December
Sunday, Dec 21st
White Christmas
The Palace Players will put on a live musical production of “White Christmas” Thursday, Dec. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 21, at CAK’s new theatre space located at 529 Academy Way. Shows will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at ThePalacePlayers.com.
Wednesday, Dec 24th
Journey to the Manger Immersive Experience
Virtue Church, 725 Virtue Road, invites the community to a Christmas Eve celebration through its Journey to the Manger Immersive Experience, held on Wednesday, Dec. 24. With a drop-in window between 2:30 and 4:45 p.m., the evening concludes with a traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 p.m. Families are encouraged to arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. to allow ample time to walk through the indoor interactive stations, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies in the Hospitality Room and then attend the 5 p.m. service if they choose.
Wednesday, Dec 31st
MEDIC December incentives
The holidays bring a decline in blood product donations. During December, MEDIC is offering several special incentives and promotions to encourage donors to stop by a center or bus and give the gift of life. Appointments can be made online at www.medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074. Walk-ins are welcome.
Wednesday, Dec 31st
Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive
Food City has kicked off its 8th annual Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive. Now through Dec. 31, specially marked bags containing non-perishable food items, as well as bags containing pet food products, will be available for purchase for only $15 (plus tax) at all area Food City locations. Customers wishing to purchase the bags may deposit them in the collection bins located at the front of the store. One hundred percent of the products collected will benefit local hunger relief organizations and animal shelters throughout the region.
Wednesday, Dec 31st
Feed-A-Pet program
The CAC Office on Aging is collecting donations for the Feed-A-Pet program, which provides pet food to income-limited older adults who struggle to afford to feed their companion animals. Visit www.knoxseniors.org/our-services/feed-a-pet/ for a list of items needed, drop-off locations and links to donate online.
January
Friday, Jan 30th
Tennessee’s EFS application window open
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) application window for the 2026–2027 school year is open. Families who are already EFS beneficiaries and wish to renew for the 2026–2027 school year can begin submitting their renewal applications now. On Jan. 13, 2026, the application window opens for students who are not currently receiving an EFS scholarship. All applications must be submitted by Jan. 30. For questions related to all available school choice programs, call 615-741-5158 and select the prompts for Office of Programs and School Choice or e-mail EFS.Questions@tn.gov
