⛸️ Ice on the Landing

Holiday ice skating is back at the First Horizon Pavilion, the Forest of Fantasy opens this weekend at the Zoo, and details on Chattanooga's 24 hour takeover!

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Local Snapshots

⛸️ Ice on the Landing Returns for Its 11th Season

Ice on the Landing opens its 11th season November 22–23 as part of the Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Market at First Horizon Pavilion.

The rink will follow Market hours (10 AM-4 PM on Saturday and 11 AM-5 PM on Sunday) for opening weekend before beginning its full skating season through February 1.

During opening weekend, skaters can enjoy a 140-by-50-foot real-ice rink surrounded by more than 150 artisans, food trucks, hot chocolate, and s’mores stations. Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and under and $14 for adults, including skates and a 60-minute session.

Tickets and more details about Ice on the Landing can be found here.

🏮 Forest Of Fantasy Opens This Weekend at the Zoo

The Chattanooga Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy kicks off this Friday, November 21. The festival will bring hundreds of glowing, hand-crafted silk lanterns to the Zoo, some reaching up to 26 feet tall.

This year’s displays feature mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, and fairies alongside festive favorites such as Santa, snowmen, and Christmas trees. Nearly 50 illuminated scenes span the entire Zoo, many with movement, music, and interactive elements.

The festival runs through January 17, 2026, and is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, with expanded hours during holiday weeks. Tickets and more details are available here.

🚀 Chattanooga’s 24 Hour Takeover

Mark your calendar for MAINx24 on December 6, when Chattanooga’s Southside transforms into a 24-hour festival packed with more than 120 events.

This year’s celebration features the World Heavyweight Chili Championship, a pop-up zoo with the Chattanooga Zoo, the MAINx24 Parade, the Songbirds Extravaganza, Southside Pizza’s annual eating contest, and a full slate of concerts, arts events, and late-night entertainment.

Founded in 2007, MAINx24 remains a community-driven showcase of Main Street’s energy and creativity. More info and a full schedule can be found here.

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Weekend Game Plan

Friday, November 21

  • Drive-In Laser Light Show at Tennessee River Park: Enjoy a magical drive-in laser show synced to your favorite music from across the decades!

  • Asian Lantern Festival Opening Night at the Chattanooga Zoo: Wander through a glowing wonderland of handcrafted Asian lanterns illuminating a fantasy forest!

  • Northshore’s Merry Market at Frazier Avenue: Get in the holiday spirit with local vendors, festive crafts, and seasonal treats at this merry community market!

  • North Pole Train Rides and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Take a ride on the North Pole Limited Christmas Train!

  • Holiday Cheers at the Tennessee Aquarium: Toast to the season with holiday-themed cocktails, live music, and a stroll through the Ocean Journey building!

  • Dolphin Group Album Release Show at Songbrids: Celebrate the new album from Dolphin Group with a live performance!

  • Drivin' N' Cryin' & Andy Browne at The Barrelhouse Ballroom: Rock out to Drivin' N' Cryin's Southern rock classics, joined by Andy Browne!

Saturday, November 22

  • Christkindlmarkt at The Chattanooga Green: Immerse yourself in a traditional German Christmas market with charming booths adorned with intricate crafts!

  • Chattanooga Holiday Market at First Horizon Pavilion: Shop from nearly 200 artists, farms, and food artisans at this outdoor Holiday Market!

  • Ice on the Landing Opening Night at First Horizon Pavilion: Grab your friends and family, lace up some skates, and make your first laps of the winter!

  • A Magical Cirque Christmas at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium: Delight in a festive cirque show blending acrobatics, music, and holiday magic!

  • Tinseltown Christmas Craft Fair at North River Church: Get ready for the holiday season with a craft fair and market!

  • Importexpo at the Chattanooga Convention Center: Check out some of the coolest imported cars you’ll ever see!

  • Chattanooga Mocs vs. North Alabama Lions at McKenzie Arena: Cheer on the Chattanooga Mocs basketball team as they take on the North Alabama Lions!

  • Kevin Smith at The Walker Theatre: Join filmmaker Kevin Smith for a Q&A and screening, sharing stories from his iconic career in comedy and pop culture!

  • Conspiracy to Kill a Possum at The Woodshop: This show is lively, rowdy, and a must-see for bluegrass fans!

  • Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Experience Fleetwood Mac's timeless hits performed by candlelight!

  • Trap Karaoke at The Signal: Perform your favorite karaoke songs in front of a roaring crowd!

  • Caylee Hammack at Songbirds: Sing along to Caylee Hammack's heartfelt country-pop anthems!

  • Back 2 Mac: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at The Barrelhouse Ballroom: Relive Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits with this high-energy tribute band!

Sunday, November 23

  • Anjelah Johnson Reyes: The Family Reunion Tour at The Walker Theatre: Don’t miss an evening of laughter with one of the most successful comedians!

  • A Holiday Spectacular at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church: A FREE concert featuring The Metropolitan Bells, Chorus Angelorum, organist Bruce Clark, and a holiday sing-along!

  • Jazz Jam at Barking Legs Theatre: Bring an instrument and hop into some jazz improv!

Don’t Miss This

🎄 Festive Forest Lighting Night

Wednesday, November 26 | 5-9 PM | Miller Park | Free | More Info

This magical event is free and open to the entire community, bringing together the spirit of the season with a fun display of creatively decorated trees. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays, support local trusted businesses and non-profits, and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.

🦃 13th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 27 | 6 PM | The Brew and Cue | Free | More Info

The Brew and Cue is serving up free Thanksgiving dinner. The doors open at 6 PM, and dinner begins being served at 7 PM!

🏃 Grateful Gobbler 5K

Thursday, November 27 | 8 AM | Coolidge Park | $15+ | More Info

Lace up your sneakers and start your holiday off right with a fun and festive 5K walk/run suitable for the entire family. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual stroller, everyone is welcome!

🎥 Zootopia 2 in IMAX

Wednesday, November 26 | 3:45 PM | Tennessee Aquarium | $15 | More Info

Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis! If you can’t make opening day, the movie will be playing through December 8!

🎅 Holiday Jubilee

Friday, November 28 | 4-7 PM | The Read House | Free | More Info

Enjoy live entertainment, a complimentary Hot Chocolate, Cider & Cookie stations, pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more!

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