The air is crisp, the fall colors are at their peak, and the holiday season is just around the corner. November in Chattanooga is a magical time when the city’s natural beauty perfectly blends with a packed calendar of festive events. At CENTURY 21 Prime South, we love this time of year because it highlights the vibrant, family-friendly lifestyle that makes Chattanooga such a wonderful place to live.
Here’s your guide to some of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga this November!
The Beginning of the Holiday Season 🎄
As the last of the fall festivals wrap up, Chattanooga wastes no time in kicking off the holiday spirit with a variety of early season celebrations.
- Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights: Starting November 14th, Rock City’s famous Enchanted Garden of Lights returns! This beloved family tradition transforms the gardens into a fantasyland with over a million twinkling LED lights. Enjoy the dazzling displays, grab some hot cocoa, and take in the festive atmosphere.
- Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this festive market on November 15-16. Held indoors at Camp Jordan Arena, it features over 140 vendors, and kids can get free pictures with both Santa and the Grinch!
- Christkindlmarkt at Coolidge Park: Experience a piece of European holiday tradition right here in Chattanooga on November 22-23. This German-inspired market fills Coolidge Park with twinkling lights, festive crafts, and delicious food and drinks, including the famous glühwein.
- Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade: On November 28th, holiday joy will fill downtown Chattanooga. This free, family-friendly event features live reindeer, Santa Claus, fire pits, and a magnificent Lighted Boat Parade on the Tennessee River, all capped off with a spectacular fireworks show.
Fall Foliage and Outdoor Adventures 🍂
Even as the days get shorter, November is still an ideal month to enjoy Chattanooga’s stunning outdoor scenery. The vibrant fall colors in East Tennessee typically peak around late October and early November, making this the perfect time for some “leaf peeping” before the trees go bare.
- Scenic Drives & Overlooks: Take a drive up Lookout Mountain Parkway or Missionary Ridge for breathtaking views of the changing landscape. For a more direct route, ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for a panoramic view of the city and its fall colors.
- Fall Train Rides: The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a scenic Hiwassee Loop trip that runs through late November, providing a relaxing and beautiful way to see the colors of the Tennessee River Gorge.
- Hiking & Walking: Explore the local trails at places like Lula Lake Land Trust or Signal Mountain. The Tennessee Riverwalk is a fantastic, accessible option for a leisurely stroll with beautiful river and fall foliage views.
Exciting Events & Entertainment 🎉
November’s calendar offers more than just holiday cheer.
- Head of the Hooch: On November 1st, the Tennessee River becomes the stage for one of the largest rowing regattas in the world. It’s an amazing, free event to watch as thousands of athletes compete on the water.
- Live Music & Arts: The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera has various performances throughout the month. It’s also a great time to catch a show at one of the city’s many theaters or music venues.
- Chattanooga Market: Don’t miss your last chance to visit the outdoor market at the First Horizon Pavilion, as it wraps up its season in late November.
As you can see, Chattanooga in November offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, holiday magic, and community events. This dynamic lifestyle is a key part of what makes our city so special.
If you’re ready to find a home that puts you in the middle of all this action, the team at CENTURY 21 Prime South is here to help. Contact us today to explore the beautiful neighborhoods that make up the Scenic City!