Places open, things to do in Chattanooga on Christmas Day

Once the presents are open on Christmas morning, you've still got lots of options.

In addition to the tried-and-true movie theaters and restaurants that open their doors to entertain restless Christmas crowds, locals can get in some ice skating at the Choo Choo, stroll Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights, snuggle some adoptable cats and end the day at one of several watering holes.

Emily Johnson, a bartender at the Honest Pint, works nearly every Christmas and enjoys the festive spirits of the folks who come by for a holiday drink.

"To make people happy on a holiday, it just feels good," she said. "We decorate for Christmas, we've got trees up and stuff. We might get a couple of Scrooges in that day, but that's everywhere."

At the Naughty Cat Cafe in St. Elmo, Heath Hanson and Whitney Sickels have opened the doors of their cat-rescue cafe on every holiday since they opened in February.

"Thanksgiving was a very busy day for us," Hanson said. "Mother's Day and Easter were record-breakers in terms of visitors and adoptions. When people have time off they want to do things like this."

The kitty cafe, which is normally $13 for admission, will run a half-off admission and adoption fees deal on Christmas, Hanson added. "We're doing what we can to make sure these cats don't spend Christmas alone," he said.

All the hiking trails at local national parks will also be open, but visitor centers will be closed.

If you have other ideas for fun Christmas Eve and Christmas Day pastimes, do tell. Email news@timesfreepress.com to help us build this list.