Visiting Chattanooga during Christmas is like stepping into a magical holiday dream. With shining light displays, cheerful holiday markets, and fun river cruises, there’s so much joy to discover!
At Enjoy Unique Stays, we have experienced the Christmas magic ourselves, and we have now crafted the ultimate holiday guide for you!
What You’ll Explore Ahead
Best Chattanooga Christmas Experiences
1. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Explore over a million LED lights across Rock City’s gardens and trails. Meander through the Arctic Kingdom, visit the North Pole Village, and enjoy live holiday music. Don’t miss the nightly North Pole Adventure Show!
Price Level: moderate
Location: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Our Review: We visited Rock City during the holidays and the glowing trails felt truly magical, especially the large illuminated forest that photos never do justice. It does get crowded on weekends, so going right at opening or on a weekday makes the experience more relaxed. Beautiful displays and great photo opportunities, with the only downside being the parking rush.
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Learn more about Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
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2. Ice on the Landing – Open-Air Ice Rink
Put on your skates under the twinkling lights. This fun place is great for families, friends, or a special date. Each skater can enjoy a 60-minute session with skate rentals. Don’t forget to warm up with a yummy cup of seasonal hot chocolate.
Price Level: $12/adult, $10/child
Location: 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Our Review: We tried Ice on the Landing last year and had a great time, even as unsteady skaters. The cozy size of the rink and the twinkling lights make it feel festive, though evenings can get busy. Early sessions are calmer, and warming up with hot chocolate afterward is almost a must.
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Learn more about Ice on the Landing
3. Asian Lantern Festival at Chattanooga Zoo
Walk through a misty Forest of Fantasy filled with handcrafted lanterns shaped like dragons, fairies, and Santas. Family-friendly interactive displays flash, move, and glow. Enjoy marshmallow-topped hot chocolates and local snacks along the way.
Location: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thu 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Our Review: Walking through the Lantern Festival felt like stepping into a glowing wonderland, with the dragon and fairytale lanterns being the highlights. It gets chilly at night, so layers help keep things comfortable. The atmosphere is peaceful and unique, although food options are limited.
Our Rating: 4.4/5
Learn more about the Asian Lantern Festival
4. North Pole Limited – Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
All aboard for a festive train ride to the North Pole! Sip hot chocolate, enjoy freshly baked cookies, and sing along to carols. Santa boards at the North Pole to greet each passenger and hand out jingling gifts.
Location: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Our Review: We rode the North Pole Limited and loved the nostalgic feel, especially when Santa boarded the train and chatted with everyone. The seating is a bit tight, but the charm of the ride and the warm cookies make up for it. Booking early is key if you want the best time slots.
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Learn more about the North Pole Limited
5. Moonlight River Cruise on Southern Belle
Board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a three-hour holiday dinner cruise under twinkling lights. Enjoy a charcuterie board, seasonal craft cocktails, and festive music as you glide past illuminated riverfront homes.
Location: 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Our Review: This cruise became one of our most relaxing holiday evenings, with peaceful river views and festive lights reflecting across the water. The buffet dinner is simple but genuinely nice, and the cozy setting adds a surprisingly romantic twist to your holiday plans. For the dreamiest nighttime scenery, head up to the top deck.
Our Rating: 4.4/5
Learn more about the Southern Belle Riverboat
6. Run Santa Run & Santa-Themed Races
Dash through Chattanooga in your best red-and-white gear at 5K, 10K, or half-marathon distances. This fun run supports local charities and ends with Santa-themed medals, hot chocolate, and comfort food classics.
Location: Riverpark at the Dam, TN Riverwalk
Our Review: Joining the Santa Run was surprisingly fun, with hundreds of Santas cheering and laughing their way through the course. It can be cold early in the morning, so dressing in layers is a big help. The energy is lighthearted, and the finish-line hot chocolate is worth the chilly start.
Learn more about Run Santa Run
7. Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols
Join The Roueché Chorale & Orchestra at Brainerd United Methodist Church for a free, moving service of music and readings under flickering candles. A soul-soothing tradition for the whole family.
Location: 4315 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Our Review: This candlelight service gave us a peaceful break from the busy holiday season. The choir sounds beautiful in the softly lit space, though seating fills quickly. Arriving a little early makes the whole experience feel calm and meaningful.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Learn more about the Candlelight Service
8. Mainx24 Festival & Holiday Parade
Ring in the season with 24 hours of pop-up events, live music, a chili cook-off, and a festive parade through Southside. Wear your best holiday sweater and join locals for a full day of cheer.
Location: Southside, Chattanooga, TN
Our Review: We spent the entire day at Mainx24 and loved the constant mix of food, music, and pop-up events. Some areas get very crowded, but wandering without a strict plan helped us find the best moments. Comfortable shoes are a must because you end up walking more than you expect.
Learn more about MAINx24 Festival
9. Nutcracker & Singing Christmas Tree Performances
Experience the Chattanooga Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Memorial Auditorium. These timeless shows bring holiday joy to all ages.
Our Review: Seeing the Nutcracker last year put us right into the holiday spirit with classical music and beautiful costumes. Parking can be tricky, so an earlier arrival is helpful. It is a wonderful tradition for families or anyone wanting a timeless holiday experience. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance, because they sell out quickly.
Discover the Nutcracker Performance.
10. Ruby Falls Discovery Day
Celebrate the season below ground with discounted tickets to Ruby Falls on its anniversary day. Tickets are $2.00 and are sold on Discovery Day, December 30th.
Location: Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, TN
Our Review: During our trip to Ruby Falls, descending into the cavern felt like exploring a hidden world. The illuminated waterfall is stunning and worth the slower group pace in the narrow passages. Comfortable shoes and a jacket make the visit much more enjoyable.
Rating: 4.5/5
Learn more about Ruby Falls Discovery Day
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2381316016088620361
Festive Day at Chattanooga Itinerary
Chattanooga’s holiday attractions are all fairly close together, making it easy to visit several in one day. Most stops are just minutes apart downtown, and Rock City and Ruby Falls are located next to each other on Lookout Mountain.
This makes the itinerary simple, smooth, and easy to follow.
Merry Christmas Tips for Your Chattanooga Stay
• Dress in Layers: Mild days and cold evenings mean morning park walks and night strolls to see misty trails around hidden waterfalls.
• Book Early: Holiday events sell out fast. Reserve train rides, river cruises, and festive shows as soon as you pick your travel dates.
• Go Midweek: Visit the holiday markets and light shows on Tuesday or Wednesday nights to avoid peak crowds.
• Savor Comfort Food: Warm up with soul-soothing stews, seasonal craft cocktails, or roadside hot chocolate with marshmallows.
• Capture the Magic: Don’t forget your phone or camera: from the Enchanted Garden’s twinkling forest to sunset glows over the river, every corner is Instagram-worthy.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re ice skating under shining lights, enjoying a special holiday dinner cruise, or sitting by a warm fire in a cozy cabin, Chattanooga for Christmas has fun for everyone.
At Enjoy Unique Stays, we believe that a perfect holiday escape starts with the right home base.
Book your stay with us for world-class hospitality, private hot tubs, and easy access to all that the Scenic City offers this December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga worth visiting in December?
Absolutely! December brings festive river cruises, ice skating beneath strings of lights, and local markets, making Chattanooga a magical winter destination.
Where is the most Christmassy place in Tennessee?
While Gatlinburg’s Winterfest lights are famous, Chattanooga shines bright with events like the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City and the North Pole Limited train ride.
Is there a Christmas market in Chattanooga?
Yes! The Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market at Camp Jordan Arena features over 140 local vendors, seasonal treats, and live entertainment.
Is Ruby Falls open on Christmas?
Ruby Falls welcomes visitors in December. Note: It closes early on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day, so plan accordingly.
You can also check out our blog for indoor activities in Chattanooga if you are unlucky with the weather.
