On Friday, December 6, 2024, several roads in downtown Knoxville will close to accommodate the festive activities planned for the day, including the First Friday Block Party and the 51st WIVK Christmas Parade. These events are expected to attract hundreds of visitors, and both guests and residents should be aware of road and parking space closures.
Jackson Avenue, between State and N. Central streets, will be closed from 2 to 9 p.m. for the First Friday Block Party, which is organized by Dogwood Arts and the Old City Neighborhood Association.
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Gay Street, spanning from Main Street to Magnolia Avenue, will be closed for the WIVK Christmas Parade. The parade will feature 114 units, including eight high school marching bands, community groups, dancers, and local businesses. Mayor Indya Kincannon will participate in the parade alongside vehicles and floats from various city departments. Todd Helton, the 2024 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
In the afternoon, on-street parking spaces along the parade route will be unavailable. Closures are subject to change, and the following roads will close 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
Additional roads within the weekend pedestrian zone will close at 5:30 p.m. and remain closed to traffic until 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. These closures include:
– Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay Streets
– Market Street between Clinch and Union Avenues
The closure of Gay Street, from Main Street to Magnolia Avenue, will begin at 6:15 p.m., with the parade starting at 6:45 p.m. from the Main Street intersection and ending by 8 p.m. at Magnolia Avenue.
Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure parking and a good viewing spot on Gay Street. Drivers should avoid Summit Hill Drive during the parade as all cross traffic will be stopped at the intersection for the event’s duration.
Free parking will be available after 6 p.m. at all city-owned garages.
The WIVK Christmas Parade is part of Knoxville’s “Christmas in the City” celebrations, which include various holiday activities such as Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice, Tour de Lights, and New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere. For more information, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Christmas.
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TDOT Halts Lane Closures for Thanksgiving Travel
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend construction-related lane closures on state roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period to reduce travel disruptions. This will begin at noon on November 27 and end at 6:00 a.m. on December 2, 2024. TDOT aims to accommodate increased travel, as AAA predicts 1.8 million travelers in Tennessee. Some construction zones may remain staffed for safety, and drivers should exercise caution, particularly in work zones. Travelers can check www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic for updates.