🕯️ Luminaria Festival

A popular luminary festival is back, a new temporary skate park, and a special holiday ornament for a good cause!

Author

Andrew Smith
December 11, 2025

Happy Thursday!

Christmas is officially 2 weeks away. If you haven’t finished your shopping yet, it’s time to get on it!

It’s hard to believe that we’ve only been building this community for a few months and already have 4,000 subscribers! We are planning to double down in 2026 and grow it even bigger, but the only way we can do that is by teaming up with some local businesses.

We are looking to partner with some likeminded businesses that love Chattanooga, love what we are doing, and want to get in front of our audience on a regular basis.

If that’s you, or you know someone, fill out this form. We’ve got a special offer that we’d like to share with you.

Let’s get to it!

Local Snapshots

🕯️ St. Elmo Luminaria Festival

The Fifth Annual St. Elmo Luminaria Festival returns Saturday, December 20, transforming the Virginia Avenue Greenway into a glowing mile of holiday lights from 5 to 9 PM.

What began in 2021 as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into a beloved tradition that has already raised nearly $15,000 for local nonprofits. This year’s free, family-friendly event features live music, circus and dance performances, a holiday market, children’s activities, a bike parade, interactive art, and festive character visits.

Proceeds benefit the Chattanooga Humane Education Society. An official after-party at The Woodshop Listening Room will follow with a free performance by Et Cetera.

🛹 New Temporary Skate Park Approved

A new pop-up skate park may soon open in St. Elmo on an empty lot beside Cassette Skate Shop, offering skaters a free and safe place to ride while Chattanooga’s permanent skate park undergoes reconstruction.

The City is leasing the land for just one dollar, then subleasing it back to Cassette, which will design and manage the space. Parks and Outdoors officials say the project fills an important gap and supports the skate community during the rebuild.

Construction could begin within weeks, with the temporary park potentially operating for up to 18 months.

🎄 City of Chattanooga’s 2025 Holiday Ornament

The City of Chattanooga’s official 2025 ornament is now available, and 100% of its profits support Hart Gallery, the Main Street nonprofit celebrating its 15th birthday this year.

This year’s collectible highlights Chattanooga’s new National Park City designation and can be purchased in-store or online. Proceeds fund Hart Gallery’s mission to provide people experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved artists with a place to create and sell their work.

One of those artists, Randall Lee Jones — known as Railroad Stud Legs — found the gallery during a period of homelessness and now has stable housing and a thriving creative outlet.

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 12

  • A Holly Dolly Christmas at Songbirds: Celebrate the holidays with Dolly Parton-inspired music, festive food, and jolly cheer in a warm, themed evening!

  • Jeff D at The Comedy Catch: Laugh out loud with Jeff D's clever stand-up comedy, with his his unique Southern-style humor, riotous stories, and hilarious characters!

  • Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium: Delight in the classic holiday tale of The Nutcracker!

  • Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Oddstory Brewing: Wear your ugliest sweater, meet Santa, and enjoy discounts on drinks!

  • Silly Goose at JJ’s Bohemia: The show starts at 7!

Saturday, December 13

Sunday, December 14

  • Run Santa Run at the Tennessee Riverwalk: Get festive and fit with a holiday-themed run or walk!

  • Discover the Art of Tea at Plant Bar: Explore the beauty and tradition of Chinese tea service

  • What is Capoeira? at Barking Les Theatre: Explore the Brazilian martial art-dance hybrid of Capoeira through a beginner-friendly demo class!

Looking Ahead

🎄 Christmas Lights Fun Run

Monday, December 15 | 6 PM | Fleet Feet Chattanooga | Free | More Info

Get active and enjoy a 3-5 mile fun run and see all the best Christmas lights around the downtown area!

🕯️ Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour

Wednesday, December 18 | Multiple Shows | The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul | $55+ | More Info

Enjoy a magical holiday experience as over 2,000 flickering candlelight’s illuminate world-class musicians and vocalists!

đźš‚ North Pole Train Ride

Thursday, December 18 | 5:30 PM | Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | $42 | More Info

Bring the whole family for a special train ride to the North Pole! There will be plenty of festive lights, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa!

👩‍🍳 Gingerbread Houses

Tuesday, December 16 | 6 PM | The Sweet and Savory Classroom | $110 | More Info

Learn how to make your own gingerbread house from scratch and decorate it during the class!

🎶 The Golden Girls Holiday Musical

Friday, December 19 | 7 PM | Barking Legs Theatre | $28 | More Info

Before traveling to spend the Holidays with their families, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose participate in a golden gift exchange full of hilarious surprises!

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