🎅 Holiday Cheer

Miller Park is hosting an Afternoon of Holiday Cheer, a new greenway breaks ground, and a local school is getting a major renovation!

Author

Andrew Smith
December 18, 2025

Happy Thursday!

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is next week! I hope everyone made it onto the nice list this year!

Just a quick housekeeping note, there will not be a newsletter next week or the following week. So I will be picking things back up on January 8.

Since I won’t talk to you again until 2026, I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Let’s get to it!

P.S. If your business would like to partner with us in 2026, fill out this form. We’ve got limited spots left.

Local Snapshots

🎅 Miller Park Hosts Free Afternoon of Holiday Cheer

Miller Park will host an Afternoon of Holiday Cheer on Saturday, December 20 from noon to 4 PM, with a free, family-friendly celebration presented by Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors.

Families are invited to stroll through the Festive Forest while enjoying live holiday music and seasonal activities. Highlights include photos with Santa, story times, hot chocolate, holiday arts and crafts, and special character appearances throughout the afternoon.

The event offers a relaxed and festive way to celebrate the season in the heart of downtown and enjoy one of Chattanooga’s favorite holiday displays together as a community.

🌳 Alton Park Connector Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Greenway Project

A groundbreaking ceremony was held last weekend for Phase One of the Alton Park Connector, a long-planned greenway project that will link South Chattanooga neighborhoods to the Tennessee Riverwalk.

The 2.6-mile connector is designed to connect Alton Park, Clifton Hills, and East Lake to city infrastructure, parks, and jobs. Phase One will create a 12-foot-wide concrete trail along a former rail line, connecting Broad Street to St. Elmo Avenue, with improved crossings, lighting, and wayfinding.

City leaders say the project fulfills a vision first outlined more than 25 years ago and represents a major step toward safer, more equitable access to outdoor spaces. Construction on this phase is expected to be complete by summer 2026.

📚️ Soddy-Daisy Middle School Is Getting a $34 Million Renovation

Soddy-Daisy Middle School is set for a major renovation after Hamilton County Schools unveiled plans for a $34 million upgrade to the existing campus.

The project will add updated classrooms and learning spaces, a new gymnasium, and improvements to the cafeteria, helping ease crowding and modernize the school. Once complete, the building will be able to serve up to 650 students, meeting current needs and future growth in northern Hamilton County.

Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and will be completed in phases to minimize disruption, with the full project expected to wrap up in fall 2029.

TOGETHER WITH… YOUR BUSINESS

🚀 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 19

  • Handmade Pasta Class at The Sweet and Savory Classroom: Master the art of fresh pasta in this hands-on cooking class!

  • Candle Making 101 at The Chattery: Learn the basics of candle making in this hands-on workshop, creating your own scented holiday candles!

  • Winter Solstice Night Market at Verre Noir: Shop local artisans under stars, with seasonal treats, live music, and plenty of makers!

  • Wine Tasting and Sampling at Food City: Enjoy a FREE wine tasting and sampling event!

  • Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Enjoy Vivaldi's Four Seasons and other classics performed by string quartet in a mesmerizing candlelit atmosphere!

  • Home for the Holidays at The Comedy Catch: A showcase of local and national talent!

  • Strung Like a Horse at Barrel House Ballroom: Rock out to Strung Like a Horse's high-energy bluegrass-punk!

  • Eric BenĂ©t Holiday Tour at Walker Theatre: Groove to R&B legend Eric BenĂ©t's smooth vocals and holiday classics on his festive tour stop!

  • Kimi Carter Album Release Show at The Woodshop Celebrate the release of Kimi Carter's new album with a live performance!

Saturday, December 20

Sunday, December 21

  • Holiday Wrapping Party at Full Circle Refillery: Come hang out for a fun upcycling gift wrapping party!

  • Brunch with Santa at The Westin: Enjoy a magical holiday brunch with Santa himself!

  • Home for the Holidays at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium: Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of secular and sacred holiday tunes!

Looking Ahead

🥞 A Very Merry Pancake Brunch

Monday, December 22 | 7 AM-2 PM | Ruby Sunshine | More Info

Celebrate the holiday season with a joyful, syrup-soaked gathering! There will be crafts for kids, plus kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée!

đźš‚ North Pole Christmas Train Ride

December 22-23 | 5:30 PM | Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | $42 | More Info

Enjoy festive lights, holiday treats, and a special visit from Santa as you travel! This ride is perfect for families and includes plenty of cookies and hot chocolate!

🎥 The Polar Express 3D in IMAX

December 22-24 | Tennessee Aquarium | $10 | More Info

A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas!

🍽️ Christmas Eve at Zaya Korean Steakhouse

Wednesday, December 24 | 11 AM-9 PM | Zaya Korean Steakhouse | More Info

Experience a holiday feast like no other with a variety of premium meats and seasonal Korean flavors crafted for the holidays!

🎶 Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience

Saturday, December 27 | 8 PM | The Signal | $45 | More Info

Tell Me Lies meticulously recreates the beloved sounds and visuals of one of the world's most adored best-selling bands.

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