The spirit of the holidays will shine throughout the city as the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership kicks off its Winter Days & Lights series with the Grand Illumination on the River on Friday, Nov. 25, at Ross’s Landing.
Presented by EPB, this free family event will take place beginning at 7 p.m. at Ross’s Landing (new location), where crowds will witness the 25th annual lighted boat parade. Attendees will enjoy the newly renovated Ross’s Landing while viewing a fleet of lighted boats decorated for the season parading between Veteran’s Bridge and Ross’s Landing.
Consistently recognized as a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the lighted boat parade also hosts a holiday performance by the Dallas Bay Baptist Celebration Choir on the riverbank stage and a live Nativity scene by First Baptist Church – Soddy Daisy. Warm food and drink concessions will add to the holiday cheer.
Following the lighted boat parade, the fun continues with a downtown lighting extravaganza at Ross’s Landing, featuring lively song and dance performances by the Lindsay Fussell Dancers and Choo Choo Kids. Then the singing Santa will take the stage to dazzle the audience with a dramatic light show and illuminate 130 downtown buildings and other lighted sculptures. Santa will also lead the audience in a special community candlelight ceremony, encouraging participants to spread the holiday spirit to friends and strangers alike, one candle at a time. The celebration candles may be purchased on-site throughout the show. A glittering fireworks finale will bring the evening to a colorful conclusion at 9 p.m.
Winter Days & Lights is a series of events presented by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership to bring crowds to Downtown Chattanooga during the holiday season.
The Grand Illumination on the River will be followed by Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 26, Holiday Starlight Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Appalachian Christmas on Friday, Dec. 16.
For more information on Winter Days and Lights, call (423) 265-0771 or visit www.downtownchattanooga.org .