Boats decked in Christmas lights parade down the Tennessee River. (Staff File Photo)Gathering at the riverfront on the night after Thanksgiving to join in a community Christmas kickoff has become a holiday tradition for two generations of Chattanooga families.
The celebration returns on Friday, Nov. 24, when Holiday Cheer at the Pier is held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ross's Landing, 200 Riverfront Parkway. Family-owned businesses Weekly Fig, Erwin Marine and The Southern Belle are combining their efforts to put on this anticipated event.
Weekly Fig has organized craft and food vendors, food trucks and even Christmas tree sales at Ross's Landing when the evening begins. Wheeler's Christmas Tree Farm is bringing in an assortment of wreaths and trees ready for decorating.
Crider's Landscaping and The Barn Nursery have been tapped to decorate Santa's North Pole tent, where the jolly old elf will greet visitors and take photos.
The pilots of about 40 decorated boats, led by Marty Puryear of Erwin Marine, will begin the lighted boat parade at 7 p.m. The boats will motor from the Olgiati Bridge around the Walnut Street Bridge.
"The boats will make four or so loops between 7 until about 8:30," says Jon Reinert, general manager of the Southern Belle riverboat. "Guests on the Southern Belle will be able to see it all and be in the center of the action."
The Southern Belle is sponsoring the fireworks finale, which Reinert says will begin between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m.
One of the best views of all the action will be from the deck of the Southern Belle. Dinner cruise tickets for that night are $49.90, which includes a prime rib or Shrimp Creole meal, visit with Santa and dance music spun by a deejay. For available seating, call 423-266-4488.