How to Celebrate Christmas in Chattanooga

Posted by on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015 at 11:24am.

 

Even before finishing the last of the leftover Thanksgiving turkey, the Torgerson house was already decked out in holiday decor with classic Christmas radio playing on a constant loop. 

Because we love Christmas so much, we’ve scoped out all of the best Chattanooga has to offer for holiday fun and have brought it all together for you to enjoy throughout the month of December! Here are our favorite local destinations to enjoy a very merry Chattanooga Christmas: 

Where to…See the best Christmas lights

Rock City Gardens’ Enchanted Garden of Lights
When: Now through January 2, 6-9 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Eve)
Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Head high atop Lookout Mountain to the award winning, 21st annual light extravaganza that showcases more than 30 holiday scenes and hundreds of thousands of LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a magical fantasyland. The evening includes pictures with Santa, decorating gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment. For more information, visit seerockcity.com.

Christmas Nights of Lights
When: Now through January 2, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge

Experience the magic of hundreds of thousands of LED lights, driven by more than 1,000 computer channels, synchronized to both traditional and new rocking Christmas music, all played through your car radio. For more information, visit christmasnightsoflights.com.

Where to…Start your holiday shopping

St. Elmo Christmas Street Market
When: December 4 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Saint Elmo Avenue

St. Elmo Avenue will be decked out for the holiday season with carolers, handmade gift vendors and entertainers. The enticing smells of mulled cider, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread will fill the air! Don't miss Santa Claus as he rides in on a big red firetruck to open the holiday season.  

Special Chattanooga Holiday Market
When: December 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20, Times Vary
Where: Chattanooga Trade & Convention Center, 1150 Carter Street

As part of the Chattanooga Market, this special holiday market offers live music, caroling, festivities and more than 200 vendors providing a great assortment of unique, locally hand-made items, holiday décor and artisan foods for all those holiday gifts. For more information, visit chattanoogamarket.com/holiday.

Where to…Bring the kids

Ice on the Landing – Skating Rink
When: Now-January 18, Dates & Times Vary
Where: 100 Riverfront Pkwy

The much anticipated temporary outdoor ice rink on the Chattanooga Green/Ross’s Landing will be even bigger and better in 2015 (60’ by 100’). Schedule includes general skating time, special themes, appearances by Santa and a rotating schedule to benefit local not-for-profits. Food vendors available. For more information, visit iceonthelanding.com.

Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground
When: December 3-20, 22 & 23, Times Vary
Where: 1720 Scenic Hwy

Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground offers a magical holiday adventure for the whole family. Explore the cave for the magical “Joystone,” walk through a secret underground ice cave that leads straight to Santa at the North Pole, see the Northern Lights, check out the Sugar Plum Fairy Village, and for an additional cost, take a horse and carriage ride. For more information, visit rubyfalls.com.

Chattanooga Zoo’s Holiday Lights
When: December 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N Holtzclaw Ave.

The Chattanooga Zoo is transformed into a magical wonderland where you can view hundreds of lights, visit the animals and watch them open their Christmas presents, get your picture taken with Santa and enjoy fun holiday games and crafts. For more information, visit chattzoo.org.

Where to…Experience an artful Christmas

The Nutcracker by Chattanooga Ballet
When: Dec. 11-12 from 8-10 p.m.; Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.

Chattanooga Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's magical classic holiday ballet fully staged with music by the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. For more information, visit chattanoogaballet.net.

Chattanooga Boys Choir’s Singing Christmas Tree
When: December 5, Noon & 5:30 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.

The 53rd Annual Singing Christmas Tree at the Tivoli Theater in downtown along with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestra and Ballet Tennessee. 

A Christmas Story Musical at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre
When: December 11-23, Dates & Times Vary
Where: The Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. 

Enjoy this favorite holiday film as a musical. Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas – an Official Red Ryder® Air Rifle, despite repeated warnings of shooting his eye out. Fore more information, visit theatrecentre.com.

Home for the Holidays
When: December 19 at 7:30 p.m. and December 20 at 3 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.

Enjoy the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s concert as they celebrate the holidays “Through a Child’s Eyes” in this special, family-friendly tradition. Featuring the CSO and the Chattanooga Boys Choir.

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