Is it really the Holiday season if there aren’t millions of twinkly lights at every turn? We’ll answer that. Nah. Luckily for you, Chattanooga goes all out for the Holidays. See how you can immerse yourself in the Holiday spirit this year with this Chattanooga guide to the holidays.
Holiday Trail of Lights
Chattanooga drapes it boats, bridges, cliffs, and more in millions of twinkling lights to dazzle visitors in the annual Holiday Trail of Lights. Some outdoor experiences include EPB’s Holiday Windows right off Market Street, a tradition dating back to the World War II Era. And while you’re there, hop across the street and get some hot cocoa at the Milk & Honey counter inside Community Pie at Miller Plaza.
If you’re looking for a show, check out the Lighted Boat Parade on the Tennessee River which passes under the twinkling snowflakes on the Walnut Street Bridge. This is the perfect spot for a photo-op. Depending on which side of the Tennessee River you choose to watch the parade from, there are plenty of places to get a sweet treat or grab some grub after the show.
If you’re in North Chattanooga, we recommend Stone Cup Café in Coolidge park for a warm coffee or Basecamp for some Southern comfort food and craft beer. If you’re on the Riverfront, check out Puckett's near the Tennessee Aquarium.
If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone and experience holiday traditions across cultures, check out the Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo. This festival has a stunning display of over 30 lanterns and interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy. This is such an unique celebration of art and culture to experience.
And finally, celebrate 27 years of Holiday tradition at Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights. Located a quick drive from downtown Chattanooga, this magical Christmas lights experience is one of Chattanooga's memorable winter events.
Click here to see the full Holiday Trail of Lights Guide.
Indoor Fun
If you’re looking for ways to stay inside this Winter - don’t worry, Chattanooga’s attractions have got you covered (pun intended). Holidays Under the Peaks is a fun-filled adventure through an underwater wonderland where you can explore and look for clues to solve a seasonally-themed scavenger hunt throughout both buildings at the Tennessee Aquarium. Walk across the street to the IMAX Theater and watch The Polar Express on a giant six-story screen!
Discover underground wonder and adventure at Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. It’s a great date night or a fun evening for the whole family. Looking for a way to have fun with the kids? Journey through one of the nation's top children's museums, the Creative Discovery Museum, to interact with fun exhibits and learn while you're at it!
Want to get active? High Point Climbing & Fitness has 28,000 sq. ft. of indoor climbing space making it easy to stay cozy inside, but do something fun! While a majority of the climbing walls are indoors, the iconic outdoor wall is still open for you to scale. What can be more fun than that? We’ll tell you. It’s going to be glowing with Holiday colors this year. Climb the Wonder Wall for some thrilling Holiday fun!
Outdoor Fun
We’re going to help you get that perfect Instagram-worthy pic with this one. How does an ice-skating rink sound? Ice on the Landing at it's new location, The First Horizon Pavilion boasts nostalgic, old-time Holiday cheer. Get some hot chocolate or grub from one of the local food trucks or head down the street to Naked River Brewing Co. and enjoy some craft beer. You’re also just a hop and a skip away from the Southside, Station Street, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo where you can experience great food, cocktails, comedy, live music, and more holiday festivities.
Sometimes walking around downtown Chattanooga bundled up is the best way to enjoy the Holiday cheer. Grab your family and walk to Coolidge Park and see the city lit up for the Holidays or take a stroll on the beautifully decorated Walnut Street Bridge. Chattanooga’s many public spaces and parks create great opportunities for site seeing holiday cheer. If you're an art lover (or want to be), check out our Experience Visual Art Map where you can explore public art all around the downtown Chattanooga footprint.
For endless adventuring, Chattanooga is a great place to enjoy the Holidays. Click here to see our Holidays in Chattanooga Guide where you can get the latest and most up-to-date information on all the holiday happenings in Chattanooga.