Contributing author: Gray Bennett
As we enter the holiday season, there’s no shortage of events and celebrations to enjoy each month. If you’re searching for things to do in Chattanooga in November, look no further. From the Hamilton County Fair and a free Thanksgiving dinner to ice skating and more, the Scenic City has something for everyone this month.
Dare to Dance
November 2
Based on the popular television show Dancing With the Stars, this dazzling event pairs local celebrities with professional dancers for an unforgettable dance-off at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Guests will enjoy dinner, drinks, and souvenirs. Dare to Dance is the largest annual fundraising event for the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation.
Head of the Hooch
November 2-3
Head out to Ross’s Landing for the Head of the Hooch regatta, the world’s second-largest rowing event. With over 2,000 boats set to race and 88 race events, this weekend is sure to be a thrill for participants and spectators alike! The first boats start at 8:50 a.m. on Saturday, and spectators are encouraged to view the races from the Walnut Street Bridge, Coolidge Park, or Chattanooga Riverwalk.
Family Sleep in the Deep
November 8-9
Join the Tennessee Aquarium for Family Sleep in the Deep, an exclusive overnight experience at the aquarium. This overnight program includes a guided aquarium tour, meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors, and a scavenger hunt in the dark. Guests will also enjoy an evening snack before spending the night in Ocean Journey’s undersea cavern. Tickets can be purchased online.
Hamilton County Fair
November 8-10
Come one, come all to the Hamilton County Fair! Presented by the title sponsor, Little Debbie, at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek, this event is sure to be fun for the whole family. Tickets include access to the fairgrounds, amusement rides, rodeo, live music, firework show, and much, much more. At the gate, a three-day pass can be purchased for $15 or a one-day pass can be purchased for $8. Parking is free on site. Head to the fair’s website to view the full three-day schedule.
Faces of PAD Conference
November 14 – 15
The 7th annual Faces of PAD conference will include insightful discussions, engaging workshops, the first on-stage Holographic speaker, LIVE Cases, Hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities focused on Ultrasound and Vascular. Learn from leading experts in the field and connect with others who are passionate about improving PAD awareness, management, treatment, and evaluation of today’s vascular patients.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Starting November 15
Join Rock City as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Enchanted Garden of Lights. Starting November 15 and continuing through January 4, Rock City’s beautiful gardens will be turned into a festive wonderland, complete with over a million LED Christmas lights, two photo opportunities with Santa, and a cheery Christmas atmosphere. Ticket prices vary depending on the night of your visit, and tickets are only sold online.
Selfhaven Wellness Retreat
November 16
Hosted by Emma Nelson, nutritionist, and Hallie Hughes, yoga teacher, the Selfhaven Wellness Retreat seeks to inspire individuals to connect with their inner selves. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., join Nelson and Hughes at Rising Fawn Gardens and enjoy yoga and meditation sessions, a nutritional food workshop, self-love workshops, and more. Tickets can be purchased online.
Gratefull
November 21
Gratefull will return to the Scenic City on November 21, 2024, to offer a free Thanksgiving meal to all those in the Chattanooga community. Head to the middle of Martin Luther King Boulevard, directly outside the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, to celebrate Thanksgiving with the community. Gratefull will be accepting donations, including nonperishable food and hygienic and laundry supplies, at the event. If you would like to volunteer, you can register online.
Thanksgiving on the River
November 23 & 28
Eat Thanksgiving dinner in style as you cruise the Scenic Tennessee River on the iconic Southern Belle Riverboat. On November 23rd and 28th, the Riverboat will be offering two-hour cruises while guests enjoy a one-time-through buffet-style Thanksgiving Dinner. The meal will feature holiday favorites, like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and much, much more. Adult tickets are $44.95 each, and they can be purchased online.
Thanksgiving Market
November 24
Join the Chattanooga Market for their final outdoor market of the season—the Thanksgiving Market. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., head to the First Horizon Pavilion to begin your preparations for the holiday season. Peruse a variety of local meats, cheeses, baked goods, and produce while also buying handmade gifts for friends and family.
Ice on the Landing
November 24
Starting November 24th and carrying through January 28th, head to First Horizon Pavilion for Ice on the Landing, Chattanooga’s only open-air ice skating rink. Featuring ice skating for all ages, this is the perfect activity to begin the holiday season with. Tickets cost $12 per adult and $10 per child (except for on holidays), and each skater will receive a 60-minute skate session.
Asian Lantern Festival
Starting November 26
Starting on November 26th and carrying through January 19th, join the Chattanooga Zoo for their third annual Asian Lantern Festival. Featuring hand-crafted Asian lanterns, 40 displays of plant and animal life from the Amazon Rainforest, and interactive lanterns, this event is sure to delight. Tickets can be purchased online, and guests can attend the festival between 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey
November 30
This post-Thanksgiving race event offers fun for the whole family! Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon with highlights including long-sleeve technical shirts for all registrants, aid stations and bathrooms approximately every 1.5 miles, tasty donuts waiting at the finish line, and medals for every finisher. Find more registration information online.
