The official kickoff of downtown’s Christmas season takes place tonight with the Grand Illumination on the River, part of the annual Winter Days & Lights celebration.
The action starts at 7 p.m. with the beautiful lighted boats parade. Boats of all sizes will glide down the Tennessee River as spectators ooh and aah over their lights’ shimmering reflections in the water.
For those who arrive early to get a good viewing spot, there will be a mini holiday market as well as food and concessions sales beginning at 6 p.m.
Ann Ball of Chattanooga Presents said about 20 arts and crafts vendors will be located on the wide sidewalk near Power Alley. A Nativity scene presented by First Baptist Church of Soddy-Daisy will be displayed at the end of Chestnut Street.
Bluegrass music by The Dismembered Tennesseans will fill the crisp night air during the boat parade. Then the entertainment continues with a stage show by the Choo-Choo Kids and Lindsay Fussell Dancers.
Fussell said she has 53 performers taking the stage. Sixteen are members of the Choo Choo Kids from Center for Creative Arts, directed by Jason Whitehead. The remainder are students in her classes at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
“It’s a holiday-themed show with lots of song and dance. It’s a very fun show, and I think this is the best costuming we’ve ever had,” said Fussell, a veteran choregrapher of numerous Grand Illumination shows.
Fussell said the program will include a 26-member tap routine to “Happy Holidays,” Jan Bruce will portray Mrs. Claus singing “Christmas Lullabye,” and the littlest dancers will do a Shirley Temple song, “That’s What I Want for Christmas.”
“There’s even a dance that’s a tribute to the EPB windows,” she said. “We have some people who play the EPB workers setting up the windows. They bring in the dolls, then a magical transformation takes place and the dolls begin dancing.”
Singing Santa will arrive near the conclusion of the 30-minute stage show. His arrival is heralded with a dazzling fireworks show, signaling the illumination of the downtown skyline.
“There will be good food, good fun and lots of good music and dancing,” said Fussell.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.
Have Breakfast With Santa
Join the Jolly Old Elf for a bountiful buffet breakfast Saturday morning in the Grand Ballroom of The Chattanoogan hotel, the second of the Winter Days & Lights events.
Breakfast With Santa has become so popular that two seatings are offered: 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Every child attending receives a goody bag. Moms and dads should bring their cameras since there will plenty of photo ops either with strolling characters or during the program by the Creative Discovery Museum. Tucker Photography will be on hand to make professional keepsake pictures with Santa for a package price.
Breakfast With Santa tickets are $12 children, $18 adults. Order tickets online at www.chattanoogapresents.com.
If You Go
n What: Grand Illumination on the River.
n When: 6-9 tonight.
n Where: Ross’s Landing.
n Admission: Free.
n Website: www.chattanoogapresents.com.