Support Us Button Widget

Your vacation itinerary for Chattanooga: winter edition

Have family coming in town for the holidays? We’re helping you make plans to keep them occupied.

people ice skating on an outdoor ice rink.

While you’re at Ice on the Landing, stop in to see the Choo Choo’s holiday decorations.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Table of Contents

This past summer, we created an action-packed itinerary for our National Content Editor, Dayten.

While winter hasn’t technically started yet, it sure feels like it after this past weekend. Pair that with family + friends coming to town for the holidays, and it’s the perfect time to create part two of our vacation itinerary — specifically curated for this time of year.

Pro tip: Check out our article on where to pick up Thanksgiving meals to save you time in the kitchen when folks are in town.

Must-dos

  • Outdoor winter activity | Specifications: Not too difficult + doesn’t last too long (for weather reasons)
  • Local coffee shop | Specifications: Somewhere you can get a sugary seasonal latte + a solid cup of black coffee
  • Somewhere cozy | Specifications: A place that makes you happy to be indoors
  • Chattanooga-specific holiday activity | Specifications: Something fun that can’t be found elsewhere
  • New, hip restaurant | Specifications: Good food
  • Good drink | Specifications: A place to get away from the kids for an evening

Our itinerary

Morning plans

  • Start the day with a brisk walk across the Walnut Street Bridge (outdoor winter activity ✅), then grab coffee from nearby Be Caffeinated or Milk & Honey (local coffee shop ✅)
  • Alternatively, show how “Chattanooga” you are by heading to Falling Water Falls for a quick, painless jaunt with a stunning local view (outdoor winter activity ✅)

Afternoon plans

  • Opted to walk the bridge? Stay in NorthShore to window-shop at local stores + complete the Holiday Treasure Hunt (Chattanooga-specific holiday activity ✅)
  • Take animal lovers to cuddle cats at Naughty Cat Café, or bring bookworms to The Book & Cover for a cozy spot to curl up with a good read. Bonus: both have coffee (somewhere cozy ✅)

Evening plans

  • Grab small bites at Amada Tapas & Wine bar (new, hip restaurant ✅)
  • Go skating at Ice on the Landing, opening Friday, Nov. 18, or check out a holiday lights show/drive-thru (Bonus Chattanooga-specific holiday activity, because you’re just that cool ✅)
  • Bring the adults to Whiskey Thief for drinks with a view, or No Hard Feelings for the holiday pop-up bar beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 (good drink ✅)
More from NOOGAtoday
Whether you’re after family fun or adult thrills, here are some spooky events still happening this month.
From seating and snacks to preserved history, here’s what to expect at the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Check out our tips for what to do, where to eat, and places to stay in the Scruffy City.
How the $153M e2i2 project will help keep local waterways clean during heavy rain.
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
See your neighbor’s porch become a stage at this annual festival, offering free live music.
Chattanooga has an incredibly rich history that is showcased in museums throughout the area. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, pay a visit to these various spots to learn all there is to know about the Scenic City.
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
A new tri-state collaboration will work to conserve natural areas found in Tennessee, Georgia + Alabama.
Your favorite free bluegrass festival is almost here — check out the lineup.