If you’ve ever thought, “I want to pet that” at the zoo, save this for later. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Zoologist City Editor Haley here. If you read my 26 favorite things about Chattanooga, you know just how much I love our local red pandas — and thanks to the folks at the Chattanooga Zoo, I was able to actually pet one.
The zoo offers 30-minute wild encounters to be booked throughout the year where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite animals while feeding them — perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift.
Red panda encounter | $250 per person
We’ve got to start with the big one. I got to meet Avi, the zoo’s male panda — who is Pilatus’ dad. Avi and I bonded over our love for grapes, which I got to feed him from the palm of my hand. I also got to do a round where I pet his back, and yes, happy tears were shed.
During this encounter, you will also see them eat bamboo + biscuit treats while learning more about their behaviors and natural habitats.
Community Acupuncture Circle | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $29 | Experience a rejuvenating journey of movement, auricular acupuncture with insights into Chinese medicine, guided meditation + communal healing.
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.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Family Origami Workshop | 5-6 p.m. | Katie Lamb Public Library, Collegedale | Free | Create large 3D paper snowflakes using origami techniques to add to your holiday decorations.
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall | 7:30 p.m. | Walker Theatre | $50+ | See this legendary husband + wife-duo, who have performed as a trumpeter and a singer for 50 years, join each other on stage to perform their “A Christmas Wish” tour.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Holiday Open House | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shuptrine’s Gallery | Free+ | Pop in this downtown gallery to enjoy the final day of its sip-n-shop experience while seeing works from the gallery’s featured artists.
Friday, Dec. 13
Buddy’s Holiday Workshop Extravaganza | 7-10 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum | $35 | Son of a nutcracker, this is going to be fun — come out to this 21+ event for activities like sock skating + gingerbread cookie decorating, enjoying drinks, and more themed-fun.
The City of Chattanooga has proposed Invest Chattanooga — a $20 million housing production fund. Notably, in an effort to catalyze affordable housing, it would offer loans to cover up to 25% of construction costs at a low interest rate. Join the mailing list to learn more.
Transit
Starting tomorrow, Dec. 10 through Thursday, Dec. 12, CARTA will offer free rides through its annual Share Your Christmas Food Drive. You can get a one-way ride for every can of nonperishable food you donate, benefiting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
Pets
The Chattanooga Humane Educational Society is trying to make sure every pet in its care is Home for the Pawlidays. Now through Thursday, Jan. 2, folks can take home a shelter pet to foster it during the holidays — all necessary supplies will be provided.
Shop
This is for all of those last-minute elf runs — Sleepyhead Coffee is hosting a Christmas Eve Eve Eve Market on Sunday, Dec. 22 at its Main + Dodds location. You can shop local vendors like Arrowknot Studio and Lissie Ceramics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Job
Talk about a tooth-rific opportunity: Cempa Community Care is looking for a Dental Hygienist to help make patients smile bright. Join their growing team.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
We know the question on your mind, Chattanoogans — how much colder can it get?
Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January + February.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Temperature
Think warmer. This winter, Chattanooga has a 40-50% chance of temperatures leaning higher than normal.
Precipitation
Expect average precipitation. Chattanooga falls in the zone of having equal chances of having higher-than or lesser-than average amounts of rainfall this season.
Drought
Drought conditions are expected to persist this winter.
Settling into December
This month typically marks the coldest of the year in Chattanooga as we see temperatures drop between 36.3°and 50.2° + snowfall begins, averaging 0.59 inches. Make sure you also have your umbrellas as December historically has 13.7 days of rainfall on average.
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
In our recent poll, 40% of our readers would happily pour a glass of Chattanooga Whiskey to keep themselves warm by the fire. While I always recommend my personal favorite, the 111, the distillery’s latest experimental batch is giving all of the cozy + seasonal tasting notes.
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