The 42nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade is returning to Downtown Chattanooga on Friday from 4-8 p.m., with crowd favorite features added again to the event for people of all ages to enjoy.
A record crowd of over 10,000 people attended in 2021.
This year, the event will be hosted on the Chattanooga Green and Ross’s Landing, 100 Chestnut St., starting at 4 p.m. Real, live reindeer and Santa will be available for free pictures. Attendees are welcome to bring their own cameras for the photo opportunities.
Additionally on the Chattanooga Green, fire pits, miniature train rides and additional food, beverages for those 21+ and art vendors will be on site with items available for purchase. Holiday music will fill the air in partnership with Mike Key Entertainment and Audacy Radio stations Real 97.7, 98.1 The Lake, WUSY 101, 103.7 KISSFM and Rock 105.
Starting at 7 p.m., the annual Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks, sponsored by Erwin Marine Sales & The Southern Belle, will feature over 20 boats decorated in festive and colorful lights and will cruise looping from Olgiati Bridge to Walnut Street Bridge. Immediately following the boat parade at approximately 8 p.m., fireworks will be launched over the Tennessee River.
The entire community is invited to attend the event free of charge. Children activities, include visiting with live reindeer, free pictures with Santa, mini-train rides, along with face painting and an interactive lantern parade.
Schedule:
4-6:30 p.m. - Live Reindeer;
4:30-7:30 p.m. - Pictures with Santa; and
7-8 p.m. - Lighted Boat Parade followed by Fireworks at approximately 8 p.m.