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.
Head of the Hooch
November 1-2
More than 2,200 boats will set out at Ross’s Landing to race in the world’s second-largest rowing event, the Head of the Hooch. The Regatta includes more than 90 events – hosting more than 6,000 athletes and drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators. Racing starts at 8:50 a.m. on Saturday, and spectators are encouraged to take in the thrilling views along the scenic Chattanooga Riverwalk.
Faces of PAD Conference
November 6-7
The 8th annual Faces of PAD Conference invites registered guests to learn from leading experts in ultrasound and vascular specialties to help improve PAD awareness, management, treatment, and evaluation of today’s vascular patients. Enjoy key speakers from various clinical disciplines, including vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, podiatry, primary care, ultrasound, and more as they lead hands-on demonstrations and engaging workshops at the Downtown Marriott.
Hamilton County Fair
November 7-9
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. Online, a three-day pass can be purchased for $16.80 or a one-day pass can be purchased for $10.61. Parking is free on site.
Sleep in the Deep
November 8
Join the Tennessee Aquarium for 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.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Starting November 14
Join Rock City for the 31st year of the Enchanted Garden of Lights. Starting November 14 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 and a cheery Christmas atmosphere. Ticket prices vary depending on the night of your visit, and tickets are only sold online.
Gratefull
November 20
Come and celebrate 10 years of Gratefull – Chattanooga’s free community-wide Thanksgiving luncheon! From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can sit, connect, and enjoy a holiday meal together in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Turkey is provided by Party Bites and sides and drinks will be provided by other local businesses. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and hygienic supplies to benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families.
Ice on the Landing
Starting November 22
Starting November 22, 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. Tickets cost $12 per adult and $10 per child (except for on holidays), and each skater will receive a 60-minute skate session.
Chistkindlmarkt
November 22-23
Bundle up and stroll through Coolidge Park in Northshore for Christkindlmarkt. This German-inspired holiday market is complete with twinkling lights, candles, and fanciful appearances from The Christkind, Krampus, and Santa himself. With more than 75 vendor booths, visitors of all ages can enjoy seasonal food, drinks, and unique shopping opportunities and gift selections.
Chattanooga Holiday Market
November 22-23
Join the Chattanooga Market for a special two-day market to prepare for the holiday season. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, head to the First Horizon Pavilion to get a jump start on holiday gift shopping. Peruse a variety of goods from nearly 200 artists, farms and food artisans, and bring the whole family to skate at Ice on the Landing for an additional fee.
Thanksgiving on the River
November 22 & 27
Eat Thanksgiving dinner in style as you cruise the Scenic Tennessee River on the iconic Southern Belle Riverboat. On November 22 and 27, 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.
Asian Lantern Festival
Starting November 21
Starting on November 21, join the Chattanooga Zoo for their fourth annual Asian Lantern Festival. This year’s theme, the Forest of Fantasy, includes dragons, fairies, unicorns, woodland creatures, and even Santa in his workshop! Featuring never-before-seen, hand-crafted Asian lanterns, including interactive lanterns that flash, move, glow, smoke and more, this event is sure to delight. Tickets can be purchased on the zoo’s website.
26th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk
November 27
Kick off Thanksgiving at the Grateful Gobbler 5k family- and pet-friendly walk/run! The race and onsite festivities will begin at 8 a.m. in Coolidge Park. Registration is $30 for participants 13 and over and $20 for children ages 6 to 12. All proceeds from the Grateful Gobbler will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families. Register online.
Fitness Central’s Turkey Trot ’25
November 27
Run, walk, or trot in Chattanooga’s longest standing Thanksgiving road race! Registered participants can choose between a 4-mile certified race, 3-mile family walk and jog (dogs and strollers welcome!), or Kiddie-K. Proceeds support the Chattanooga Track Club’s year-round youth and adult running and fitness programs promoting health and fitness in our community.
