Dog-Friendly Christmas Lights & Holiday Markets in Knoxville 2025

Knoxville's holiday season is a twinkling wonderland of markets brimming with artisan gifts and lights displays that turn chilly nights into magical pup strolls. Whether you're hunting for dog-safe treats at a festive market or bundling up for a leashed walk under the glow of thousands of bulbs, these spots welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes. We've rounded up the best 2025 events—perfect for creating those Instagram-worthy family (and furry family) photos.

1. Peppermint Trail & Regal Celebration of Lights (Downtown Knoxville) – The Heart of Holiday Magic

Kick off the season with this free, walkable downtown extravaganza—dogs love the twinkling ambiance!

• What to Expect: Stroll the self-guided Peppermint Trail from November 28 to January 4, hunting for peppermint treats at 20+ participating businesses for special holiday flavors like cinnamon, gingerbread, and apple spice. Snap pics by the 42-foot Christmas tree on Gay Street and wander through Market Square's thousands of twinkling lights and festive décor. The Regal Celebration of Lights tree-lighting ceremony on November 28 (starting at 5:15 PM with live music) draws crowds with live music and family fun—leashed pups are welcome on the square.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Wide sidewalks, grassy patches nearby for quick breaks, and nearby dog-friendly patios at spots like Cafe 4 for a post-stroll treat.

• Details: Various downtown locations (start at Market Square); Free; 5-9 PM most evenings. Pro tip: Pair it with ice skating at Holidays on Ice in Market Square—spectator pups get the best view!

  
  

2. Farragut Light the Park (Farragut) – Sparkly Tradition with Santa Mail

A low-key, walk lights show that's easy on sensitive pup noses.

• What to Expect: Thousands of holiday lights illuminate Founders Park from November 25 to January 1 (dusk to 10 PM). Drop letters to Santa in the special mailbox and soak in the festive glow—perfect for a relaxed evening outing.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Open grassy areas for leashed walks; quiet enough for anxious dogs, with no loud events.

• Details: 405 N. Campbell Station Road, Farragut, TN 37934; Free. Pro tip: Bring a blanket for a picnic under the lights—many locals do!

  
  

3. Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove (Farragut) – Walkable Glow with Fire Pit Coziness

Warm up by the fire while your pup sniffs out holiday cheer.

• What to Expect: A 3/4-mile lighted loop trail lights up nightly from December 1 to December 31 (6-9 PM, excluding Christmas Eve/Day). Grab hot drinks for purchase and roast s'mores at community fire pits—pure winter bliss!

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Explicitly pet-welcoming on leashes; the paved path offers an easy stroll, and fire pits are a tail-wagging highlight.

• Details: The Cove at Concord Park, 11808 S. Northshore Drive, Farragut, TN 37922; Free.

  
  

4. Light Up Lakeshore (Lakeshore Park) – Sponsored Trees & Parkside Sparkle

Support a good cause while wandering a lit-up waterfront.

• What to Expect: Holiday lights deck out the park starting November 29 through January 1. Sponsor a tree or area for loved ones (funds go to park maintenance)—visitors can stroll through the glow.

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Leashed dogs thrive on the paved paths and open spaces; nearby water views for calm vibes.

• Details: 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; Free. Pro tip: Combine with a sunset walk before the lights pop on.

  
  

5. Aspirations in Light at Aspire Park (Clinton) East Tennessee’s Newest Walk-Through Wonderland

The big new synchronized light show everyone is talking about this year—now with over a mile of magical paths!

• What to Expect: Step into a million twinkling lights, festive music, and immersive exhibits along beautifully lit paths in this family-friendly winter wonderland. Open nightly November 15, 2025–January 4, 2026 (closes to general public at 4 PM; lights from dusk onward, typically 5–10 PM based on sunset).

• Dog-Friendly Perks: Leashed dogs are welcome on the scenic, paved walking paths—ideal for evening sniffs and holiday glow; the park's off-site fenced dog park adds extra playtime before or after.

• Details: Aspire Park, 1000 Joe Tilley Dr, Clinton, TN 37716 | Tickets $7–$12 per person (kids under 3 free; book online at alwaysaspire.com/aspirations-in-light) | Pro tip: Weeknights are less crowded—perfect for a chill pup stroll; pair with a reservation at The Pearl restaurant for post-lights treats (dogs welcome on the patio).

  
  

Bonus: Dog-Friendly Holiday Markets for Festive Finds

While you're out light-gazing, hit these markets for unique, locally made gifts (like custom collars or organic treats). Leashed dogs are generally welcome outdoors—check sites for indoor rules.

• Downtown Maryville Holiday Market (November 29): 140+ artisans indoors and outdoors in Downtown Maryville—shop handcrafted goods. Lots of other activities and food venders. Free; 10 AM-6 PM.

• Christkindlsmarkt at Schulz Bräu (November 28-December 21, weekends 3-8 PM): German-style outdoor market with glühwein, pretzels, and vendors—beer garden is dog heaven! Leashed pups welcome; 126 Bernard Ave.

• Old City Holiday Mini Market (November 29 & December 5): Curated outdoor stalls with crafts and art. Super chill for social dogs; Nov 28 11 AM-4 PM on Jackson Ave & Dec 5 from 4-8 PM on Central Ave.

• Ijams Nature Center Holiday Market (December 7, 10 AM-3 PM): Hike-and-shop vibe with local vendors—trails are dog-friendly too! $5 parking; 2915 Island Home Ave.

These spots make Knoxville the ultimate dog-friendly holiday hub—nothing beats a lit-up tail wag! Which one's your pup's must-visit? Share in the comments and tag @DogFriendlyKnoxville—we're reposting the fluffiest holiday pics.

For the full winter lineup, check our pillar post: The Ultimate 2025-2026 Winter Dog-Friendly Guide to Knoxville. Ho ho hope you're ready for some holiday howls!