Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Chattanooga. From light displays and holiday performances to festive parties and winter wonderlands, winter is where the Scenic City thrives.
Gather your family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring winter events happening between December and February.
Holiday happenings + light displays
Rock City’s HoliDAYS
Now through Saturday, Jan. 4, you can see the Enchanted Garden of Lights and winter decor throughout the attraction, perfect for taking your holiday photos. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate + seasonal treats from the food stops. Adult tickets start at $29.
NoogaLights
Head to the drive-thru light show in Soddy-Daisy now through Dec. 29 or the walk-thru light show at The Choo Choo Gardens through Dec. 31 for customized lighting displays synched to holiday music. It is $20 per vehicle for the drive-thru show + tickets start at $9.50 per person for the walk-thru show.
Holidays on Ruby Falls
Now through Tuesday, Dec. 24, explore the twinkling lights on the Village Plaza, enjoy festive activities in the historic castle, and cozy up by the fireplace with seasonal treats + hot cocoa.
Holidays Under the Peaks
Head to the Tennessee Aquarium now through Sunday, Dec. 29 to see a light-bedecked tree twinkling in sync with the jolts of an electric eel, Scuba Claus dives, and showings of “The Polar Express 3D” next door at the IMAX Theater.
Asian Lantern Festival
This annual festival at the Chattanooga Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday nights now through Jan. 19 where you can see hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns + interactive displays. Tickets for non-members start at $17.
Festive concerts + show
CHA Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
See an enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker” featuring the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera playing live with over 200 students from the Chattanooga Ballet’s School. Performances will be held Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15 at Memorial Auditorium. Tickets start at $28.
The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show
JOHNNYSWIM will perform at the Walker Theatre on Friday, Dec. 13 making a stop on their holiday tour. Pro tip: Tickets are selling quickly for this must-see show, so grab yours now.
Lindsey Stirling
See this performer known for her choreographed violinist performances take the stage in the Scenic City on Thursday, Dec. 19 for “The Snow Waltz” tour. Tickets start at $91.
Home for the Holidays
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will perform its holiday show on Saturday, Dec. 21 + Sunday, Dec. 22 at Memorial Auditorium featuring a variety of groups joining them on stage and a visit from Santa. Bonus: Toys will be collected for the Be The Change Youth Initiative Toy Drive. Tickets start at $30.
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
This international ensemble that blends world-class ballet and acrobatics with whimsical puppets and costumes will give two performances at Memorial Auditorium on Monday, Dec. 23. Tickets start at $44.
Winter outdoor activities
Ice on the Landing
This open-air ice skating rink is a classic winter tradition for all ages and is open now through Sunday, Feb 2. Tickets start at $12 and include a 60-minute session and skate rentals.
Whiskey Run Chattanooga
This annual half-marathon, 10K, or 5K will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 1 featuring Be Caffienated Coffee, Tasty Donuts, and a whiskey sampling after the race. Registration price for each race varies.
Freeze Your Half Off
This fun run, held on Saturday, Jan. 11, takes place entirely on the Tennessee Riverwalk Path. Entry fees start at $54 and include food and drink, a race sticker, and a beanie.
Polar Plunge and Fun Run
Celebrate the new year on Saturday, Jan. 18 with a three-mile run through the Preserve and take a dip into Lula Lake — the only time the public is allowed to swim in its waters. Plus, enjoy spiked (or not) hot cider, hot cocoa, and beer after the run. Registration is $60.
Light displays
Want to ensure this season is a merry and bright one? Check out our guide on where to see holiday lights in the area.
