Family-Friendly Holiday Events In Chattanooga

Photo Credit: Visit Chattanooga

By Visit Chattanooga and The Tennessee Conservative staff –

There’s still plenty of family-friendly things to do around Chattanooga this Holiday Season with some offerings extending well into the New Year.

 Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (FREE)

Now through December 24th

Bass Pro Shops invites families to the tradition of visiting Santa Claus in person this holiday season. Advanced reservations are required. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free digital video greeting card to share on social media. During your visit, families can mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last.

Tennessee Aquarium’s Holidays Under the Peaks & Polar Express 3D in IMAX

Now through December 31st

Head inside under the Tennessee Aquarium’s lighted candy cane peaks for some underwater holiday fun. Whether watching for snowflakes or listening for sleigh bells, plenty of attention is paid to the sky during the holidays, but even underwater, there’s yuletide cheer aplenty waiting at the Tennessee Aquarium. In keeping with holiday tradition, The Polar Express 3D returns to the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater (check website for dates/times).

Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights

Dec. 23rd – 25th & January 2nd

Guests can decorate a gingerbread cookie in downtown Yule Town, experience the icy Borealis lights of the Arctic Kingdom, and explore the digital enchantment of the Magic Forest’s dancing trees. Visit Santa in his North Pole workshop and enjoy plenty of holiday treats including hot cocoa, kettle corn, homemade fudge, and beer from Chattanooga Brewing. Tickets are sold ONLINE ONLY, and admission begins at 5 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome! As in years past, a portion of ticket proceeds from this event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. 

Holiday Window Treasure Hunt on the North Shore (FREE)

Now through January 3rd

The NorthShore Merchants Collective is hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Window Treasure Hunt to benefit the Northside Neighborhood House. The safe, outdoor, family-friendly game features hidden treasures, beautifully decorated holiday store windows, and three gift baskets. To join the fun, pick up a game card from any of the 28 participating businesses. The game directs participants to the North Shore’s sidewalks to look for unlikely hidden items in the windows of local businesses. 

Ice on the Landing at the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Now through January 30th

Make memories on skates under twinkling lights and a crisp winter sky at Ice on the Landing. The outdoor ice skating rink in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo’s Glenn Miller Gardens is surrounded by lanterns, fountains, and the holiday grandeur of the Southside’s iconic landmark. The open-air, warm drinks, magical lights and laughs with friends and family will create a fun holiday evening. The Ice on the Landing experience includes general skating time, special themes, holiday music, a rotating schedule to benefit local not-for-profits, sweet and savory crepes from Adelle’s, hot chocolate, cider and other toasty drinks. Step Outside named Ice on the Landing a Best Outdoor Rink in Tennessee.