Welcome to your ultimate holiday guide for Cleveland! Discover all the festive events and activities right here. Whether you're a familiar face or new in town, discover Cleveland's holiday spirit with our guide.
Popular events in Cleveland during the holiday season feature the magical display at Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, where the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland. Explore the dazzling light displays and seasonal cheer at Holidays Under the Peaks, showcasing unique attractions for all ages. And the Christmas at Ruby Falls experience is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering underground tours with enchanting holiday decor. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cleveland
- Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights (Lookout Mountain)
- Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo (Chattanooga)
- Christmas at Ruby Falls (Chattanooga)
- Holidays Under the Peaks (Chattanooga)
- NoogaLights (Soddy Daisy)
- “Ice on the Landing” (Chattanooga)
- Holiday Market (Chattanooga)
- “SCROOGE The Musical” (Chattanooga)
- Photos with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall (Chattanooga)
- Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner (Chattanooga)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cleveland Holiday Light Displays
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with interactive Santa experiences.
Description:
Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights is a nighttime holiday tradition featuring a walk-through winter wonderland with various realms, including the North Pole Highway, Fairyland Caverns, and the Heart of the Mountain. Guests can immerse themselves in an all-new Santa experience, enjoy photo opportunities, and shop for unique holiday gifts.
Where: Lookout Mountain | More Info: Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with interactive and dynamic lantern displays.
Description:
The Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo features over 40 hand-crafted Asian lantern displays showcasing dinosaurs, rainforest animals, and other immersive decorations. The event includes dynamic lanterns that move, expel fog, change color, and more, along with interactive displays and games. Exclusive gift shop items and special activities like Santa visits add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo
NoogaLights
What to Expect:
Synchronized holiday lighting and music drive-thru experience.
Description:
NoogaLights is a drive-thru holiday lighting spectacle featuring state-of-the-art lighting displays synchronized to music on FM radio. The event includes both Halloween and Christmas themes at two locations: the Chattanooga Choo Choo and Soddy-Daisy Park.
Where: Soddy Daisy | More Info: NoogaLights
Cleveland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Live holiday music performances by local big bands.
Description:
The Holiday Market at the Chattanooga Convention Center features 200 local food vendors, artists, and crafters offering unique gifts and festive preparations. Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind pottery, custom art pieces, handcrafted jewelry, local foods, natural bath and body products, and locally designed apparel. The event includes live holiday music performances daily, making it a shopping tradition for the whole family.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Holiday Market
Last Minute Market
What to Expect:
Free admission and parking with a variety of local artisanal goods.
Description:
The Last Minute Market at Collegedale Commons offers a Christmas shopping extravaganza with a wide array of gifts and goodies. Explore festive stalls adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, showcasing handmade treasures from local artisans. Enjoy charming home decor, delicious gourmet treats, live music, and food trucks, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Where: Collegedale | More Info: Last Minute Market
Cleveland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
“SCROOGE The Musical”
What to Expect:
"Classic Dickens tale with vibrant period costumes and dynamic lighting."
Description:
"Chattanooga Theatre Centre presents 'SCROOGE The Musical,' a timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring Leslie Bricusse's book, music, and lyrics. The production follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, leading him on a journey through his past, present, and future. Directed by Mark Krawczyk, this rendition includes vibrant period costumes and dynamic lighting, bringing the story to life in a steely, urban London setting."
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: “SCROOGE The Musical”
Christmas Tea
What to Expect:
Interactive comedy with physical antics and wordplay.
Description:
O Christmas Tea is a hilarious and inventive British comedy featuring James & Jamesy, combining British propriety with unexpected humor. Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and interactive elements, this show is a celebration of friendship at Christmas.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Christmas Tea
Cleveland Other Holiday Activities
Holidays Under the Peaks
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday programs with SCUBA Claus and The Polar Express 3D.
Description:
The Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peaks features interactive exhibits, seasonal scavenger hunts, and special animal encounters. Enjoy holiday-themed programs, including SCUBA Claus dives and screenings of The Polar Express 3D. Explore the Aquarium's galleries decorated with festive music and decor, and discover unique enrichment activities for the animals.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Holidays Under the Peaks
Christmas at Ruby Falls
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with twinkling lights and cave adventures.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Ruby Falls with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and special activities. Add your holiday wish to the Forest of Wishes, visit Santa, and enjoy iconic cave adventures. Savor a casual meal, local craft beer, and seasonal treats by the fireplace at the Castle Cafe.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Christmas at Ruby Falls
“Ice on the Landing”
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with special events.
Description:
Ice on the Landing is an outdoor ice skating rink located in the First Horizon Pavilion, offering a classic winter tradition for all ages during the holiday season. The rink features a modified schedule, with special events like Skillet Curling Tournaments, and includes amenities like indoor restrooms and concessions.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: “Ice on the Landing”
Photos with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall
What to Expect:
Free Santa visits with photo opportunities.
Description:
Visit Santa at Hamilton Place Mall for free visits and photo opportunities. Enjoy festive moments with your family in a welcoming environment.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Photos with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall
Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Spiritual and community-driven holiday meal.
Description:
Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner is a heartwarming celebration where guests come together to share a meal and experience the love and support of the community. The event is a testament to the mission's commitment to meeting the needs of the homeless and needy, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Where: Chattanooga | More Info: Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Dinner
Winter Skating
What to Expect:
Sustainable, weather-independent skating surface.
Description:
Winter Skating at Stable 41 offers a fun twist on generational fun with Glice, a sustainable skating surface that's weather-independent and environmentally friendly. Enjoy skating in a clean, friendly, and safe environment with options for skate rentals and a Snack Shack serving treats and drinks.
Where: Fort Oglethorpe | More Info: Winter Skating
Cookies with Santa
What to Expect:
Decorate cookies and meet Santa in a festive setting.
Description:
Join us for a fun-filled event where you can decorate cookies and share your holiday wishes with Santa Claus. Enjoy delicious treats and spend quality time with your family and friends in a joyful atmosphere.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Cookies with Santa
Frozen Holiday Party
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive music and crafts.
Description:
Join us for a Frozen Holiday Party where you can enjoy festive music, holiday crafts, and delicious treats in a cozy winter setting.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Frozen Holiday Party
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East Chattanooga (22 miles)
- East Ridge (23 miles)
- Chattanooga (26 miles)
- Dalton (27 miles)