers, chefs, and school children.” The Babes in Toyland Parade is also a favorite. This indoor Christmas parade includes a marching band, costumed characters, and, of course, Santa! And the Nightly Christmas Tree Lighting brings back a Knoxville holiday tradition of the 1960s: The lighting of the tree at the old Miller’s Department Store on Henley Street was once a favorite holiday event. As a nod to this tradition, local celebrities and a patient of the Children’s Hospital participate in the lighting of a 9-foot Christmas tree each evening.
The kids love the many activities scheduled just for them: a 30-horse carousel offers free rides; Frosty’s playground offers a variety of free activities for preschool children; and for $2 children can make a sign for their tree or door at Heart Signs or decorate Christmas items at Kiddie Kraft Bags. Little girls can have a Princess Manicure for $2 and conversations with Frosty and Santa are always free. This year, families can work together to create a special holiday keepsake at the Holiday Traditions Workshop, a new activity to the Fantasy of Trees. Also new is the Giving Tree, where visitors can make $5, $10, or $25 cash donations to help purchase gifts for the Children’s Hospital’s patients.
Over the years, the Fantasy of Trees has become a very special holiday event for many East Tennessee families. As all proceeds go to benefit our most fragile, the children seeking care at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Fantasy of Trees is a worthwhile addition to any family holiday tradition. Tickets to the November 21-25 event are $10 daily for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12. Children under age 4 are admitted free.
