🎉 24 Hours of Fun

MAINx24 is bringing a jam packed weekend, a new five-year plan, and Bonnaroo announces its lineup!

Andrew Smith
December 04, 2025

Happy Thursday!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and December has arrived. Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?

If not, this is your friendly reminder to get it done this weekend.

Let’s get to it!

Local Snapshots

🎉 MAINx24 Returns With 24 Hours of Fun

MAINx24 returns to Chattanooga’s Southside this Saturday, turning Main Street into a 24-hour celebration packed with parades, food, live music, and more than a hundred events.

The day kicks off at sunrise with the donation-based pancake breakfast at Firehall #1, followed by the EPB Southside Parade at 10:30 AM. Visitors can enjoy everything from a pop-up zoo and the World Heavyweight Chili Championship to free live music, vendor markets, and photos with Santa.

Food Street showcases Chattanooga’s culinary scene, and late-night events keep the party going into the early morning. Organizers expect more than 15,000 people to join the fun.

You can find more details and a full schedule here.

📚️ Chattanooga Public Library’s Five-Year Plan

The Chattanooga Public Library has released its new Five-Year Strategic Plan, outlining a renewed vision for serving the community.

The plan focuses on five key areas:

Lowering barriers to access
Improving facilities
Expanding outreach
Strengthening partnerships
Introducing new offerings

Each area also includes yearly goals that adapt to the community’s evolving needs. Work is already underway with initiatives like going fine-free, launching the Toy Library, and expanding outreach through the new pop-up library van, Poppy.

🎶 Bonnaroo Announced 2026 Lineup

Bonnaroo is officially back June 11-14 in Manchester, TN, and the 2026 lineup has dropped.

After last year’s festival was cut short by severe weather, fans are excited to return to the Farm in Manchester for a full weekend of music and celebration. This year’s headliners include Skrillex, The Strokes, Rüfüs Du Sol, Noah Kahan, Griz, Teddy Swims, Turnstile, The Neighbourhood, Kesha and dozens more.

Tickets and accommodations go on sale THIS FIRDAY, December 5 at 11 AM ET, with prices increasing as tiers sell out. Full details and ticket info here.

🚀 Marketing Your Business Doesn’t Need To Be Hard

Marketing for local businesses is hard. And honestly, most business owners don’t enjoy it. So let us help!

We are looking to team up with 12 awesome local businesses in 2026 and put them in front of thousands of Chattanoogans every single week. We do all the hard work, and you get to focus on growing your business.

If you own a local business, fill out this form and let’s talk! We are limiting it to 12 partners, so don’t wait!

Weekend Game Plan

Friday, December 5

Christmas Around the World Festival at Hixson First Baptist Church: Enjoy nation-themed Christmas trees, multicultural food, snow machines, bounce houses, crafts, face painting, and more!
Soddy-Daisy Holly Jolly Jamboree at Veteran’s Park: This family-friendly celebration will transform Veterans Park into a winter wonderland!
Ringgold's Down Home Christmas at Downtown Ringgold: Enjoy a weekend of festivities, including the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas Parade, pictures with Santa, caroling, and more!
Holiday Market at Everlan of Hixson: Get into the holiday spirit with a fun-filled holiday market!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Abba's House: Experience a fresh take on a holiday classic as the mischievous Herdman kids crash the annual Christmas pageant!
Christmas Tree Lighting Event at Heritage Park: Gather for a magical evening of caroling, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the grand Christmas tree!
Stars, Stripes, and Ugly Sweaters at Beni Event Room: Don your ugliest Christmas sweater for a night of fun where we can raise awareness for Veteran suicide!
The French Jubilee Date Night Cooking Class at The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Indulge in a romantic evening of French-inspired cuisine!
Tremont Tavern’s 19th Anniversary Party at Tremont Tavern: Toast 19 years with holiday cheer, live bands, and special drinks!
Annie at Chattanooga Theatre Center: Delight in the timeless musical Annie with catchy songs, optimistic story, and holiday timing for family fun!
Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian Church: Immerse in the grandeur of Handel's Messiah with a full orchestra and choir!
East Montgomery at The Signal: Groove to the five piece lo-fi funk band from Knoxville!
Mr. Showtime David Scott at The Comedy Catch: Experience Mr. Showtime David Scott's dynamic blend of comedy and music!
Jerry Seinfeld at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium: Laugh at the comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld's observational humor!

Saturday, December 6

Christmas at the Choo-Choo at Chattanooga Choo Choo: An unforgettable Christmas market with exceptional vendors, unique shopping opportunities, and a festive Christmas-themed beer tent!
Lookout Mountain Christmas Market at Fairyland Elementary Gym: Get in the festive spirit at this mountain-top holiday market!
MAINx24 Parade at Southside Chattanooga: Kick off the 24-hour MAINx24 festival with a vibrant parade showcasing local performers!
MAINx24 Vendor Market at 405 E Main Street: Explore local vendors, food trucks, and crafts during the MAINx24 24-hour festival celebration!
Christmas Pete's Holiday Tow Down at International Towing: Enjoy an evening with Santa and Christmas Pete, a Peterbilt wrecker covered in 100,000 Christmas lights!
Chattanooga Mocs vs. Southeast Missouri Redhawks at McKenzie Arena: Cheer on the Chattanooga Mocs as they take on the Missouri Redhawks!
Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Chattanooga: Solve a thrilling murder mystery over a delicious dinner in this interactive, immersive true-crime experience!
Mele Kalikimaka Tiki Night at The Woodshop: Step out of winter and into a warm island glow right here in St. Elmo!
Futurebirds at The Signal: Rock out to Futurebirds' psychedelic indie sounds!
Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience at The Signal: Relive the 80s with this tribute to MTV's golden era, featuring hits and nostalgic vibes!

Sunday, December 7

PJs with Santa at the Creative Discover Museum: Cozy up in your pajamas for a magical morning with Santa, complete with photos, stories, and holiday treats!
White Elephant 5K/10K/Half Marathon at the Tennessee Riverwalk: Come dressed in your best/ugliest Christmas costume!
2025 Adventure Days at Chattanooga Zoo: All Chattanooga Public Library card holders will get free access to the zoo!
Victorian Inspired Ornament Making Workshop at Houston Pop Up Museum: Tickets include a tour of the Pop Up Museum, a cup of tea, cookies, and a handmade ornament made by you!
Christmas in Collegedale at The Commons: Enjoy a community holiday celebration with local talent, community-based businesses, activities, food trucks, photo ops and more!
A Journey Through Strings and Stories at Barking Legs Theatre: Immerse in Hiroya Tsukamoto's captivating acoustic guitar mastery!

Looking Ahead

🛍️ Rhea Lana’s of Chattanooga Fall and Winter Shopping Event

December 7-11 | Northgate Mall | $40+ | More Info

Shop thousands of items all at once and save 60-90% off retail prices! There will be clothes, shoes, furniture, toys, books, electronics, nursery décor, and much more!

🎶 Christmas with the Celts

December 10 | 7:30 PM | The Walker Theatre | $29+ | More Info

The high-stepping spirited musical selections have audiences clapping along from the first lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics.

🎙️ Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas

December 11 | 8 PM | The Walker Theatre | $30 | More Info

An intimate, nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, when John Denver’s music filled the airwaves and hearts across the country.

☕️ Christmas Tea Room

December 11-12 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Everlan of Hixson | $15+ | More Info

A traditional tearoom experience complete with tiered trays, brewed teas, and savory lunch items. After your meal, take a guided tour through a beautifully decorated Christmas wonderland!

🎄 A Holly Dolly Christmas

December 12 | 7 PM | Songbirds | $56+ | More Info

A magical evening with an exclusive dinner-and-a-show featuring music by locally beloved wife & husband duo Amber Carrington & Dran Lewis!

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