‘Candyland Christmas’ kicked off on Nov. 25 with the lighting ceremony at King Commons in Downtown Johnson City. This year, 162 trees will be displayed with the opportunity to vote for the best one along with other exciting holiday events.  

Lindsey Jones, special events manager for Johnson City, described Candyland Christmas as “a free community displaying 160 plus Christmas trees in the downtown district that are each decorated by local businesses and non-profit organizations.” 

Trees are first come first served for businesses and organizations; this year 162 trees will be on display – two additional from last year. “There’s a lot of new business participating this year and also some repeat business participating,” said Jones.  

Jones shared that another new feature this year is a GIS map for navigation that allows people to more information about the trees who decorate them. The interactive map had 4,000 views within the opening weekend of Candyland Christmas.  

Last year’s new addition of Smart Poles will continue this year. The poles provide announcements as well as playing Christmas music from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

An exciting feature of Candyland Christmas is voting for your favorite tree. “We have over 15,000 votes already for Christmas trees,” said Jones.

Photo of the ETSU National Alumni Association Christmas tree in Founders Park. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

Jones explained that voting is open through Dec. 8 and is only available on their online website or the QR codes throughout the park. The winner will be announced around Dec. 11, and they will receive a free Christmas tree in the 2024 display.  

Upcoming holiday events happening downtown include the Blue Plum Christmas Parade on Dec. 2 at 10:30 am. The Johnson City Development Authority will also be hosting a Shop and Sip event following the parade, from 2-5 p.m.  

The holiday season brings thousands of people to the downtown area every year, uniting the community together with the spirit of Christmas.