Take your loved ones ice skating for the holidays. | Photo by @iceonthelanding
If you’re looking to get out of the house on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 or Christmas Day, Dec. 25 this year, head to these local spots that will be open for business.
Ice on the Landing The ice rink will be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. + on Christmas Day from 3 to 10 p.m.
Naughty Cat Cafe Enjoy a cup of coffee, a brew, and baked goods while cuddling up with the 30+ adoptable cats.
Mean Jeen’s Swing by for drinks, pool, jukebox tunes, and more — Christmas Eve hours will be normal + on Christmas Day, the bar will be open from 6 p.m. to late.
Shady’s Corner This neighborhood bar will be open on both days + will serve up a free Chinese buffet again this year on Christmas Day.
The Boneyard This bar will be closed on Christmas Eve, but A Very Boneyard Xmas returns on Christmas Day featuring karaoke, presents, and drink specials.
Holiday Honor Book Sale | Thursday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Chattanooga Public Library, Downtown Branch | Price of purchase | Stock up your TBR pile or snag gifts for the book lovers in your life.
Friday, Dec. 13
Christmas Daylight Express | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 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.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Christmas in the Country | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Old McDonald Farm, Sale Creek | Free+ | Shop a market featuring art, crafts, food, and treats while enjoying carolers + festive activities.
A Very Merry Christmas | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Find the perfect holiday gifts from this winter wonderland-themed market.
Cookies with The Clauses | 2-4 p.m. | The Edwin Hotel | Donation | Bring a $10 donation or a toy to receive a festive box to fill with holiday cookies and treats + take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Chicks Christmas Crawl | 6-11 p.m. | Chattanooga Zoo | $25 | Jingle and mingle with The Girls to see holiday lights + enjoy festive drinks around town — wearing an ugly Christmas sweater is encouraged.
Hamilton County has launched its Veterans Treatment Court, a program designed to address the needs of local veterans involved in the justice system. The court will provide support, resources, and supervision to help participants rebuild + overcome challenges.
Number
700. That’s how many trees the City of Chattanooga will receive thanks to a $6 million USDA grant. Funds will be used to maintain urban forests in underserved neighborhoods along with enhancing parks, greenery, and waterways — with no additional cost to the city.
Closed
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway will be closed until further notice to conduct repairs for significant damage caused by a recent brush fire. Notably, plans are underway to replace the severed cable system, rail manufacturers have been engaged + timber suppliers are on alert to provide materials. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
The Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors Department will host An Afternoon of Holiday Cheer at Miller Park on Saturday, Dec. 21. The free family event will feature photos with Santa, arts and crafts, a story time, hot chocolate, and food trucks. Bonus: Bring canned goods to donate to the Chattanooga Food Bank.
Cause
The Family Justice Center is partnering with America’s Thrift Store for its 12 Days of Giving campaign. Now through Friday, Dec. 20, you can donate household items, clothing, shoes, toys, and books to the 24/7 clothing kiosk on Uptain Road. (Local 3)
Pets
The Chattanooga Humane Educational Society is accepting donations of new or gently used dog houses to give out in the community. Additionally, folks in need of proper housing for their outdoor pups can sign up via email for the assistance program.
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.*
Feel Good
Do you love NOOGAtoday? We’re calling on you to help support our mission to create free, unbiased local media. Donate now — your generosity will help support us, your NOOGAtoday team.
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter:Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% off for the holidays.*
Category
Weather
❄️ Piping hot cold
Let’s keep the freezing water outside this winter. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The last thing you want during the holidays is a burst water pipe, so our friends at Tennessee American Water put together a list of ways to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Before the cold
Test your water shut-off valve
Turn off and fully drain sprinkler or irrigation systems
Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines
Protect your pipes with insulation or heat tape
Below freezing tips
Open cabinet doors + vanities to let warm air flow in
Keep a small trickle of water moving through the pipes
If your pipe freezes
Shut off water immediately
Thaw the pipe by warming the air around it (Pro tip: Avoid unattended space + kerosene heaters, or open flames — don’t want to add a fire to the mix)
Carefully turn water back on once pipes are thawed + check for cracks or leaks
If you’re heading to the Holiday Market for the annual Lodge Cast Iron Cook-Off this Sunday, you might see a familiar face on the panel of judges. I can’t wait to see what the five local chefs cook up and who takes home the Allen Hampton trophy.