Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
Visitors can see real live reindeer and meet Santa for photos while listening to holiday tunes. Shoreline activities include a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides, face painting, and balloon animals. The celebration features extravagantly decorated boats cruising the Tennessee River followed by a fireworks display.
What to Expect
Live reindeer, Santa photos, fireworks, and an illuminated boat parade.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Chattanooga
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
River City Company
Food & Drink
A hot cocoa bar is available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free to attend for everyone; pictures with Santa are free.
- Hours: Event: 4pm–8pm; See Real Live Reindeer: 4:00pm–6:30pm; Pictures with Santa: 4:30pm–7:30pm; Lighted Boat Parade: 7:00pm–8:00pm; Fireworks: 8:00pm.
- Parking: Parking areas are mapped on both the Northshore and Southshore.
Tips & Advice
- Head to the reindeer first, since they're only out for the early part of the evening and leave before the boat parade starts.
- Get your free Santa photos before the boat parade wraps up, because Santa's photo time ends partway through the parade.
- Head to Coolidge Park this year, because the whole celebration has moved to a new location for 2026.
- Stay after the Lighted Boat Parade for the fireworks from the Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales, which close out the night.
- Dress warmly, since you'll be outdoors by the river for an evening of reindeer, Santa photos, the boat parade and fireworks.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: the celebration moves to Coolidge Park.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do on shore?
You can see real, live reindeer and get free pictures with Santa. There's also a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides, face painting, balloon animals and holiday tunes.
What is the Lighted Boat Parade?
It's a tradition of more than 40 years. The Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales light up the Tennessee River with extravagantly decorated boats, and fireworks follow.
Are the reindeer there all evening?
No. The reindeer are only out for the first part of the evening, and they leave before the boat parade starts.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. It's free for everyone and set up for the whole family, with Santa, reindeer, mini-train rides, face painting and balloon animals.
More Christmas Events Near Chattanooga
More Christmas Events near Chattanooga
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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