Chattanooga's Clean & Safe Holiday Guide: Festive Lights, Attractions & More
Chattanooga lights up the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights across boats, bridges, cliffs, and more. Experience the magic safely with our comprehensive Clean & Safe Holiday Guide, designed for families and visitors seeking trustworthy, up-to-date recommendations.
Our attractions, restaurants, and businesses prioritize visitor safety through enhanced protocols, timed entries, and spacious environments for social distancing. Follow current local health guidelines for masks and gatherings. Stock up on exclusive Chattanooga masks and holiday merchandise in our online store. Let's dive into the festivities.
Holiday Trail of Lights
The annual Holiday Trail of Lights dazzles with displays on EPB’s Holiday Windows—a tradition since the World War II era—right off Market Street. Nearby, enjoy hot cocoa at Milk & Honey inside Community Pie at Miller Plaza.
Catch the Lighted Boat Parade on the Tennessee River, gliding under snowflake lights on the Walnut Street Bridge—ideal for photos. Post-parade, refuel on either riverbank: North Chattanooga offers Stone Cup Café in Coolidge Park for coffee or Basecamp for Southern comfort food and craft beer; riverside, try Puckett’s near the Tennessee Aquarium.
Cap your evening at Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights, celebrating 26 years of holiday tradition just a short drive from downtown.
Click here for the full Holiday Trail of Lights Guide.
Indoor Fun
Stay cozy with indoor adventures. At the Tennessee Aquarium, Holidays Under the Peaks features a seasonal scavenger hunt through underwater exhibits. Cross to the IMAX Theater for The Polar Express on a six-story screen.
Explore Ruby Falls, America’s tallest and deepest public underground waterfall—perfect for date nights or family outings. Kids love the Creative Discovery Museum, one of the nation’s top children’s museums, with interactive exhibits and new safety protocols.
Get active at High Point Climbing & Fitness’s 28,000 sq. ft. indoor space. The iconic outdoor Wonder Wall glows with holiday colors—wear your Chattanooga mask and climb safely.
*Attractions offer timed-entry tickets for safety; reserve in advance.
Outdoor Fun
Skate at Ice on the Landing in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo train station for nostalgic cheer. Nearby, sip coffee at Frothy Monkey or indulge in artisanal hot chocolate at The Hot Chocolatier. Explore Station Street for dining, cocktails, comedy, and live music.
Stroll the North Shore for the Holiday Window Treasure Hunt across 28 businesses, detour to lit-up Coolidge Park, or walk the decorated Walnut Street Bridge. Public parks enable easy social distancing. Art enthusiasts can follow our Experience Visual Art Map for downtown public installations.
Chattanooga offers endless safe holiday adventures indoors and out. Click here for the latest Clean & Safe Guide updates and regulations.
