FANTASY AT A GLANCE
"There's No Business Like Snow Business"
November 26 - 30, 2008 |
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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 24th anniversary of this celebration of the season that is also a fund-raiser for Children's Hospital.
In 2008, this special holiday event will showcase a theme of "There's No Business Like Snow Business," highlighted with whimsical decorations and wintry designs that celebrate and showcase winter's sparkle with the dazzle of glistening snow, penguins and snowmen at play, and twinkling snowflakes and lights. 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
Backpack Friends:
New!
A fun decoration to add holiday cheer to a child’s backpack.
($1)
Carousel:
Take a ride on the beautiful 30-horse carousel.
(Free)
Coaster Art:
Children can color, paint and create holiday pictures on tiles for decorating the house.
($2)
Create A Snowman:
New!
Children will love creating a special snowman in “3-D.”
($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 new penguin putt-putt game.
(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)
Itsy Bitsy Trees:
The smallest holiday decorators can trim a tree just their size.
($2)
Jingle Bell Ornaments:
New!
A large jingle bell shaped ornament children can decorate.
($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)
Mrs. Claus' Playroom:
New!
This area will feature free activities, including snowflake rubbings and other crafts.
(Free)
North Pole Bracelets:
New!
Slap bracelets that children can decorate.
($1)
Polar Magnets:
New!
Clear plastic figures such as snowmen with a magnet on the back that children can decorate with markers.
($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)
Thumbprint Ornaments:
Create a collectible ornament with your thumbprint.
($2)
Tubs of Fun:
New!
All children can enjoy this magical ride that goes round and round.
($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.
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 30. ...more info
Gala Preview Party
Tuesday, November 25, 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 the Fantasy's opening morning, special activities are planned for moms and their toddlers, sponsored by 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. Moms with a child 4 or under in a stroller 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 Friday).
Holiday "Style"
Wednesday, November 26, 4-5 p.m.
Watch WBIR-TV's Style Show broadcast live from the 24th 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 "There's No Business Like Snow Business," 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 26, 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 28, 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 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 28, 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. 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.
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 $9.95 or less.
Christmas Kitchen:
Fantasy of Trees shoppers can find everything they need for the kitchen, family gatherings and parties.
Christmas Outdoors:
New!
A shop featuring holiday trimmings and decorations for the porch and patio.
Holiday Sparkle:
Holiday and seasonal decorations mixed with contemporary merchandise for home, office or special gifts.
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.
Specialty Kiosks:
New!
Freestanding kiosks in the shopping area will feature demonstrations and sales of unique items, such as “Snow To Go.”
Sweet Treats:
All of the scrumptious goodies of Christmas in one location.
Tinsel Town Trees:
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.