Don’t miss out on the wackiest parade in town. | Photo by Michael McCallie via MAINx24
There are only a few more sleeps until one of Chattanooga’s biggest celebrations, MAINx24.
In case you’re new here, this is an almost 24-hour festival on Saturday, Dec. 7 that takes place along Main Street + the surrounding Southside area and features over 100 events to attend for nonstop fun.
So, what all is happening at MAINx24?A lot — you can check out the full schedule to plan accordingly.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up for MAINx24 activities and events.
Photo provided by MAINx24
Must-attend events:
MAINx24 Parade | 10:30 a.m. | View the parade on Main Street to celebrate the wacky and weird artistic creativity of the Chattanooga community.
Pop-Up Zoo | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Head to 405 E. Main St. to see some of the Chattanooga Zoo’s animal residents + zookeepers.
Holidays at Ruby Falls | Wednesday, Dec. 4-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Ruby Falls | Free+ | Discover magical views, twinkling holiday lights in the Village Plaza, and festive cheer in the historic castle with special activities.
Asian Lantern Festival | Wednesday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | $17+ | Experience this beloved holiday event, featuring 40+ dazzling handmade lanterns, interactive games, and limited-edition gifts.*
Thursday, Dec. 5
Throwback Thursday | 4-8 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Free | See the permanent collection and current special exhibition + participate in a “Narrative 4 Story Exchange” in the museum’s lobby.
Friday, Dec. 6
Santa’s Christmas | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 1-7:30 p.m. | Charmingfare Farm, LaFayette, GA | $39+ | Head to this farm to take horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides + enjoy the festive lights and activities for the whole family.
Family Movie Friday | 4-5:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Northgate Branch | Free | See a screening of the 1973 animated film “Robin Hood” while enjoying snacks and making your own paper hat.
RED DOT: Cosmic Connection| 6-10 p.m. | Stove Works | $125+ | Come as your boldest self to enjoy this annual fundraiser that features works by local artists, music spun by a DJ, food trucks, and an award for the best dressed.
Soundscapes | 7 p.m. | ChattState | Free | Hear a performance that boasts “a sonically colorful ride through our natural world and beyond,” featuring local area students and volunteers.
Insomnia Cookies will open the doors of its first Chattanooga location on Saturday, Dec. 7. Swing by the store on Broad Street (in the Food City plaza) for its grand opening event from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. to try out their signature warm cookies.
Traffic
Roberts Mill Road will be closed for general maintenance today, Dec. 4 beginning at 8 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Motorists are advised to utilize the W Road or Signal Mountain Boulevard/Taft Highway during the closure period. (Chattanoogan.com)
Announced
Shadrina Booker has been selected as the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, effective Thursday, Jan. 2. Booker will continue the organization’s mission of delivering youth programming across Hamilton and surrounding counties.
Watch
Good golly, is that Dolly? Dolly Parton made a video appearance to launch Songbirds’ fall fundraising drive. Watch the video + see how you can help support the foundation’s mission.
UTC
UTC has a new underground classroom. Raccoon Mountain Caverns was donated to the university, providing a field location where students can conduct research. Fun fact: This makes UTC one of seven known institutions across the country to own a cave. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Read
SoLit will host fiction writer Bradley Sides at ArtsBuild for a free event on Saturday, Dec. 7. Sides will discuss his second short story collection “Crocodile Tears Didn’t Cause the Flood” followed by a Q+A session and book signing.
Finance
New year, new wheels? Now through Tuesday, Dec. 31, TVFCU is offering auto loans at 4.99% APR on new vehicles and no payment for the first 90 days. Click to learn more + snag this deal.*
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
Wellness
Discover the secret to hearing every detail with the Horizon IX by hear.com. These discreet, rechargeable hearing aids deliver sound so clear and natural, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. With phone connectivity, award-winning service, and flexible payment options, join the 425,000+ customers who love them.*
Travel
Planning to take your RV on the open road in 2025? Buy coverage online in minutes with Roamly, rated five stars by thousands of RV owners.*
Category
History
Put Chattanooga on the map
Vote for your favorite spot. | Screenshot via Proxi
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the NOOGAtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
Ochs Memorial Temple
13-15 West Ninth Street
Naughty Cat Cafe
Bea’s Restuarant
It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Voting closes Wednesday, Dec. 11 — so be sure to vote for the historical location you’d love to see recognized for its significance.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor.
🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates.
🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial.
🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking.
🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
Did anyone catch a glimpse of the light snow flurries the other night? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see some snow this winter — enough to even make a snowman or sled down Cardboard Hill. Let me know how you’d spend a snow day in the Scenic City.
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