Christmas is just around the corner, and every area of town is getting in the spirit. This roundup of local holiday happenings will help you find a way to get festive with your neighbors this holiday season.
DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA
Brew Lights 2019
Dec. 7, 7-10 p.m.
Most holiday events are focused on families, but sometimes kid-free festivities are a welcome break. The Chattanooga Zoo's second annual 21-and-up holiday event features animals and alcohol under the glow of colorful twinkling lights. Christmas carolers and DJ Santa will add to the already abundant holiday cheer. Buy tickets at chattzoo.org/events/zooevents.
MAINX24
Dec. 7, 6:30 a.m. until Dec. 8, 6 a.m.
The Southside's 12th annual 24-hour block party features something for everyone, from old favorites like the adult big wheel race and chili cook-off to new additions including an axe throwing competition and "what's under my kilt" game. The family-friendly day kicks off with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade down Main Street. Many events benefit local charities, and businesses get in on the action with open houses and sales. Visit facebook.com/mainx24 for more.
Chattanooga Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14 and 15 at 2 p.m.
Chattanooga Ballet's 32nd annual production of this holiday classic returns to the Tivoli Theatre with four showings. This year's production features 200 local children, music from the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and fresh choreography from the company's new artistic director, Brian McSween. Ticket prices range from $18-$65 and are available at tivolichattanooga.com or by calling 757-5580.
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN
Ruby Falls Christmas Underground
Dec. 5-8 and 12-23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday-Friday
Named a 2019 Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, Christmas Underground transforms Ruby Falls into an interactive holiday wonderland. Visitors can meet Santa in the underground winter wonderland of swirling snow flurries and sparkling geodes, mine for "joystones" and stroll through a Sugar Plum Fairy Village and glittering ice cave. Tickets start at $16.95 for ages 3 and older and include a souvenir joystone. For more information call 821-2544, or visit rubyfalls.com/special-events/christmas-underground to buy tickets.
HIXSON
Hixson Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Open to the entire community, this holiday event held at Clear Creek Church of Christ begins with a meet-and-greet opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new neighbors. A program follows at 6:30 p.m. featuring sounds of the season performed by the Hixson High School music department, and the festive evening concludes with the lighting of the tree at 7.
LAKESITE
Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
A longest popcorn string contest, ornament crafting, seasonal food and drink, and photo ops with a special guest are among the highlights of this third annual event co-hosted by the city of Lakesite and Covenant Church at Lakesite City Park.
NORTH CHATTANOOGA
Holiday Window Treasure Hunt on the North Shore
Through Jan. 5, 2020
Shop local for the chance to win a gift basket worth more than $1,000 by participating in the NorthShore Merchants Collective's fifth annual Holiday Window Treasure Hunt, which benefits the Northside Neighborhood House. To enter, pick up a game card from any of the 28 participating businesses and search for hidden gems in the holiday window displays while checking names off your shopping list.
RED BANK
Christmas Festival & Parade
Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
The city of Red Bank's annual holiday festival at Red Bank City Park on Redding Road features family activities, music, food, vendors and a visit from Ole St. Nick. A parade of floats sponsored by local businesses, organizations and groups begins at 6 p.m.
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN
Town Tree Lighting Festival
Dec. 7, 4-7 p.m.
The Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain is pulling out all the stops for the town's annual tree-lighting, which includes pictures with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, a holiday gift market, and free refreshments provided by Life Care Center of Red Bank. The MACC's newly reopened auditorium will showcase performances by Signal Mountain Middle/High School brass and strings, the Thrasher Kool Kids Chorus, the DuRoy Family Sing-a-long, Princess Ballet and a teaser by the cast of "Frozen, Jr." A short presentation will share the story of how soldiers during the first World War called an unofficial truce for the celebration of Christmas.