Living Windows, Knoxville’s annual kick-off to the holiday season will be held today from 5 p.m.until 8 p.m. in downtown Knoxville. The town square, including many storefront windows, will be decorated for the theme of “Christmas Around the World.”

The festivities will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Marion County Courthouse lawn at 5:30 p.m.

This year there will be items collected for our local military members serving overseas this holiday season. Also on the agenda is a snowball drop, An appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a wreath auction benefiting the Knoxville Federated Garden Club and horse drawn carriage rides.

Leta Burke, who represents the Knoxville Area Merchants tells KNIA/KRLS News about the theme, “So the theme is Christmas Around the World. Many of the businesses chose a country and they are going to show you what that country does to celebrate the holidays.”

Living Windows is presented by the Knoxville Area Merchants and THRIVE Knoxville. Many  businesses will be open late.