Article by: Gabriella Bellot, NOOGAtoday intern
The New York Times recently explored local holiday light shows, calling the twinkling magic of multi-colored winter lights “the therapy we need … this second pandemic winter.”
We can’t help but agree, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve spent more than enough time browsing WRCB’s Christmas Lights Tracker. From local neighborhoods + their holiday handiwork to downtown’s many shimmering lights, here’s a guide for those wanting to take a drive or stroll through a light-filled wonderland.
Take a Stroll
EPB Holiday Windows | 10 West MLK Blvd. | Through Jan. 3 | This holiday tradition dates back to the WWII era. This year’s theme is “Chatta-who-ville.”
Chattanooga Choo Choo | 1400 Market St. | Through the holiday season | The tallest and brightest Christmas tree you ever did see — aka, the perfect backdrop for your photo with Santa Clause. Bonus: Stop by Ice on the Landing through Jan. 30 while you’re at the Choo Choo for ice skating under twinkly lights + holiday music.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights | 1400 Patten Rd. | Through Jan. 2, closed Dec. 24 | Experience the wonder of Rock City’s award-winning light display any night throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Lights at the Zoo | 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. | Dec. 10-11, Dec. 17-18 | See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, and watch as animals dig into their holiday presents.
Holidays Under the Peaks | Tennessee Aquarium | Through Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25 | Set your sights on a glimmering tree that’s in sync with our favorite electric eel, Miguel Wattson. Bonus: The Polar Express 3D returns to the Aquarium’s IMAX Theater this year on various dates throughout the month.
Walnut Street Bridge | Through the holiday season | Take a stroll across Chattanooga’s walking bridge, where lights in the shape of snowflakes are shining each night.
Take a Drive (through some local neighborhoods)
Christmas Lights on Jason Drive | 3717 Jason Dr., East Ridge | Through Dec. 25 | Drive through a neighborhood’s huge nightly light display from 5:30-10:30 p.m. — donations are accepted for the Chattanooga Community Kitchen + the East Ridge Needy Child Fund.
Scenic City Lights | 4095 Brock Rd. | Through Jan. 9 | From 6-10 p.m. daily, drive up to a light show with over 19,500 LED lights and tune into its given radio station for an immersive holiday experience. Bonus: If you visit sceniccitylights.com, you can request songs you want to hear — click once on the song title + it’ll be added to the queue.
Soddy Daisy Christmas Lights | 11632 Jenkins Rd. | Through the holiday season | This holiday light display also offers a bright lights show set to music.
The Canyons at Falling Waters | Canyon Springs Dr., Hixson | Throughout the holiday season | Catch this entire neighborhood’s light display – donations to food collection barrels for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank are accepted.
Take a Drive (a bit further out)
King Family Light Show | 2466 Twin Oaks Dr. SE, Cleveland | Through the holiday season | See a vivid display of 6,000 lights + Christmas decor — this year the King family is raising money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
Bradley Lights | 3787 Blue Springs Rd., Cleveland | Through the holiday season | This home light display features 25,000 pixels — a single light with multiple LED colors inside. Tune in to the radio station, park, and watch the show.
Meadow Stream Lights | 7788 Trout Lily Dr., Ooltewah | Throughout the holiday season | Check out another 20,000+ pixel light show tuned to music.
