Enjoy the Holidays in Chattanooga

Looking for the best places in Chattanooga to visit for the holidays? We’ve scoped out all of the best Chattanooga has to offer for holiday fun this year and have brought it all together for you! Here are our favorite local destinations to enjoy your holiday season in Chattanooga: 

December 14-23 

Gingerbread Workshops at the Creative Discovery Museum

When: Saturday, December 14 - Sunday, December 22
Where: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $30 for members; $55 for nonmembers

Kick off the holiday season with this sweet tradition. The whole family will enjoy creating sweet and sticky houses from gingerbread, icing, candy and other sugary confections. The workshop includes hot chocolate, cookies, pre-built houses, icing, candy and holiday music. Admission to the museum is included for non-members participating in the workshop. Reservations are required in advance. Only three people max per gingerbread house. 

December 14-22

Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train

When: Saturday, December 14 - Sunday, December 22
Where: Hiwassee River RR (9406 U.S. Highway 411) in Delano, TN
Cost: $23

All aboard for a Hiwassee Holiday Adventure! For the second time, "Santa Trains" will operate along the beautiful Hiwassee River from Delano to Reliance. Upon departure, riders will enjoy light refreshments, storytelling and Christmas carols.  When the train arrives at the turn back location in Reliance, Santa will board and walk through the train greeting children during the return trip. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tvrail.com.

Now - December 26 

The Polar Express 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX Theater

When: Now - December 26 (Closed Christmas Day)
Where: 201 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $13.95 Adults; $10.95 Child

Even if you have seen this heart-warming classic before, watching it on the giant, six-story IMAX Theater screen with Laser creates a brand and magical new experience. The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and takes audiences on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Viewers fall in love with a doubting young boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. For more information, visit tnaqua.org/imax.

December 24 

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Tivoli Theatre

When: 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. 
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $32+

Marking the 25th Anniversary Tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production and world-class Russian artists, larger-than-life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes that bring the Christmas spirit to life. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tivolichattanooga.com/events.

Now - January 4

Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights

When: 4-9 p.m.
Where: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road
Cost: $14.95-$26.95

For the holiday season, Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights is a family tradition. Featured recently on ABC's show The Chew, this light extravaganza showcases more than 30 holiday scenes and nearly a million LED lights that transform the gardens' natural daytime splendor into a fantasyland of four realms of wonder: Yule Town, Arctic Kingdom, Magic Forest and North Pole Village. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment. Dinner with Santa is also back, as well as Jack Frost, Inara the Ice Queen and many other characters. This event was selected as a Top 20 Event for 2017 by Southeast Tourism Society. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit seerockcity.com/events.

Now - January 5

North Shore Merchants Collective’s Annual Holiday Window Treasure Hunt

When: All day
Where: Various North Shore locations
Cost: Free

The Holiday Window Treasure Hunt is similar to those Highlights Magazine’s hidden object games, but this version has you looking for hidden items in holiday-themed windows. Pick up a game card from 1 of 25 participating businesses, start hunting, then turn in completed game card (along with a minimum $1 contribution) at 1 of 3 North Shore businesses for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $1,000. Great for families or adults.

Now - January 20

Ice on the Landing 

When: Various times; Now through January 20
Where: 1400 Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $10 Adults; $8.00 Children 

Enjoy ice skating under the stars at the Chattanooga Choo Choo to enjoy Ice on the Landing for its 6th year! Food and beverage is available where you can enjoy crepes from Adelle's or hot chocolate, hod cider, chai tea, and more . For more information or to purchase tickets, visit iceonthelanding.com.