Christmas in Chattanooga 2026: Lights, Markets, Parades & Holiday Events

Christmas in Chattanooga starts early and runs long. Rock City lights up its trails on Lookout Mountain from mid-November, the Zoo fills with glowing silk lanterns, families ride a vintage train out of Grand Junction Depot to meet Santa, and a European-style Christkindlmarkt sets up on the river at Coolidge Park. Add a lighted boat parade, small-town parades from East Ridge to Ringgold, and a run of Messiah, carol and candlelight concerts, and you can fill every weekend from Thanksgiving to New Year's.

We checked every date, time and price below against each event's own 2026 page, most recently on November 9. The guide is split into light shows, Christmas markets, parades and tree lightings, Santa and family outings, concerts and shows, and holiday races, with a Thanksgiving weekend plan and answers to the questions people ask most.

Christmas 2026 in Chattanooga at a Glance

• All season: Nooga Lights (November 6 to January 2), Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights (November 13 to December 31), the Asian Lantern Festival at the Zoo (November 18 to January 23), Festive Forest in Miller Park (November 25 to January 1), Holidays at Ruby Falls (November 27 to December 24) and the North Pole Limited train (November 13 to December 23)
• November 14-15: Christkindlmarkt on Signal Mountain
• November 20-22: Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market in East Ridge, and Holiday Cheers (21+) at the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday, November 20
• Saturday, November 21: East Ridge Christmas Parade, Christmas on the Square and the tree lighting in Cleveland, the first Christkindlmarkt weekend at Coolidge Park, and Winter Skating opens at Stable 41
• Friday, November 27: Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Lighted Boat Parade at Coolidge Park, and the Holiday Jubilee at The Read House
• Saturday, November 28: Christmas in Fort Oglethorpe, Breakfast with Santa at The Read House, the Cloudland tree lighting, and the second Christkindlmarkt weekend (through November 29)
• December 4-6: Ringgold's Down-Home Christmas Parade (Friday), the Downtown Cleveland Christmas Parade (Saturday), the second Breakfast with Santa at The Read House (Saturday), Christmas at the Choo Choo, Handel's Messiah, and The Happy Elf opens
• December 12-13: Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival, the Chattanooga Holiday Market, Christmas at the Choo Choo's second weekend, Christmas in the Country
• December 16-20: Vienna Light Orchestra, the Holiday Market's second weekend, the Last Minute Market, the Nooga Nutcracker, and the CSO's Home for the Holidays
• After Christmas: the Holiday Christmas Lights Train (December 26 to January 10)

Christmas Lights and Light Shows

Chattanooga's big light shows, in short:

• Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City: nightly November 13 to December 31 (closed December 24), its 32nd year. Five lit trails, and Santa is at his workshop at Carter Cliffs nightly through December 23. Timed tickets are sold online only: $35 to $52 for adults and $25 to $42 for kids 3 to 12, depending on the date and entry time.
• Nooga Lights: a drive-thru show set to music on Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy, open select nights November 6 to January 2 from 6 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is per vehicle, not per person.
• Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at the Chattanooga Zoo: hundreds of handmade silk lanterns, up to 16 feet tall, November 18 to January 23, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, plus every night of Thanksgiving week, Christmas week (except December 25) and New Year's week. Non-members pay $23.50 for adults and $17.50 for kids 3 to 12.
• Festive Forest: 160 trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits in Miller Park downtown, November 25 to New Year's Day. Free.
• Holiday Christmas Lights Train: an after-Christmas evening ride from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, December 26 to January 10, $26 per adult seat and $17 per child seat.

For every light show in one place, with hours, prices, tips and which one fits your night, see our Christmas lights in Chattanooga guide.

Christmas Markets

Christkindlmarkt on Signal Mountain and at Coolidge Park

Shop the Market At runs two European-style Christmas markets with Glühwein, seasonal food, warm drinks, live music and artisan gifts. Admission to both is free.

• Christkindlmarkt on Signal Mountain, its 5th year, is at the Mountain Arts Community Center on November 14 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and November 15 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
• Christkindlmarkt at Coolidge Park sets up on the riverfront for two weekends: the opening weekend of November 21-22 and Thanksgiving weekend, November 28-29. Saturdays run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market

The Christmas Village Holiday Market fills Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge for three days with more than 140 vendors. Hours are Friday, November 20 from 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 and kids 12 and under get in free. Pictures with Santa, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who are free.

Christmas at the Choo Choo

The decorated Chattanooga Choo Choo on the Southside hosts a holiday market of artisan gifts, holiday decor and specialty foods, with holiday music and seasonal drinks, on two weekends: December 5-6 and December 12-13. Saturdays run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music both days, and admission is free.

Chattanooga Holiday Market

The Chattanooga Market moves indoors to the Chattanooga Convention Center for the Chattanooga Holiday Market on two weekends, December 12-13 and December 19-20. Saturdays run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's producer-only, with 200+ local food vendors, artists and crafters selling pottery, jewelry, woodworking, bath products and local foods. Admission is free; parking nearby is paid.

Smaller Holiday Markets

• Cloudland Holiday Maker's Market: Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a one-day pop-up of independent artisans at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. It's open to the public, and valet charges apply.
• Christmas in the Country: Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek, the 3rd year of this farm market of handmade gifts and seasonal treats. Free admission and free field parking.
• Last Minute Market: December 19 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and December 20 (noon to 5 p.m.) at The Commons in Collegedale, with food trucks and live music. Free admission.

Christmas Parades and Tree Lightings

Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Lighted Boat Parade

The Friday after Thanksgiving belongs to Reindeer on the Riverfront, and for 2026 it moves to a new spot: Coolidge Park, on November 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. Live reindeer are out from 4 to 6:30 p.m., free pictures with Santa run 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and there's a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides, face painting and balloon animals. The Lighted Boat Parade, a 40-plus-year tradition from the Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales, goes by from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by fireworks. It's free.

Parades and Tree Lightings Around Town

• Saturday, November 21: The East Ridge Christmas Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Ringgold Road, from Germantown Road to Tombras Avenue, with lighted floats, marching bands and costumed characters.
• Saturday, November 21: Christmas on the Square in downtown Cleveland is a free afternoon of art, handmade items, shopping and visits with Santa, ending with the Community Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. at Broad and First Street.
• Saturday, November 28: Christmas in Fort Oglethorpe runs 6 to 9 p.m. around Stable 41, with a parade down Lafayette Street, the tree lighting, a Christmas market, music, winter skating and Santa.
• Saturday, November 28: Cloudland at McLemore Resort lights its grand tree at 5 p.m. in the Great Room, with live music, festive drinks and Santa. The resort asks for an RSVP.
• Friday, December 4: Ringgold's Down-Home Christmas Parade leaves Ringgold High School at 6 p.m. with Santa at the front. He lights the town tree at Citizen's Park (Nashville and Tennessee streets) along the way, then comes back after the parade for free photos. Roads close by 5 p.m., people start claiming spots as early as 4, and it goes on rain or shine.
• Saturday, December 5: The Downtown Cleveland Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. MainStreet Cleveland says it typically has more than 200 floats and other entries.
• Saturday, December 12: The Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival runs 3 to 8 p.m. with shopping, food and entertainment, and the parade starts at 6 p.m.

Santa, Holiday Trains and Family Outings

North Pole Limited and the Other Holiday Trains

The North Pole Limited has been a Chattanooga family tradition since 1999. You ride about 75 minutes in a decorated, heated vintage railcar from Grand Junction Depot with hot chocolate, a cookie, a holiday story and carols, and when the train reaches the North Pole, Santa boards and visits each family at their seats for photos. It runs select dates November 13 to December 23. Traditional tickets are $38 per person for day trains and $45 for evening trains (ages 1 and up; babies under 1 ride free on a lap), and a private Santa's car table for 2 to 4 is $190 by day or $230 in the evening. Arrive 30 minutes early.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has more holiday rides for other ages:

• Nightcap With St. Nick (21+): about an hour on decorated Car 202 with two festive drinks (alcohol-free options too), a treat box and a visit from St. Nick, select dates November 13 to December 23. Tables start at $140 for 1 or 2 people.
• Christmas Tea: a 75-minute tea with scones, savory bites and sweets in the decorated upstairs room at Grand Junction Depot, November 6 to January 3. It's $45 for tea only or $60 with a train ride.
• Christmas Lunch Train (select Saturdays, November 14 to January 3) and Christmas Dinner Train (November 6 to January 3, ages 10 and up): a three-course lunch or four-course dinner on a decorated vintage train. They're priced per table, from $200 for lunch and $280 for dinner for a Dining Car table for 1 or 2.

Breakfast and Brunch with Santa

• Breakfast with Santa at The Read House: Saturdays, November 28 and December 5 (each date sold separately), 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Silver Ballroom, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, pancakes, Belgian waffles, a toppings bar and hot cocoa. Tickets must be bought ahead (adult tickets for 11 and up, child tickets for ages 1 to 10, and infants are free but still need a ticket). Seating is at family-style tables of 10, and tickets are non-refundable.
• Brunch with Santa at Cloudland: Saturdays, December 5 and December 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Skyline Ballroom at Cloudland at McLemore Resort, a holiday brunch buffet with Santa. Open to the public, by reservation.

Santa also turns up at Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Christmas Village market (free photos at both), at Rock City's lights nightly through December 23, and at the Zoo's lantern festival for photos on December 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Holiday Jubilee at The Read House

The Read House downtown throws a free Holiday Jubilee on Friday, November 27, from 4 to 7 p.m., with live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookie stations, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (bring your own camera). No tickets are needed. In the Green Room, kids can join the Elf Workshop for a bag of holiday craft kits, $17 plus tax per child at the front desk, and a parent stays with them.

Holidays at Ruby Falls

From November 27 to December 24, Holidays at Ruby Falls decorates the castle, wraps the outdoor plaza in holiday lights and sets up a Forest of Wishes, where you add a handwritten wish to the trees. Pair it with the guided cave walk to the falls at Ruby Falls, then warm up with hot cocoa by the cafe's fireplace.

Holiday Cheers at the Tennessee Aquarium (21+)

On Friday, November 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Tennessee Aquarium opens its River Journey building after hours for Holiday Cheers, a 21+ evening with festive decor and lights along the path, holiday activities and crafts, and the Chattanooga Elf waiting for Santa to arrive. Your ticket includes two drink tickets for beer, wine or a spiked mulled cider or cocoa, plus free hot chocolate, mulled cider and mac and cheese bars. Tickets are $45, or $40 for members and $35 for designated drivers, and extra drink tickets are $5. Tickets are limited and non-refundable, IDs are checked at the door, and any day-of tickets cost $45.

Winter Skating at Stable 41

Winter Skating at Stable 41 in Fort Oglethorpe's historic district runs November 21 to January 17. The rink isn't ice, and it sits under the covered Stable 41 pavilion, so you can skate in any weather. Tickets are sold online.

The Happy Elf and the Houston Museum Holiday Tea

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre stages Harry Connick Jr.'s The Happy Elf on its Main Stage from December 4 to 20. It's a musical comedy about Eubie the Elf trying to spread Christmas joy in the town of Bluesville, with a score built to introduce kids to jazz. On Sunday, December 13, the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts holds its Annual Holiday Tea, a high tea with admission to the whole newly renovated museum. Tickets weren't on sale yet when we checked.

Christmas Concerts and Shows

• Maggie Rose: Half Moon Christmas: Saturday, November 28 at 8 p.m. in the Skyline Ballroom at Cloudland at McLemore Resort.
• A Candlelight Christmas with Erick Baker: Friday, December 4 at Songbirds, a seated show of Christmas classics by candlelight. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7. Songbirds shows are 18+, and under-18s can come with a parent or guardian.
• Ceremony of Carols, Advent Candlelight Concert: Friday, December 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where the choir and harpist Kate Rogers perform Britten's Ceremony of Carols.
• Handel's Messiah with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera: selections including the Hallelujah Chorus, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Sunday, December 6 at Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church. VIP seats are $75, general admission $45, and students and children get 50% off. The CSO says these fill up fast.
• Lee University in Cleveland has three free concerts: Cleveland Tuba Christmas (Saturday, December 5, 3 p.m., Pangle Hall), Classic Christmas (Sunday, December 6, 3 p.m., Conn Center) and Lessons & Carols (Thursday, December 10, 7:30 p.m., The Cornerstone Chapel).
• Celebrate Christmas at Covenant College: December 10 and 11 on Lookout Mountain, a concert in the chapel plus a Madrigal Dessert in the Great Hall on one ticket. Standard tickets are $5, VIP tickets with priority parking and seating are $20, and seating is limited.
• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour: December 16 and 17 at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $61 to $133, and the orchestra says these concerts frequently sell out.
• Nooga Nutcracker: Chattanooga Dance Theatre's Nutcracker, danced to Tchaikovsky's score and set in present-day Chattanooga, with the Tennessee River, Aquarium fish and the Lookouts among the second-half dances. Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 19 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. in Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $29 to $44.
• Home for the Holidays: the CSO's family-friendly holiday show with the CSO Chorus and Metropolitan Bells, Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 3 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium.

Holiday Races

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Run: Sunday, December 6 at The Commons in Collegedale, with a 7-mile run (8 a.m.), half marathon, 5K, 5K walk and a kids' dash for ages 2 to 10.
• Run Santa Run: Sunday, December 13 at 8:30 a.m. on the Tennessee Riverwalk at the Dam, a 5K, 10K or half marathon with a Christmas tree ornament medal and Santa at the finish.
• Jingle Bell Jog: Saturday, December 19 at Ross's Landing, with the 5K at 9 a.m. and the Elf Dash at 10. Every runner gets a Santa suit and jingle bells for their shoes.
• Candy Cane Course: Sunday, December 20 in East Ridge.

How to Plan Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is when most of the season kicks off.

• Thursday, November 26: Nooga Lights is open on Thanksgiving night, and the Zoo's lantern festival is open all Thanksgiving week.
• Friday, November 27: Reindeer on the Riverfront at Coolidge Park from 4 p.m., with the Lighted Boat Parade at 7 and fireworks after, or The Read House's free Holiday Jubilee downtown from 4 to 7 p.m. Holidays at Ruby Falls starts the same day.
• Saturday, November 28: Breakfast with Santa at The Read House at 9 a.m., then Christkindlmarkt at Coolidge Park (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). In the evening, pick the Cloudland tree lighting at 5 p.m. or Christmas in Fort Oglethorpe from 6 p.m.
• Sunday, November 29: Christkindlmarkt's last day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Rock City's lights after dark.

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Buy timed tickets early. Rock City sells Enchanted Garden of Lights tickets online only and prices them by date and entry time, the CSO says its Messiah performances fill up fast, and the Vienna Light Orchestra says its concerts frequently sell out.
• Know the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedule. Rock City is closed December 24, the Zoo's lantern festival is closed December 25, and Nooga Lights is open both nights.
• Plan for little ones at Rock City. The lights trail isn't fully stroller accessible, so Rock City recommends a baby carrier, and it has stroller parking.
• Bring snacks to Nooga Lights. There are no concessions, so bring whatever you want in the car, and note that sales are final.
• Get to parades early. In Ringgold, roads close by 5 p.m. and people start claiming spots as early as 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights open in 2026?

It runs nightly from Friday, November 13 to Thursday, December 31, closed December 24. Tickets are sold online only, by date and entry time.

What Christmas events in Chattanooga are free?

Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Lighted Boat Parade, Festive Forest in Miller Park, the Christkindlmarkts on Signal Mountain and at Coolidge Park, Christmas at the Choo Choo, the Chattanooga Holiday Market, Christmas on the Square in Cleveland, Ringgold's parade, The Read House's Holiday Jubilee, and Lee University's three Christmas concerts are all free.

Where can kids see Santa in Chattanooga?

On the North Pole Limited train, at The Read House's free Holiday Jubilee (November 27) and its Breakfast with Santa (November 28 and December 5), at Brunch with Santa at Cloudland (December 5 and 19), at Rock City's lights through December 23, with free photos at Reindeer on the Riverfront (November 27) and the Christmas Village market (November 20-22), and at the Zoo's lantern festival on December 11, 12, 18 and 19.

What is there to do after Christmas?

Nooga Lights runs through January 2, Rock City's lights through December 31, Festive Forest through New Year's Day, the Zoo's lanterns through January 23 (open every night of New Year's week), skating at Stable 41 through January 17, and the Holiday Christmas Lights Train from December 26 to January 10.

More Winter Ideas in Chattanooga

Our winter guide to Chattanooga covers cozy spots and cold-weather fun beyond the holidays, and the events calendar is updated every week, so check it for new holiday events as they're announced.