The Lighted Boat Parade

Join Chattanooga’s 40-Year Holiday Tradition: Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade!

Kick off the holiday season in a truly spectacular way as the Tennessee River glows with holiday cheer! The Friday after Thanksgiving has become a cherished day for locals and visitors alike, with The Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales hosting the annual Reindeer on the Riverfront and Lighted Boat Parade for over 40 years. This year, the magic unfolds on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ross’s Landing. Get ready for an evening full of joy, warmth, and unforgettable holiday memories in the heart of Chattanooga, all completely free for everyone!

What to Expect: A Festive Evening for All Ages

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or new to this event, there’s something magical in store for everyone at Ross’s Landing. The riverfront will be transformed into a wonderland of holiday lights, decorations, and activities, creating the perfect setting for a family-friendly event that captures the holiday spirit.

Event Activities:

See Real, Live Reindeer (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM): Start the evening by meeting some of Santa’s very own reindeer! Kids and families will be thrilled to see these majestic animals up close, creating the perfect opportunity for memorable family photos.

Pictures with Santa (4:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Santa himself will be ready for free photo opportunities! Skip the crowded mall lines and take a memorable holiday picture with the man in red right by the river.

Holiday Treats, Entertainment & Fun Activities:

Hot Cocoa Bar: Warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, complete with all the toppings to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Mini-Train Rides: Young guests can enjoy whimsical mini-train rides that add to the festive atmosphere.

Face Painting & Balloon Animals: Kids can let their imaginations run wild with fun face painting and balloon animals available throughout the evening.

Fire Pits for Roasting & Relaxing: Gather around the cozy fire pits with family and friends to roast marshmallows, sip cocoa, or simply enjoy the warmth.

Live Holiday Tunes: Enjoy holiday music and seasonal songs performed live, filling the air with festive sounds and getting everyone in the holiday spirit.

Lighted Boat Parade (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM): The evening’s highlight kicks off at 7:00 PM with the Lighted Boat Parade, where intricately decorated boats cruise along the river. Watch as dozens of boats light up the Tennessee River with twinkling holiday displays, bringing a festive glow to the entire riverfront.

Spectacular Fireworks Finale (8:00 PM): The night concludes with a breathtaking fireworks show over the river, filling the sky with bright colors and adding a magical final touch to the event.

Convenient Parking & Shuttle Options for Easy Access

Getting to Ross’s Landing is easy, thanks to several parking and shuttle options available:

Parking Garages Nearby: Multiple parking garages are conveniently located near Ross’s Landing. Here’s a map of suggested parking locations to make your planning simple.

Free CARTA Shuttle: Take advantage of the free CARTA shuttle service that will run along Broad Street, providing easy Park & Ride access between various points downtown. View the CARTA Shuttle Map to see the exact routes and stops.

Northshore Parking: If you prefer parking across the river, options are available at Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, and the Northshore CARTA Garage. From there, it’s a short 0.9-mile walk to Ross’s Landing, either via Market Street Bridge or Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Want to Participate in the Lighted Boat Parade?

For those who own a boat and want to be part of the parade, there’s still an opportunity to join the parade! While dock space is currently full, boaters are welcome to decorate their vessels and cruise alongside the main procession. It’s a fantastic way to join in the holiday festivities and share the joy with everyone on the shore.

A Community Celebration Made Possible by Many

This holiday celebration wouldn’t be possible without the support of local partners dedicated to making Chattanooga a joyful place for everyone. We’re grateful to our sponsors and community partners, including Erwin Marine Sales, The Southern Belle, Mike Key Entertainment, Downtown Chattanooga Alliance, Audacy Radio Stations (Real 97.7, 98.1 The Lake, WUSY 101, 103.7 KISSFM, Rock 105), the City of Chattanooga, Elliott Davis, EPB, and First Horizon. The event is presented by River City Company and Chattanooga Presents! – organizations committed to fostering community togetherness and bringing seasonal joy to our beloved city.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Chattanooga Tradition

Reindeer on the Riverfront and the Lighted Boat Parade is more than just an event; it’s a tradition that brings together generations. It’s a night of laughter, wonder, and community spirit as Chattanooga gathers to celebrate the season in the most heartwarming way. So, mark your calendars, bundle up, and prepare to make cherished memories with family and friends. This is a night that brings holiday magic to life and is sure to become a beloved tradition for years to come.

Join us on November 29th, and be part of a celebration that will warm your heart and leave you full of holiday cheer!