KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT / WOKI) Knoxville’s annual WIVK Christmas parade is returning for its 51st year on Friday and will feature 114 displays, including eight high school marching bands and several local businesses.
The event, which is scheduled for Friday, December 6th, will close several downtown streets and on-street parking areas.
According to the city, Jackson Avenue between State and N. Central streets will be closed from 2-9 p.m. for the First Friday Block Party.
Additionally, Gay Street between Main Street and Magnolia Avenue will be closed for the parade beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Prior to the parade, however, there will be several roads and on-street parking spaces closing in the afternoon, including the following:
- Closing at 4:30 p.m.:
- Hill Avenue between Walnut Street & Howard Baker Jr. Avenue
- Main Street between Walnut and Gay streets
- Gay Street between Main Street & Hill Avenue
- Closing at 5:30 p.m. and reopening at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8:
- Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay Streets
- Market Street between Clinch and Union Avenues
The parade begins at 6:45 p.m. from the Main Street intersection and will end by 8 p.m. at Magnolia Avenue.
It will feature parades and floats with Mayor Indya Kincannon, the Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Fire Department, Public Service and the Office of Special Events. National Baseball Hall of Fame 2024 inductee and University of Tennessee and Central High School graduate Todd Helton will also serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
City officials said to arrive early with ample time to park and find a spot along Gay Street to watch the parade. Drivers are also asked to avoid Summit Hill Drive prior to and during the parade, as all four lanes of cross traffic will be stopped as the parade goes through the intersection.
Free parking is available after 6 p.m. at all city-owned garages.
