The Fantasy of Trees has been a holiday tradition in East Tennessee since 1985, and this year’s event marks the 25th anniversary of this special celebration of the season. In 2009, this special holiday event will showcase a theme of "Jingle All The Way Home," highlighted with a variety of festive activities to celebrate Fantasy’s 25th birthday, shimmering decorations that showcase winter’s sparkle and a fairytale atmosphere throughout to let show visitors experience a true winter homecoming to begin their holiday season.
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 Ride:
New!
All children can enjoy this magical ride.
($2)
Christmas Signs:
New!
Children can paint a wooden arrow ornament (to the North Pole, to the child's room, etc.).
($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, including a penguin putt-putt game, stencils, Rudolph's Raceway, a train, snowflake rubbings and building blocks.
(Free)
Handprint Potholders:
Make a memory that can be used every day.
($2)
Heart Signs:
A just-perfect sign your child can make for your tree or door.
($2)
Holiday Hangers:
New!
Children can decorate their own door knob hanger.
($1)
Itsy Bitsy Trees:
The smallest holiday decorators can trim a tree just their size.
($2)
Jingle Bell Ornaments:
A large jingle bell shaped ornament children can decorate.
($2)
Jingle Juice Cups:
New!
Children can color an insert to place in their own colorful mug.
($2)
Kiddie Kraft Bags:
Personalize or decorate a variety of Christmas crafts.
($2)
North Pole Bracelets:
Slap bracelets that children can decorate.
($1)
Polar Magnets:
Clear plastic disks with paper inserts such as snowmen that children can decorate with markers. Disks have a magnet on the back perfect for refrigerator posting.
($2)
Princess Manicures:
Kids will receive a manicure and holiday halo.
($2)
Santa Hats:
Children can decorate their own hat to look just like Santa's.
($2)
School Ornaments:
New!
School-age children can color a paper ornament and vote for their school. The winning school will receive the seven-foot white tree decorated by children during this year's Fantasy of Trees.
($0.25)
Shoney Bear photos:
Visit Shoney Bear at the Fantasy of Trees for FREE photos and fun on Wednesday and Friday.
(Free)
Sleigh Bells:
New!
Chidlren can decorate the wooden handle of a musical bell instrument.
($2)
Snow Friends Ornaments:
New!
Children can decorate their own snowman ornament.
($1)
Thumbprint Ornaments:
Create a collectible ornament with your thumbprint.
($2)
Visit with Santa:
Kids can tell Santa all their wishes (free); photos are optional ($10.95 for each photo and $19.95 for a photo CD).
Trees & Decorations
Wander through a magical forest of more than 300 beautifully decorated trees, holiday accessories, room scenes, fireplace mantels, door designs, table centerpieces, wreath stands and "Adopt-a-trees" decorated by local school children. For information about being a designer for any of these items, visit our Designer Information section.
The Giving Tree
Again this year, 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 Comcast.
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
Gala Preview Party
Tuesday, November 24, 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
Tinsel Time for Moms & Tots
On Wednesday (the Fantasy's opening morning), special activities are planned for moms and their toddlers, sponsored by Shoney's, knoxmoms.com and Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area. There will be important safety information for moms and fun and easy crafts for the tots, including stroller decorations. Adults with a child under age 4 get a special half price admission to enjoy all of Fantasy of Trees when they arrive during this event from 9 a.m. - noon. (Not valid with any other discount coupons on Wednesday).
25th on the 25th
Wednesday, November 25, 1-3 p.m.
Fantasy of Trees guests can join in the 25th anniversary celebration and enjoy a piece of cake.
Babes in Toyland Parade
Wednesday, November 25, 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 27, 9 a.m. to noon.
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 three hour-long event (not good with any other discount). Santa's Senior Stroll is sponsored by Mercy Health Partners. ...more info
Kris Kringle's Kiddie Party
Friday, November 27, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Little ones will enjoy children's activities and interactive musical entertainment, 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. For more information, visit our Entertainment Schedule page.
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.
Carriage Pictures
Have a holiday photograph of your family or friends taken by a photographer at Carriage Pictures ($10.95 per picture).
Shops
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 $5.95 or $9.95.
For more information on the Fantasy of Trees, please call (865) 541-8385 or write to FOT@etch.com.
