Twinkling lights, festive music, and crisp, cool days are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to experiencing the magic of wintertime in Chattanooga. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a vacation for the whole family, the city is bursting with holiday cheer and unique activities. Read on to discover 12 of our favorite ways to enjoy winter in the Scenic City.

1. Holiday Shows

Chattanooga Symphony and Opera performs a variety of secular and sacred holiday tunes that are perfect for the whole family in their Home for the Holidays concert.

Is it really the Holiday season if you don't watch a performance of The Nutcracker performed by the Chattanooga Ballet?

You'll definitely want to catch A Magical Cirque Christmas or The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays, both at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.

2. Chattanooga Riverboat Cruise 

Float down the Tennessee River aboard the Chattanooga Riverboat Company’s Southern Belle for a truly unique holiday experience! View the Chattanooga skyline from the water and revel in the winter wonderland of holiday lights. Board a lunch or dinner cruise and have fun listening to live music, dancing, and you might even meet a special guest! In December you can choose from holiday cruises like a Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise, Breakfast with Santa, or Tis the Season Luncheon.

3. Downtown Carriage Rides

What could be more wonderfully wintry than a relaxing ride in a horse-drawn carriage? Departing from the Tennessee Aquarium, these 20-minute rides take you on a merry tour through the heart of the city. The drivers are always happy to offer pieces of history and informative tidbits about the surroundings, and each carriage offers warm blankets to make your trip cozy and comfortable.

4. Plenty of Festive Lights

Chattanooga’s Holiday Trail of Lights is a curated list of the best places to find Christmas lights and holiday cheer around the city. Attractions on the Trail include Reindeer on the Riverfront and Lighted Boat Parade, the Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo, twinkling Snowflakes on the Walnut Street Bridge, Holidays at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and the Tennessee Aquarium’s Holiday Under the Peaks.

For one of Chattanooga’s most iconic winter events, bundle up and spend an evening wandering Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights on Lookout Mountain. Take a stroll down the lighted Grand Corridor in Yule Town, experience the twinkle of icy lights in the Arctic Kingdom, and the Magic Forest comes alive to reveal exciting enchantments! 

5. Cozy Up in a Chattanooga Coffee Shop 

With so many unique coffee shops around every corner, it's hard to choose just one. Cozy up with your favorite coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Or check out a local coffee roaster and grab that perfect seasonal blend for warming up your next Scenic City adventure! 

6. The Polar Express in 3D at the IMAX

Sure, The Polar Express might technically be a kids' movie, but there’s no denying that it appeals to all ages. The film became an instant classic upon its release in 2004, and the years have only made its heartwarming story better. Gather up the whole family for a 3D viewing of The Polar Express.

7. Ice on the Landing at the First Horizon Pavilion

From November through January, experience the thrill of ice skating in Chattanooga. No matter your age or skill level, a trip to the ice rink is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Skate rentals are included with tickets, and you can rent plastic skate buddies for your littles who are new to skating!

8. Winter Hikes

The leafless trees of the colder months bring out some of Chattanooga’s most breathtaking views. The Bluff Trail on Lookout Mountain is scenic any time of year, but in the winter you can walk for miles with totally unobstructed views of Lookout Valley unfurling below.

Mullens Cove Overlook in Prentice Cooper State Forest is another vista that comes to life in winter. Unlike its popular counterpart, Snoopers Rock, the view from Mullens is interrupted by foliage for most of the year, so winter is the only time you’ll have a sweeping view of a remote section of the Cumberland Mountains.

Round out your mountain tour with a hike to Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain. Explore the three-mile loop trail for expansive views of the surrounding bluffs and valleys, and then enjoy a picnic back at the tables near the parking area.

This time of year is a magical time to visit one of our area's waterfalls or scenic overlooks. Looking for more? Check out our Hiking and Overlooks Map for a more comprehensive list!

9. Tennessee Valley Railroad Christmas Events

Step into yesteryear on one of the handsome cars of the Tennessee Valley Railroad, a “moving museum” with a variety of tours year-round. There are five magical holiday-themed rides to choose from: Christmas Tree Train, North Pole Limited Adventures Train, NightCap with St. Nick Train, Holiday Christmas Lights Train, and Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train.  

10. Holiday Markets

Each weekend in December (until Dec. 19), local artisans set up shop at the Convention Center as a winter extension of the downtown Chattanooga Market. With crafts, food, jewelry, and more, you’ll easily find the perfect handmade gift for every person on your list. Another can't-miss is the Chattanooga Holiday Market's Lodge Cast Iron Bake-Off.

Around town, you can also get your holiday shopping on at the November Christkindlmarkt in Collegedale or Signal Mountain, Holiday on Hamill Market in Hixson, Ho Ho Ho Christmas Market at Ooltewah's Cambridge Square, and Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market at Camp Jordan in East Ridge.

11. Gingerbread Workshop at the Creative Discovery Museum

Delight and inspire your kiddos with a fun-filled day at the Creative Discovery Museum. Create sweet memories at the Gingerbread Workshop and create treats out of gingerbread, icing, candy, and more! The Museum provides hot chocolate, cookies, pre-built houses, and festive music. Due to space limitations, there is a limit of three people to each house. Reservations are required in advance so make sure to get your spot now! 

12. Holiday Windows at EPB

We know what you’re thinking: Are we really suggesting that you spend an hour staring at the windows of Chattanooga’s Electric Power Board? Yes, we are! EPB is at the center of downtown and its holiday decorations are nearly unrivaled in the city. In December, EPB fills its street-level windows with whimsical scenes of holidays from around the world, from the North Pole to the Amazonian jungle. You don’t want to miss taking a stroll around this building on your winter trip to Chattanooga.