In less than a week residents of Knoxville will begin the holiday season as the annual Living Windows celebration will be held in downtown Knoxville.

The Mentor Study Club, THRIVE Knoxville and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce will present the annual holiday celebration on Thursday, November 16th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas in Knoxville. Creator of Living Windows, Teresa Mott tells KNIA/KRLS News the event is the start of the holiday shopping season in Knoxville and it highlights what the community has to offer. Mott says this year she hopes to expand the event so that every business in Knoxville can participate. Businesses will stay open after hours with goodies, music, activities and more. Santa will also makes an appearance for children to get an early start on their Christmas lists and photos. The annual Lighted Parade will not be held this year due to lack of entries. The board of THRIVE Knoxville and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce made the decision to not hold the parade this year but will revisit it for next year.