Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Chattanooga
So we’re not ready to skip to Christmas yet…because it’s not even Thanksgiving! If you’re with us in wanting to commemorate turkey day, here are some fabulous ways to do so locally:
Go watch the lighted boats at Holiday Cheer at the Pier
Although technically a “holiday” event, the boat parade at Ross’s Landing is always held right around Thanksgiving, making it a perfect end to your celebrations. Although this year the event has a change in name and maybe a few fun new additions, it’s still the same boat parade we all know and love! Mark your calendars for November 24 from 5-9 p.m. for an evening including shopping from local artisans and crafters, dining from local food trucks, pictures with Santa, Lighted Boat Parade (7 p.m.) with more than 40 decorated boats, and a grand finale of fireworks.
Make a difference at the Grateful Gobbler Walk
The Grateful Gobbler Walk 5K, another well-known Chattanooga tradition, happens every year on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. and 100% of the proceeds go toward helping the homeless our city. This year the money raised will go toward Maclellan Shelter for Families, an emergency homeless shelter located on site at the Community Kitchen on 11th Street in Chattanooga. The Shelter features 13 units with 68 beds for families experiencing homelessness. The Shelter provides a stable environment for families to remain together as they search for permanent housing solutions. For more information or to register ($10-$25), visit http://gratefulgobblerwalk.org/.
Buy up some goodies at the Thanksgiving Market
Begin your preparations for this season’s holidays at the Chattanooga Market! Get ready for plenty of local meats, cheeses, breads, produce and homemade/homegrown foods for your family gatherings. And while you’re in the gift giving spirit, get an early start on holiday shopping and support our local artisan community. This is also the last chance to enjoy the weekly market outdoors before it moves to the Chattanooga Convention Center for the Holiday Market the first three weeks of December. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion.
Let someone else cook for a change!
Chattanooga has several options for Thanksgiving lunch and dinner for those who either are doing Turkey Day solo or just don’t like to cook! A local favorite is The Chattanoogan Hotel's Thanksgiving Feast on November 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring a delicious meal with dozens of traditional and innovative dishes such as braised beef short ribs, bourbon glazed ham, and boursin whipped potatoes from chef Tanner Marino. Or catch a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner cruise on the Southern Belle at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m.
Get crafty or go spectate at the Scenic City Gobbler Soap Box Derby
Featuring two days of racing, The Scenic City Gobbler has all the makings of a perfect Thanksgiving family tradition! The Chattanooga Area Soap Box Derby will be holding its annual Scenic City Gobbler soap box derby rally on November 24 and 25 at its track located at the Redoubt Soccer Complex located off of Bonny Oaks Drive. The race will attract families and racers from numerous states across the nation and will provide local competitors with an opportunity to fine-tune their cars and skills in preparation for the local event held in the spring in which the Chattanooga winners advance to the world championships in Akron, Ohio. The soap box derby is a gravity racing event for kids ages 7 to 17. More information about the soap box derby and the Chattanooga races can be found at www.aasbd.org or you can like the Chattanooga group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/chattsoapbox).
