Welcome to your go-to source for Chattanooga’s top events! It’s long been debated whether it’s appropriate to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a celebrate-Thanksgiving-in-November person or a Christmas-in-November person, Chattanooga has events to accommodate both preferences. From the Hamilton County Fair and a free Thanksgiving dinner to live reindeer in Coolidge park, ice skating, and more, the Scenic City offers festive things to do for everyone this November.
Hamilton County Fair
November 6-8
Come one, come all to the Hamilton County Fair! Presented by the title sponsor, Little Debbie, at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek, visitors are invited to explore the fairgrounds and enjoy amusement rides, live music, a live rodeo, evening firework shows, and much more. Online, a three-day pass can be purchased for $16 or a one-day pass can be purchased for $12
Chattanooga Walk to End Alzheimer’s
November 7
Chattanoogans are invited to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s – the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Taking place at Erlanger Park, registered participants will receive a flower for the Promise Garden
Ceremony at 9 a.m. to honor a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia (or simply support the cause) and begin the walk immediately after at 9:30 a.m.
Head of the Hooch
November 7-8
More than 2,200 boats are set to compete across 91 events at one of the world’s largest rowing events – the Head of the Hooch Regatta – this November. Taking place at Ross’s Landing, the USRowing-sanctioned regatta kicks off shortly after 8 a.m. on Saturday, and spectators are encouraged to take in the thrilling views along the scenic Chattanooga Riverwalk or the Walnut Street Bridge.
Pony Pumpkin Patch
November 7 & 14
Good ol’ family fun awaits at the Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch’s Pony and Pumpkin Patch! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST on both dates, visitors will enjoy farm tours, hayrides, pumpkin painting, pony rides for kids 12 and under, a campfire with s’mores, and more. Tickets are $15, and kids 3 and under enter for free. Event proceeds help to support the Sequatchie Valley Program of Agriculture.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Starting November 13
From November 13 and continuing through December 31, Rock City’s beautiful gardens will transform into a festive wonderland for the Enchanted Garden of Lights! Complete with more than 1 million LED Christmas lights and a cheery Christmas atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Ticket prices vary depending on the night of your visit, and tickets are sold online.
Grand Reopening of the Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
November 14
Be the first to look inside the newly restored Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts at their Grand Reopening Ceremony on November 14. Visitors can browse nearly two years of restoration work, including the new galleries and conservatory, while the Chattanooga Symphony performs throughout the event. The museum will officially reopen to the public on November 17 at 10 a.m. during their ribbon cutting ceremony.
Chickamauga Chili Championship
November 14
Join the Chattanooga Audubon Society from noon to 3 p.m. as they host the first-ever Chickamauga Chili Championship! The free event will feature a traditional Cherokee dance performance by the NunneHi Warriors, as well as chili cookoffs, tasting, and voting for categories in best veggie, chicken, beef, and wild game chili.
Gratefull
November 19
Come and be a part 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.
Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson
November 20
Experience the King of Pop’s greatest hits by candlelight at the Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson. With 1,000 candles lighting the room, guests will enjoy classical reimaginings of Billie Jean, Thriller, Man in the Mirror, and more in a whole new way at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 8:45 to 10 p.m.
Ice on the Landing
Starting November 21
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 21-22 & 28-29
Get ready for old-world holiday charm and fanciful appearances from The Christkind, Krampus, and Santa himself at the Christkindlmarkt – a German-inspired holiday market! Complete with twinkling lights, candles, and more than 75 vendor booths, visitors of all ages can enjoy seasonal food, drinks, and unique shopping opportunities and gift selections at Coolidge Park in Northshore.
Chattanooga Thanksgiving Market
November 21-22
Come shop the Chattanooga Thanksgiving Market – a special two-day market – for all things Thanksgiving! With 200+ vendors selling everything from seasonal vegetables to freshly baked breads, cranberry sauce, pies, and beautiful fall flowers and greenery, market goers can find everything they need to complete their holiday table and more.
Thanksgiving on the River
November 21 & 26
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner as you cruise the Scenic Tennessee River on the iconic Southern Belle Riverboat. On November 21 and 26, the Riverboat will be offering two-hour cruises while guests enjoy a one-time-through, buffet-style Thanksgiving Dinner featuring holiday favorites – turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more. Tickets are required.
26th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk
November 26
Kick off Thanksgiving at the Grateful Gobbler 5k – a family- and pet-friendly walk/run! The race and onsite festivities will begin at 8 a.m. in Coolidge Park. Registration is $35 for participants 13 and up and $20 for children ages 6 to 12. Event proceeds will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families.
Fitness Central’s Turkey Trot ’26
November 26
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.
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
November 27
From 4 to 8 p.m. at Coolidge Park, Chattanoogans can experience up-close encounters with live reindeer at Reindeer On The Riverfront & the Lighted Boat Parade. The free, family-friendly event will also feature free photo opportunities with Santa, a hot cocoa bar, mini train raids, holiday tunes, and more. Presented by the Southern Belle & Erwin Marine Sales, the annual lighted boat parade and fireworks show will top off the evening with extra holiday cheer.
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey
November 28
The Chattanooga Hungry Turkey is a post-Thanksgiving race that invites the community to burn off the holiday calories by participating in either a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Located at Coolidge Park near Chattanooga Theatre, aid stations and bathrooms are available along the route at nearly every mile. Registered racers will receive a longsleeve technical shirt, medal, and can enjoy Wiki-donuts at the finish line.
Abby Callahan, BA, Cum Laude
Abby Callahan is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish and the distinction of cum laude. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor/digital content specialist, Abby successfully fulfilled roles in marketing and event planning, as well as strategic communications and storytelling for a wide variety of initiatives. Today, Abby leads ideation, conceptualization, and development for numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. Off the clock, she enjoys thrifting, sewing and designing her own clothes, climbing, and going on adventures with her husky, Hazel.
