Last updated: November 11, 2024
Ready for holiday excitement, East Chattanooga? Our guide has everything you need to celebrate the season. From East Chattanooga devotees to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
Experience the shimmering wonders of Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, where festive displays illuminate the trails, creating a magical atmosphere. The Holidays Under the Peaks event offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains alongside lively holiday festivities. And you definitely don't want to miss Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, which features enchanting holiday shows and a charming winter village. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
East Chattanooga Holiday Light Displays
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday lighting experience with themed realms and Santa's workshop.
- Description
- Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights features over a million sparkling lights, a 43-foot walk-through tree of lights, and various themed realms like Arctic Kingdom and North Pole Village. Guests can enjoy festive lighting, Santa's workshop, and holiday shopping.
- Where
- Lookout Mountain | More Info : Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
Ruby Falls Christmas
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with twinkling lights and special activities.
- Description
- Ruby Falls Christmas features twinkling holiday lights on the Village Plaza, festive cheer in historic Ruby Falls Castle, and special activities including visiting Santa and taking a keepsake professional photo. Enjoy a casual meal, local craft beer, and tasty treats by the fireplace at Castle Cafe. Cave adventures to see the thundering underground waterfall are available with advance reservation.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Ruby Falls Christmas
Noogalights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized holiday lighting displays with music.
- Description
- NoogaLights is a drive-thru holiday lighting spectacle featuring state-of-the-art lighting designs synchronized to music, available at two locations: the Chattanooga Choo Choo and Soddy-Daisy Park. The event includes a Halloween walk-thru light show in October and a Christmas walk-thru light show in November and December.
- Where
- Soddy Daisy | More Info : Noogalights
Novie’s Festive Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light display in a charming setting.
- Description
- Novie’s Festive Lights in Rossville, GA, features a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Rossville | More Info : Novie’s Festive Lights
East Chattanooga Holiday Markets and Shopping
Chattanooga Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and local artisanal items.
- Description
- The Chattanooga Holiday Market is an indoor event at the Chattanooga Convention Center featuring over 200 local food vendors, artists, and crafters. Shoppers can find unique gifts, festive preparations, and a variety of handmade items including pottery, custom art, handcrafted jewelry, local foods, natural bath and body products, and locally designed apparel.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Chattanooga Holiday Market
Last Minute Market
- What to Expect
- Free admission and parking with a variety of local artisan goods.
- Description
- The Last Minute Market at Collegedale Commons offers a Christmas shopping extravaganza with a wide array of gifts and goodies. Explore festive stalls adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, showcasing handmade treasures from local artisans. Enjoy charming home decor, delicious gourmet treats, and live music in a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
- Where
- Collegedale | More Info : Last Minute Market
East Chattanooga Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Limited Adventures Train
- What to Expect
- Santa visits every car on the train.
- Description
- The North Pole Limited train ride is a family-friendly holiday event where passengers enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and storytelling as they travel to the North Pole. Upon arrival, Santa visits every car, creating a special experience for all.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : North Pole Limited Adventures Train
Jolly Jingle Jams
- What to Expect
- Santa visits and holiday activities.
- Description
- Jolly Jingle Jams at Dalton Mall features Santa visits and holiday activities throughout December.
- Where
- Dalton | More Info : Jolly Jingle Jams
East Chattanooga Other Holiday Activities
Holidays Under the Peaks
- What to Expect
- Holiday-themed animal encounters and SCUBA Claus diving.
- Description
- The Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peaks event features holiday music and decorations in the River Journey lobby, seasonal surprises, and special programs like SCUBA Claus diving and Polar Express 3D screenings. Guests can also participate in themed animal encounters and interactive experiences.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Holidays Under the Peaks
Ice on the Landing
- What to Expect
- Unique outdoor ice skating experience with special events.
- Description
- Ice on the Landing is a classic winter tradition offering outdoor ice skating for all ages in Chattanooga's bustling Southside. The rink features a modified schedule from January 18 to 28, with special events like the Skillet Curling Tournament. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the rink will close. Updates are posted on their Facebook and website.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Ice on the Landing
Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
- What to Expect
- Holiday train ride with Santa visit and festive treats.
- Description
- Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge. Passengers can write letters to Santa, enjoy gingerbread cookies and chocolate milk, and experience a special visit from Santa. Each passenger receives a keepsake boarding pass and holiday bell.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
Winter Skating
- What to Expect
- Environmentally friendly Glice skating surface.
- Description
- Winter Skating at Stable 41 offers a fun twist on generational fun with Glice, an environmentally friendly skating surface that allows skating regardless of weather. Enjoy a clean, friendly, and safe environment with options for skate rentals and a Snack Shack serving treats and drinks.
- Where
- Fort Oglethorpe | More Info : Winter Skating
Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner
- What to Expect
- Spiritual nourishment and community bonding.
- Description
- Union Gospel Mission's Christmas Dinner is a heartfelt celebration where guests come together to share a warm, nourishing meal, fostering community and spiritual connection.
- Where
- Chattanooga | More Info : Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner