The holiday season has officially taken over the Tri-Cities, and this weekend is packed with festive lights, beloved holiday performances, family-friendly activities, and classic Christmas traditions across Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. Whether you want a cozy evening soaking in the magic of a drive-through light spectacular, a night out enjoying a cultural holiday performance, or a hands-on creative workshop, this weekend offers something for everyone.

⭐ 1. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds – Johnson City
Dates: December 12–14 (runs nightly through early January)

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland remains one of the most attended and beloved holiday attractions in the entire Tri-Cities region. Guests enjoy an immersive drive-through experience featuring millions of synchronized LED lights, Christmas music, animated displays, tunnels of light, and themed “lands” that truly bring the season to life. This year’s program features updated displays and a storyline that carries you through twinkling forests, glittering archways, and the much-anticipated North Pole finale.

Families love Shadrack’s because it is weather-proof, convenient, and comfortable — you stay inside your warm vehicle the whole time. It’s a perfect option for kids, grandparents, date night, or anyone wanting a low-stress outing that still delivers big holiday magic.

Expect lines to form on weekend evenings, but that’s all part of the tradition. The earlier you arrive, the smoother the experience. Bring hot cocoa, holiday playlists, and maybe even matching pajamas to make it extra special.

⭐ 2. Kingsport Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Location: Ballad Health Performing Arts Center at Northeast State
Dates: December 11–14

A true cultural treasure of the region, Kingsport Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a holiday staple that draws families from all over Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. With its stunning costumes, hand-painted sets, and a cast of both pre-professional students and guest artists, this ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale to life with elegance and charm.

Expect the iconic moments you know and love — the magical growing Christmas tree, the battle between the Nutcracker and Mouse King, the ethereal Land of Snow, and the colorful dances from the Land of Sweets. “Clara’s Tea Party,” held before select performances, allows families to meet characters, take photos, and enjoy treats — perfect for young ballet lovers.

This is a crowd favorite for good reason: it captures tradition, artistry, and the wonder of the season all in one performance.

⭐ 3. The Nutcracker 2025 – Bristol Ballet

Location: Paramount Bristol
Showtimes: December 12 at 7:30 PM; December 13 at 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM

Bristol Ballet brings its own enchanting spin to The Nutcracker, offering a slightly different interpretation and stage presence than the Kingsport production. Performed in the historic Paramount Theatre, the show is known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere and strong community involvement.

The production features richly designed costumes, local student dancers, professional guest performers, and a storytelling approach that feels heartfelt and homegrown. Whether you choose the matinee or evening show, it’s a festive, magical way to celebrate the weekend.

With three showtimes across two days, this event gives families plenty of flexibility — ideal for those who want a holiday outing without committing to a late night.

⭐ 4. Appalachian Equality Chorus — Spirits & Sparkle Holiday Concert

Location: ETSU Martin Center – Johnson City
Date: Sunday, December 14

This uplifting holiday concert brings together holiday classics, modern arrangements, and choral harmonies that celebrate joy, community, and belonging. The Appalachian Equality Chorus is known for its lively stage presence, rich vocals, and holiday repertoire that blends familiar songs with creative twists.

It’s a warm, spirited way to close out the weekend, and the venue — the ETSU Martin Center — offers excellent acoustics and a festive seasonal atmosphere.

⭐ 5. Candlelight Christmas at Rocky Mount

Location: Rocky Mount Historic Site – Johnson City
Date: Saturday, December 13

Step back in time with a candlelit holiday experience at one of the region’s most beloved historic sites. Guests are guided through the decorated homestead as interpreters share stories of early Tennessee Christmas traditions, 18th-century customs, and warm fireside holiday moments.

This event is popular with families, couples, and history enthusiasts alike. It’s quieter and more intimate than the big light shows, offering a refreshing change of pace in the middle of the bustling holiday season.

⭐ 6. Jonesborough Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Jonesborough
Date: Saturday, December 13 (evening)

Tennessee’s oldest town hosts a parade that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Expect festive floats, marching bands, twinkling lights, dancers, community groups, and a finale appearance from Santa himself. Locals line the streets early to get the best view, and the warm, small-town sense of community makes this parade incredibly special.

If you’re already in Johnson City for Rocky Mount or Shadrack’s, the parade is only a few minutes away — making it a convenient and memorable holiday outing.

⭐ 7. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus – LIVE Radio Play

Location: Bristol
Dates: December 12–14 (multiple showtimes)

This charming theatrical production recreates an old-style radio broadcast complete with period costumes, vintage microphones, and live sound effects. The story, based on the famous 1897 newspaper editorial, reminds audiences of the magic and meaning of the holiday season.

This show appeals to those who enjoy classic storytelling, intimate theater, and a unique holiday experience that differs from the typical Christmas performance lineup. Its multiple showtimes make it a flexible option for weekend scheduling.

⭐ 8. Holiday Crafting: Workshops & Santa Experiences in Kingsport

Kingsport has several smaller but crowd-pleasing events that tend to fill up quickly:

• Christmas Cookie Class — “Get on Santa’s Sweet List”

A fun, hands-on baking experience where participants decorate holiday cookies. Great for families with children or groups of friends looking for a festive indoor activity.

• Allendale Christmas Tours

A holiday tour through one of Kingsport’s most picturesque historic properties, beautifully decorated for the season.

• Hot Chocolate With Santa

A cozy meet-and-greet experience perfect for young children.

• Live Nativity at Church Circle

A community favorite that brings the Christmas story to life with live actors and animals.

These events are smaller-scale but consistently well-attended, making them wonderful additions to your weekend plans.

🎄 TRI-CITIES HOLIDAY WEEKEND ITINERARY

A perfectly curated 3-day plan for December 12–14

⭐ FRIDAY — DECEMBER 12

Theme: Ease Into the Holiday Spirit

5:30 PM — Downtown Dinner & Shopping (Johnson City)
Kick off your weekend with cozy dinner downtown and take advantage of holiday Sip & Shop specials.

6:30–8:00 PM — Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Head to the Appalachian Fairgrounds and enjoy the dazzling drive-through light show. The earlier the better to avoid longer lines.

Optional Late Night:
Catch the Nutcracker in Bristol at 7:30 PM if you want a cultural evening and don’t mind a bit of travel.

⭐ SATURDAY — DECEMBER 13

Theme: Tradition, Storytelling & Holiday Magic

10:00 AM — Holiday Crafting or Cookie Class (Kingsport)
Start the day with something hands-on and festive.

1:00–3:00 PM — Explore Local Shops
Kingsport and JC both offer charming boutiques with Christmas displays and unique finds.

4:30 PM — Candlelight Christmas at Rocky Mount
Immerse yourself in a historic, peaceful holiday atmosphere.

6:00 PM — Jonesborough Christmas Parade
Just a quick drive away, enjoy one of the region’s most beloved holiday parades.

Evening Option:
Instead of the parade, choose Bristol Ballet's Nutcracker or the Winter Solstice Soirée.

⭐ SUNDAY — DECEMBER 14

Theme: Music, Reflection & Cozy Holiday Comfort

2:30 PM — “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”
This charming radio-style play offers a warm start to the afternoon.

5:00 PM — Dinner & Lights
Close out the weekend with a relaxed dinner followed by one more holiday outing.

7:00 PM — Appalachian Equality Chorus “Spirits & Sparkle”
End your weekend on an uplifting musical note inside the beautiful ETSU Martin Center.

✨ Final Thoughts

This December weekend in the Tri-Cities offers a perfect blend of community tradition, sparkling lights, artistic performances, and family fun. Whether you’re strolling through a historic candlelit site, singing along at a holiday concert, or marveling at thousands of dancing lights, the region is full of opportunities to create meaningful memories.

Have a Great Weekend Trailblazers! And whatever you do, do it with joy, and with a bit of that Christmas Spirit that's in the air!

For more information on these events you can visit:

https://visitkingsport.com/event-calendar/

https://www.believeinbristol.org/event-calendar

https://visitjohnsoncitytn.com/events/