Hop aboard Chattanooga’s own “Polar Express.” | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Looking for some fun ways to spend your kiddo’s winter break? You’ll have no trouble keeping them entertained with our list of 26 kid-friendly activities in the Scenic City.
Creative Discovery Museum This museum’s Winter Break Camp for kids in K-5th grade kicks off on Monday, Dec. 23 — you can register for one day or all of them to enjoy a flurry of fun.
Chattanooga Public Library The library will host a variety of free events — from gingerbread house engineering to holiday movie screenings — at different branch locations beginning today, Dec. 18 through Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Tennessee Valley Railroad There’s a ton of festive fun to enjoy now through Monday, Dec. 23 like Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday where you can meet and write a letter to Santa + snack on gingerbread cookies on the train.
IMAX Theater Speaking of trains, you can catch a screening of “The Polar Express” in 3D now through Sunday, Dec. 29.
“Willy Wonka: The Musical” | Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Chattanooga Theatre Centre | $20+ | See a local production of this classic Roald Dahl tale, following an enigmatic candy manufacturer who gives a special tour of his factory.
Friday, Dec. 20
Southern Drawl: Classic Christmas | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Songbirds | $50+ | This exclusive dinner and art show will feature live holiday music and a menu by Civil Provisions and Bar.
Funky Disco Bah Hum-Boogie | 8-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $12+ | Wear your ugly sweaters for free photos with Santa while you enjoy holiday disco tunes.
Last Minute Market | 2-7 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Shop the festive stalls filled with handmade items from local artisans.
Winter Solstice Celebration | 5-8 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga | Free+ | Honor the longest night of the year with indoor + outdoor candlelit walking labyrinths, a Yule log fire, warm drinks and snacks, and more.
The former Sears store at Northgate Mall will soon be demolished, making way for the construction of a BJ’s Wholesale Club. The membership-only retail chain is known for offering bulk groceries, electronics, and more. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Edu
Over the next three years, Lee University will partner with Hamilton County Schools and other foundations to create the Licensing Excellent Educators Program. Each year, the program will train + equip 20 fellows from different career backgrounds who are looking to teach in Hamilton County. Learn more.
Cause
Union Gospel Mission’s (UGM) annual free Christmas Dinner will be on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., UGM + volunteers will serve 500 meals to community members. Bonus: There’s still time to sign up to help at the event or make a donation.
Film
Folks who bring a new or gently-used coat to donate to the Walker Theatre will receive free admission to see “Elf” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Friday, Dec. 20. Bonus: You’ll also get to see Santa at the theater.
Biz
SORBA Chattanooga has appointed Sunshine Loveless as its first-ever executive director. Notably, Loveless will focus on enhancing community engagement, expanding volunteer opportunities, and securing funding for trail initiatives in their new role.
Arts
CHA Art Space has unveiled its new juried exhibit “Gather,” that features work from 23 local and regional artists. The exhibit is free to view + the work is available for purchase with proceeds supporting the artists and operation of the art space.
Sports
Chattanooga Youth Rugby is set to kick off its inaugural season beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7. The club is recruiting local area kids ages 14-19 to compete — no prior experience is required. Inquire via email for more information + to join. (Chattanoogan.com)
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Biz
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So, when was the last time it snowed on Christmas Day in Chattanooga? Over 600 of our readers weighed in — with 41.6% correctly guessing 2010, when the Scenic City saw 2.5 inches of snowfall. I still have my fingers crossed that we’ll see snow this year.
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