Though the holiday season may be over, there’s still plenty of fun things to do in Chattanooga this winter. From winter break camps to three different races and much more, check out the different events and celebrations offered in the Scenic City this January.
The Whiskey Run
January 1
Kickstart your year with Chattanooga’s sixth-annual Whiskey Run. Choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, and join the community for an exhilarating race. Whether you run or walk, the fun doesn’t end at the finish line – celebrate your achievement with great company and, of course, whiskey! Each runner will receive an event shirt, finishing medal, and whiskey sampling.
Full Moon Adventure Series: The Wolf Moon
January 3
Start the year with intention during Outdoor Chattanooga’s Wolf Moon celebration. This program invites participants to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature beneath the first full moon of the year. Participants will join a Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center naturalist for a visit with the resident red wolves, followed by a guided mindfulness walk along scenic winter trails. Open to all fitness levels, this peaceful experience offers space to set intentions and welcome the new year.
Holiday Lights Train
January 1-5, 10-12
Still feeling the Christmas spirit in the new year? Climb aboard the Holiday Lights Train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Running for select dates in early January, this 60-minute experience takes guests on a 6-mile round trip to enjoy the festive lights at the train’s depot and the station’s “North Pole.” Guests will enjoy storytelling during the ride, and snacks and refreshments can be purchased at the Depot Deli before or after the ride.
Chattanooga Zoo Winter Break Camp
January 2, 5 – 6
Keep your kids engaged after the holidays with Chattanooga Zoo’s Winter Break Camp. Campers will enjoy hands-on educational activities and up-close animal experiences. This year, fascinating science will meet fantastical stories as the campers discover how today’s animals help scientists understand the past and how animals throughout history sparked the legends that are still told today. Camp is open to kindergarteners through third graders.
Tennessee Aquarium Winter Camp
January 5 – 6
If aquatic animals are more your speed, the Tennessee Aquarium’s Winter Camp offers animal encounters, aquarium tours, activities, hands-on explorations, and so much more. This session’s theme – New Year, New Life – will help campers learn about animal gardeners and discover animals with unique life cycles. A limited number of scholarships are available for this camp.
World of Wheels
January 9 – 11
Head to the Chattanooga Convention Center for World of Wheels, an indoor car show featuring hot rods, race cars, antique cars, classic cars, and more, presented in creative displays. Sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts, this event is sanctioned by the International Show Car Association, and vehicles are in competition based on condition, design, detail of finish, and workmanship. Tickets are available online and at the gate, and they can be purchased at a discounted price at any O’Reilly Auto Parts store.
Freeze Your Half Off
January 10
Presented by Run Chattanooga, Freeze Your Half Off offers a half marathon, 10k, and 5k along the beautiful Tennessee River. The course is mostly flat, paved, and features small inclines and declines. Included in the registration fee, runners will receive race swag, an oversized coffee mug medal, and access to aid stations throughout the race. All races will begin at 9 a.m.
2000s Night
January 10
Head to The Signal in Southside for 2000s Night, and dance the night away to your favorite ‘00s and early ‘10s hits, featuring the best of Kesha, Pitbull, Rihanna, Usher, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, and more. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., with dancing following at 9 p.m. This event is only for guests 18 years of age and older.
Lookout Wild Film Festival
January 15-18
Outdoors and movie lovers, this one’s for you! For over a decade, Lookout Wild Film Festival has showcased the most captivating outdoor adventure and environmental films from across the globe, all over the course of a weekend. This year, the festival will be held at Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the newly renovated UTC Fine Arts Center. Tickets for the festival can be purchased through UTC’s website.
Kinky Boots
January 16-18
Head to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium for “Kinky Boots,” a musical based on true events. Winner of every Best Musical award, including the Tony®, Grammy®, and London’s Olivier Award, this musical is sure to sweep you off your feet. Available tickets range from $69 to $125, and they can be purchased on the theater’s website.
Polar Plunge and Fun Run
January 17
Baby, it’s cold outside! Head to Lula Lake Land Trust on Lookout Mountain to participate in the Polar Plunge and Fun Run, the only day of the year that the public is allowed to swim in Lula Lake. This 3-mile race takes runners through the preserve and ends at the polar plunge launch point. After braving the cold, participants can enjoy cider, cocoa, and beer, provided by Chattanooga Whiskey.
Pink! Gala
January 31
The Pink! Gala is the CommonSpirit – Memorial Foundation’s signature black-tie event. This year, Marc & Dr. Rachel Labovitz and Danny & Jennifer Waxenberg will cochair the event with the theme of “Pink Royale” at the Chattanooga Convention Center. All Pink! proceeds stay within the community to help local breast cancer patients receive advanced, top-quality care at CommonSpirit – Memorial MaryEllen Locher Breast Center.
