- Rock City Garden's Enchanted Garden of Lights ($): Nov. 20, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010 - Enjoy nearly a million lights that transform the gardens' daytime splendor to a nighttime fantasyland along the enchanted trail. Enjoy cookie decorating, hot cocoa and nightly musical entertainment.
- Tennessee Aquarium's Tropical Holiday Adventure & IMAX 3D Film ($): Nov. 20, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010 - Bask in balmy temperatures and explore exotic wildlife during the tropical holiday adventure with narrated daily dive shows, animal feedings, butterfly releases and much more. At the IMAX 3D Theater, experience the wonder & delight of a holiday classic, The Polar Express.
- Ruby Falls' Deck the Falls ($): Nov. 20, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010 & Ruby Red Christmas/Fri. & Sat. nights, Dec. 2009 - The 145-foot waterfall has been magically transformed for the season with an array of enchanting lights and sound effects. Also enjoy a Currier & Ives old style holiday with indoor snow, wonderful turn of the century time period characters and holiday acoustical music.
- Tennessee Valley Railroad's North Pole Limited Adventures ($): Nov. 20 - Dec. 21, 2009 - Take a trip to the "North Pole" pulled by a steam locomotive with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, visits by Santa Claus and other surprises!
- Chattanooga Choo Choo Thanksgiving Buffet ($): Nov. 26 2009 - Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving spread at the Chattanooga Choo Choo on Thanksgiving from 11 am - 3 pm.
- Southern Belle Riverboat's Thanksgiving Dinners and Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises ($): Nov. 26 - Dec. 19, 2009 - Enjoy delicious prime rib and shrimp Creole and then join the singing deckhands for a special selection of Christmas carols, live entertainment, dancing and a visit from the man in the big red suit!
- Creative Discovery Museum's Gingerbread Workshops ($): Nov. - Dec. 2009 & Helping Hands Exhibit/Nov. 21, 2009 - Jan.3, 2010 - Create a new holiday tradition by constructing a delicious gingerbread house masterpiece as a family or learn how the choices we make affect the world around us through photos & activities in the Helping Hands exhibit.
- Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Packages ($): Nov. - Dec. 2009 - Packages include rooms in sleeper train cars, a ride on the North Pole Limited Train, the Elf Workshop, Elf Tuck-In Service for the little ones, a visit from Santa, commemorative holiday ornament and attraction tickets.
- A Christmas Carol at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre ($): Nov. 17 - Dec. 20, 2009 - Enjoy Charles Dickens' timeless winter tale of redemption and the Christmas spirit this season at the Chattanooga's own community theater.
- Winter Days and Lights, downtown Chattanooga (FREE): Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, 2009 - The Winter Days and Lights holiday season features holiday activities that include. The Grande Illumination on the River, Chattanooga Riverfront, Nov. 27; Breakfast with Santa, Chattanoogan Hotel, Nov. 28; Holiday Starlight Parade, Downtown, Dec. 5; Appalachian Christmas, Miller Plaza, Dec. 11.
- Winter Days and Lights, "Breakfast with Santa" at the Chattanoogan Hotel ($): Nov. 28, 2009 - 8:30 am to 9:45 am and 11:30 am to 12:45 am - A fun-filled holiday event that allows families to enjoy a delicious breakfast and a delightful musical show by our famour singing Santa Claus.
- Singing Christmas Tree - Chattanooga Boys Choir ($): Dec. 5, 2009 - 2 pm to 7:30 pm at the Tivoli Theatre. (423) 622-3033
- Winter Days and Lights, "Holiday Starlight Parade" (FREE): Dec. 5, 2009 - 6 pm to 8 pm - Market Street from Miller Plaza to Ross's Landing - Free lighted holiday parade, with every float and marching unit strung in twinkling lights.
- MainX24 Festival (FREE): Dec. 5 at 8 am to Dec. 6 at 8 am - Chattanooga's Southside Mainx24 is a 24-hour festival celebrated Main Street, with events from 8 am Saturday to 8 am Sunday. Entertainment, fashion shows, parades, parties and more.
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Christmas Dinner Train ($): Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2009 - 5:30 pm to 10 pm - Travel aboard a 1924 vintage train car for the Holiday Dinner Train Ride, a rail excursion and four-course meal. 423-894-8028
- Chattanooga Market's Holiday Market, First Tennessee Pavilion (FREE): Dec. 5 - 6, 2009 - The Chattanooga Market, an open-air market, offers a special holiday theme with live music and over 100 vendors selling unique, locally hand-made items perfect for your holiday gifts.
- Winter Days and Lights, "Appalachian Christmas" ($): Dec. 11, 2009 - 7 pm to 9 pm - Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza - A family evening featuring Appalachian music, cider and cookies. Tickets are $3, children 10 and under are free. 423-265-0771
- NCAA Division I Football Championship, Finley Stadium ($): Dec. 18, 2009 - Gear up for another great football championship with pre-game activities, tailgating, entertainment, food, fireworks and more. This is a great place to spend some quality time with your friends and family.
- CSO Pops "Home for the Holidays" ($): Dec. 19, 2009 at 8 pm, Dec. 20, 2009 at 2 pm - Tivoli Theatre - The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera's annual holiday POPS concert. 423-267-8583
- Creative Discovery Museum's "New Year's at Noon" ($): Dec. 31, 2009 - 11 am to 1 pm - Ring in the New Year with your kids with apple juice toasts, shakers and a parade. 423-756-2738
- New Year's Eve Aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat ($): Dec. 31, 2009 - 4 pm to 6 pm - Early Bird New Year's Even Dinner Cruise. 8:30 pm to Midnight - New Year's Eve Gala (dockside until 1 am). 9 pm to 1 am - Pier 2 New Year's Bash! 800-766-2784 or 423-266-4488
- Chattanooga Choo Choo's "New Year's Rockin' Centennial Eve Party" ($): 8 pm to 1 am - The Party kicks off with The Beaters and ring in the New Year with davors, hats, giveaways, a cash bar and light snacks. 423-266-5500
See our complete listing of Chattanooga attractions for more holiday fun ideas.