THANKSGIVING
Grateful Gobbler 5K
When: 8 a.m. Thursday
Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St.
Cost: $15-$35
More info: Proceeds of the 26th annual Thanksgiving walk/run will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families, an emergency homeless shelter in Chattanooga.
Stuffing Strut
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road, Hixson
Cost: $30
More info: This Thanksgiving 5K is open to all ages and benefits four Hamilton County nonprofits: Northside Neighborhood House, the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank, the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department and the Soddy-Daisy Middle School’s Jim Wilson Fund.
Fitness Central Turkey Trot
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Fitness Central, 6170 Lee Highway
Cost: $7.50-$46
More info: Back for the 35th year, this Thanksgiving tradition has three levels of races for competitors, families, kids and walkers.
eventregistration.chattanoogatrackclub.org
CHRISTMAS
Windows at EPB on Market Street unveiling
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: 10 W. M.L. King Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: The big reveal of holiday window displays takes place at EPB’s downtown headquarters. The displays can be seen on both the Broad and Market street side of the building, with sparkling lights extending to Miller Park, where the Festive Forest shines with more than 80 lit trees decorated by local organizations. The window displays are viewable through the beginning of January.
Festive Forest
When: Open starting Wednesday
Where: Miller Park, 928 Market St.
Cost: Free
More info: Christmas trees decorated by various businesses will be displayed in Miller Park through the end of the year.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
When: 4-10:30 p.m. nightly
Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Road
Cost: Starting at $31 per adult and $21 per child ages 3-12
More info: One of Chattanooga’s most unique traditions, each season, Rock City transforms into a magical holiday wonderland, inviting families to explore its Enchanted Garden of Lights at night.
North Pole Limited train ride
When: There are multiple rides available Fridays-Sundays in November.
Where: Train departs from 4119 Cromwell Road
Cost: $65 per person for Santa’s private car; $42 per person for traditional ride, free for infants under 1
More info: Take a trip to the North Pole during the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s most popular event. The hourlong ride features festive decor, live entertainment, lighted displays and a visit from Santa.
Reindeer on the Riverfront + Lighted Boat Parade
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday
Where: Ross’s Landing, 101 Riverfront Parkway
Cost: Free
More info: Taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving for over 40 years, The Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales light up the Tennessee River with the Lighted Boat Parade. On shore, take free photos with Santa from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and see live reindeer from 4-6:30 p.m. The event ends with fireworks.
Holidays at Ruby Falls
When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily starting Friday
Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway
Cost: Cave adventure tickets are sold separately online and are not required for the holiday lights or the Castle Cafe. Visit the website for more information.
More info: Find sparkling lights at the plaza, seasonal treats at the cafe and special activities (including visits from Santa) at the historic castle during Ruby Falls’ monthlong celebration. Santa’s schedule is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday.
Holidays Under the Peaks
When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m. daily starting Friday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.
Cost: Seasonal programming is available with regular aquarium admission. Santa photos are available on select dates for an additional fee; packages start at $35 online and $45 in person. Discounts available to members.
More info: Experience an underwater wonderland with holiday music, decor and daily seasonal programming at the Tennessee Aquarium. Through Dec. 21, Scuba Claus will dive on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. in the River Journey building.
The Polar Express 3D
When: 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $10 general admission, $8 per person for members
More info: Returning to the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, the immersive holiday experience tells the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Downtown Dalton tree lighting
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Burr Performing Arts Park, 101 S. Hamilton St., Dalton
Cost: Free
More info: The annual tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Kids’ activities are available before, and a trolley to Santa starts at 6:15 p.m.
Christmas at Happy Valley Farms
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Happy Valley Farms, 490 Hutcheson Road, Rossville
Cost: $20 for photos with Santa
More info: Happy Valley Farms is hosting its first Christmas celebration with lights, treats, wagon rides amid a holiday market and Christmas trees for sale.
Santa at Hamilton Place mall
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., Space Center Court on Level 1
Cost: Santa visits are free; photos are for purchase
More info: Santa and his friendly elves return to the Scenic City, transforming a section of the mall into a magical workshop. Drop off your “Dear Santa” letter and get a picture with the man himself. Santa takes a break from 3-4 p.m Monday-Saturday and 3-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Black Santa makes a special appearance Nov. 13-17.
Christmas in Fort O
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stable 41 Pavilion, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Cost: Free admission
More info: Join the fun and kick off the Christmas season during Fort Oglethorpe’s festive gathering, complete with parade, tree lighting, shopping, skating, visits with Santa and more.
Christkindlmarkt
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga
Cost: Free
More info: See the Gordon Lee Mansion transformed into a winter wonderland with German inspired decorations and seasonal treats, among booths of crafts and gifts.
Christmas Ball
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga
Cost: General admission $65 per person, reserved seating $140
More info: Find live music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and a full-service bar at this holiday celebration. Come dressed to impress.
SEASONAL
Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 North Holtzclaw Ave.
Cost: $19 per adult and $14 per child ages 3-12 for zoo members / $23.50 per adult and $17.50 per child ages 3-12 for nonmembers. Free for children under 2.
More info: Featuring a new collection of hand-crafted Asian lanterns, the zoo’s annual event is an immersive and interactive experience, showcasing dozens of lanterns that flash, move, glow, smoke and more.
Ice on the Landing
When: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.
Where: 3:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 2:30-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $14 per adult ($16.50 on holidays), $12 per child 12 and under ($14.50 on holidays)
More info: A classic winter tradition for all ages, open-air ice skating takes place under the covered protection of the pavilion. Skating fees cover skate rentals plus a 60-minute session.
Winter Skating at Stable 41
When: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, closed Thanksgiving
Where: Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe
Cost: $9
More info: No matter the weather, you can have fun ice skating under the cover Stable 41 because the surface is not ice.
letsgoforto.com/events/winterskating
HOLIDAY POP-UP
Miracle on Broad Street
When: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Where: No Hard Feelings, 806 Broad St.
More info: Holiday cocktails, decoarations and Christmas music are featured at this festive pop-up through the end of the year.
Sippin’ Santa
When: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Bless Yer Heart, 233 E. M.L. Kind Blvd.
More info: This tropical holiday pop-up features fun themed mugs and tiki drinks.
Holidays at Hogwarts
When: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Where: Unknown Caller, 715 Cherry St.
More info: Find butterbeer, magical hot chocolate and other themed drinks at this Harry Potter-inspired pop-up.
North Paloma
When: 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday
Where: Paloma Bar de Tapas, 801 Pine St.
More info: Located on the top flood of the Westin Hotel, Paloma is bringing back its holiday pop-up with festive cocktails and eats.
Polar Espresso
When: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Broad Street) and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Main Street)
Where: Sleepyhead Coffee, 735 Broad St., Suite 104 and 2602 E. Main St.
More info: Expect a festive menu with favorites like gingerbread, brown sugar sage, peppermint mocha and more. Look out for limited edition holiday mugs, fresh pastries and holiday donuts.
COMEDY
Jason Robinson
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.
Cost: $23-$28
More info: Comedian Jason Robinson brings his stand-up show to The Comedy Catch.
Holiday Friendsgiving
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.
Cost: $20-$40
More info: A fundraiser for Paw Paws Homeless Ministry, The Tennessee Tramp, Janet Williams and drag performers will offer laughter and holiday cheer.
MUSIC
The Emo Night Tour
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $29-$49
More info: Hear emo hits from bands like Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco and My Chemical Romance.
Punk Rock Christmas Show
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. M.L. King Blvd.
More info: Bring a bag of non-perishable food items or $10 donation for the Chattanooga Food Bank.
Work It!: 90s/2000s R&B and Hip Hop Night
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.
Cost: $15 advance, $20 day of
More info: Hear throwbacks from artists like Missy, Nelly, TLC, Biggie, Soulja Boy, Lil Jon and more.
OUT & ABOUT
Turkey Bash
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Wiseguy Lounge, 1208 King St., Suite 105
Cost: $31
More info: Goodfellas Pizzeria and Wiseguy Lounge are hosting a Wild Turkey-powered pre-holiday bash with small bites and $5 old fashioneds.
The Big Gay Holiday Market
When: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Civic Center at the Mountainside, 701 Hooker Road
Cost: Free entry with donation of new socks or underwear
More info: Find handmade crafts, art, antique treasures and Pride merch in the eclectic booths.
THEATER & ARTS
“Clue”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $66-$185
More info: A mansion. A murder. A mystery. A touring production of the ultimate whodunit comes to Chattanooga with laughs and twists.
“Zootopia 2” in IMAX
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15
More info: Detective Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back in this animated adventure. Rated PG.
Cold Turkey Fall Art Market
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: ClearStory Arts, 1673 Holtzclaw Ave.
Cost: Free entry
More info: Timed with Small Business Saturday, this annual event invites the community to celebrate and support local artists, makers and small businesses. The event also features a Pop-Up Art Market showcasing 10 local vendors offering handmade and locally crafted art. The event offers free parking and festive beverages.
Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.