Chattanooga Holiday Markets 2026
Holiday shopping is more fun when there’s music, hot drinks and local makers. Chattanooga has a few great holiday markets coming up in 2026, and most are free to walk in. Here’s the lineup.
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Quick glance
| Market | Where | 2026 dates | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christkindlmarkt | Coolidge Park, 150 River St. | Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29 | Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Check listing |
| Chattanooga Market: Thanksgiving Market | First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. | Nov. 21-22 | Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free |
| Chattanooga Market: Holiday Market | Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter St. | Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20 | Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free |
Christkindlmarkt at Coolidge Park
Inspired by German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt sets up on the North Shore for two weekends: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29. Expect vendors with gifts and crafts, food and drinks, and a festive feel by the river. The second weekend lines up with Thanksgiving weekend, so you can pair it with Reindeer on the Riverfront at the same park on Friday, Nov. 27. Christkindlmarkt Coolidge
The Chattanooga Market’s holiday season
The Chattanooga Market is a Sunday tradition at First Horizon Pavilion on the Southside, and it goes big for the holidays.
- Thanksgiving Market, Nov. 21-22 at First Horizon Pavilion: local food, bakers and growers right before the holiday, with makers for early gift shopping.
- Holiday Market, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20, indoors at the Chattanooga Convention Center: a warm, dry place to knock out your gift list from local artists and crafters.
Admission is free. Chattanooga Market events
Tips for market days
- Go early for the best selection and easier parking, especially on Saturdays.
- Bring cash and cards. Most vendors take cards, but cash is faster at small booths.
- Bring a tote (or a wagon for the kids).
- Dress for outdoors at Coolidge Park; the convention center market is indoors.
- Check the official pages the week of, since vendor lists and hours can change.
Make it a holiday weekend
On Thanksgiving weekend you could stack Reindeer on the Riverfront (Fri., Nov. 27, free), Christkindlmarkt (Nov. 28-29) and the Ruby Falls plaza lights (free to stroll from Nov. 27). See our Christmas lights guide for all the 2026 dates.
Making a day of it
Christkindlmarkt weekend 1 (Nov. 21-22): The Chattanooga Market’s Thanksgiving Market is the same weekend at First Horizon Pavilion on the Southside. Do one in the morning and the other after lunch. They’re a short drive apart, or you can cross the river on foot via the Walnut Street Bridge from downtown to reach Coolidge Park.
Christkindlmarkt weekend 2 (Nov. 28-29): It’s Thanksgiving weekend. Come Friday night for the free Reindeer on the Riverfront and boat parade at Coolidge Park, then return Saturday or Sunday to shop.
December Holiday Market (Dec. 12-13 and 19-20): It’s indoors at the Chattanooga Convention Center, so it’s a good rain-or-cold plan. Combine it with lunch downtown or a walk along the riverfront.
What to shop for
Holiday markets are where you find the gifts you can’t get at a big-box store: handmade jewelry, pottery, candles, art prints, woodwork, baked goods and local food products. If you’re new to the area like we are, it’s also a great way to discover local makers you’ll want to follow all year.
Parking
- Coolidge Park: lots on the North Shore fill on busy weekends. Parking on the south shore and walking the Walnut Street Bridge is often easier.
- First Horizon Pavilion: on the Southside, close to the Chattanooga Choo Choo and Main Street area. Check the Chattanooga Market’s site for parking notes.
- Convention Center: downtown, with nearby garages and lots.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chattanooga Market holiday market free? The Chattanooga Market lists free admission for its Thanksgiving and Holiday Markets.
Where is Christkindlmarkt in 2026? At Coolidge Park, 150 River St., on the North Shore.
What are the hours? Christkindlmarkt: Saturdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Chattanooga Market’s holiday markets: Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Can I bring my dog? Policies vary by market and venue, and indoor venues are usually stricter. Check each event page before you bring a pet.
Our take
If you can only make one, pick based on your style. Christkindlmarkt is the most festive, with an outdoor, holiday-village feel by the river. The Chattanooga Market’s Thanksgiving Market is the one for food lovers, with local growers, bakers and makers the weekend before the holiday. The December Holiday Market is the most practical for real gift shopping, since it’s indoors and close to Christmas. Whichever you choose, shopping local keeps more of your holiday budget in the community, and you’ll come home with gifts that actually came from the Scenic City.
Quick checklist
- Tote bags (or a wagon for kids)
- Cash and cards
- Layers for outdoor markets
- Your gift list, so the cool candle booth doesn’t eat the whole budget
- Hand warmers for the outdoor markets
- A thermos of coffee or cocoa
Dates and hours were checked in late October 2026 and can change.
Photo credits: Roman Kraft romankraft (CC0); Alisa Anton alisaanton (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons.
