Listen, we’re all happy to spend some moola on things that we know will be worth it. But with the holidays coming in hot, some of us just don’t have the funds to splurge this season (raises hand 🙋).
It’s easy to find free things to do in a city like Chattanooga during the summertime, but when it begins to drop below 60º – it’s a bit more of a struggle. So, we’ve bundled up and gathered a list of seven totally free things to do during Nooga’s colder months.
1. Peruse the Chattanooga Market
Although the outdoor market at First Tennessee Pavilion has shut down for the winter, you can now enjoy Chattanooga’s holiday market at the convention center during the first three weekends of December. With over 200 local food vendors, artists + crafters, plus live entertainment each weekend, you can spend hours at this free event.
2. Take a hike
What better way to recover from all those Christmas cookies than a crisp, scenic hike? Some of our winter favorites are Glen Falls + Bluff Trail. Want the views minus the walk? Drive right up to Sunset Rock or Falling Waterfalls for some seriously beautiful photo opps.
3. Check out Chattanooga Public Library
If you haven’t been to the downtown branch of the library, you could easily spend an entire day perusing the shelves and getting lost in your new favorite book. And, once you’ve turned the last page, you can head up to the fourth floor and immerse yourself in a world of creativity. From a zine-making lab to a soldering bench and photography studio, you’re sure to find something fun, and free, to do.
4. Go camping
There’s nothing better than a campfire, crunchy leaves + a night in a sleeping bag. Grab some friends, marshmallows + your warmest coat and explore some of Chattanooga’s awesome campsites. Cloudland Canyon, Fall Creek Falls, and Chester Frost are all great options.
5. Walk around Bluff View Art District
With the art district’s sculpture gardens, views overlooking the Tennessee River + free admission to the Hunter Museum on the first Thursday of every month from 4-8 p.m., Bluff View is a great place to go when you want a sophisticated evening without the price tag. (Don’t forget to stop by Rembrandt’s for a cozy drink to warm up — it may not be free, but it’s worth the small cost.)
6. Windowshop in Northshore
Chattanooga’s Northshore area can provide you with lots of free fun, from window shopping at the boutiques lining Frazier Avenue to walking the Walnut Street Bridge or enjoying a picnic in Coolidge Park. (Bonus —there’s a Northshore treasure hunt happening now, and you could win this.)
7. Look at holiday lights
Chattanooga has lots of places to find free Christmas lights during the holiday season. EPB’s holiday windows, the Chattanooga Choo Choo + Bluff View District all offer beautiful Christmas light displays. You can also see the Bradley Lights display from the comfort of your car with synchronized Christmas music from radio station 96.9, or head to Jason Drive in East Ridge to see a whole street of houses with lights put up for you to enjoy.
For more free things to do throughout the month, make sure to check out our December PlanAhead.
