Fantasy of Trees
The Fantasy of Trees has been a holiday tradition in East Tennessee since 1985, and this year's event marks the 27th year of this special celebration of the season. In 2011, this special holiday event will showcase a theme of "A Holly Jolly Christmas,"highlighted with whimsical decorations and wintry designs that celebrate and showcase the fun and festive holiday season with reindeer at play, this year's "hot holiday colors" of lime green and bright reds, and twinkling snowflakes, glitter 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
Carousel: Take a ride on the beautiful 30-horse carousel. (Free)
Children's Ride: All children can enjoy this magical ride. ($2)
Decorate-a-Cookie: Frost and sprinkle a cookie. ($2)
Face Painting: Kids' faces can glow with seasonal motifs. (Free)
Gift Bags: New! Decorate a pre-stamped picture on a gift bag. ($1)
Handprint Potholders: Make a memory that can be used every day. ($2)
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)
Letters to Santa: New! Children can personalize a letter to Santa. ($1)
Paddleball Art: New! Decorate a holiday paddleball toy. ($2)
Penguin Telescopes: New! Decorate a toy telescope. ($2)
Princess Manicures: Kids will receive a manicure and holiday halo. ($2)
Reindeer Games: A variety of free activities for preschool children, including a putt-putt game, Rudolph's Raceway, a train, snowflake rubbings and building blocks. (Free)
Reindeer Pals: New! Color a wooden reindeer. ($2)
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 and Friday. (Free)
Sleigh Bells: Children can decorate the wooden handle of a musical bell instrument. ($2)
Snow Friends Ornaments: 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 ($12 for each photo and $20 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 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.
Gingerbread Village
This unique village features gingerbread houses deliciously constructed and decorated by area bakers, chefs and school children. Gingerbread Village is sponsored by 1st Tennessee Foundation.
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 four 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 27. ...more info
Preview Party
Tuesday, November 22, 7-10 p.m.
The season's most festive party with a private preview and sale of designer trees and accessories. Extra ticket required. ...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. 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).
Babes in Toyland Parade
Wednesday, November 23, 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 25, 9 a.m. to noon.
Seniors and walkers of all ages can enjoy a one-mile walk through the Fantasy of Trees. 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 25, 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 event just for preschoolers. Sponsored by Knoxville Pediatric Associates and U.S. Cellular®.
Attendance is limited for each party and free tickets are offered the morning of the party stage-side until all are distributed..
Songfest
Friday, November 26, 6-7 p.m.
A trio of local singers who regularly perform together will lead Fantasy of Trees guests in singing secular favorites at the Fantasy Theater. It will be a casual, drop-in activity with lyrics on display on the screen behind the trio so everyone can sing even if they forget the words. Songs may include "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Frosty the Snowman," "Silver Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Handbell Concert
Sunday, November 27, 1-3 p.m.
(Performances are from 1-1:30 p.m., 1:45-2:15 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.)
Sit back in the Fantasy Theater and enjoy the melodic sounds of more than 40 talented handbell ringers from various Knoxville Handbell Choirs. You'll hear a variety of holiday favorites. Special thanks to Charles Parham of Central United Methodist for organizing this talented group.
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 Dow Chemical 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.
Focal Scene Pictures
Have a holiday photograph of your family or friends taken by a photographer at Focal Scene Pictures ($12 for a 5 X 7, $20 for a CD).
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.
Christmas Home: Fantasy of Trees shoppers can find everything they need for the home during the holidays.
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. ($10)
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: Freestanding kiosks in the shopping area will feature demonstrations and sales of unique items, such as light-up snow globe 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.