Holiday Happenings in Chattanooga
There is no shortage of events to enjoy or sights to see in the Scenic City, and Christmas time is no exception. While our area may be a little short on snow flurries, there is certainly no shortage of holiday events the entire family will enjoy. Whether you are looking to surround yourself in the magic of the lights this season, spin around the ice like they do in Rockafeller Center or simply do a little holiday shopping, Christmas in Chattanooga is a magical time of year.
Here are just a few of our favorite holiday events that tourists and locals alike are sure to enjoy.
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
For nearly 3 decades locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the twinkling lights and festive fun of Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights. Bundle up in your warmest coat and embark on a nighttime journey as the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland of Christmas lights.
The family friendly experience features the nativity light show, the Artic Kingdom Aurora Lights filled with blue and white lights inspired by the aurora borealis, the Magic Forest where trees come to life with the sounds of the season, fan favorite, Jerry the Mime stars as the Toy Soldier in Yule Town and the North Pole Village and Christmas Shoppes offer unique gifts. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s workshop to make a gingerbread cookie, find your name on the naughty or nice lists and meet the big guy himself!
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is open daily November 17th- January 6th but will be closed Christmas Eve.
Ice on the Landing
Twirl around the rink at Ice on the Landing at the First Horizon Pavilion. Lace up your skates and hit the ice or grab a hot chocolate and watch the action.
Ice on the Landing is open daily November 24th- January 28th.
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
Get in the holly, jolly spirit at the Lighted Boat Parade. Head to Ross’s Landing the day after Thanksgiving as brightly lit boats make their way down the Tennessee River. Take in the views as the boats cruise down river while listening to live music, shopping local vendors, meeting Santa or his real, live reindeer. The event culminates with fireworks at 8PM.
The Lighted Boat Parade and Reindeer on the Riverfront will take place on Friday, November 24th at Ross’s Landing. Event activities include reindeer meet and greets from 4- 6:30PM, pictures with Santa from 4:30- 7:30 PM, lighted boat parade from 7- 8PM and fireworks at 8PM.
MainX24
Held the first Saturday in December each year, MAINx24 is a 24-hour celebration highlighting the businesses and people of the area’s Southside. Fun for the entire family, the day is filled with parades to live music and everything in between. Get your grub on at the numerous restaurants lining Main Street, sweat it out at a spin class or pop- up yoga, shop for unique gifts, strut with your mutt, or head over to our sister restaurant, The FEED Co. Table & Tavern, for all the SEC and ACC Championship action or to our private events space for a little winter warmer with regular and spiked cider, coffees and cocoas.
MAINx24 will take place on Saturday, December 2nd.
North Pole Limited
All aboard the North Pole Limited Christmas Train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad! A family tradition since 1999, the train ride transports you to the North Pole for a special visit with Santa. Share in Santa’s favorite snack of milk and cookies while listening to stories and marveling in the holiday lights.
The North Pole Limited departs twice daily from November 17th- December 23rd.
Holiday Market
The Chattanooga Market heads indoors to The Chattanooga Convention Center for the Holiday Market. Shop for all the naughty and nice people on your list at over 200 local vendors. From unique gifts, festive décor, custom art, handcrafted jewelry, apparel and more, you can check everyone off your list in one easy shopping trip, while enjoying live holiday music!
The Holiday Market is held the first three weekends in December (December 2rd- 3rd, 9th- 10th, and 16th- 17th) at The Chattanooga Convention Center from 10AM- 5PM.
The Nutcracker
The magic of the season comes alive onstage as the Chattanooga Ballet performs The Nutcracker. The performance features over 200 students along with professional ballerinas, a choir and the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra.
The annual performance will take place this year December 8th- 10th at the Memorial Auditorium.
EPB’s Holiday Windows
No Christmas season would be complete without a visit to the main EPB office building across from Miller Plaza to see the holiday windows. Since World War II, the holiday windows have been a seasonal traditional in the Scenic City. The displays change each year and EPB employees along with students from STEM School Chattanooga work to design and develop the displays beginning in the summer.
The EPB holiday window displays are unveiled the day before Thanksgiving and can be viewed through early January. The EPB building is located at 10 West Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Asian Lantern Festival
Enjoy a celebration of art, culture and magic this holiday season at the Chattanooga Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival. The festival features over 30 illuminated lantern displays of zoo animals, traditional Asian designs and natural elements along with 9 interactive displays.
The Asian Lantern Festival is held Wednesday- Sunday from 5:30- 9:30PM November 16th- January 14th.
Exploring all the holiday happenings in town can really work up an appetite. Cap off your adventure with lunch, dinner or weekend brunch at 1885 Grill St. Elmo!