Don’t miss out on the wackiest parade in town. | Photo by Michael McCallie via MAINx24
Today’s the day, Chattanooga — MAINx24, the almost 24-hour festival in Southside, is already in full swing.
There’s a lot ground to cover up + down Main Street. You can check out the full schedule to plan accordingly, but here are some of our must-attend events this afternoon and evening.
Chattanooga Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Chattanooga Convention Center | Free+ | Shop the Chattanooga Market as booths have transitioned indoors to feature handmade + artisanal products, perfect for gift giving.
Christmas Daylight Express | Times vary | Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | $30 | Take a one-hour train ride exploring the sights, writing a letter to + meeting Santa, and shopping around the Christmas Village.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Vintage Christmas Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Common House | Free+ | Shop vintage clothing and gifts, sip on holiday cocktails, get cozy by the fire + watch classic holiday movies.
Christmas Parade | 3-5 p.m. | City of Collegedale | Free+ | Come out to see decorated holiday floats, marching groups + bands, antique cars, and enjoy dishes from food trucks — the parade kicks off at Collegedale Academy Middle School.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Disney Trivia | 7-10 p.m. | The Dragon | $5 | Show off your knowledge of Disney movies, characters, and magic + dress up as your favorite character for extra pixie dust.
Saturday, Dec. 14
PJs and “The Polar Express 3D” | 9:15-11:40 a.m. | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $15+ | Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, cuddle up in your coziest pajamas, and climb aboard “The Polar Express” for a magical movie journey to the North Pole.
We all know that Chattanooga’s signature dish the MoonPie. But did you know our neighbors over in Asheville, NC are known for Chocolate Lab cheese? Explore more local dishes around the world with the Taste Atlas.
Real Estate
More people moved to the South than any other region in 2024, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. It also shares the top reasons why movers chose a specific area, including proximity to loved ones, home price, and taxes. Newcomer? Read our guide to becoming a Chattanoogan.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these 10+ museums in Chattanooga. (Time Magazine)
Trending
Mocha mousse. That’s Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which was selected through global research and analysis to reflect “our desire for comfort” and “the indulgence of simple pleasures.” See if you can spy any mocha mousse shades in these 18 murals around Chattanooga.
City Guide
City Guide
Happy hauling: Thrift a gift
Your guide to finding those secondhand treasures. | Photo by @vinterestsouthside
Wanting to fill those gift boxes with local touches this year while staying on budget? Try thrifting a unique item from one of these spots.
Vinterest, Southside + Hixson
This co-op style store has various booths offering items from clothing to antique decor — find something one-of-a-kind for your artsy friends.
Electric Crocodile, NorthShore
Peruse 20+ vendors for vintage clothes, vinyl, eclectic decor, and handcrafted items when shopping at this funky store — just look for the neon yellow paneling and giant crocodile. Bonus: This shop also houses Green Door Toys.
Poor Taste, Southside
Know someone who loves the fashion of the 1990s?This spot is perfect for vintage sports apparel + pop culture tees.
The Gear Closet, Red Bank
Find all of the outdoor gear for the adventurers in your life, like kayaks, backpacks, clothing, and more.
This top-rated safety razor with five premium stainless-steel blades. Its double-sided design provides a closer, cleaner shave compared to disposable razors, resulting in less skin irritation.
The Scenic City is in full swing for the holidays, and you know what that means — your favorite bar is hosting a themed pop-up with seasonal drinks. I’m putting together a guide for all those that celebrate — drop me a line with a pop-up you’re excited about to be included in a newsletter next week.
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