Best Holiday Events in Chattanooga
The holidays in Chattanooga couldn’t be more lively and festive. Offering holiday parades, themed train rides, New Year’s parties, and more — Chattanooga is filled to the brim with holiday cheer this season. With that said, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we put together a guide with some of the best holiday events in the Chattanooga area.
Thanksgiving Events in Chattanooga
Once November hits in Chattanooga, the tree colors have reached their prime and the weather has finally started to cool off. You can’t help but find yourself in the holiday spirit as you wander about town, preparing for all of the festivities to begin. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do around Thanksgiving this November, here are a few of our favorites events taking place in town.
Thanksgiving Market at First Horizon Pavilion
Stock up your fridge ahead of Thanksgiving with fresh produce and local meats from the Thanksgiving Market. Every year, First Horizon Pavilion hosts the Thanksgiving Market with foods provided by the Chattanooga community.
Grateful Gobbler 5K Walk/Run
Register for the Annual Grateful Gobbler 5K Walk/Run starting at Coolidge Park on Thanksgiving morning. The event starts at 8 AM and costs $30 for individuals 13 and older or $15 for juniors 12 and under. All proceeds benefit Maclellan Shelter for Families, an emergency homeless shelter located on site at the Community Kitchen on 11th Street in Chattanooga.
Thanksgiving on the River
Thinking about skipping out on cooking and hopping aboard on a boat instead this Thanksgiving? No problem. The Southern Belle Riverboat offers a two-hour cruise on the scenic Tennessee River while also serving a buffet-style Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy all of your favorite Thanksgiving fixings from turkey and ham to creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casseroles. The boat also offers a full bar, live entertainment and a tour of the pilothouse. Book your tickets online for a delicious Thanksgiving on the River in Chattanooga.
Christmas Events in Chattanooga
This winter, get ready to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with millions of lights, train rides to the North Pole, a 24-hour festival, and much more. Over the years, Chattanooga has really grown to host some memorable Christmastime events that you really don’t want to miss. Check out a few of our favorites below.
Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City
Bring your family to visit Rock City this Christmas season for the Enchanted Garden of Lights. Celebrating 28 years of holiday tradition, the Enchanted Garden of Lights has become one of Chattanooga’s most memorable winter events. Walk through more than a million LED lights for an enchanting Christmas experience. Be sure to reserve an entry time online, as tickets cannot be purchased upon arrival at the ticket desk.
MAINx24-Hour Festival
Every December, MAINx24 kicks off a 24-hour long festival celebrating Main Street and the Southside area. The festival features parades, live music, chili cook-offs, local vendors, and so much more. Events go all day and night, so mark your calendars to catch one of Chattanooga’s biggest celebrations of the year. MAINx24 is always held on the first Saturday of December.
Ice on the Landing at the Chattanooga Choo Choo
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Chattanooga’s temporary outdoor ice rink in The Gardens at the Choo Choo. Starting in mid-November, Ice on the Landing offers ice skating for all ages throughout the holiday season. Book tickets online to guarantee a time slot, however, walk up tickets are also available for purchase.
Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Don’t skip out on the Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. The magical story of The Nutcracker follows a young girl, Clara, at a holiday party who is gifted a Nutcracker from her godfather. Experience this beloved Chattanooga holiday tradition, and reserve a ticket today!
North Pole Limited
Take the whole family to the “North Pole” without ever having to leave Chattanooga. Since 1999, the North Pole Limited Train has rolled down the tracks through a number of lighted displays to the North Pole. Along the way, riders can enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, storytelling, and more. Upon arriving at the North Pole, Santa comes aboard to visit with passengers.
New Years Events in Chattanooga
The start of a new year brings a lot of joy and celebration for people in the Chattanooga area. For some, the new year is a time to shed the past year and start anew. And what better way to start a chapter than with a celebration? Here are some fun happenings around New Years for both adults and children to enjoy.
Cheers to the New Year at the Creative Discovery Museum
Bring the kids to ring in the New Year at the only New Year’s party designed for children and their families at the Creative Discovery Museum. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, an early countdown, an apple juice toast, and a clever explosion of bubble wrap fireworks to celebrate the start of a new year. Register online to reserve a ticket.
Moxynooga Eve at Moxy Chattanooga
Celebrate the new year for an adult-only event at Moxy Chattanooga. Start the year off in style with a live DJ, food trucks, a champagne toast, and an all-night dance party. This event does require that you get your tickets ahead of time.
New Year’s on the River
Hop aboard the Chattanooga River Boat Co.’s Southern Belle for a New Year’s party. The celebrations include food, live entertainment, DJ, dancing and toasts. It is required that all guests are 21 or older. Reservations can be made online.
Book Your Stay at RiverView Inn this Holiday Season
Planning to visit Chattanooga for the holidays? At RiverView Inn, we offer 10 unique suites with a charming mix of vintage and modern furniture, as well as balconies overlooking the Tennessee River. During your stay this holiday season, we want you to take the time to relax, take in the beautiful views, and connect with nature. Book a room with us today.