25 parties for 2025 on New Year’s Eve in Chattanooga
Step into 2024 the right way with these fun happenings around town. | Photo by @okcrowe via @commonhousechatt
Grab your sparkly attire and confetti — it’s time to ring in a new year. We’ve rounded up a guide to some of the best parties the Scenic City has to offer on Sunday, Dec. 31.
🎊 Family-friendly
Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Bring the kiddos from 12 to 4 p.m. for interactive fun + a special apple juice toast to the new year. This event is free with museum admission.
City of Chattanooga, 200 Broad St.
The official city celebration will take place in front of the Tennessee Aquarium beginning at 8 p.m. + features live music, vendors, a light show, a New Year’s countdown tower, and more family fun.
Elsie’s Daughter, 1404 Rossville Ave.
Keep it classy with a six-course meal curated by Chef Christopher Greer. Note: This event is not vegan/vegetarian-friendly + reservations (starting at $100) are highly encouraged.
Unknown Caller Bar, 715 Cherry St.
Pop into this speakeasy-style downtown bar for its annual party featuring a DJ and champagne deals. For the all-nighters — pay a $50 cover to get a seat for the midnight toast + get free champagne, a goody bag, and confetti cannons.
Common House, 1517 Mitchell Ave.
Spend an evening at this social club for its Grand Cuckoo Party, featuring DJ Kevin Bell, a champagne tower, and canapés. This event is free to members + non-member tickets are $50.
The Read House, 107 W. MLK Blvd.
Step into the Roaring ‘20s during this New Year’s Eve celebration with live music from 10-piece band Gwen Hughes and The Retro Kats + an open bar, small bites, and toast. Tickets start at $185 with an option to add a hotel room booking.
Pro tip: Keep the night going responsibly, GoCart will be offering free rides until 1:30 a.m.
NoogaLights | Thursday, Dec. 21-Tuesday, Jan. 2 | Times vary | NoogaLights, 12000 Dayton Pk., Soddy-Daisy | $15-$20 | Spend the holiday weekend looking at lights in this drive-thru show.
Friday, Dec. 22
“Beyond the Rainbow” | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $10-$40 | This reprise performance features a collaboration of storytelling from different local artists.
Saturday, Dec. 23
Christmas Food Charity | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2-4 p.m. | Miller Park, 928 Market St., Chattanooga | Free | Talent Bar Event Management will hand out 100 free hot meals to those in need.
“Nutcracker!” Magical Christmas Ballet | Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $42.05-$94.35 | Experience the holiday magic and nostalgia of this classic ballet performance.
Sunday, Dec. 24
Gino Fanelli | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 12-3 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Listen to jazz music while you enjoy your Sunday brunch.
The sun may set at 5:32 p.m. today, but good news is on the horizon... literally. Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the North Pole is tilted the furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year — which means the days will start getting longer.
Tech
EPB will install two EV fast-charging stations at its substation in East Ridge. The stations will have two charging ports (with the capacity to charge four EVs at a time) at the corner of Camp Jordan Parkway + Leonard Road.
Cause
United Way of Greater Chattanooga is seeking volunteer advocates for 2024. This role helps the organization decide how raised funds go back into the community. Applications will close on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Noogan
McCallie’s two-time all-state defender Carson Gentle has signed with the University of Tennessee. Bonus: Gentle was the university’s first official signee of the 2024 recruiting class. We’re wishing you luck next season. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
ICYMI
In case you missed it, Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum is moving to 212 W. Main St. (across from The Feed Table & Tavern). The museum will operate from its current Station Street location through Saturday, Dec. 23 if you want to check out the collections before the move.
Plan Ahead
Registration is now open for the annual Polar Plunge and Fun Run on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Lula Lake. Fun fact: This is the one day out of the entire year the public is allowed to swim in Lula Lake.
Home
Just spent a lot of cash on gifts? Find out how EPB’s rebate program can put up to $1,500 back in your wallet. Bonus: You’ll save on your monthly bill, too.*
Elevate your holiday gift-giving with unforgettable antique + vintage items from REVIVAL. From luxury decor and contemporary art to the most uncommon of goods, find timeless pieces that shine in any space. Stop by the downtown location on Warehouse Row to browse, ooh, and ahh your way through the curated collection.*
Transit
Why TDOT’s plan matters to Chattanooga
Dissecting TDOT’s first-ever proposed 10-year plan
See how TDOT’s recent plan will affect commuters in Chattanooga. | Graphic by the Tennessee Department of Transportation
Earlier this week, we shared TDOT’s first-ever 10-year transportation project plan. Now, we’re diving into the $15 billion proposal to tell you why it matters to Chattanooga.
While you can see the full breakdown of the plan, the most important information for our area (Region 2) discusses the potential addition of Choice Lanes.
Not to be confused with toll roads, Choice Lanes are put into place in heavily congested areas, giving motorists the option to pay a fee to utilize the faster lane or use the other existing lanes at no charge (for example, Atlanta does this). Chattanooga was one of the initial congestion studies conducted.
Now, we are here — aTraffic and Revenue study has been commissioned by TDOT + it is currently in conversations with private sector partners to discuss feasibility. Construction of additional lanes will require public contribution. Note: To ensure taxpayers are receiving the most beneficial outcome, TDOT has set aside funds to continue annual studies.
Hey there, tea lovers. The last days of the Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary are sadly here — the shop will have its final “holiday hurrah” on New Year’s Eve. While the spot will be closed for Christmas, you can pop in to get your last fix Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 31. I know I’ll be stocking up.
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