Downtown in December is a series of holiday events in the heart of Johnson City. It’s a festive winter experience featuring a tree lighting ceremony, shopping, parties, visits with Santa, and family friendly activities…all surrounded by holiday lights. Most events are free of charge and there is an open invitation for all to attend.
December 2 Christmas Tree Lighting
6: 00 pm at the plaza on Buffalo Street, join us for music and holiday cheer as we revive a tradition for Johnson City. The 26 foot tree is provided by the City of Johnson City. The Indian Trail 6th Grade Chorus, along with a Mayoral Proclamation, Santa and the Grinch will lead us in the tree lighting ceremony, 100 Buffalo Street.
December 3 Johnson City Christmas Parade
The Johnson City Christmas Parade theme is “It’s a Whoville Christmas”. It begins at 11:30 am, travels down W. Walnut Street, to Buffalo Street, turns right on Main Street, to Colonial Way, left on State of Franklin and ends at Legion Street. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be our Grand Marshals. The JC Christmas Parade is sponsored by TVA. Trophy sponsors are the JC Chamber of Commerce, Firehouse Restaurant and Sparkling Ice.
For two hours following the parade, Santa will be at Holidays to allow children to sit on his lap and parents to take their own photos. Holidays is located at 308 E. Main Street.
December 3 Whoville Village
Following the parade, stay downtown to enjoy some great family fun activities. Community organizations will be providing kids activities from 1 pm- 3 pm in the Pavilion at Founders Park. A DJ dance party, storytelling, crafts, games and much more! Bring your camera to take the kids picture with the Grinch or other furry friends. Make sure you visit the food trucks at Whoville Village or one of the wonderful local restaurants in downtown on Saturday. Sponsored by ES Dockery, Mitch Cox Companies and TruPoint Bank.
Pay it forward – bring new gloves, toboggans, or scarves to be donated to those in need. New items only, please. A donation bin will be in the Pavilion.
December 3 Prohibition for the Paws
Guys and dolls, wear your finest 1920’s glad rags at the party of the year, benefitting the Washington County Animal Shelter. Tickets are $60 each or $100 a couple. Enjoy prohibition style cocktails and a 1920’s specialty brew, great hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, live music with Big Band Theory, silent auction and more. Sponsored by Tennessee Hill Distillery, event begins at 8 pm in the Venue in the King Centre.
December 2 & 3 Insta•Crafty
The event will feature a catered First Friday opening on December 2, 5 – 8 pm, followed by an all day Saturday shopping experience, 10 am – 6 pm. Local crafters will give you the opportunity to purchase handmade items at the pop up shop. Located in the JCPenney building on Main Street.
December 6 Downtown Loft Tours
A self-guided tour of some fantastic living spaces that are available downtown. Check out urban living options from 5 – 8 pm, stop by the lobby of the King Center to pick up your map. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live downtown, this is your opportunity.
December 8 Holiday Stroll
Downtown merchants welcome you on this special evening of shopping. Make it a girl’s night out or grab the spouse and show each other what is on the top of your Christmas wish list. Merchants will be open until 8 pm on Thursday evening. Several will offer snacks or drinks this evening, as well.
December 2 – 10 Shop Downtown, Shop Local
Downtown merchants will have extended hours these days and would love to show you all the unique and specialty merchandise in their stores. Our local merchants have worked hard to fill their shelves with local, hard to find or handcrafted items. We have some wonderful stores, now is the time to explore downtown Johnson City.
Buffalo Street at State of Franklin and the 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street
will be closed from 5 pm Friday to 6 pm Saturday. The Northeast State Downtown Center parking garage is open every weekend for free public parking. It is recommended to use the garage on Friday or Saturday.
