NOVEMBER
11/17-12/31
Tennessee Aquarium’s Holidays Under the Peaks & IMAX 3D
Enjoy the holiday season surrounded by some of the world’s most fascinating creatures and get treated to new holiday programs offered free with Aquarium admission. On weekends, see special appearances by SCUBA Claus. Watch penguins receive their presents. See the temporary National Geographic Monster Fish exhibit with its life-sized replicas. Note: The Aquarium will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
11/17-1/6
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is a seasonal family tradition showcasing more than 30 holiday scenes and LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a fantasy land. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa, nightly entertainment, dinner with Santa, visits with Jack Frost, the ice queen and the Dancing Forest. Group rates available. Note: Rock City will be closed Christmas Eve night. Visit seerockcity.com/events/entry/enchanted-garden-of-lights for pricing, tickets and more details.
11/17-1/21
Ice on the Landing at the Choo Choo Gardens
With no other ice skating option offered in Chattanooga, this temporary family-oriented outdoor ice rink represents a unique wintertime recreational experience. The rink will feature a schedule to accommodate general skating for the public, as well as special themes, appearances by Santa, and a rotating schedule to benefit local not-for-profit groups. Guests can also enjoy warm drink and food vendors. Check iceonthelanding.com for daily schedules, pricing and more.
11/23
Grateful Gobbler
This 18th annual 5k benefits the Maclellan Shelter for Families, an emergency homeless shelter located on-site at the Community Kitchen, providing a stable environment for families to remain together as they search for permanent housing solutions. You don’t even have to leave your couch to fill up on your good deed for the day — this year offers the option of “sleepwalker” and “virtual walker” registration for a discounted price that will go straight to helping families in transition.
11/23
Sportsbarn Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving Day off right with this athletic feast, which includes a 1-mile fun run, 5k walk and 8k race to provide options for every skill level. Proceeds benefit the Kidney Foundation of Chattanooga, which has been providing help and information to those diagnosed with kidney disease since 1989. Learn more at sportsbarn.net/turket-trot-info.
11/23
The Chattanoogan’s Thanksgiving Feast
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Chattanoogan Hotel’s beautiful ballroom will also offer an all-you-can-eat extravaganza prepared by Executive Chef Tanner Marino and his culinary team. The meal goes beyond the traditional, featuring innovative dishes such as Boursin whipped potatoes. Reservations are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling 423-756-3400.
11/23
Thanksgiving lunch and dinner cruises aboard the Southern Belle
Special cruises at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. will feature live music and a Thanksgiving meal complete with hand-carved smoked ham, sage roasted turkey breast, savory cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, all the trimmings and plenty of traditional desserts. Call 423-266-4488 to learn more or purchase. If you don’t have your sea legs, you can meet on the grand chandelier deck of Pier 2 from 2-4 p.m. for live music and food.
11/24
Holiday Cheer at the Pier
“Merrying” up with the popular Lighted Boat Parade, this new event offers a chance to shop local artisans and crafters, get your fill from local food trucks, hand-deliver your list to Santa and have a picture made to prove it, and enjoy a grand finale fireworks show.
11/24-12/16
Gingerbread Workshops at Creative Discovery Museum
Kick off the holiday season with this sweet tradition. The workshop includes hot chocolate, cookies, pre-built houses, icing, candy and holiday music. Due to space limitations, there is a limit of three people to each house, and reservations are required. Snag your spot at tinyurl.com/gingerbread2017.
11/24-12/30
Tennessee Valley Railroad’s North Pole Limited Adventures
Journey to the North Pole aboard a locomotive loaded with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, visits by Santa Claus and more. Trips typically sell out, so it’s recommended that you book early. Most train trips are Friday-Sunday. Check tvrail.com/events-exhibits/rides/north-pole-limited for full schedule, pricing and tickets.
11/25
Thanksgiving at the Zoo
Watch animals show thanks and enjoy special animal enrichment to celebrate the first Thanksgiving dinner.
11/25
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Run
Get your gobble on with the Hungry Turkey Run at Coolidge Park. Distances are half marathon, 5k and a kid’s dash. At the finish line, pick up a warm cinnamon roll to complete your experience. Visit chattanoogahungryturkeyrun.com to learn more and register.
11/25-12/9
Breakfast with Santa Cruise
Hop aboard the Southern Belle for a pancake breakfast offering pancakes, eggs, hash browns and more, followed by a magic show and an appearance from the big guy himself. Call 423-266-4488 for pricing, tickets and more.
11/25-12/30
Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Christmas Special Dinner Train
Enjoy this special four-course holiday dinner aboard a restored 1924 dining car on select dates. The excursion departs from Grand Junction Station and travels through areas of Chattanooga. Visit tvrail.com/events-exhibits/rides/christmas-special-dinner-train to learn more and purchase tickets.
DECEMBER
12/1
I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A Cabaret Dinner Show
The holiday season can be a stressful and busy time. Slow down with a delicious homemade meal you don’t have to make yourself, along with hot cocoa and cider followed by a tasty dessert — all accompanied by favorite Christmas tunes to help get you in the spirit. With all the Christmas spirit going around, Saint Nick himself might just stop by. Get tickets at cdoorent.com/product-page/i-ll-be-home-for-christmas-a-dinner-cabaret.
12/1-12/17
‘Tis the Season Lunch Cruise
Take a break from the hustle and bustle for a lunchtime cruise down the Tennessee River. While feasting on prime rib and lemon basil chicken, you’ll be serenaded with live music to get you in the holiday spirit. Cash bar available. Call 423-266-4488 for detailed schedule, pricing, tickets and more.
12/1-12/17
Holiday Lights at the Chattanooga Zoo
On weekends in early December, from 5:30-8 p.m., the Chattanooga Zoo will be transformed into a magical wonderland where you can view hundreds of lights, visit the animals and watch them open their Christmas presents, get your picture taken with Santa, and enjoy fun holiday games and crafts. Not included in regular zoo admission. Visit chattzoo.org/fundraiser/holiday-lights to learn more.
12/1-12/23
Ruby Falls Christmas Underground
Returning for a third year, Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground offers a magical holiday adventure for the whole family. Explore the cave for the magical “Joystone,” walk through a secret underground ice cave that leads straight to Santa at the North Pole, see the Northern Lights, check out the Sugar Plum Fairy Village and take a horse-and-carriage ride. Visit rubyfalls.com/ruby-falls-christmas-underground for full schedule, times, pricing and more.
12/2
Chattanooga Boys Choir’s Singing Christmas Tree
Get in the spirit with the Boys Choir’s 53rd annual Singing Christmas Tree featuring your favorite traditional carols, holiday songs and Santa-inspired selections. Also featured will be the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Bells and Ballet Tennessee. Visit chattanoogaboyschoir.org to learn more and purchase tickets.
12/2
Mainx24
Celebrate the Southside district with a packed schedule of entertainment, green living, fashion shows, parades and parties, music and more during this seasonal 24-hour holiday block party. Visit mainx24.com for full lineup and more details.
12/2-12/17
Special Chattanooga Holiday Market
As part of the Chattanooga Market, this weekend holiday market offers a special holiday theme. Stop by the Chattanooga Convention Center for live music, caroling, festivities and more than 200 vendors providing a great assortment of unique, locally handmade items, holiday décor and artisan foods. Free entry.
12/2-12/17
Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise
Come hungry and leave jolly. The menu includes prime rib, shrimp creole with baby red potatoes and other yummy vegetables. Oh, and of course, a visit from St. Nick. Call 423-266-4488 to learn more or book.
12/2-12/23
Georgia Winery Christmas Open House
Every Saturday in December, you can peruse a special assortment of holiday gift baskets, refreshments, gourmet food products, unique wine gifts and one-of-a-kind offerings from craft vendors, while sampling the winery’s “Holiday Cheer” and mulled wine.
12/3
Family Fun Day: Holiday Style
Celebrate holiday lights from many cultures and countries for this afternoon of art making, art exploring, music, dancing, and fun for all. Visit huntermuseum.org/events to learn more.
12/3
Caroling with the Fishes
Starting at 6 p.m., the Tennessee Aquarium’s galleries will be decked with sounds of the season from choruses, singers and local musicians. Visit with Santa and take home a keepsake photo, then treat yourself to a seasonal beverage. The aquarium will also treat those in attendance to holiday shopping with a 20 percent discount normally offered to members only.
12/8
Choral Arts Chattanooga: In The Bleak Midwinter
This year’s annual Choral Arts Christmas concert offers a treat in the form of world-renowned opera artist Stella Zambalis. She has appeared with many of the leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera and Deutsche Oper Berlin. Tickets can be purchased at choralartsofchattanooga.weebly.com.
12/9
Holiday Open Studio and Art Sale
Join Southside artists for festive fun as they offer tours of their private art studios at the gallery of Artists on the Loose. In addition to unique shopping opportunities, there will be festive food, drinks and art demonstrations all day. Visit artistsontheloose.com to learn more and peruse some of the featured artists’ work.
12/9-12/10
The Nutcracker by Chattanooga Ballet
Chattanooga Ballet will again present its annual holiday performance of Tchaikovsky’s magical classic ballet fully staged with music by the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. Visit chattanoogaballet.net/events for tickets and more.
12/9
Chickamauga Christmas in the Streets
Kick off the day with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. You’ll need fuel for this full day featuring local vendors opening at 10 a.m. plus games, contests and live music throughout the afternoon. Don’t miss the Movie Memories Parade at 6:30 p.m. Visit facebook.com/cityofchickamauga to learn more.
12/17-12/18
PJs and the Polar Express
From 9:30-11:45 a.m., it will be all aboard the Polar Express at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX for a trip to the North Pole. Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy this special screening of “The Polar Express” animated classic. Before the movie, meet the conductor, sip hot cocoa and enjoy brunch muffins. Visit tnaqua.org/events-programs for pricing and tickets.
12/16-12/17
Home for the Holidays
Enjoy a special evening with all of your favorite traditional holiday songs performed by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and the Center for Creative Arts Concert Choir. You’ll also get to mingle with Santa and other special guests. Visit chattanoogasymphony.org/event/home-for-the-holidays-3 for times, pricing, tickets and more.
12/20
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Marking the 25th anniversary tour, this incarnation of the iconic holiday production features over-the-top production, larger-than-life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes that bring the Christmas spirit to life. Visit nutcracker.com for time, pricing, tickets and more.
12/31
New Year’s at Noon
Bring the brood to the Creative Discovery Museum for a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party with all the traditions of a grown-up celebration made child-friendly. Watch Father Time descend the stairs with the New Year baby, enjoy an apple juice toast and make hats and shakers for the parade at noon.
12/31
New Year’s Early Bird Cruise
Want to beat the crowd for New Year’s Eve? This two-hour early-bird cruise offers a one-time-through buffet of prime rib and chicken Wisconsin, live entertainment, dancing and pilothouse tours as you cruise down the Tennessee. Call 423-266-4488 to learn more or purchase tickets.
12/31
New Year’s Dinner Train
This special dinner train excursion includes a three-course dining experience aboard a restored 1924 dining car, though you’ll have to do your New Year’s toast elsewhere. No alcohol is allowed on the train. Visit tinyurl.com/DinnerTrain2017 for tickets.
12/31
New Year’s Eve at Songbirds
While singing his own hilariously politically incorrect songs, Unknown Hinson plays guitar in an incendiary style style of country and western-tinged psychobilly. While enjoying his animated string-playing, you’ll be surrounded by one-of-a-kind guitars from the museum’s world-renowned collection. Score tickets at tinyurl.com/HinsonNYE.
12/31
New Year’s Eve Party on the Bluff
Gather with friends for a remarkable evening of dancing and the best views in Chattanooga and kick off 2018 in sweeping style at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
12/31
Southern Belle Riverboat’s New Year’s on the River
This 21-and-up cruise includes a DJ, dinner, party favors and a midnight Champagne toast with complimentary souvenir glasses. Don’t worry about missing the ball drop — the boat will dock at 11:45 p.m. so guests can watch the countdown from the 3rd Deck Burger Bar. But guests are welcome to stay aboard and dance until 1 a.m. Call 423-266-4488 for tickets.
12/31
The Foundry New Year’s Celebration
Take New Year’s Eve to the next level by stretching it out until the next day. The Chattanoogan hotel is offering a Celebration Package that includes room night accommodations, admission for two to the New Year’s party and a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet for two. The New Year’s Eve party includes a plated gourmet dinner, live entertainment by The Power Players, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Fill up on tickets at chattanooganhotel.com/holiday_happenings/new_years_eve_celebration.
12/31
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party
Dance the night away with some of Chattanooga’s hottest bands, plus cash bars, snacks, prizes and more at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. Reservations are required, and it’s recommended you book early for this annual year-end party. Purchase — and pick your accommodations — at choochoo.com.