Saturday’s Lighted Boat Parade on the Tennessee River will end with a fireworks show that triggers the illumination of more than 130 downtown buildings, bridges and parks. Last year, the peaks of the Tennessee Aquarium, upper right, sported candy-cane stripes.IF YOU GO* What: 29th annual Lighted Boat Parade.* When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; fireworks at 8 p.m.* Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St.* Admission: Free.* Website: www.chattanoogapresents.com/lighted-boat-parade.
NEW THIS YEARGifts That Give Hope provides an opportunity for people to give back to their community while at the same time honoring their loved ones. Instead of buying traditional holiday gifts, shoppers honor their friends and family by donating to local nonprofits and supporting those who are not on anyone’s list. For each donation made, donors will receive a card describing their donations.The family celebration, set for 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, in Walker Pavilion at Coolidge Park, will include food from Virginia’s Gourmet by Design, photos taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus reading Christmas stories and children’s crafts by Macaroni Kids. Admission is free.The event is being held in honor of Porter Yarbrough, who worked for Prison Prevention Ministries and did mission work in South America.
Holiday music, carolers, a live Nativity scene and lighted boats parading up and down the Tennessee River will make it official Friday, Nov. 29 – it’s Christmas in Chattanooga.
For many area residents and visitors, the Lighted Boat Parade and festivities at Coolidge Park signal the start of the holiday season. For many, attending is a family tradition.
Luke Morin, who lives on the North Shore, celebrates by hosting a Christmas party for family and friends.