CHRISTMAS
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.
Pet photos with Santa
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., Space Center Court on Level 1
Cost: Santa visits are free; photos are for purchase
More info: Bring your fur friends on a leash or in a carrier to meet Santa during these adorable Monday photo sessions at Hamilton Place. Santa takes a break from 3-4 p.m.
The Snow Queen ballet
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m (abridged and narrated format for young viewers, $5 tickets) and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dalton High School Theatre, 1500 Manly St., Dalton, Ga.
Cost: $20 per adult, $18 per student or senior citizen 55 or older
More info: A magical journey inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, this full-length ballet is presented by The Creative Arts Guild Dance Department and Ballet Dalton. A live chamber orchestra will accompany the 20th anniversary of the performance.
Holiday Cheers
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.
Cost: $40 per person for members, $45 per person for nonmembers and $30 per designated driver
More info: The Tennessee Aquarium’s 21-and-up event invites guests to leisurely tour the Ocean Journey building after hours while enjoying seasonal drinks, a mashed potato bar, holiday goodie bag and other festive activities.
NorthShore’s Merry Market
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Verre Noir, 36 Frazier Ave.
Cost: Free entry
More info: Take in the holiday decor while shopping at North Shore small businesses.
Christkindlmarkt
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: 100 Chestnut St.
Cost: Free entry
More info: The annual winter wonderland is back with German inspired decorations and treats. The grounds will be covered with twinkling lights among booths of crafts and gifts.
Chattanooga Holiday Market
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.
Cost: Free admission (must pay fee to ice skate)
More info: Jump start your holidays during this two-day market weekend — the last of the season. Pick up local fixings for your Thanksgiving dinner and find the perfect Christmas gifts among its 200 vendors. The opening of Ice on the Landing will be the centerpiece of the event.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $50-$118
More info: This holiday variety show showcases gravity-defying acrobatics to jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility, with every act set to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics.
SEASONAL
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.
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.
Winter Skating at Stable 41
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Stabe 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.
COMEDY
Kevin Smith
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $54-$75
More info: Comedian and filmmaker Kevin Smith will bring his signature storytelling and comedy to the Walker Theater stage.
MUSIC
Haley Mae Campbell
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $20 advance, $23 day of
More info: Country artist Haley Mae Campbell brings her Dear Life tour to Chattanooga featuring Presley & Taylor.
Memphis May Fire
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $40-$70
More info: The metalcore group stops in Chattanooga for the Shapeshifter Tour, with support from Rain City Drive, Nevertel and If Not For Me.
Guest Organist Peter Westerbrink
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists, 4829 College Drive E., Collegedale
Cost: Free
More info: The Eugene A. Anderson Organ Concert Series at Southern Adventist University’s School of Music welcomes internationally acclaimed organist Peter Westerbrink performing on the Anton Heiller Memorial Organ. The event will also be livestreamed
Gabe Lee
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $22-$33
More info: Nashville-based songwriter Gabe Lee brings his mix of country, folk and rock to Songbirds with JD Graham.
Cigarettes @ Sunset
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $22 advance, $23 day of
More info: The five-piece band from Boone, North Carolina blends Appalachian folk, rock and Americana.
Lecrae
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $40-$70
More info: Faith-based rapper Lacrae stops in Chattanooga on his Reconstruction World Tour.
Dolphin Group
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $17 advance, $20 day of
More info: Chattanooga locals celebrates the release of their new album “A Telegram,” featuring a blend of ’80s synth-pop, funk and jam music. With support from Randy Steele and Et Cetera.
Songwriter Showcase
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold
Cost: $20 general admission, $50 VIP seats; cash only at door
More info: Songwriters Hall of Fame member Jeffrey Steele will perform at a Songwriter Showcase, designed to highlight the writers behind the famous hits you love. Steele has written songs for Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Zac Brown Band and more.
OUT & ABOUT
Walker Farm Pioneer Days
When: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Where: Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road
Cost: $7 for members age 3 and up, $9 for non-members age 3 and up
More info: Get a hands-on experience at this living history event geared toward elementary-aged students and families. Activities include butter churning, woodworking, corn husk doll making and more. Reservations required.
chattanoogaaudubon.app.neoncrm.com
Gratefull
When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: Free Thanksgiving meal available with seating in the middle of M.L. King Boulevard. All are welcome.
Fall Book Sale
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Where: Downtown Library, 1001 Broad St.
Cost: Free entry
More info: The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation is hosting its fall book sale featuring a variety of genres and age rages, as well as special sections for science, mystery, reference works and Christmas.
Drive-In Laser Show
When: 7 p.m., 9 p.m. ad 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Tennessee River Park, 4301 Amnicola Highway
Cost: $35 per car
More info: Laser shows are coordinated with music and screen projections. Bring your own seating and tailgate by your car. Bring your own snacks or find vendors on site.
freshtix.com/events/chattlasers
Turkey giveaway
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Clayton Homes, 620 Boy Scout Road
Cost: Free
More info: A Hixson business is giving away turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. Turkeys available on first-come, first-served basis. One turkey per vehicle.
THEATER & ARTS
“The Running Man” in IMAX
When: 6:15 p.m. Monday and Tuesay
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15
More info: Glen Powell and Josh Brolin star in this dystopian action thriller. Rated R.
“Medea by Euripides”
When: 7:30 p.m. nightly Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. matinee Saturday
Where: UTC Theatre Co., Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St.
Cost: $15-$20
More info: The UTC Theatre Co. will present Euripides’ “Medea,” translated by Diane J. Rayor, a Greek tragedy of betrayal and exile.
TEDxChattanooga Conference
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $68-$79
More info: The conference this year will explore what it means to be rooted not just in place but also purpose. Speakers include: Blythe Bailey, McKenzie Bergenback, Lesley Brock, Jennifer Holder + Shawanda Mason, James McKissic, Krisi Olivero, Luke Padgett, Noah Perales, Savannah Wisham
“Wicked: For Good” in IMAX
When: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 5 and 7:45 p.m. Friday, 3:45 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater, 201 Chesnut St.
Cost: $15
More info: Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Ephaba (Cynthia Erivo) are back in Oz for the second part of 2024’s “Wicked.”
Bobby Stone Film Series
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $10-$12
More info: “Clue” 30th anniversary, rated PG
Cast Iron Storytelling: Resilience
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.
Cost: $15-$20
More info: This live storytelling event will feature the voices of current or past members of the U.S. military.
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.