What do you get when you combine an outdoor ice-skating rink with a cup of hot chocolate, a dash of holiday music, and a pinch of festivities? The recipe for a perfect date night! Holidays on Ice returns for the second year at Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Beginning November 24 and continuing through January 7, Market Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice-skating rink for children, adults, and groups to enjoy. You can rent skates or bring your own. Get some Christmas shopping done at one of the hip and trendy stores at Market Square. Enjoy dinner at one of the many eateries, ranging from Indian to Italian, and don’t forget to spend some time at the pavilion where you can enjoy the sounds of the season courtesy of the Knoxville Choral Society. Guaranteed to put even the biggest Scrooge in the holiday spirit (not to mention a second date)!
I believe that Thanksgiving gets the shaft in terms of holiday celebrations. My sister’s house is lit up like a runway before Halloween. I rebel against Christmas music played in Pottery Barn in October, and I refuse to try on that Christmas taffeta party dress at Ann Taylor before Thanksgiving (even though they do have my size, and it is gorgeous)…nope, not gonna do it. I want to celebrate Halloween with all the candy and costumes and Thanksgiving with family and friends. However, I have to share a must-do Christmas holiday event now, because it sells out every year before December.
The Three Rivers Rambler becomes the “Christmas Express” where children of all ages experience the magic of a holiday train ride through Knoxville. During this 90-minute, 11-mile train ride, passengers are served Christmas cookies and refreshments while a local celebrity reads a holiday story. Santa and his elves board the train at the halfway point to talk to the children and give each one a special gift. Visit their website for more information and to book your reservation online. My husband and I have taken our four-year-old daughter for the past three years, so it has become a holiday tradition for our family, and I hope it will become one of yours as well. Now start working on those pilgrim hats.
