Thanksgiving weekend activities for families around Chattanooga (2026)
Checked · Covers Nov 25 – Nov 29 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 4 family events around Chattanooga for Nov 25 – Nov 29, 1 free. Each listing links to the organizer's own page.
Thanksgiving week events
Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 29 (Wed–Sun, plus every night Thanksgiving week (Nov 22–28), Christmas week (Dec 20–26, closed Dec 25) and New Year’s week (Dec 27–Jan 2)) · Evenings until 9:30pm; last entry 8:30pm
- Cost
- Non-members $23.50 adults, $17.50 ages 3–12; 2 and under free (ticket required)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Hundreds of hand-crafted silk lanterns in nearly 50 scenes across the zoo, with swings, seesaws and other interactive displays. Photos with Santa on Dec 11, 12, 18 and 19. Timed tickets must be bought online in advance.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Fitness Central Turkey Trot & Kiddie-K
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · Kiddie-K 8am; family walk 8:15am; 4-mile 8:30am
- Cost
- 4-mile from $43; see site for Kiddie-K and walk fees
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A Thanksgiving tradition with a Kiddie-K for ages 12 and under at 8am, a 3-mile family walk/jog at 8:15am (strollers and dogs welcome) and a 4-mile run at 8:30am.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holidays at Ruby Falls
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 29 (Nov 27 – Dec 24)
- Cost
- Cave tours need timed-entry tickets (buy online ahead); the café is open without a cave ticket
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor + outdoor
Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain decks out for the season: twinkling lights around the outdoor plaza, decorations and activities in the 1929 castle, and a Forest of Wishes where kids add a handwritten wish. Pair it with a guided walk to the underground waterfall.
✓ Checked Oct 28, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 · 4–8pm; fireworks 8pm
- Cost
- FREE to attend
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Friday after Thanksgiving, now at Coolidge Park: live reindeer (4–6:30pm), free photos with Santa (4:30–7:30pm), a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides and face painting, then the Lighted Boat Parade on the river at 7pm and fireworks at 8pm.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
What can families do around Chattanooga over Thanksgiving weekend?
We list 4 family events for Nov 25 – Nov 29, 1 free, including Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo (Chattanooga, Nov 25 – Nov 29), Fitness Central Turkey Trot & Kiddie-K (Chattanooga, Thu, Nov 26) and Holidays at Ruby Falls (Chattanooga, Nov 27 – Nov 29). See all 4 above.
Which Thanksgiving weekend events near Chattanooga are free?
1 event on our list is free: Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade (Chattanooga, Fri, Nov 27).
Which Thanksgiving weekend events near Chattanooga need tickets or registration?
1 event on our list says on the official page that it needs advance tickets, timed entry or registration: Asian Lantern Festival: Wildlife Wonderland at Chattanooga Zoo (Chattanooga). Book through each official page.
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
See something that's off? Send us a correction.
Know a family event we're missing? Tell us about it.