10 Ways to Welcome Winter in Chattanooga
The winter holidays are just around the corner, and in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the festive spirit is in full swing! With enchanting light displays, heartwarming community events, and so much more, there are plenty of holiday experiences waiting for both locals and visitors alike. So, bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and let's dive into the magic of winter in Chattanooga.
1. Ruby Falls Christmas Underground
November 24, 2023 - December 23, 2023 | 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Make this holiday season a winter in Chattanooga to remember at Ruby Falls Underground Christmas.Take a trip to the North Pole and visit Santa Underground, where you can watch Santa's helpers making presents for good boys and girls.
The village is decorated with musical Christmas trees, making it feel like a winter wonderland. You can meet Santa in an ice cave and enjoy the holiday decorations and twinkling lights. This activity is great for families with young children who want to enjoy holiday lights and activities during the day.
2. Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights
November 17, 2023 - January 6, 2024 | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM (10:00 PM Fridays- Sundays)
You won’t want to miss this celebration of the season! Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is a winter wonderland that captivates visitors with its beautiful lights and festive atmosphere. As the sun sets, the garden comes alive with twinkling lights that create a design that looks like the aurora borealis lights in the Arctic.
You can walk through the magic forest, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and do some shopping for souvenirs. You can also enjoy hot cocoa, listen to live holiday music, and watch the nightly North Pole Adventure Show. It's a fun holiday tradition to enjoy with family and friends.
3. Chattanooga Holiday Market
December 2, 2023 - December 17, 2023| 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays
The Chattanooga Market celebrates the season with their annual Holiday Market. For three weekends in December, you can visit the Chattanooga Convention Center to see more than 200 local food vendors, artists, and crafters. Each vendor offers unique gifts and festive preparations for the holiday season. You can find pottery, art pieces, jewelry, food, body products, apparel, furniture, and more. There's also live holiday music, so you can listen or dance along. This shopping experience is a great way to enjoy winter in Chattanooga and support local vendors.
Note: There is no Entry Fee!
4. Ice on the Landing
November 24, 2023 - January 28, 2024 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday; 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday; 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday; 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM Sunday
Ice on the Landing is a beloved winter tradition that brings the joy of ice skating to the south. It has an open layout and festive lights, perfect for a memorable vacation experience. Weekend food trucks are available for concessions. The rink hosts special events, including themed skate nights for beginners. Ice on the Landing is a great place to celebrate winter in Chattanooga, whether you're skating or sipping hot cocoa on the sidelines.
5. Scrooge the Musical
December 8, 2023 - December 31, 2023 | 7:30 PM Thursdays-Saturdays | 2:30 PM Sundays
Scrooge is a heartwarming and festive musical that brings the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with a musical twist. The show takes place at one of Chattanooga's best theaters. You will see great performances beautiful set designs, and hear memorable holiday tunes. The story is set in Victorian London, where Scrooge goes from a bitter old man to a kind one. The show reminds us to be kind and generous during the holidays. You will be entertained and inspired and leave with a happy heart.
6. Chattanooga's Tivoli Theatre Holiday Events
During the holidays, Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga hosts a variety of events that celebrate the season. These events include concerts, plays, ballets, and films. The theater's architecture is grand and welcoming, making it the perfect place for creating traditions and bringing the Chattanooga community together.
December 16, 2023 to December 17, 2023
Don't miss Home for the Holidays, presented by the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. This musical event features the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Chorus, community groups, and even Santa Claus! Get into the holiday spirit with an evening of festive music and cheer.
December 23, 2023
Experience the classic Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Memorial Auditorium this holiday season. The ballet features a talented international cast, including Ukrainian principal artists, who bring this European classic to life. The performance includes impressive acrobatics, puppets, handmade sets, and costumes that add to the magic of the ballet.
December 26, 2023
Experience the holiday spirit with Cirque Christmas. This show is filled with charm and nostalgia, perfect for all ages. Enjoy the incredible performances of talented artists as they showcase their skills to holiday music.
7. Breakfast With Santa
December 1, 2023 - December 16, 2023 | 9:30 AM on Sundays
Want to give your child an unforgettable holiday experience? Try Breakfast with Santa on a Riverboat Cruise! As you sail on the Tennessee River, enjoy festive activities like magic shows, cookie decorating, and coloring sheets.
Take a Pilot house tour to learn more about the Riverboat. And don't worry about getting hungry – the classic breakfast buffet will keep you fueled up. It's sure to be a magical experience that your family will never forget. Come celebrate winter in Chattanooga and make memories that will last a lifetime!
8. Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peaks
November 25, 2023 to December 30, 2023 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays- Fridays | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturdays
Visit the Tennessee Aquarium's underwater wonderland filled with Christmas surprises. See Miguel, the electric eel, light up a tree with his electric jolts. And remember to say hello to Scuba Santa Claus as he swims with the freshwater fish. Enjoy the festive music, decorations, and surprises that will warm your heart and leave you full of Christmas cheer. Don't miss the chance to celebrate winter in Chattanooga in this unique aquatic paradise.
9. Holiday Christmas Lights Train
December 26,2023 to December 31, 2023 | 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Hop on board the Holiday Lights train for a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday season. This 6 mile roundtrip loop will transport you to a magical world of dazzling light displays, including twinkling snowflakes and towering Christmas trees.
With the train ride, you won't have to worry about planning or navigating, making it the perfect activity for family and friends. Let the rhythmic chugging of the train and cheerful company set the festive backdrop for this hassle-free holiday adventure
10. Lighted Boat Parade
November 24, 2023 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Get ready to celebrate the holidays at the 43rd annual Lighted Boat Parade Lighted Boat Parade in downtown Chattanooga! Bring your little ones for pictures with Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy hot cocoa "for adults," food and holiday vendors, and a "touch a truck" experience hosted by the Chattanooga Fire Department.
At 7 pm, watch the decorated boats parade down the river, followed by a fireworks display at 8 pm. Come join us for a festive winter celebration in Chattanooga!
As you explore these holiday festivities, you will find that it is a place where tradition and innovation coexist, and the spirit of the season truly thrive. Allow the warmth of the holiday season to grasp your spirited hearts as you create memories that will stay with you for years to come.
