Fantasy of Trees 2026 in Knoxville: hours, tickets, parking

Fantasy of Trees is on this year: Wednesday, Nov. 25, to Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, at the Knoxville Convention Center. The Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital fundraiser fills the building with decorated Christmas trees, and adult tickets are $10.

Last checked Nov. 6, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, hours and prices come from the hospital’s official ticket page and its Fantasy of Trees ticket site; parking, Santa photos and the gala come from the hospital’s own Fantasy of Trees pages.

The short version

• When: Nov. 25-29. Closed mornings on Thanksgiving; it opens at 3 p.m.
• Where: Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St., downtown.
• Tickets: adults $10, seniors $8, kids 4 to 12 $5, 3 and under free.
• Parking: downtown lots and garages; accessible parking on the Cumberland Avenue side.

Hours

The hours are from the hospital’s ticket site. On Friday, Nov. 27, downtown lights its Christmas tree in the Krutch Park Extension, a few blocks east.

Tickets

Tickets are sold on the official ticket page and at the ticket booth at the door. An online ticket works on any day of the event, and it can be scanned only once.

What is there

Fantasy of Trees has raised money for the children’s hospital for more than four decades. It was known as the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees until the hospital took its new name; Axle Logistics is the presenting sponsor. Inside are the decorated Christmas trees, children’s activities and photos with Santa, which the hospital lists at $14 for a photo or $22 with a USB drive. Details are on the hospital’s activities page and entertainment page.

Gala Among the Trees, the dressy preview evening, is 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, with a separate ticket, the hospital’s Fantasy at a glance page says.

Parking and getting there

The Convention Center has no parking of its own for the event. The hospital’s directions and parking page points visitors to the lots and garages around downtown, with accessible parking on the Cumberland Avenue side of the building. City-owned garages are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, except a $3 flat fee at the Market Square Garage on Saturday and Sunday, the city says. Expect the downtown garages to fill on Friday evening, Nov. 27, when Gay Street closes at 4:30 p.m. for the tree lighting.

• Our getting around guide lists the downtown garages and parking rules.
• Our road construction and closures page has the current lane closures on I-40 and the downtown streets.

Volunteering

The hospital says it takes thousands of volunteers to run the event. Sign-up is on its volunteers page.

Also that week

• Thanksgiving turkey trots, bus and library closings: our Thanksgiving page.
• Black Friday mall hours and holiday markets: our holiday shopping page.
• Tree lighting and Christmas parade: our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.
• Every other holiday event: our holiday lights and Christmas events page.

Frequently asked questions

When is Fantasy of Trees 2026 in Knoxville?

Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 3 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

How much are Fantasy of Trees tickets?

Adults $10, seniors 60 and older $8 and children 4 to 12 $5 on the official ticket page. Children 3 and under are free. A Fantasy 4 Pack of four adult tickets is $30 and sold online only.

Is Fantasy of Trees open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, the hospital’s ticket site says.

Where do I park for Fantasy of Trees?

There is no dedicated lot. The hospital says to use the lots and garages around downtown Knoxville, with accessible parking on the Cumberland Avenue side of the Convention Center.

Can I buy Fantasy of Trees tickets at the door?

Yes. Tickets are sold at the ticket booth on site, and online tickets work on any day of the event. The 4 Pack is online only.