Santa Claus is coming to town + he’s hitting up your favorite local bars. | Photo by @nohardfeelingsbar
On the 11th day of Christmas, NOOGAtoday gave to you — 11+ holiday bar pop-ups and other seasonal beverage happenings around the Scenic City.
Miracle, No Hard Feelings This Broad Street bar is bringing back its annual sponsored pop-up for a cause now through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
We recommend | The Christmapolitan made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced-cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary + absinthe mist.
Santa Tell Me, Unknown Caller Enter this secret winter wonderland now through Wednesday, Jan. 1 to enjoy a full bar takeover — from the holiday-themed decor to the menu.
We recommend | The Hot Buttered Rum Pum-Pum with vanilla butter rum, salted vanilla, honey, clove, nutmeg + cinnamon. For a mocktail, try the Have a Holly Jolly Christmas with non-alcoholic Amaretti, gingerbread, cold brew + egg.
These themed glasses definitely make it on our nice list this year.
Nooga Holiday Cocktail Trail Presented by Nooga Nightlife (which is one of three events they’re hosting), you can go to 10+ participating locations to enjoy seasonal menu items now through Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Basics of Intuitive Art | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $39 | Learn composition rules as you match colors to feelings + shape them together to create a piece that reflects your internal world.
Page-Turners on the Patio | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Greenhouse by Oddstory | Free+, RSVP | Bring your current read to this low-pressure book club to enjoy seasonal cocktails, brews, and reading time (with the option to socialize).
Thursday, Dec. 12
A Holiday Necklace Workshop | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $39 | If you already know what you’re wearing to your holiday parties, craft a matching beaded necklace adorned with festive bows in this beginner-friendly class.
Candlelight Service | Thursday, Dec. 12-Friday, Dec. 13 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Brainerd United Methodist Church | Free | Come out to see The Roueché Chorale & Orchestra perform “Lessons & Carols,” during this special service.
Friday, Dec. 13
“The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | $49+ | See your favorite moments from this beloved production like the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” performed by Chattanooga Ballet + Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.
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.
2025 goal No. 1: Bring financial dreams to Fruition
Presented by Fruition Financial
Fruition can help you achieve your financial goals. | Photo by Fruition Financial
Is there a Lookout Mountain of debt in the way of you summiting your personal finance goals? Break free from financial stress with Fruition.
Gain crystal-clear insights into your spending, savings, and investments in a single dashboard, and get personalized guidance from real humans on your schedule. (Want to increase your financial literacy? The Learning Studio is open 24/7.)
The City of Red Bank is hosting a Public Input Pop-Up booth during its Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 14. From 3 to 6 p.m., residents will be able to view + discuss proposed concepts for the former Red Bank Middle School site — a project that began earlier this year.
Seasonal
The Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department announced on Instagram that the Walnut Street Bridge snowflakes won’t be lit this year, due to installment issues. All snowflakes have to melt at some point — but you can expect the return of this seasonal lighting post-bridge renovations.
Biz
TVFCU has announced the 22 Chattanooga-area quarterfinalists for the 2025 Idea Leap Grant. These businesses will be competing for a $30,000 first-place prize, which will be announced in the spring. Bonus: Follow along on Instagram to see quarterfinalists in Ocoee + Northwest Georgia.
Eat
The NorthShore location of Taco Mamacita will be closed temporarily for renovations. While an exact opening date hasn’t been shared, the post cites that the restaurant will reopen in a few months. In the meantime, you can head over to Hamilton Place to get your fix.
Holiday
Tickets are on sale now for the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga’s annual Community Chanukah Celebration and Candle Lighting. Slated for Monday, Dec. 30, families + friends will enjoy a meal together before lighting their menorahs. Save a seat.
Ranked
Bet Tennessee recently released its statewide “Favorite Christmas Movies” list. Looking to watch the top contenders around town? While you’ve already seen our listing for “The Polar Express” in 3D at the IMAX Theater, make sure you check out “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” + “Elf” screenings through the Tivoli Theatre.
Kids
Inventanooga, a student pitch competition, will take place tomorrow, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. This free event will be held at UTC’s Engineering, Math & Computer Science building + will feature K-12th graders who have created solutions, inventions, and business plans based on real-world problems. RSVP online.
Open
Fishing for a new pedicure spot to try? East Main Street now has a new fish spa (yes, you read that right) experience — Garra Spas. This treatment offers guests a chance to have their feet cleaned with the help of Garra Rufa.
Travel
Looking for a cozy holiday getaway or a refreshing trip in the new year? Stay in the heart of this nearby foodie city and enjoy up to 40% off of luxury accommodations downtown + complimentary fireside cocktails — that’s music to our ears. Can you guess the city?*
Edu
Still on the hunt for the best holiday deals? What about free tuition at ChattState? Learn more about the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, which funds tuition for adult residents. Sign up for an informational session.*
Announced
Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.
Wellness
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% off + free shipping.*
Asked
Asked
Which of these favorite holiday movies would you remake in Chattanooga?
A. “Home Alone” B. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) C. “The Polar Express” D. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” E. “Elf” F. “Die Hard”
Including a chic bedside carafe and a winter-friendly lip balm. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Local pick:“Hottie” sipping chocolate | $16 | Gift the iconic blend from The Hot Chocolatier that mixes its dark chocolate with three types of peppers.
Bedside carafe + tumbler | $18.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.
Eucalyptus shower steamers | $19.99 | They’ll love aromatherapy steamers that smell like peppermint and eucalyptus.
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is thinking about the sweet treats that come with the holiday season. If you’re looking for something different to try, Morning Brew Co. in nearby Ooltewah has European pastry boxes you can pre-order now through Sunday, Dec. 15. I have to try the berry danish + Italian peach cookies.
}})
