Christmas is a time for family and friends. If you’re looking for a city to spend the holidays, then you should spend Christmas in Chattanooga, TN! In this Tennessee Vacation Guide, we’ll show you that there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern town, from scenic outdoor activities to festive shopping and dining experiences.
Chattanooga, TN, is home to many unique and beautiful Christmas light displays. A drive through Coolidge Park or along Riverside Drive will allow you to take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Not only that but there are other events and festivities that your family will enjoy when you spend Christmas in Chattanooga, TN.
Read on for our tips on how to make the most of Christmas in this Southern town.
Is Chattanooga A Good Place To Visit In December?
There are lots of Christmas events and activities to enjoy, plus the city is beautifully decorated for the season. There’s always plenty to do in Chattanooga, no matter what time of year you visit!
Christmas in Chattanooga is a festive and family-friendly event that everyone will enjoy as there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
If you are looking for something fun to do during the holidays, there are plenty of options! Here are a few ideas:
- Take a Christmas lights tour! There are several companies in the area that offer Christmas lights tours. This is a great way to see all of the festive lights without having to walk or drive yourself.
- Attend one of the many Christmas concerts or shows happening in Chattanooga. There are several choirs and bands that perform holiday-themed concerts throughout December.
For more details, here is a guide to Chattanooga’s festivities!
Things To Do at Christmas in Chattanooga, TN
November 14, 2022 - December 31, 2022, 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Nooga Lights has over two million lights and a hundred displays. You can drive through the show or park and walk around. There are also food trucks, Santa, and live music for the whole family to get into that holiday spirit! Here is their schedule for this year:
- Sunday-Thursday: 5:30 pm-9:00 pm
- Friday-Saturday: 5:30 pm-10:00 pm
November 25, 2022, 4:00-8:00 pm
The Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade is fun for the whole family with live reindeer on the riverfront, holiday music, hayrides, hot chocolate, s’mores, and more!
December 3, 2022
Enjoy this 24-hr long family-friendly festival that celebrates Christmas in Chattanooga, Tennessee with parades, fireworks, and other festivities to enjoy!
December 9, 2022, from 5 pm- 8 pm
Get ready to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus while you enjoy complimentary Hot Chocolate & Cider & Cookie stations, live music, and much more!
- Elf Workshop at the Jubilee: $15 plus tax per kid
- Elf Workshop & Tuck-in Package: *Package is only valid the night of December 9th, 2022, for two children. Additional children will be $30/each.
December 10 & 17, 2022 at 9:00am - 11:30am
Have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Silver Ballroom!
- Adults: $30++
- Children 10 & under: $20++
- Children 1 & under: FREE
November 18 -January 29, 2023 (Mondays will be closed for private events)
Enjoy ice-skating as you are surrounded by Christmas lanterns, fountains, and lights at the Southside’s iconic landmark.
November 18, 2022- January 1, 2023 (closed on New Year's Eve)
Join in the fun as a brand-new realm named the Heart of the Mountain is being unveiled for this year's Enchanted Garden of Lights, along with never-before-seen views and activities!
November 25-31, 2022 (closed on Christmas Day)
Enjoy holiday music and decor as you go on a trip to the underwater wonderland at the Tennessee Aquarium.
December 3, 10, and 17, 2:00 pm
Spot Scuba Santa diving at the River Journey building!
November 25 - December 18, 2022, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Visit CDM's Gingerbread Workshop this holiday season and make delicious memories with your family!
- Members: $44
- Non-Members: $55
Watch Your Favorite Christmas Shows at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
There's nothing more exhilarating than watching Christmas-themed shows during the holidays. Here is the Holiday shows you can look forward to at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
- Nov. 18, 2022: Baby Shark LIVE: The Christmas Show
- Nov. 21, 2022: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
- Dec. 9-11, 2022: Chattanooga Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dec. 14, 2022: Michael W Smith- Christmas
November 18- December 23, 2022
North Pole train rides are back this Holiday season! Write your personal letter to Santa as you go on an imaginary trip to the North Pole for an hour! There will be occasional carolings just for you. Cookies and Hot Chocolate are served! Rates are as follows:
Traditional Seating
- Daytime: $29
- Evening: $39
Santa's Private Car
- Daytime: $55
- Evening: $65
For more details on seating, you may visit their website.
All Weekends of December except 24-25, & 31
For an hour and fifteen minutes, travel roundtrip on Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train through the breathtaking Hiwassee River Gorge as you write a personal letter to Santa! Gingerbread cookies and chocolate milk will be served as you wait for a visit from the man in the red suit himself.
Rates are as follows (for details on ticketing, you may visit their website)
Mistletoe Class Ticket: $24
Holly Class Ticket: $40
December 26- January 8, 2023
Enjoy taking in the view of holiday lights for an hour while sipping on your hot cocoa on this spectacular Holiday Lights train ride.
Here are the rates:
- Adult: $23
- Child: $15
The Chattanooga Market will be adorned with Holiday decorations, live music, and caroling, with lots of merchants selling locally hand-made stuff, holiday decor, etc., on December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18. For more details, you may refer to their calendar.
Book The Inn at Christmas Place Now!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
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