Season’s greetings, Chattanooga. We’ll be out of office until the new year to spend time with our loved ones. Until then, we’re pausing our newsletter sends and reducing our social posts. We’ll see you in your inboxes at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. 👋
What do you want to read about in 2024?
25 reader questions for 2025 in Chattanooga
Let us know what topics we should cover in the new year. | Photo by @jcc.photograph.e
Get ready for the new year, Chattanooga.
2024 is almost here, and with it will come a whole new year of reasons to have Chattanooga pride. Who knows whatnew restaurant might open, what skyline changes we might see+ all the concerts, art exhibits, and marketsthat come to town.But we know one thing is for sure — we want to write about what matters to you, our readers, the most.
That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2024 — any piece of Chattanooga life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning cup of coffee in hand. Want to know where to get the best bowl of ramen? What are the oldest buildings in Chattanooga? Which festivals are coming into town? Learn about local Chattanooga legends?
Dream big, and tell us what’s in your heart of hearts, because the questions you asked us last year were some of our favorite topics to cover—like international food offerings + date night ideas.
Submit your question below to influence the stories you’ll read next year — it’s our New Year’s resolution to answer 24 of these. Stay tuned as we bring you the Chattanooga answers you want most + watch the rest of the year unfold.
Bobby Stone Film Series | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $7.50-$13.50 | See a special holiday screening of “The Grinch.”
Saturday, Dec. 23
Last Minute Market | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 3-8 p.m. | The Commons, 4950 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale | Free+ | For the last-minute holiday shoppers — stop by for gifts from local vendors at this arts, crafts + farmers market.
Sunday, Dec. 24
NoogaLights | Sunday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | NoogaLights, 12000 Dayton Pk., Soddy-Daisy | $15-$20 | Spend the holidays looking at lights in this drive-thru show.
Monday, Dec. 25
Monday Night Blues Jam | Monday, Dec. 25 | 8-10 p.m. | Gate 11 Distillery, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Spend your evening listening to blues tunes from Robin Baker Blues Band.
Sunday, Dec. 31
Chattanooga’s NYE Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 8-11:59 p.m. | In Front of Tennessee Aquarium, 200 Broad St., Chattanooga | Free+ | The City of Chattanooga is hosting the official 2024 New Year’s Eve party, featuring a light show + live music, confetti, a New Year’s countdown tower, food trucks, drink vendors, and more.*
Hamilton County commissioners unanimously approved a $2.65 million purchase for a new forensic center. The 13,342-sqft building, located at 400 N. Holtzclaw Ave., is in the works to replace the medical examiner’s existing facility that was constructed in 1989. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
In observance of the holidays, all branches of the Chattanooga Public Library will be closed today, Dec. 22 through Monday, Dec. 25. Folks can stop by all locations during regular operating hours starting on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Health
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has appointed Dr. Steven Cogswell as the next Hamilton County Medical Examiner. Pending approval from the county commission on Wednesday, Jan. 3, Dr. Cogswell will succeed Dr. James Metcalfe.
Outdoors
The Chattanooga City Council approved a resolution between local nonprofit Hope Included + the Parks and Outdoors Department. The agreement allows the redevelopment of Riverview Park to continue, creating an inclusive park for all abilities. The park is projected to be complete by spring of 2024.
Number
18,000+. That’s how many potholes, cracks, and divots were repaired in 2023 by the Chattanooga Public Works Department. Additionally, crews paved 66 miles of lanes over the course of this year.
Edu
Any recent graduates of UTC or proud loved ones in the audience? The university has released its full album of the 2023 Fall Commencement ceremonies online to be viewed + saved for free. Download your grad photos.
Arts
The Association for Visual Arts has announced its artist call for the 4 Bridges Arts Festival Emerging Artist Program. This program allows 4-6 local artists who haven’t been featured in a gallery or festival to have their own booth. Applications will go live on Monday, Jan. 1.
Network
The Chattanooga Chamber will host its first Downtown Council Networking event of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hotel Clemons. The first 30 attendees will receive a free drink ticket. Note: The Chamber will not have its regular monthly meeting in January.
Community
Well, this is officially our last News Note of 2023. Thank you to our NOOGAtoday community for staying connected with us this year. If you want to support us in 2024, consider becoming a member — you’ll support us directly and keep these newsletters coming. Until next year, folks.
Holiday
Where to spend Christmas Day
What’s open on Christmas Eve and Day in Chattanooga
You can bring your loved ones to Ice on the Landing on Christmas Day. | Photo by @iceonthelanding
Not sure how you’re spending Christmas Day? Here are 9 local spots to check out that will be open on Monday, Dec. 25.
Naughty Cat Café, 3742 Tennessee Ave.
Enjoy a cup of coffee, a brew, and baked goods while cuddling up with the 30+ adoptable cats.
Shady’s Corner, 1402 Cemetery Ave.
Come by for “A Shady Christmas Story” where folks can enjoy a free Chinese buffet starting at 3 p.m. The spot will be open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. serving up drink specials + screening holiday movies.
Elsie’s Daughter, 1404 Rossville Ave.
If you need respite from the holidays, pop into this Southside spot for a drink from 4 to 9 p.m.
This versatile wristlet from Avryn Co. that’s crafted with top-grade leather — because you’ve probably been buying for others this holiday season, and you deserve something nice too.
I’m sending you all the warmest wishes over the holidays. I’m so excited to take a break and spend time with my loved ones + be back just in time for the New Year’s Eve festivities in town.
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