Christmas parades 2026Chattanooga · The Scenic City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Chattanooga, 2026.

We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Chattanooga with 2026 dates: four parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?East Ridge Christmas Parade: Nov 21 · 6:30 p.m. Plus 3 more.4 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Reindeer on the Riverfront: Nov 27 · 4–8 p.m. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?2 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?3 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 6 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSatEast Ridge Christmas ParadeParade · 6:30 p.m.27NovFriReindeer on the RiverfrontLighting festival · 4–8 p.m.28NovSatChristmas in Fort OParade · See page5DecSatMAINx24Lighting festival · See the organizer’s page5DecSatMainStreet Cleveland Christmas ParadeParade · 6 p.m.12DecSatRed Bank Christmas Parade & FestivalParade · Festival 3–8 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Chattanooga

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Chattanooga

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov27Fri

Reindeer on the Riverfront

Coolidge Park (new location for 2026) · Chattanooga, TN

Lighting festivalFreeEvening
Time
4–8 p.m.; Santa photos 4:30–7:30; reindeer 4–6:30; boat parade 7; fireworks 8
Price
Free

Good to know: Free Santa pictures, live reindeer, lighted boat parade.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec5Sat

MAINx24

Main Street, Southside · Southside

Lighting festivalDaytime
Time
See the organizer’s page
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A day-long Southside celebration with a parade on the first Saturday of December.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Chattanooga

East Ridge Christmas ParadeNext: Nov 21, 2026MAINx24Next: Dec 5, 2026

Keep planning

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Chattanooga: the FAQ

East Ridge Christmas Parade: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m. (East Ridge). Christmas in Fort O: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, See page (Fort Oglethorpe). MainStreet Cleveland Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 6 p.m. (Cleveland). Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, Festival 3–8 p.m.; parade at 6 (Red Bank).

Reindeer on the Riverfront at Coolidge Park (new location for 2026): Fri, Nov 27, 2026, 4–8 p.m.; Santa photos 4:30–7:30; reindeer 4–6:30; boat parade 7; fireworks 8. MAINx24 at Main Street, Southside: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, See the organizer’s page.

Two of the six we list are free to watch: Reindeer on the Riverfront and MainStreet Cleveland Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Christmas in Fort O, MAINx24 and Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Chattanooga that weekend, parades included.

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