The holiday season was officially kicked off in Knoxville Thursday as Thrive Knoxville presented the annual Living Windows celebration. This year’s festivities began with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a fire truck followed by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce conducting their first ever Snowball Drop where citizens had the chance to collect up to three ping pong balls with different deals to be used during Small Business Saturday. The annual tree lighting on the south side of the courthouse lawn followed the Snowball Drop.

Windows of local businesses were decorated in the Christmas theme with larger windows featuring local school children and community members entertaining passersby. A wreath auction was held inside the courthouse and local children had a chance to visit with Santa and Mr. Claus at the Grand Theater. The KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio was at the event playing holiday music, and collecting donations for the 18th Annual KNIA/KRLS Holiday Food Drive.