Fantasy of Trees 2026 opens at the Knoxville Convention Center on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Sunday, November 29, raising money for Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, the Knoxville pediatric center formerly known as East Tennessee Children's Hospital. The annual holiday fundraiser has marked the start of the season for local families since 1985, and organizers say proceeds support pediatric care across East Tennessee.
What will visitors see at Fantasy of Trees 2026?
The Convention Center fills with decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, mantels, holiday accessories and other seasonal displays assembled by community members, volunteers and local organizations. According to the event's preview, a forest of trees decorated by local schoolchildren is part of the 2026 program, and the Knoxville LEGO User Group is expected back with a brick-built tree and holiday scenes. The event traditionally includes entertainment, festive activities and shopping as well. Organizers note that displays and activities can change from year to year, so the final program is worth checking before a visit.
Why you should go
- A long-running local tradition: Fantasy of Trees dates back to 1985 and has become a familiar way for Knoxville families to begin the Christmas season.
- Holiday displays to browse: Trees, wreaths and mantels decorated by schools, volunteers and local groups fill the hall.
- Something for younger visitors: The schoolchildren's tree forest and the LEGO group's brick-built tree and scenes give kids their own points of interest.
- A family outing that gives back: Proceeds support Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, an independent, not-for-profit regional pediatric medical center.
- A chance to shop and take part: The event traditionally includes shopping and festive activities alongside the displays.
What to know before you go
The event runs at 701 Henley Street in Knoxville. Doors are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 25; 3 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, November 27–28; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 29.
Tickets go on sale November 1, 2026, according to the event's website. Listed prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 4–12, and free for children 3 and under. A Fantasy 4 Pack is $30 and available online only, and military members and first responders get $1 off with valid ID. Tickets bought online can be used on any event day but cannot be reused once scanned; admission is also sold at the onsite ticket booth. The Convention Center's concession stand accepts cards only, while entry, shops and activities accept cash and cards. A separate ticketed gala, Gala Among the Trees, is held Tuesday, November 24, with its own ticket sale starting October 26.
FAQ
When is Fantasy of Trees 2026?
It runs Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29, 2026, at the Knoxville Convention Center, with shorter hours on Thanksgiving Day and the final Sunday.
How much are tickets?
Adults are $10, seniors $8, children 4–12 are $5 and children 3 and under are free; a $30 Fantasy 4 Pack is sold online only. Tickets go on sale November 1, 2026.
