Take a stroll through downtown Chattanooga to enjoy Christmas displays this holiday season.
Are you looking for a fun evening in downtown Chattanooga to enjoy Christmas time? If so, follow along with my itinerary below. Hit up some of the prettiest spots the twinkling city lights have to offer.
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Snowflake Lights
NOTE for 2024-2025: There will be no snowflake lights on the bridge these two years due to the renovations happening on the bridge. The bridge is scheduled to be closed starting March 2025 and is anticipated to be reopened again in 2026.
Start in the Bluff View Art District and eat dinner at Tony’s before you start out. Or just grab a hot chocolate or apple cider from Rembrandts. When you’re ready, head over to the Hunter Museum overlook. From the overlook, you’ll be able to watch the twinkling snowflake lights on the Walnut Street Walking Bridge reflect on the river below. Head down to the Walking Bridge itself by way of the metal bridge next to the museum.
Christmas Light Tree
When you’ve spent enough time on the Walking Bridge, hop back into your car and drive down High Street out of the Bluff View Art District. At the four-way stop, turn right down 3rd Street. Take 3rd all the way to Power Alley and turn right. Soon you’ll come up to a large field where you’ll see the tall Christmas Light Tree to your right. You can park here and get out to see the tree up close, or just admire it from the car.
Note that the first two photos are from a few years ago. The last photo is most recent and you’ll notice it’s missing the star. I don’t know what happened to the star but it’s been gone for quite some time. However this tree is still beautiful to see in person.
The West Village Decorations
After the light tree, you can either continue on foot or by car. If by car, turn right onto Riverfront Parkway and then right again onto Chestnut Street. Look for a place to park once you get to 6th or 7th Street. Because now you’ve entered the West Village which you will for sure want to explore on foot. Christmas decorations cover most of 8th Street and Chestnut Street. This makes up this picturesque area of downtown Chattanooga.
If you decide to head to the West Village on foot, consider stopping by the Cupcake Kitchen for dessert on your way. They seriously have some of the best cupcakes in town, as well as other sweets to enjoy.
EPB Christmas Displays
Your next stop should be the EPB building on West M.L.K Boulevard and Broad Street. The EPB Building is an annual favorite with locals and visitors alike. Every year they create window displays showcasing Christmas and Chattanooga themes. Be sure to check out both sides. The windows are on the corner of Broad Street and West M.L.K Boulevard for one side, and on the corner of Market Street and West M.L.K Boulevard for the other side.
Miller Park is across Market Street from the EPB Building and has beautiful tree lights in blue and white. This is an extension of the EPB Christmas display in downtown Chattanooga. And this year, EPB added the Festive Forest that you can walk through as well. This features numerous trees decorated by local businesses.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Do you love historical places? If so, you will love The Chattanooga Choo Choo. Located on Market Street, this old train station has been turned into a plethora of shopping and dining experiences. Station Street runs beside it lined with restaurants and bars. And behind the old station is the newly renovated Hotel Chalet. If you want to stay the night, you can enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in an old Pullman train car. Whether you want to enjoy a nice dinner and drinks, warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee, or just enjoy the beauty of the Christmas trees in the lobby, The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a great stop to add to your downtown Chattanooga Christmas trip.
Chattanooga Ice Skating
Ice on the Landing is Chattanooga’s annual ice skating activity. In past years it was set up at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. But due to recent renovations, it has now been moved to a new location for this year. You’ll now find Ice on the Landing at the First Horizon Pavilion, the same place that hosts the Chattanooga Market during the warmer months. You can purchase tickets ahead of time for 1 hour skate sessions or purchase tickets when you arrive. However, it’s recommended that you purchase ahead of time to be sure you have a resereved spot in this limited space activity.
In Closing
Be sure to watch this video as me and my friend Alicia enjoy a Christmasy evening downtown.
That wraps up this Christmas in downtown Chattanooga adventure. I hope you enjoy the sights and beauty of all the lights this time of year. Have you explored any of these spots downtown? If so, tell me about it in the comments below. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Chattanooga Christmas Fun:
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What are the dates that these festivities begin?
Some lights should already be up downtown (weekend before Thanksgiving) and the rest, including the EPB windows, should be ready by next weekend (weekend after Thanksgiving).
Nothing in the bridge 😔
The bridge might not be lit up this year if it’s closed for repair. I haven’t been by there in a couple weeks so I’m unsure. That’s sad though because I love those snowflake lights!
UPDATE 11-22-2023: The bridge is open for use and they just hung up the snowflake lights today!