Held on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Holiday Cheer at the Pier on Nov. 29 will officially kick off the Christmas season for many Chattanoogans. Held from 5-8:30 p.m., this free community event has traditionally brought thousands to Ross’s Landing to enjoy the traditional Lighted Boat Parade, fireworks and other holiday festivities.
Beginning at 5 p.m., festival food and drink vendors will be on site, offering family favorites such as hot chocolate, spiced cider, funnel cakes, cotton candy, corndogs and more.
For the adult audience, hot holiday cocktails and craft brews will also be offered. Attendees can warm themselves by fire pits, enjoy music from DJ Mike Key, hear read-alouds from the Hamilton County Read 20 Mobile, ride in a trackless train or kick a ball in the inflatable soccer field provided by the Chattanooga Football Club. Face painting, lighted novelties and a balloon artist will also add to the atmosphere.
At 6 p.m., Santa will arrive in a fire truck and be able to visit with kids free of charge until 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., the lighted boat parade will begin from the Veterans Bridge, featuring boats of different types decorated for the season, which will then circle between the Market Street Bridge to just past the Olgiati Bridge for approximately 45 minutes. The boat parade is coordinated through Erwin Marina. Any boater who wants to participate in the parade or dock overnight should contact Jill at Erwin Marina at 423-266-1316.
At 8:15 p.m., the Southern Belle Riverboat will present a fireworks finale over the Tennessee River to close out the event. Fireworks will be launched from Renaissance Park, next to Coolidge. According to John Reinert, owner of the Southern Belle, “Providing the fireworks is our way of saying thank you to this community who has given us so much over the years. We’re always pleased to be a part of this great event.”
Media support is provided by Entercom Chattanooga, home of local radio stations US101/WUSY, Rock105/WRXR, 103.7 KISS FM/WKXJ and 98.1 The Lake/WLND.