FANTASY AT A GLANCE
"Holiday Cheer Down South"
November 21 - 25, 2007 |
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The Fantasy of Trees at the Knoxville Convention Center has been a holiday tradition in East Tennessee since 1985. This year's event marks the 23rd anniversary of this celebration of the season that is also a fund-raiser for Children's Hospital.
In 2007, this special holiday event will showcase a warm theme of "Holiday Cheer Down South," highlighted with decorations and designs that celebrate the many traditions found throughout the Southern States during the holiday season -- from a traditional country Christmas and a Big Orange "Vol-iday" in East Tennessee to merry magnolias and mountains, sand and Santa, jingle bells and jazz, and big city shopping sparkle. In addition, new children's activities and shops will also reflect this year's festive theme.
All proceeds from admission ticket sales, children's activities, designer sales and holiday shop sales at the Fantasy of Trees benefit Children's Hospital.
Children's Activities
Carousel:
Take a ride on the beautiful 30-horse carousel.
(Free)
Children's Truck Ride:
All children can enjoy this magical little truck ride.
($2)
Christmas Plates:
Decorate a special plate for a festive holiday table.
($2)
Coaster Art:
Children can color, paint and create holiday pictures on tiles for decorating the house.
($2)
Critter Pens:
New!
Decorate an "animal" pen.
($2)
Decorate-a-Cookie:
Frost and sprinkle a sugar cookie.
($1)
Face Painting:
Kids' faces can glow with seasonal motifs.
(Free)
Frosty's Playground:
A variety of free activities for preschool children.
(Free)
Gingerbread Kids Ornament:
New!
A very large gingerbread kid that your kid can paint.
($2)
Handprint Potholders:
Make a memory that can be used every day.
($2)
Heart Signs:
New!
A just-perfect sign your child can make for your tree or door.
($2)
Itsy Bitsy Trees:
The smallest holiday decorators can trim a tree just their size.
($2)
Kiddie Kraft Bags:
Personalize or decorate a variety of Christmas crafts.
($2)
Light Bulb Ornaments:
Every tree needs a few new "lights," and children will enjoy decorating these unique ornaments.
($2)
Magic Ornaments:
These ornaments are black and dim until children "scratch away the surface" to find the color hiding underneath.
($2)
Pen Pal Notepads:
New!
A seasonal notepad to decorate.
($2)
Princess Manicures:
Kids will receive a manicure and holiday halo.
($2)
Rudolph's Raceway:
Small children can enjoy riding toys just their size.
(Free)
Santa Hats:
Children can decorate their own hat to look just like Santa's.
($2)
Shoney Bear photos:
Visit Shoney Bear at the Fantasy of Trees for FREE photos and fun on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
(Free)
Talk to Frosty:
Kids can magically chat with a supersized talking snowman.
(Free)
Tennessee Angel Deely-Bobbers:
New!
Sure to be an orange and white favorite to wear this holiday season!
($2)
Thumbprint Ornaments:
Create a collectible ornament with your thumbprint.
($2)
Tiny Toys:
Decorate a small wooden toy.
($2)
Visit with Santa:
Kids can tell Santa all their wishes (free); photos are optional ($8.95 each).
Trees & Decorations
Wander through a magical forest of more than 300 beautifully decorated trees, holiday accessories, room scenes, fireplace mantels, door designs, table centerpieces, Trees of Faith, wreath stands and "Adopt-a-trees" decorated by local school children.
The Giving Tree
For the first time, families will have an opportunity at this year's Fantasy of Trees to give just a little something back to Children's Hospital for the holidays - and receive a paper ornament for their tree at home to signify their holiday contribution. Small items like Popsicles, diapers for premature infants, batteries for toys and phone cards for patients that need to call home will be available for families to “purchase” and show a sick child they care. The Giving Tree is sponsored by Regions Bank (formerly Amsouth Bank).
Gingerbread Village
This unique village features gingerbread houses deliciously constructed and decorated by area bakers, chefs and school children. It is sponsored by the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Special Events
Target Raffle Tree
Fantasy visitors can purchase a ticket for $5 for a change to win a beautiful seven-foot tree decorated by Target Stores of Knoxville or one of five second prizes. The raffle tree will be surrounded by a variety of electronics, children's toys, games, holiday goodies and much more. Tickets will be available throughout the five-day Fantasy of Trees, and the winners will be chosen beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 25.
Nightly Christmas Tree Lighting
The Fantasy of Trees will feature a nostalgic nightly lighting of a Christmas tree, a special event that began at the 2004 20th anniversary show. In the 1960s, one of Knoxville's favorite holiday events was the lighting of a tall, beautiful Christmas tree at the old Miller's Department Store on Henley Street each December. The Fantasy of Trees will recreate this Knoxville tradition each evening, just a short distance from the original lighting's location on Henley Street. A beautiful, 9-foot, tree will be lighted to create -- and recreate -- holiday memories for Fantasy visitors. Local celebrities (TV and radio personalities) will be joined by a hospital patient to light the tree each evening. Times are: 8:45 p.m. at the Gala Preview Party; 6;15 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The nightly tree lighting is sponsored by Comcast and ToeZay Decorating & Display Company.
Gala Preview Party
Tuesday, November 20, 7-11 p.m.
The season's most festive party with a private preview and sale of designer trees and accessories. Extra ticket required. The gala is sponsored by the Cazana Family and Commercial and Investment Properties Company....more info
Holiday "Style"
Wednesday, November 21, 4-5 p.m.
Watch WBIR-TV's Style Show broadcast live from the 23rd annual Fantasy of Trees at the Knoxville Convention Center! Join Style hosts Moira Kaye and Michele Silva as they showcase designer trees in styles ranging from unique to traditional, take viewers on a tour of "Holiday Cheer Down South," highlight what's new this year and share the spirit of the season from East Tennessee's premiere holiday event.
Babes in Toyland Parade
Wednesday, November 21, 7 p.m.
The first and only indoor Christmas parade of the season with children from area child care centers, a marching band, Santa, costumed characters and holiday fun. Broadcast live on WVLT-TV Volunteer News at 7 p.m. and sponsored by Dollywood. ...more info
Santa's Senior Stroll
Friday, November 23, 9-10 a.m.
Seniors and walkers of all ages can enjoy a one-mile walk through the Fantasy of Trees and get information on health topics at the end of the walk. Seniors 55+ receive a half-price admission ticket ($5) during the hour-long event (not good with any other discount). Santa's Senior Stroll is sponsored by Baptist Senior Services. ...more info
Kris Kringle's Kiddie Party
Friday, November 23, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Little ones will enjoy children's activities and entertainment from Music-N-Motion, have photos made with Shoney Bear, enjoy a snack and receive a goody bag at this free event just for pre-schoolers. Sponsored by Knoxville Pediatric Associates and U.S. Cellular®. Seating is limited for each party so free tickets are handed out the day of the event at the Fantasy Theater area.
Entertainment
Entertainers from throughout the region perform daily at the Fantasy Theater. Come enjoy the talents of dancers, singers and other entertainers of all ages as they take the stage to share their talents and ring in the holiday season. Fantasy Theater is sponsored by Rohm & Haas and Charter Media.
Holiday Traditions Workshop
For the first time at this year's Fantasy of Trees, families will have the opportunity to make a special holiday craft together, thanks to a new area sponsored by Scripps Networks. At the Holiday Traditions area, children and their parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles, too!) can create a holiday keepsake as a family by adding their special touch and creativity to a yuletide-themed craft. This family activity is sure to become a favorite at this year's Fantasy of Trees! The cost is $5 per keepsake.
It's a Snap Photo Spot
Create a special seasonal photo with family and friends when you take your own pictures in the beautiful photo spot. Disposable cameras will be on sale here, too.
Shops
Accents and Accessories:
New!
All the wonderful extras -- purses, totes, wallets and more -- to please the lady on your holiday list!
Baubles and Bangles:
A jewelry lover's dream, this shop is just the thing for anyone hoping to add a little sparkle to holiday gifts this season. All items are priced $9.95 or less.
Christmas Kitchen:
Fantasy of Trees shoppers can find everything they need for the kitchen, family gatherings and parties.
Holiday Sparkle:
Holiday and seasonal decorations mixed with contemporary merchandise for home, office or special gifts.
Merry and Bright:
Holiday boutique of fun items -- great for gift giving!
Personalized Ornaments:
Take home a specialty ornament with free personalization - a perfect holiday tradition for every family.
($8.95)
Santa's Warehouse:
A shop featuring "previously loved" Fantasy of Trees Decorations.
Secret Santa:
Children can purchase gifts for their families with prices ranging from 50 cents to $5.
Souvenirs:
One-stop shopping for all your Fantasy of Trees souvenirs, as well as a great selection of toys.
Sweet Treats:
All of the scrumptious goodies of Christmas in one location.
Tinsel Town Trees:
New!
Look here for that fashion-statement, "must-have" in holiday trees.
Trim the Tree:
An array of ornaments (all priced $9.95 or less) and decorations to make your tree extra special.
For more information on the Fantasy of Trees, please call (865) 541-8385 or write to FOT@etch.com.
