19 Amazing Chattanooga Christmas Light Displays in 2024
Chattanooga is known for MANY things like an awesome zoo, a state of the art aquarium, and some gorgeous mountain scenery. Around the holidays, you may be wondering, “Does Chattanooga have Christmas lights worth driving to see?” YES! They have a wide variety of light shows which is why we travel to see Chattanooga Christmas lights every year. Lucky for us, we only live a few hours south of there so we can knock out 3-4 good light shows in a weekend.
If you are planning a holiday weekend getaway, or longer trip, check out our list of Christmas light shows around the Chattanooga area. This is a [ l o n g ] post because we wanted you to know how many options you have and what to expect at each one. With that in mind, you’ll find a table of contents below so that you can skip to exactly what you are looking for!
Where are the Christmas lights in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga Christmas lights can be found in many places, including small neighborhood towns. We have stayed all around and within the city of Chattanooga and have been able to find Christmas lights that were convenient to each place we’ve stayed. Most of the main attractions in Chattanooga offer a Christmas Lights display (Ruby Falls, Rock City, Chattanooga Zoo, etc) but you can also find them beautifully placed in the middle of downtown or on the Walnut St. bridge.
In addition to the big city lights and “pay to see” lights, you can also enjoy some Jason Drive Christmas lights and a variety of other residential displays. There truly are a ton of ways to see Chattanooga Christmas lights that fit every geographic location and every budget!
❄ Top Chattanooga Christmas Light Displays ❄
This list contains our absolute favorite Chattanooga Christmas light displays. We’ve listed what you can expect, how you can get there, and the cost associated with each display for your convenience!
❄ Enchanted Garden of Lights-Rock City Christmas
Rock City has one of the mosts interactive displays of Chattanooga Christmas lights. If you haven’t been before, Rock City is home to a beautiful walking trail that winds through their gardens and provides a spectacular view of the mountains. During the holiday season they are best known for their garden light display.
There are three villages: The Yule Town, Arctic Kingdom and Magic Forest. Each one has a different theme for the light displays so there is something for every interest and age!
FAQ: Where is Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights?
I’ve had a few people ask this question so I want to clarify. Rock City has a lot of different things to do when you first arrive. You will be going straight to Rock City Gardens to find the Enchanted Garden of Lights. If you are only there for Christmas lights then you can ignore all of the other stuff! Although, I would highly recommend that you go back during the daytime and climb up to Lover’s Leap to witness the “7 States View.” It is as remarkable as it sounds!
What you can expect: This light display requires walking through the gardens to see the lights. Strollers are allowed (and encouraged) for younger ones who might need to ride or snuggle under a blanket. The light show is open the last two weeks of November and the entire month of December (minus Christmas Eve).
Address: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Cost: $27 per adult/ $15 per child (ages 3+). There are special weeknights and value days that can cut down admission costs. Check the calendar for these dates.
***You must reserve an entry time online before you go. No tickets can be purchased at Rock City. FYI-ticket times after 6pm sell out fast for the month December.
Check out their website here for more information.
❄ Holiday Magic at the Chattanooga Choo Choo
The Chattanoogaa Choo Choo is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. We visit this hotel every time we are in hotel without ever having stayed there as a family. The great thing about it is the variety of free sights and activities that are available for everyone, hotel guests or not.
During the daytime, families can enjoy the beautifully decorated interior of the hotel and book professional pictures with Santa. There is also a real train and a garden area outside the hotel that you are free to visit. The garden area has life-size versions of games like chess and jenga. At night, the Choo Choo comes to life with some beautiful Christmas lights inside and out.
What you can expect: I know it seems weird to walk through a hotel that you are not staying in but trust me when I say you are not the only one. The Chattanooga Choo Choo is as much a tourist destination as it is a hotel. Pictures with Santa do require advanced ticket purchasing from their website (link below).
Address: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: Free! (unless you want pictures with Santa)
Check out their website here for more information or to book a time with Santa.
❄ Holiday Lights in Bluff View Arts District
The Bluff View Art District is tiny little village nestled in Downtown Chattanooga. They are famous for great food and views of the Tennessee River that you could easily waste an afternoon enjoying. This small district focuses heavily on visual and culinary arts (hence the name) so plan a meal around your visit.
The Christmas experience on the Bluff includes a candy cane lane, some beautifully decorated Christmas trees on a picture perfect mezzo, and an elf adventures display. The small storefronts are decorated with thousands of twinkly lights making you walk down this stone walkway a magical one.
What you can expect: The shops in the Bluff View Arts District decorate for Christmas and it is a stunning display. This is a walking activity but its not lengthy. Our toddlers navigated it well on foot. Plus we bought dessert from Rembrandt’s so that helped keep everyone happy!
Address: 411 East 2nd Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Cost: Free!
❄ Downtown Chattanooga Christmas lights
Downtown Chattanooga is a relatively small downtown area compared to most major cities in the southeast. However, we always recommend driving through town at night to see which Christmas lights your family is most interested. Our family usually picks a street that we would like to walk up and down to get some pictures. It gives you a chance to see all of the lights from the comfort of your car without having to walk all over town!
What you can expect: Downtown Chattanooga Christmas lights include all of our memorable favorites: light pole snowflakes, lit garland, storefront displays, and grand Christmas trees scattered throughout downtown. Some streets are more interesting than others so drive around briefly before picking a street to explore on foot.
Address: 1818 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 (we start here in the southwest corner of the city and work our way through).
Cost: Free!
❄ Walnut Street Bridge
The Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattangooga was once a motor vehicle bridge that was rescued by the preservation society when demolition seemed to be right around the corner. The bridge has a haunted past but has since been turned into a walking bridge that provides beautiful views of the city and the Tennessee River. At Christmas, the bridge is decorated with beautiful twinkling snowflakes that create a picture perfect backdrop!
What you can expect: The bridge connects the north shore and downtown Chattanooga. We easily walked up and back down with two toddlers. We started at the Ice Cream Show and got some hot cocoa/coffee to take with us on our walk. The bridge is located directly across from the Ice Cream Show.
Address: (for the Ice Cream Show) 105 Walnut St. Chattanooga, TN 37403
Cost: Free!
❄ Chattanooga Riverboat Company’s Southern Belle
Chattanooga Riverboat Company offers boat tours of the Tennessee River at various times throughout the day. During the holiday season, the twilight tours (6:00 PM) offer stunning scenic views of the Christmas lights in Downtown Chattanooga and at various spots along the riverbanks.
What you can expect: The 1.5-hour scenic tour allows visitors to see all that Chattanooga Christmas light displays have to offer from the comfort of the riverboat. The tour is complete with live music and a complimentary moon pie. Charcuterie boards are available at an additional charge for select days/times. Bundle up-this is a chilly ride!
Address: 151 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Cost: $30 for adults / $20 for children 3-12 / $6 for children ages 0-2
The company’s website has additional information and ticket options.
❄ Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
Reindeer on the Riverfront is a one-time event that usually occurs the weekend after Thanksgiving. In my opinion, this boat parade kicks off the Chattanooga Christmas light season. Visitors gather on the Chattanooga Green to see a Christmas light display floating down he river via a boat parade.
Here is the description from their site: “Fun for the whole family with live reindeer and Santa on site for free pictures, hot cocoa bar, fire pits, face painting/balloon animals, and holiday tunes followed by the annual Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks. “
What you can expect: Dress warmly and grab an early dinner before coming down to the riverfront to mingle with some of Santa’s reindeer and enjoy the light show. See the activities list below:
Event Activities Include:
4:30pm – 7:15pm – Live Reindeer & Santa
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Lighted Boat Parade
8:00pm – Fireworks
Address: 191 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Chattanooga Green)
Cost: Free!
Check out their Facebook page for more information!
❄ Local Neighborhood: Jason Drive Chattanooga Christmas Lights
Jason Drive in Chattanooga has become a local favorite for Christmas lights. The families in this neighborhood go all out with their Christmas displays and I mean [ a l l o u t ]. Some of these homes look professionally decorated (and they might actually be)!
What you can expect: This is a local neighborhood! There are so many families that have spent so much time decorating their homes and yards for others to enjoy. This Chattanooga Christmas lights display is a drive through experience. Residents kindly ask that you stay in your cars and proceed through the line so that everyone is able to enjoy it!
Address: 3717 Jason Drive East Ridge, TN 37412
Cost: Free, but they do accept donations that benefit East Ridge Needy Child Fund and provide food products for Community Kitchen.
Check out their Facebook page for more details!
❄ Local Neighborhood: King Family Light Show
There are some pretty legitimate Chattanooga Christmas lights that are not technically within the city limits of Chattanooga. We stayed on the east side of the city on our last trip so the drive to the King Family residence was right under 30 minutes. It would probably be closer to 40 minutes if you’re coming from the city center. This family has added every Christmas decoration possible in their front yard, all while creating a pathway for visitors to be able to see each character.
What you can expect: The King Family allows you to get out of your car and take pictures with their various characters so dress warmly if you’d like to do that. Be sure to park on the side of the road without block any neighboring driveways (their house is located in a neighborhood). The light show begins at 6pm and runs nightly until Christmas.
Address: 2466 Twin Oaks Dr SE, Cleveland, TN, United States, 37323
Cost: Free!
Check out their Facebook page for more up to date information!
❄ Local Neighborhood: Bradley Lights
The Bradley Lights display is yet another awesome family who has dedicated their yard to the Christmas light season. However, this one is unique because it is a synchronized light display set to songs that you vote for from your car! They do not offer a drive-thru and ask that you remain in your car. Parking is in front of the house so they ask that you only stay in the front row for 3-4 songs to allow everyone a chance to view the show.
What you can expect: This is a synchronized Christmas lights display meaning the lights dance along with the music playing. Tune to 96.9 FM and request a song at requestlights.com.
Address: 3787 Blue Springs Road, Cleveland, TN (The parking entrance is on the side road, Old Federal Road)
Cost: Free, but accepting donations for The Caring Place.
Visit their Facebook page for updated information!
❄ Local Neighborhood: Soddy-Daisy Christmas Lights
Similar to the Bradley lights Christmas display, the Soddy-Daisy Christmas light display is run by a local family who has synchronized lights to particular songs. Visitors will park along the sides of the street (be respectful of the neighbors please) and view the show from their cars.
What you can expect: Park along the street where the house is in view. Make sure you leave enough room around your vehicle for other cars to pass by. Tune your radio to 107.3 FM and enjoy the show! When the song list ends, you are encourage to move along so that others can enjoy!
Address: 11632 Jenkins Rd, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379
Cost: Free!
Their Facebook page has update information each season, including a song list!
❄ Ruby Falls Christmas Underground
Ruby Falls hosts a variety of tours through their underground caves on the way to see the famous waterfall. After Thanksgiving, these tours include beautifully decorated (and lit because they are underground) Christmas trees along the walkway towards the falls. Once at the falls, there are green and red lights on display around the actual waterfall. The tour itself is already really neat so it feels extra special with all of these holiday decorations.
What you can expect: The basic cavern tour is easy to do with toddlers. Our two and three year olds navigated it perfectly on their own. There is a lantern tour that they allow children 5+ to participate in as well. It is cool but comfortable so no need to dress warmly inside the caves. Advanced reservation is required to reserve a time slot and tickets are booked online.
Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409
Cost: $25 for adults / $14 for kids 3-12 / Kids 2 and under are free
You can purchase tickets through their website, here.
❄ Holiday Lights at the Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo is one of our favorite places! The variety of animals and the obvious respect of those animals makes every trip there so exciting. Chattanooga Zoo Christmas lights, named “Holiday Lights at the Zoo,” do not disappoint either. The entire zoo is covered in Christmas lights and lit up displays. There are also snowflake tunnels that light up the bridges and walkways!
The zoo itself is not overwhelmingly large so it is definitely walkable with small children. We brought our jogging stroller so that our 2 year old could ride but she ended up walking the entire thing!
What you can expect: The Holiday Lights event includes: the lights display, animal enrichment, scavenger hunt, hidden Elf on a Shelf, photos with Santa, and a take home craft. There are also snack carts throughout the display!
Address: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Cost: $15 entry fee (kids 2 and under are free).
Check out the Chattanooga Zoo website to learn more about their Holiday Lights at the Zoo event.
❄ Tennessee Aquarium Holidays Under the Peaks
The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the coolest aquatic exhibits we’ve been to. They have two different buildings: one houses river life and one houses ocean life. An even cooler way to experience the aquarium is a tour set to Christmas music and decorated with lights! They even have a Christmas tree that is powered by an electric eel!
What you can expect: This is very similar to a normal aquarium visit except it has decorations and music. So bring strollers, snacks, etc to make it through the tour. We have found it takes us about 3 hours to do both buildings (and we always eat lunch in between those visits). Our 3-year-old was perfectly fine to walk through both buildings. Our 2-year-old needed a little bit of help.
The Christmas celebration at the Aquarium also includes the Poor Express 3D in their IMAX theater. Tickets for IMAX are sold separately. The Holiday Under the Peaks event begins the weekend after Thanksgiving and runs through December.
Address: One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $35 for adults/ $22 for kids ages 3-12. IMAX tickets are an additional $8 per person.
❄ Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole
Ready to visit the North Pole? The TVR has set up a one hour train ride that takes you to the “North Pole” after having refreshments and viewing light displays from your window. Storytelling and letter writing to Santa are a few of the activities that children can engage in while riding to and from the North Pole. Travelers will get to wave at Santa while at the North Pole but he will not be coming on the train.
What you can expect: Their website states, “All riders will receive a homemade chocolate chip cookie (may contain traces of nuts), hot chocolate, keepsake boarding pass, letter to Santa, and bell. Each family will receive an ornament.”
Address: 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN,
Cost: $40 per evening seat aged 1 and up / $30 per daytime seat aged 1 and up
❄ EPB Holiday Windows
During our latest trip to Chattanooga I had a few people tell me to check out the EPB Holiday windows downtown. I finally figured out that it is the power company’s building that has Christmas displays in their office building windows! So neat! This tradition dates back to the 1940s and has continued on ever since. They even went virtual during 2020 so that everyone could participate that wanted to.
What you can expect: Check out this youtube video from last year to see what you can expect form these window displays. They are so neat! Each window has its own theme and is beautifully decorated. Their website says, “The EPB Holiday Windows will remain open through New Year’s Day, January 1, and can be seen on the Broad and Market Street sides of EPB’s downtown headquarters building.”
Address: 10 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: Free!
❄ Ice on the Landing at Chattanooga Choo Choo
Okay so this is first and foremost an ice skating rink. However, they have some cute lights hung over and around the rink which make for some very festive, wintry pictures! The rink is located at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo so there are some other fun things to see and do when you are finished.
What you can expect: Ice on the Landing runs from mid-November through the end of January. They are open on all holidays but have altered hours. Check their site for more information. They also have guides for children to skate with! They hold them just like they would hold a walker and then scoot around the ice. I would not recommend this for kids under the age of 4.
Address: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: Adults are $12 on weekends and $10 on weekdays. Children 12 and under are $8 every day.
❄ Gingerbread Workshops at the Creative Discovery Museum
The Creative Discovery Museum is one of Chattanooga’s top children’s destinations. The museum is home to a variety of seasonal exhibits as well as a permanent rooftop garden, infant garden, and theatre. The museum also offers workshops throughout the year to members and nonmembers. The Gingerbread workshop (running from the end of November through mid-December) provides each child with a a pre-made cookie house to decorate while listening to music and sipping hot chocolate. See this description from their site:
“Kick off the holiday season and create treats out of gingerbread, icing, candy, and more! The Museum provides the hot chocolate, cookies, pre-built houses, icing, and candy, and festive music. Children and their families decorate a house and gingerbread cookies with icing and an assortment of candy! Forget the cleanup. We will take care of that part, too!” -Creative Discovery Museum
Due to limited space, they only allow three family members per household at each cookie house station.
**I included this on the list because we travel with little kids and lights don’t always hold everyone’s attention. However, the museum also has some pretty neat decorations and lights strung up inside so I think it counts!
What you can expect: Children and parents sit at the tables with pre-built gingerbread houses and decorate them using icing and candy. The whole experience lasts an hour to an hour and a half.
Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Cost: $44 per house for members /$55 per house for non-members and this price includes museum admission
***Three family members per house means $55 covers the cost of three family members, any age.
Their website provides information about dates, times, and ticket purchases!
❄ Holiday Trail of Lights-See them all!
There are so many different places to see Christmas lights in Chattanooga that the city created a Holiday Trail of Lights. This is a self-guided, self-paced tour that takes you through all of the top light shows that the city has to offer. Check out this map that shows the trail (minus Rock City that is a little farther south):
What you can expect: This is a driving tour that will take you all over Chattanooga. If you follow it form start to finish you will see all of the best light shows that the city of Chattanooga has to offer. When you’re done with this tour, you can go on a local neighborhood tour and see even more lights! There are truly so many options when it comes to Christmas lights in Chattanooga.
Address: You can choose your starting point depending on your lodging.
Cost: Varies based on participation in paid events.
Check out the website to find out more about each stop.
So many Chattanooga Christmas lights!
With so many to choose from, where will you start? We would love to know which ones you have tried and see some of your awesome family photos! Happy traveling and Merry Christmas ❄
