Chattanooga Gears Up for the 44th Annual Lighted Boat Parade!
Mark your calendars, folks! The charming city of Chattanooga is about to shimmer and sparkle with joy as it brings back the much-loved 44th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on November 29th. This celebration is expected to be bigger and brighter than ever, especially after last year’s record-breaking turnout of over 18,000 enthusiastic participants. Get ready for a festive evening that promises fun for everyone in the family!
Event Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
Starting at 4:00 PM, Downtown Chattanooga will come alive at Chattanooga Green and Ross’s Landing. Visitors can look forward to being greeted by real, live reindeer alongside Santa himself! Yes, you read that right—there will be *free photo opportunities*, so don’t forget to bring your own camera to capture these magical moments.
In addition to the adorable reindeer and Santa, there will be a variety of activities lined up just for you. Savor delightful treats from local food vendors and take a stroll among artistic displays. Stay warm with a steaming cup of hot cocoa from the *hot cocoa bar*, and for the adults, a selection of beverages will be available for those 21 and older. And if that’s not enough, come check out the fun “Touch a Truck” experience brought to you by the Chattanooga Fire Department!
Meet Your Favorite Holiday Characters
What’s a holiday celebration without a few beloved characters? Keep your cameras ready as The Grinch and Elsa from Frozen make their rounds! And for a touch of whimsy, be on the lookout for *illuminated giant puppets* created by the talented folks over at Playful Evolving Monsters. It’s sure to be a sight to behold!
The Spectacle of the Lighted Boat Parade
The highlight of the evening is, of course, the Lighted Boat Parade! Coordinated by Erwin Marine Sales, over 25 festive boats will be adorned with colorful lights, sailing gracefully from the Olgiati Bridge to the Walnut Street Bridge. Those who wish to take part in the parade can contact Erwin Marine Sales for more information.
Kylina Caylor, the Marketing Director at Erwin Marine Sales, shared her excitement: “The Lighted Boat Parade has quickly become one of our favorite events to host for the Chattanooga community. There’s something magical about friends and families coming together, embracing the holiday spirit, and simply enjoying each other’s company.” She emphasized that it’s a celebration for *everyone*, whether you’re on land or water.
A Magical Fireworks Finale
And just when you think things couldn’t get any better, stick around for the grand finale! At approximately 8:00 PM, the sky will light up with dazzling fireworks sponsored by the generous Southern Belle. Jon Reinert from Southern Belle said, “This is our way to give back to the community for their 39 years of support.” What better way to round off a night full of fun and festivities?
Plan Your Visit
To ensure you have the best experience, attendees are encouraged to bring along lawn chairs and blankets to settle in comfortably for the parade and fireworks. Parking will be accessible at multiple garages and locations near Ross’s Landing, and for those on the Northshore side, options abound at Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, or the CARTA Garage Northshore.
If you’re not in the mood to walk, jump on the free CARTA shuttle operating that evening, making it easier than ever to enjoy the festivities. Shuttles will run from the CARTA South along Broad Street to CARTA North next to the Aquarium.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your family and friends, and come make lasting memories at the beautiful right along the Tennessee River. For full event details, check out the official event page on social media!
