While you’re at Ice on the Landing, stop in to see the Choo Choo’s holiday decorations. | Photo provided by Ice on the Landing
This past summer, we created an action-packed itinerary for our National Content Editor, Dayten.
While winter hasn’t technically started yet, it sure feels like it after this past weekend. Pair that with family + friends coming to town for the holidays, and it’s the perfect time to create part two of our vacation itinerary — specifically curated for this time of year.
Outdoor winter activity | Specifications: Not too difficult + doesn’t last too long (for weather reasons)
Local coffee shop | Specifications: Somewhere you can get a sugary seasonal latte + a solid cup of black coffee
Somewhere cozy | Specifications: A place that makes you happy to be indoors
Chattanooga-specific holiday activity | Specifications: Something fun that can’t be found elsewhere
New, hip restaurant | Specifications: Good food
Good drink | Specifications: A place to get away from the kids for an evening
Our itinerary
Morning plans
Start the day with a brisk walk across the Walnut Street Bridge (outdoor winter activity ✅), then grab coffee from nearby Be Caffeinated or Milk & Honey (local coffee shop ✅)
Alternatively, show how “Chattanooga” you are by heading to Falling Waterfalls for a quick, painless jaunt with a stunning local view (outdoor winter activity ✅)
Afternoon plans
Opted to walk the bridge? Stay in NorthShore to window-shop at local stores + complete the Holiday Treasure Hunt (Chattanooga-specific holiday activity ✅)
Take animal lovers to cuddle cats at Naughty Cat Café, or bring bookworms to The Book & Cover for a cozy spot to curl up with a good read. Bonus: both have coffee (somewhere cozy ✅)
Evening plans
Grab small bites at Amada Tapas & Wine bar (new, hip restaurant ✅)
Go skating at Ice on the Landing, opening Friday, Nov. 18, or check out a holiday lights show/drive-thru (BonusChattanooga-specific holiday activity, because you’re just that cool ✅)
Bring the adults to Whiskey Thief for drinks with a view, or No Hard Feelings for the holiday pop-up bar beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 (good drink ✅)
A. Yes, but I’ve already got a plan in place B. Yes, and I’m still deciding what to do with them C. No, I’m actually going out of town this year D. Nope, no cleaning or prepping for me
NoogaLights | Tuesday, Nov. 15-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Chester Frost Park, 2277 Gold Point Circle N., Middle Valley | $25-$30 | For six weeks, Chester Frost Park will be transformed into an immersive drive-thru lighting experience for all ages.
Cake Decorating 101 | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $65 | Learn the basics of cake decorating on a pre-made cake + take it home to enjoy later.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Katherine Blanford | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Catch at The Chattanooga Choo Choo, 29 Station St., Chattanooga | $17+ | Katherine Blanford has brought her “human Golden Retriever” comedy presence to stages across the country.
Thursday, Nov. 17
Gratefull | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | Free | This community Thanksgiving event has no fee, no expectations, and no agenda.
Neutral Ground’s Gumbo Pop-Up | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | Price of purchase | Grab a cup of gumbo for dinner from Neutral Ground.
Friday, Nov. 18
Save Water, Drink Wine Mini Event | Friday, Nov. 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Signal Mountain Nursery, 1100 Hubbard Rd., Signal Mountain | $20+ | If you love Save Water, Drink Wine, this mini version at Signal Mountain Nursery is for you.
Exclusive Mead Tasting Event | Friday, Nov. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Flora De Mel, 313 McFarland Ave., Rossville | $99 | Get an early tasting of Flora De Mel’s eight new meads, along with light food + three early release bottles for guests to take home.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors is in the next phase of the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoor Plan. The plans are driven by public input + the department is asking for community feedback through a ~15-minuteonline survey to be completed by Friday, Nov. 18. 🌳
Community
Want a neighborhood grocery store in East Chattanooga? Purpose Point Community Health Center(2800 N. Chamberlain Ave.) will host two community listening sessions on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. + 5:30 p.m. to discuss plans and gain community input.
Pets
The Humane Educational Society will offer free Canine DAPPc + Feline HCP vaccinations at its final Community Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic of the year on Saturday, Nov. 19. The clinic will be held at the VFD Training Center on Highway 58, no appointment necessary. (Local 3)
Biz
Locals Only Gifts & Goods will host its Holiday Open House this Saturday, Nov. 19, featuring free hot cocoa, coffee + snacks. Shop some great deals on Chattanooga items and enjoy a photo op with Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” 🎄
Arts
Barking Legs Theatre’s Drive-In Dance will return Saturday, Nov. 19. Drive up + tune your radio to the accompanying station to be in sync with the performances in the green space. Admission is priced per vehicle and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.
Sports
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts. You can participate in Black Light Pickleball for free on Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Washington Hills Community Center(4628 Oakwood Dr.). The lights will be turned off, and glow-in-the-dark lines + equipment will be provided. 🏓
Try This
Daunted by a long holiday shopping list? Quick cash idea: List your extra storage spaces on Neighbor. You can rent out anything from closets and sheds todriveways and parking spots.Bonus: Listing your space is free. 💸 *
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Help the community have a happy holiday this year. | Photo by George Dolgikh via Pexels
There are lots of ways to give back to the community this time of year.
The tricky part? Finding all of them. That’s why we rounded up 30+ volunteer opportunities, events where you can run for a cause, and now, we’re sharing local donation drives + events that you can take part in.
The Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is collecting mini Christmas trees to decorate the rooms of patients in December. Artificial trees (three ft. or smaller) with ornaments can be dropped off Thursday, Dec. 8 or Friday, Dec. 9 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the table near the main entrance.
Toys for Tots collects toys for children in Chattanooga + surrounding areas. Click here to view the many donation drop sites around town, or make a monetary donation here.
Head to a Food City nearby to purchase pre-packaged bags filled with food or pet items, all of which will be donated locally to benefit local hunger relief organizations + animal shelters — bags are available for purchase through Dec. 31.
Editor’s pick: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food that you’re looking forward to? I always get excited to make cranberry sauce (I’m on team not-from-a-can), but I’ve also been eyeing Final Girl Vegan Food’s peanut butter pie — orders close Friday, Nov 18.
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