Happy Tuesday, Knoxville. In today’s edition: Friends of the Library used book sale, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Holly Jolly Day, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Flood mitigation moves forward: Crews are collecting core samples at Chilhowee Park this week for a study addressing Loves Creek flooding. Park remains open and holiday lights continue, with work zones cordoned off — get all the details.

Honoring sacrifice through discovery: Central High School NJROTC cadets traced the stories behind 49 WWII memorial stars, then met alumnus Gaylon Wilson, who was present for Japan’s surrender in Tokyo Bay — read the full story.

Delivering on community investments: Knoxville Council advanced a $6.6 million budget amendment to boost Burlington Streetscapes and Sam E. Hill Park, add $570,000 for affordable housing, and awaits a second vote Dec. 9 — see what’s funded and planned.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Tour Knox County Christmas lights and vote
• Watch the 52nd WIVK Christmas Parade
• Find unique gifts at Knoxville Holiday Market
• Sip, savor, and support music students
• Join Krampus parade and macabre market
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Community steps up for winter: Knoxville’s warming center network is now operating for the 2025-26 season, opening on nights at or below 25°F through Feb. 28. Churches will be added as they commit. OHS and partners urge donations and volunteers. The latest Point-in-Time Count tallied 1,174 neighbors experiencing homelessness, underscoring the need. See how to donate or volunteer.

Unified health hub debuts: InterFaith Health Center has consolidated its Knoxville operations into a new 25,000-square-foot home at 7005 Middlebrook Pike and is welcoming the community for an open-house tour. The upgraded space nearly doubles medical and dental exam rooms and adds expanded mental health services, plus a food pantry and teaching kitchen. Get all the details.

Serious tortilla therapy: When the “I deserve something wrapped in a tortilla” craving hits, Chivo Taqueria answers with burritos that mean business. Think barbacoa brisket kissed with Korean BBQ and a queso blanket, or a ground beef situation loaded with tots. Weeknight comfort, no rut.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🕷️Ukrainian Christmas Spider Ornaments @ Bearden Branch Library | Wednesday (12/3) at 4:00pm – Trade icy sidewalks for a warm seat while Jessica Blackwell spins the Ukrainian Christmas spider legend, then you craft your own beaded spider ornament. No arachnophobia required, just steady hands, curious minds, and a fondness for quirky traditions.

🐾 Kit’s Nature Club @ Burlington Branch Library | Thursday (12/4) at 11:00am – If you’ve ever wondered what the critters who skip Florida do all winter, learn with rangers at Seven Islands State Birding Park. We’re talking tracks, dens, and clever survival tricks, not lectures. Bundle up, bring curiosity, and leave feeling smugly East Tennessee local.

🔔 Jingle and Mingle @ Aloft Knoxville West | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – Ready to pretend the tree is up and the lights work? The season’s first Jingle and Mingle brings feel-good vibes, neighborly chatter, and a Toys for Tots drop, so bring a new toy, your best sweater, and your polished small talk.

🎄 Holly Jolly Day @ Farragut Branch Library | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Nothing beats a low-stress holiday drop-in where kids burn energy on games, win prizes, and you snag crafts, activity pages, and treats to take home. Storytime in the morning, Santa in the afternoon, and zero pressure to overachieve. Bring grandkids, or a tiny chaos agent.

📚 Friends of the Library Used Book Sale @ Bearden Branch Library | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Take a break from scrolling and swing by a Friends of the Library sale at your nearest branch. Scoop up gently loved books, movies, and music for $2 or less, then feel smug because the proceeds upgrade Knox County Public Library, and your nightstand stack.

This weekend

🎨 Earth to Art Faire @ Broadway Studios & Gallery | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Local artists are taking over the holiday weekend with earthy goods, handmade gifts, and a whole lot of personality. Watch wheat weaving in action, try on wool and silk felted accessories, and pick up some delightfully funky ceramics. Refreshments and door prizes keep things festive while you shop.

✂️ Feltin’ Around the Christmas Tree @ Cedar Bluff Branch Library | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Bring the crew for a low-stress session making felt Christmas ornaments to keep, with stencils, books, and inspiration ready. Whip up a second to deck Cedar Bluff’s felt tree, earn smug local points, and leave with something you can actually hang. All ages welcome.

🎪 Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ Tennessee Theatre | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00pm – If your holiday spirit needs a nudge, this Holidaze matinee brings Broadway polish, jaw-dropping circus artistry, and a tasteful sprinkle of glitter. It is festive, family-friendly, and mercifully early, so everyone, even the grandparents, can be home before the sugar crash, cocoa, and socks.

🎸A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ Open Chord Music | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00pm – The Chain, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, is bringing the hits, the harmonies, and none of the relationship fallout. Tickets are $35, seating is scarce and first come, first served, so snag a reserved spot online unless you’re auditioning for the Rumours tour from the aisle.

🥂 Pajamas & Prosecco @ Flower Fire Candle Making & Tea Company | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – Whether your holiday spirit peaks at candle making or karaoke carols, this pajama and Prosecco trolley rolls to Flower Fire, Pink Cactus, and downtown for photos, shopping, and cupcakes. Leave the heels, wear your coziest Christmas PJs, grab your bestie, and snag a spot early.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/4 Tyler Creswell @ The Chatterbox Tavern – 7 pm
• 12/5 Nate Jackson @ Tennessee Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt @ The Open Chord – 8 pm
• 12/5 Ed Snodderly @ Laurel Theater – 8 pm
• 12/5 Modal Mountain @ Jig and Reel – 9 pm
• 12/5 Wasted Major @ Scruffy City Hall – 9:30 pm
• 12/6 Alicia Harvey @ Suttree’s High Gravity Tavern – 7 pm
• 12/7 Alabama @ Food City Center – 6 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Tera Jones (Rocky Top Realty)

An 8,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, 4.5-bath Hardin Valley estate on 1.92 acres, grand yet playful, with vaulted ceilings, graceful archways, and herringbone tile stealing the spotlight. Two hearth rooms and two full kitchens make hosting a sport, while a wine cellar handles the encore. A catwalk, bonus room, dual laundries, and serious storage stretch across three levels, plus an office for focus.

Out back, an expansive deck surveys a 35,000-gallon Gunite saltwater pool and treetops, morning shimmer to twilight glow. Recent updates and efficient utilities keep things easy, and the location hits Oak Ridge, Farragut, Knoxville, and the Smokies with ease.

Take a peek inside →