Winter Events in Chattanooga
In addition to the Holiday Trail of Lights, winter in Chattanooga features an array of festivals, holiday events, Santa sightings, shopping, live music, and entertainment scattered throughout the city.
Christmas Special Dinner Train
Nov 8th 24
Tennessee Valley Railroad
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 9th 24
The Commons in Collegedale
Christmas Tea
Nov 9th 24
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 10th 24
The Commons in Collegedale
North Pole Limited
Nov 15th 24
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 16th 24
Mountain Arts Community Center
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 17th 24
Mountain Arts Community Center
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 23rd 24
Coolidge Park
Christkindlmarkt
Nov 24th 24
Coolidge Park
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
Nov 29th 24
Ross's Landing - Chattanooga Pier
The Mountain Goats - Arval Brethren Revival Tour
Dec 1st 24
Walker Theatre
Countess Luann: A Very Countess Christmas Show
Dec 5th 24
Walker Theatre
Southern Adventist University's School of Music Presents Annual Christmas Concert
Dec 7th 24
Southern Adventist University
Christmas in the Country at McDonald Farm
Dec 14th 24
Old McDonald Farm
North Georgia Holiday Spectacular
Dec 20th 24
Colonnade Theatre
Holiday Christmas Lights Train
Dec 26th 24
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
New Year's Dinner Train
Dec 31st 24
Tennessee Valley Railroad
New Year's Eve Roaring 20s Party
Dec 31st 24
The Read House
High Fade at Barrelhouse Ballroom
Feb 15th 25
Barrelhouse Ballroom
Chattanooga Holiday Event Roundup
Some of the events listed below might be duplicates of the events featured above.
Holiday Trail of Lights
$ | Nov.-Jan. / Times Vary
The Holiday Trail of Lights features eight major points of interest which include millions of twinkling lights at Chattanooga’s top holiday attractions. Enjoy a varied array of festivals, holiday events, delicious holiday meals, Santa sightings, shopping, and live music and entertainment scattered throughout the city.
Holidays at the Chattanooga Choo Choo/Chattanooga Choo Choo
FREE/$ | Nov.-Jan.
Enter the festive lobby to see one of the city’s tallest Christmas trees! All the lights and cheer create a magical scene complete with holiday music, and the newly restored and renovated Hotel Chalet. While on-site, take a photo with Santa, grab a drink, and enjoy the complex’s amenities.
EPB’s Holiday Windows/EPB
FREE | Nov.23-Jan. 1 / Open 24/7
EPB's Holiday Windows celebration continues a tradition that dates back to the World War II era. View the displays in the windows on the Broad and Market Street sides of EPB’s downtown headquarters building at 10 W. M.L. King Blvd.
Twinkling Snowflakes Along the Scenic Walnut Street Bridge/Downtown Chattanooga
FREE | Nov.-Jan. / Open 24/7
View the thousands of twinkling lights in snowflake form along the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian-only bridges in the world at 2,370 feet.
Christmas Tea Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Nov. 3-Dec. 23, weekends / 6:45 pm
Enjoy this special 4-course holiday dinner aboard a restored 1924 dining car. The excursion departs from Grand Junction Station and travels through areas of Chattanooga.
Head of the Hooch Rowing Regatta/Downtown Riverfront
FREE | Nov. 4-5 Times Vary
Head of the Hooch, running a 3.1-mile course down the Tennessee River, is one of the largest regattas in the U.S., hosting more than 5,100 competitors ages 14-89 representing 29 states and countries from Chattanooga’s riverfront.
Snow Night/Creative Discovery Museum
$/FREE | Nov. 6 / 6-8 pm
Join us for an evening of fun and kick off the Winter Playland season at CDM! Members can participate in a variety of winter-themed activities and end the evening with a snow surprise and dance party.
Spectrum/Hunter Museum of American Art
$ | Nov. 9 & 10 / Times Vary
The Hunter Museum’s largest annual fundraiser, Spectrum, is one of Chattanooga’s premier cultural events. Spectrum is a two-evening event with a silent auction cocktail party on one evening and a black-tie seated dinner gala with a live auction on another.
Hamilton County Fair/McDonald Farm
FREE | Nov. 10-12 / Times Vary
The Hamilton County fair features three stages with live entertainment, bungee jump, photo booth, roaming entertainers, antique car and tractor competition, home-centered flower and event show, games, petting zoo, livestock & agriculture exhibits, equine demonstrations, shopping, and more.
Noogalights/Soddy Daisy
$ | Nov. 14-Dec. 31 / Times Vary
Experience Chattanooga’s drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular that is enjoyed by all ages! The 1.5-mile route will be lined with handcrafted displays and thousands of lights illuminating the holiday season!
Asian Lantern Festival/Chattanooga Zoo
$ | Nov. 16-Jan. 14, 2024 / 5:30-9:30 pm
Witness the return of the captivating celebration of art, culture, and the magic of traditional Asian lantern festivals! This year's festival promises an even more enchanting spectacle, featuring an all-new collection of over 30 stunning lanterns and 9 interactive displays.
Enchanted Garden of Lights/Rock City Gardens
$ | Nov. 17-Dec. 31 / 4:30-9pm (10 pm Fri.-Sun.) Closed Christmas Eve night.
For the holiday season, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is a family tradition featuring more than a million LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a fantasyland of wonder. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and nightly entertainment.
Ho Ho Ho Christmas Market/Cambridge Square
FREE | Nov. 18 / 9 am-5 pm
Start your day out in the square with Breakfast with Santa, photos, and lots of Christmas activities! After that take advantage of shopping at all of the wonderful shops and boutiques that Cambridge has to offer.
Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market/Camp Jordan
$ | Nov. 18-19 / Times Vary
Join us for Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market at Camp Jordan Arena! Shop over 130 vendors and have the kids’ picture taken with Santa for FREE! $5 admission – kids 12 and under are free!
North Pole Limited Adventures Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Nov. 18-Dec. 23 / Times Vary
Enjoy a trip to the “North Pole” pulled by a locomotive with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, and more! During the return ride, Santa makes his way through the train cars to greet every child and presents a keepsake item to all the children.
FESTIVE FOREST/MILLER PARK
FREE | Nov. 22-Dec. 31 / Open 24/7
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is partnering with EPB and the city of Chattanooga to present the Festive Forest! The event in Miller Park will showcase 50 lit live trees that are sponsored and creatively decorated by local businesses and organizations
Thanksgiving On The River/Chattanooga Riverboat Co.’s Southern Belle
$ | Nov. 18 / 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the Grand Chandelier deck overlooking the Tennessee River with live music and a buffet-style dinner complete with all the classic trimmings. After dinner, board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a one-hour sightseeing cruise.
Grateful Gobbler
$ | Nov. 23 / 8 am-11am
The Crown Automotive Group Grateful Gobbler 5K Walk/Run will take place once again on Thanksgiving morning. Walkers will gather at Coolidge Park for festivities before the 8:00 am start. 100% of the proceeds of the walk will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families.
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade/Chattanooga Green
FREE | Nov. 24 / 4-8 pm
Holiday joy will fill downtown with live reindeer, Santa Claus, fire pits, face painting, holiday tunes, and more, all while enjoying the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks.
Ruby Falls Christmas/Ruby Falls
$ | Nov. 24-Dec. 23 / Times Vary
Return to a simpler time with a classic Christmas on the mountain featuring magical views, beautiful holiday lights on the Village Plaza, and plenty of festive cheer in historic Ruby Falls Castle with special activities, including the Forest of Wishes, photos with Santa, and more!
Ice on the Landing/First Horizon Pavilion
$ | Nov. 24- Jan. 28 / Times Vary
The much-anticipated temporary outdoor ice rink has moved under cover in the open air at First Horizon Pavilion. The schedule includes general skating time, special themes, appearances by Santa, and a rotating schedule to benefit local not-for-profits.
Gingerbread Workshops/Creative Discovery Museum
$ | Nov. 25-Dec. / Times vary per day
Kick off the holiday season with this sweet tradition. The whole family will enjoy creating sweet and sticky gingerbread houses with icing, candy, and other sugary confections. The workshop also includes hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday music. Reservations are required in advance.
TSSAA Blue Cross Bowl/Finley Stadium
$ | Nov. 30-Dec. 2 / Times Vary
Chattanooga will host the TSSAA Tennessee High School Football Championship games at Finley Stadium, home of the UTC Mocs Football.
Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises/Chattanooga Riverboat Co.’s Southern Belle
$ | Dec. / Times vary per date
Enjoy lunch while on a relaxing cruise down the Tennessee River. The cruise includes live entertainment, dancing, a dinner of prime rib, shrimp creole, savory cornbread dressing, desserts, and more. Reservations can be booked online or by phone.
NightCap with St. Nick Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Dec. / Times Vary
Begin your holiday festivities on a one-hour train ride with all the bright trimmings of the season. This experience is for 21 and up, and includes two drinks, a delicious sweet and savory treat box, a souvenir bell, keepsake boarding pass, and a visit from Santa.
‘Tis the Season Lunch Cruises/Chattanooga Riverboat Co.’s Southern Belle
$ | Dec. / Date and times vary
Enjoy lunch while cruising down the Tennessee River. Cruise includes live entertainment, Pilot House tours, and a lunch of prime rib, lemon basil chicken, desserts, and more. Reservations can be booked online or by phone.
Red Bank Christmas Festival & Parade/Red Bank
Free/$ | Dec. 1 / 4pm-9pm (parade at 7pm)
Come join the friends, family, and the Red Bank community for some festive holiday fun. We will have local vendors to help start your holiday shopping, face painters, Buddy the Elf, Anna & Elsa, Santa Claus, bouncy house, and more!
MainX24 24-Hour Festival/Southside District
FREE/$ | Dec. 2 / 12 am-12 pm
Celebrate Main Street and the Southside District for a 24-hour long festival held the first Saturday each December. The packed entertainment schedule includes fashion shows, parades, parties, live music, Big Wheel contest, chili cook-off, an ice-skating rink, and so much more.
Cloudland Canyon 50 Mile-50k-Half Marathon/Cloudland Canyon
$ | Dec. 2-3 / Times Vary
Run Bum presents its annual trail run in one of the most beautiful places to run on the East Coast. This canyon run is not the easiest race, but the views make it all worth it!
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, & 22-23 / Times Vary
The Hiwassee Holiday Train is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge featuring writing letters to Santa, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate milk.
Chattanooga Holiday Market/Chattanooga Convention Center
FREE | Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 / Times Vary
As part of the Chattanooga Market, this market offers a special holiday theme with live music, caroling, festivities and more than 200 vendors providing a great assortment of unique, locally hand-made items, holiday décor and artisan foods for all those holiday gifts.
PJs with Santa/Creative Discovery Museum
$ | Dec. 8 / 6-8 pm
Santa is taking a break from the North Pole and heading down south on Friday, December 8! Join us for PJs with Santa, a members-only event for the whole family. Kids will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa and other special activities throughout the Museum.
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas/Walker Theatre
$ | Dec. 8 / 7:30 pm
15-time GRAMMY winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band, Kentucky Thunder, will play in their refreshing acoustic style all your favorite Christmas songs in this delightful tour along with a few of their special friends.
CHA Ballet’s The Nutcracker/Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium
$ | Dec. 8-10 / Times Vary
Southeastern Trust presents Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker featuring the professional company, the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra performing live, and students from Chattanooga Ballet’s School and the region.
Scrooge! the Musical/Chattanooga Theatre Centre
$ | Dec. 8-31 / Times Vary
A Musical Twist on a Holiday Classic, Scrooge! is a charming production for all ages to enjoy. This well-loved holiday tale of Christmases past, present, and future is sure to warm hearts this December.
Breakfast with Santa/Read House Hotel
$ | Dec. 9 / 9 am-10:30 am
Join Santa & Mrs. Claus for breakfast in the Silver Ballroom before they start their final countdown in preparation for Christmas! This event will offer a delicious breakfast spread anyone will love and allow photo ops with Santa & Mrs. Claus as they mingle with guests.
Preschool Adventure: Gingerbread Village/Creative Discovery Museum
$ | Dec. 9 / 10 am-12 pm
Calling all little bakers and budding artists aged 5 and under to embark on an enchanting journey of creativity and learning. From gingerbread man puppet crafting to snow painting, these captivating hands-on activities will ignite your child’s imagination.
Lodge Cast Iron Bake-Off/Chattanooga Holiday Market
FREE | Dec. 10 / 11 am – 3 pm
The annual Lodge Cast Iron Bake-Off features our city’s most prominent and rising chefs. It’s a chance to watch live as they create culinary delights for a panel of judges.
Lookout Mountain 50 Miler, 18 Miler & 10K Trail Race /Lookout Mountain
$ | Dec. 16 / 7:30 am
The Lookout Mountain trail races begin high atop the mountain and offer a variety of challenging climbs, highly runnable sections, and moderate descents on predominantly single-track trails with the best views around. No matter which race you compete in, this will be an exciting challenge.
Nooga Santa Pub Crawl
$ | Dec. 16 / 2 pm
Nooga Santa Pub Crawl is Back & Better Than Ever! We are starting out the day with a Santa Pup Crawl for all the fur babies. Then the big event of the evening starts on the Northshore and makes it way to the Southside with 50+ locations, specials at each location, no covers, and free transportation all night.
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Present Home for the Holidays/Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium
$ | Dec. 16-17 / Times Vary
One of Chattanooga’s most treasured holiday events, Home for the Holidays, is the perfect seasonal celebration for the whole family! The CSO is joined by the CSO Chorus, a variety of community groups, and even the big man himself!
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet/Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
$ | Dec. 23 / Times Vary
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm glow nostalgia of Americas favorite Christmas celebration. Be transported by the magic of jaw dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
A Magical Cirque Christmas/Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
$ | Dec. 26 / 7:30 pm
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be filled with holiday cheer as you witness the talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays/Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
$ | Dec. 27 / 7:30 pm
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing spectacle featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.
Holiday Christmas Lights Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Dec. 26-31 / Times Vary
The Holiday Lights Train Ride is a festive way to enjoy the holiday season starting after Christmas Day. The train ride takes you through a variety of light displays, while enjoying holiday music, hot cocoa, and family fun activities.
Discovery Day/Ruby Falls
$ | Dec. 30 / Times Vary
Celebrate the 95th anniversary of the discovery at Ruby Falls! On Discovery Day, Ruby Falls will offer specially priced Cave Walk tickets for residents of local counties. Through 2024, Ruby Falls will continue their celebrations by announcing special events, activities, Café games nights, art installations, and more! rubyfalls.com
Cheers to the New Year/Creative Discovery Museum
$ | Dec. 30 / 6-8 pm
Ring in the New Year at the only New Year's party in town designed specifically for children and families! Members will have exclusive after-hours playtime in the Museum and enjoy a variety of themed activities. Of course, a New Year’s celebration wouldn’t be complete without a countdown and toast to 2024!
New Year’s Nightmare at Dread Hollow
$ | Dec. 30-Jan. 6 / 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Scream in the new year at Dread Hollow. Make your way through the path where sinister creatures lurk in the shadows on the hunt for prey. Then, tour Grimsby’s Slaughterhouse where you will be enticed to join them and become a tasty part of their holiday feast.
New Years at Noon/Creative Discovery Museum
$ | Dec. 31 / 12-4 pm
We’re celebrating the end of 2023 and the start of 2024 at CDM with New Years at Noon! Join us on December 31 from 12-4 pm for a variety of themed activities celebrating the start of a new year. This event is free with Museum admission. Ticket reservations are recommended.
New Year’s Dinner Train/Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
$ | Dec. 31 / 5 pm & 8 pm
Join the Tennessee Valley Railroad for a special Dinner Train excursion on New Year’s Eve. The trip includes a four-course dining experience usually on board a restored 1924 dining car and departs from Grand Junction Station.
New Year's Eve Party with Comedian Lester Bibbs/The Comedy Catch
$ | Dec. 31 / 7:30 & 10 pm
Comedian Lester Bibbs has appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Bad Boys of Comedy, BET’s Comic View, and more. Taking on topics related to life, Lester knows how to keep the crowd rolling! Celebrate the new year at the late show with toast, hats, horns and post-show dancing.
Chattanooga 2024 New Year's Eve Celebration
Dec. 31 / 8 pm
Hosted by the City of Chattanooga, this free event will take place at the intersection of Broad Street and Aquarium Way, featuring live musical performances by The MaleMen Show Band and Strung Like A Horse with support from DJ LV in partnership with SoundCorps. The 2024 Chattanooga New Year's Eve party will feature a light show, confetti, a New Year's countdown tower, food trucks, drink vendors, and more.
New Year’s Eve at The Edwin Hotel
$ | Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 / 8:00 pm – 1 am
Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at The Edwin Hotel! Get ready to ring in the new year with style and excitement at our Autograph Collection venue. The party will be held at Whiskey Thief, our trendy rooftop terrace with stunning views.
The Read House New Year’s Eve Party/Read House Hotel
Dec. 31 / 8:30 pm
Ring in the new year at our New Year's Eve Roaring 20s Party 2023! Dance the night away with live music by Gwen Hughes and The Retro Kats, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, champagne toast at Midnight, a dessert & coffee bar, and late-night light snacks after Midnight.
New Year’s on the River/Chattanooga Riverboat Co.’s Southern Belle
$ | Dec. 31 / 9 pm-12 am
Ring in the New Year with great food, live entertainment, DJ, dancing, toasts, Pilot House tours, and more. Must be 21 or older and have a valid ID. Reservations can be booked online or by phone.
The Neon Moon 90s Country New Year's Even Celebration/Barrelhouse Ballroom
$ | Dec. 31 / 9:00 pm
Dust off the boots and shine up the belt buckle, it’s time to relive all the country hits of the 90s. From Garth Brooks to Randy Travis, Clint Black to Brooks and Dunn you’ll ring in the new year dancing to your favorite country hits from this star band.
Larry Fleet/The Signal
$ | Dec. 31-Jan. 1 / 9:00 pm-12:30 am
Tennessee-born troubadour, Larry Fleet is a thoughtful songwriter with a knack for a one-liner, an era for a sturdy hook, and a powerhouse voice that strikes like a match.
More for You
On the Blog
Holiday Trail of Lights
Interactive Map
This curated, follow-at-your-own-pace list showcases major holiday activities featuring millions of twinkling lights. There's something on this list that everyone can enjoy!
Learn MoreShare Your Holiday Cheer
#VisitChatt
Share your Holiday Trail of Lights experiences by using #VisitChatt for a chance to be featured on @VisitChatt social channels.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!