Fireworks are allowed until 11:30 p.m. most nights of the year in Chattanooga. | Photo by @ty.inthesky
December is full of celebrations — whether it’s for Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s Eve, there’s a good chance you’re partying this month.
Before you crank up the music to full blast, we’ve got to ask — do you know about Chattanooga’s noise ordinance?
It was updated and passed in April 2023, and restricts unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise in residential areas. So what does that mean? Here are some of the noises to keep in check after 8:30 p.m:
Loud, amplified music (this doesn’t apply to festivals or block parties with a permit)
Yelling in the street
Operating a lawn mower, chainsaw, or other loud tool
Honking the horn excessively in a stationary vehicle
If someone around you is violating the ordinance, you can report it by calling 311, using the CHA 311 app, or by emailing the city. Keep in mind: The ordinance does make an exception for New Year’s Eve, Juneteenth, and July 4th, when fireworks are allowed until 12:30 a.m.
Asked
Asked
Noise above 85 decibels can damage your hearing. Which of these common sounds is above that threshold?
A. Coffee grinder B. Whistling kettle C. Vacuum cleaner D. Electric drill
Great news for skateboarders: A pop-up skate park is coming to St. Elmo while construction continues on Chattanooga’s main park near Finley Stadium. Cassette Skateshop will turn a nearby city lot into a temporary shred spot — giving locals a free, legal place to skate over the next several months. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Try This
Wreaths Across Chattanooga needs volunteers this Saturday, Dec. 13 to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. If you want to help, head to the Erlanger parking lots at 3rd and Central avenues; shuttles to the cemetery will begin at 7:30 a.m. (Local 3 News)
Number
2.8 million. That’s how many Tennesseans are expected to travel during the holiday period starting Saturday, Dec. 20 through Thursday, Jan. 1. Most will be driving, but if you’re among the ~77,000 expected to fly, check out our Chattanooga Airport guide before you go. (The Pulse)
Cause
Union Gospel Mission is raising money to finish its shelter expansion, which will add eight more beds for unhoused Chattanoogans. They’re aiming for $300,000 and have already topped $130,000. Want to help them cross the finish line?Donate online. (WDEF)
Drink
Chattanooga Whiskey is serving holiday cheer with three new releases from its Experimental Vault: long-finish single barrels in Apricot Brandy, XA Tequila, and Sauternes. They’re available starting today at the Experimental Distillery on Market Street, where you can grab a bottle or sample a flight. (The Pulse)
Concert
Calling all Swifties. The first two episodes of Taylor Swift’s docuseries “The End of the Eras Tour” release tomorrow, Dec. 12 at 3 a.m. ET. Whether you’re anticipating new footage or reliving the tour, warm up your vocals at Sing It or Wing It tonight. (USA today)
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It started with Highland Park in 2022, expanded to Red Bank this year, and now — say hello to Southside Porchfest, coming Saturday, June 6, 2026.
If you’re not familiar, Porchfest is a free, one-day music festival where front yards become music venues and local artists get the spotlight. Editor Sarah here: I went to the inaugural Red Bank Porchfest this year and had a blast.
Follow the Southside Porchfest Instagram page for updates as we get closer.
If our guide to 10 holiday pop-up bars piqued your interest, you can hit several in one day by doing the Nooga Santa Pub Crawl this Saturday, Dec. 13. It’s happening between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m., and you can go at your own pace. A wristband will allow you to avoid a cover charge at the participating bars. Cheers.
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