Ho Ho Ho-liday Fun: Chattanooga Christmas Event Checklist

Ah, Christmas in Chattanooga - that magical time of year when the city transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and slightly tipsy elves stumbling out of the windows of houses. But amidst all the eggnog-fueled revelry, there's a sleigh-load of holly jolly events to keep you entertained. So join us for a tour of the most fa-la-la-la-fabulous happenings in Chattanooga. Yule be sorry if you miss out!

Christmas Tea

Dec 19-22 / Dec 26-28 @ 11am

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Join Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for a Festive Holiday Tea Room Experience in the charming upstairs viewing room of Grand Junction Depot. Indulge in a delightful selection of delectable teas and a full high tea fare, featuring savory bites, sweet treats, and our favorite – freshly baked scones!

Home For The Holidays

Dec 21 @ 7:30pm & 9:45pm

The Comedy Catch

A showcase of local and national talent that are "home for the holidays". You never know who might show up.

North Pole Limited Christmas Train

Dec 17-23

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

During the magical holiday season, trains take riders on an imaginary journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll be treated to refreshments and storytelling while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Christmas Daylight Express

Dec 17-23

Grand Junction Station

This one-hour, family-friendly experience is the perfect way to celebrate the season, combining the enchantment of a train ride with the excitement of meeting Santa Claus. Departing from Grand Junction station, this festive adventure is filled with fun activities and plenty of holiday cheer.

Christmas Dinner Train (Sold Out)

Dec 20-23 @ 6:45pm

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Christmas Dinner train trip includes a four-course dining experience onboard restored dining and pullman cars. The excursion trains depart from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station, traveling at a leisurely pace through portions of urban East Chattanooga before reversing direction and returning to Grand Junction.

NightCaps with St. Nick

Dec 20-23

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Celebrate the holidays while enjoying a nightcap with St. Nick! Begin your holiday festivities on a one hour train ride with all the bright trimmings of the season. This experience includes two drinks, a delicious sweet and savory treat box, a souvenir bell, keepsake boarding pass, and a visit from Santa.

Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train

Dec 21-23

Delano

Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge. Features of this ride include: writing a letter to Santa, a gingerbread cookie, chocolate milk, and a special visit from Santa!

Chattanooga Symphony presents Home for the Holidays

Dec 21 @ 7:30pm & Dec 22 @ 3pm

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium

One of Chattanooga’s most treasured holiday events, Home for the Holidays is the perfect seasonal celebration for the whole family! The CSO is joined by the CSO Chorus, a variety of community groups, and even the big man himself! 

Christmas With C.S. Lewis

Dec 22 @ 3pm

Walker Theatre

In the early years of his young adult life C S Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien…

Christmas Eve Feast

Dec 24 @ 11am-10pm

Rodizio Grill

Indulge your family with festivity and fun for the Holiday Season by dining at Rodizio Grill Hamilton Place.

Christmas at Bridgeman's

Dec 24-25

Bridgeman’s Chophouse

Celebrate the holiday season at Bridgeman’s Chophouse with your closest friends and family and enjoy afull menu with special Christmas features.

Ice On The Landing

Dec 24-29

First Horizon Pavilion

Enjoy open-air ice skating under a protected cover in the first horizon pavilion! This classic winter tradition is fun for all ages during the holiday season.

A Very Merry Eve at the Hotel Chalet

Dec 24 @  6:30-10:00pm 

The Hotel Chalet

Celebrate the season in a festive Beverly Ballroom! With culinary delights by Elsie's Daughter and a caroling nightcap to top it off.

Christmas Day Brunch

Dec 25 @ 10am-12pm

The Hotel Chalet

Join a festive feast in the Beverly Ballroom and start a new family tradition! Indulge in a delicious spread of holiday favorites and classic Southern fare, all served in the cozy, elegant ambiance of our charming venue and cooked with love by Elsie's Daughter.

Asian Lantern Festival

Dec 25-29 @ 5:30-9:30pm

Chattanooga Zoo

The third annual Asian Lantern Festival features an entirely new collection of hand-crafted Asian lanterns that will light up the night every week! Experience over 40 displays showcasing a wide variety of dinosaurs, plant and animal life from the Amazon Rainforest, and other immersive and interactive lanterns that flash, move, glow, smoke and more.

___

There you have it - your ultimate guide to making merry in Chattanooga this Christmas. Our fair city is serving up enough holiday cheer to make even the Grinch crack a smile. So round up your favorite reindeer, grab a cup of good tidings, and dive headfirst into the festive fun. Because let's face it, after the year we've had, we could all use a little extra comfort and joy. Happy holidays, y'all - and may your days be merry and bright here in the scenic city!