Holiday or Christmas Parades in the Chattanooga area 2012

Ooltewah High School Band-Disney Parade

For a 2013 list of parades read this post. Thanks!

2013 Christmas Parades

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right down a Chattanooga area road. Yes folks, it is that time of year again. Time to watch all of the area holiday parades. Below is a listing of each parade and their start times. Merry Christmas!

Copperhill, TN December 1st, parade begins at 2 pm.

Murphy, NC December 1st, parade begins at 2 pm.

Dayton, TN December 1st, parade begins at 4:30 pm.

Cleveland, TN December 1st, parade begins at 6 pm.

Fort Oglethorpe, GA  December 1st, Christmas Parade begins at 6 pm.

Soddy Daisy, TN December 2nd, Holiday Parade starts at 2 pm. 

Ooltewah-Collegedale, TN December 2nd, Holiday Parade begins at 3 pm.

Dalton, GA December 6 parade begins at 6 pm.

Red Bank, TN, December 7th, Holiday Parade begins at 6 pm on Dayton Blvd. 

Ringgold, GA, December 7th, The parade and concert "Down Home Christmas Celebration" begins at 6 pm. Santa will be visiting the historic Ringgold Depot, so be sure to stop by with the kids.

Chattanooga's Holiday Starlight Parade begins at 6 pm on December 8th. Participants meet at the corner of 5th and Market. They will march in front of the Tennessee Aquarium and then turn on Broad Street and will end at 5th Avenue and Broad Street. The street parade is sponsored by Volkswagen Chattanooga

Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga,  The Lighted Boat Parade, organized by Marine Max, is being held at 7 pm on December 8, 2012. The city of Chattanooga has decided to combine the Holiday Starlight Parade with the Lighted Boat Parade. In addition to combining the parades, and thanks to a nice donation from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 175 (IBEW), the city will be shooting off fireworks from Renaissance Park. The Lighted Boat Parade will take place between Veterans Memorial and the Olgiati Bridges. Fireworks begin at 8 pm.

The gift that gives back: Chattanooga restaurant gift cards

Abuelo's Hamilton Place Mall
Credit: Brad Snoke

Many Chattanooga restaurants are offering incentives for holiday gift givers to purchase their gift cards instead of their competitors. What does this mean for smart gift shoppers in the Chattanooga area? It could mean they give themselves a well-deserved gift, or the shopper can receive deeper discounts and be able to give more gifts at a lower cost. Below is a list of Chattanooga restaurants that are giving back to shoppers. These are some of the best gift cards to buy.

Please note all of these offers are for a limited time only. Please check with restaurant for all specifications and limitations.

• At Abuelo’s, if you order a gift card online and have it sent to your home, a $10 VIP card will be included with your order. Order Abuelo’s gift cards online.
• Applebee’s is promoting a $10 digital bonus card with every $50 online instant purchase of Applebee’s digital gift cards. The bonus card can be kept or “regifted”. Applebees does have plastic gift cards available but they do not qualify for the bonus card. Purchase either card here.
• Receive a chance to WIN $5,000 plus a $20 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchased at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Bonus card is valid from January 1, 2013 till February 10, 2013. This offer is good for gift cards purchase online or in the restaurant. Order Carrabba’s gift cards here.
• Spend $100 or more in Chili’s gift card purchases and you will save 10%. This can be in regular gift card purchases or on ecards. The neat thing about Chili’s gift cards is they can also be redeemed at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina or Maggiano’s Little Italy. Purchase gift cards for Chili’s here.
• CiCi’s Pizza is offering a free buffet with the purchase of $25.00 in gift cards. The free buffet is good in January 2013 and does not include drinks. Gift cards can be purchased on location at 2260 Gunbarrel Road, 5425 Hwy 153, 723 Battlefield Parkway or 355 Paul Huff Pkwy in Cleveland.
• At Famous Dave’s, purchase $25 in gift cards and you will receive a $5 reward card. Gift cards can be purchased at the Famous Dave’s located at 2122 Gunbarrel Road across from Hamilton Place Mall.
• Receive a free greeting card (a $4.50 value), with the purchase of any Logan’s RoadHouse gift card. This offer is through 11-30-12. The greeting card can be personalized. Order a Logan’s gift card here.
• Purchase $25 or more in gift cards in a single transaction and Olive Garden will email you a $5 bonus card. The bonus card is valid from Jan. 1 to Feb. 13, 2013 for $5 off the purchase of two adult entrees. Ecards and plastic gift cards are available here.
• Outback Steakhouse is offering a $20 bonus card for each $100 purchase between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. The bonus card is valid from January 1 to February 10, 2013 and is for a single purchases in the restaurant or online. Purchase Outback gift cards here.
• Red Robin is promoting “They get a $25 gift card. You get a lump of cash”. For every $25 gift card purchase, receive a $5 bonus buck reward card that is redeemable from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2013. Order a Red Robin gift card here.
• Red Lobster is giving a $5 bonus coupon for every gift card purchase of $25 or more. The coupon is available on either plastic cards or ecards. The $5 is off any order at Red Lobster. The ecard delivery can be scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day. Order a gift card for Red Lobster here.
• Ruby Tuesday’s is giving free ground shipping and a $15 bonus coupon with the purchase of $50 in gift cards. This special ends on December 31, 2012. The bonus coupon will be delivered via email within 2 business days of purchase and is valid January 2 through February 28, 2013. Purchase Ruby Tuesday gift cards here 
• Texas Roadhouse is offering a $5 bonus eGift Card for a future visit when you purchase a $30 or more Gift Cards online. As an added bonus, they will donate 10% of the gift card amount of all “Support our Heroes gift cards to Homes for our Troops. Purchase a gift card here.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Happy Holiday’s to everyone and a Merry Christmas to each of you.

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga for Thanksgiving Dinner

By Brad Snoke

Originally, in American history, a Day of Thanksgiving would be called to celebrate any special blessing that had been received, such as a good harvest or a battle won. This eventually led to George Washington calling for a National Day of Thanksgiving in late November 1789 in order to publicly thank God for his blessings. In the new millennium, although being thankful is still the prime objective, spending time with our families and appreciating each other has become equally important to most people. Due to this emphasis on spending time together, many families are turning to restaurants to provide them with a spectacular Thanksgiving Day meal. Some families eat out; while others order from a restaurant and take it home. For the Thanksgiving celebrators who are located in or near Chattanooga, TN, check out this list of restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving Dinner either in their restaurant or for take out.

Fine Dining
212 market restaurant

• 212 is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner utilizing fresh, local-grown items.
• 11 am to 3 pm
• The cost varies per item
• Reservations are recommended-423-265-1212
• 212 Market Street, Chattanooga

Back Inn Café and Renaissance Commons

• Back Inn Cafe is serving traditional holiday fare buffet style
• 11 am to 4 pm
• $26.95 adults, $14.95 child.
• Reservations are recommended-423-265-5033 ext 4
• Bluff View Art District

Broad Street Grill

• A “Tennessee” Thanksgiving, traditional items with a flair, will be served.
• 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
• $34.95 for adults, with kids 7-12 costing $17.95.
• Strongly recommended that you reserve a spot by calling 423-424-3700
• Location: 1201 Broad Street

Chattanooga Choo Choo

• Traditional, Southern Fare, lots of desserts
• 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
• $27.95 adults, kids 7-12 $13.95. Senior Discount available.
• Please call 423-308-2481 for reservations
• 1400 Market Street

Delta Queen Hotel

• Traditional fare is a favorite at the Delta Queen
• 11 am to 4 pm
• Reservations are not needed
• The cost varies per item
• Docked at Coolidge Park

Southern Belle & Pier 2

• Old fashion, traditional turkey and ham with all the fixings.
• 12:30 pm Dinner while cruising; 2 pm for Dinner on Pier 2 then cruise
• Reservations here
• $30.50 adult; $15.50 children
• 201 Riverfront Parkway

Southern Cuisine

Country Place Restaurant

• Old-fashion, traditional favorites
• 10 am to 4 pm
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost varies per item
• 7320 Shallowford Road

Cracker Barrel

By Brad Snoke

• Turkey & Dressing, ham, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pecan pie
• Open at 11 am
• Reservations are not needed
• $8.99 adults, $4.69 child.
• 5 locations in and around Chattanooga

Sticky Fingers: Hamilton Place location only

• BBQ Thanksgiving Buffet
• Noon – 7pm
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• 2031 Hamilton Place Boulevard

Open 24 hours

City Cafe

• Regular menu with Thanksgiving favorites added
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• 901 Carter Street and 7641 Lee Highway

Huddle House

• Regular menu with Thanksgiving favorites added
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

IHOP

• Regular Menu
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

Waffle House

• Regular Menu
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 16 locations around Chattanooga

Where to order Thanksgiving Dinner to take home/or for catering

Bud's Sports Bar

• Smoked or Fried Turkey Dinner with dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls
• Serves: depends on order
• Discuss pickup time with your server.
• Prices: Smoked Dinner $59.95; Fried Dinner $64.95. Can order items individually
• Location: 5751 Brainerd Road. Place order onsite or call 423-499-9878

Cracker Barrel

• Turkey & Dressing, sampling of ham, 3 vegetables, cranberry relish, biscuits, muffins
• Serves: up to 6
• Call at least 24 hours in advance, available Nov 17-25
• Prices: $54.99
• Location: 5 locations in and around Chattanooga

Mt. Vernon Restaurant

• Whole or Sliced Turkey Breast, Bourbon & Coca-Cola Glazed Ham, Various veggies and desserts
• Serves: Depends on item $7.95 to $79.95
• Last day to place order: Monday 11-19, pickup: Wed. 11/21 8 to 6
• Prices: Various prices,
• Location: 3535 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37109 Place order online or call 423-266-6591

November 2012 Holiday Events for Chattanooga

Tis the season to be…watching parades, shopping and eating till you drop, appreciating others, giving thanks and remembering why many of us celebrate Christmas. There are so many fun, unique and special events held around Chattanooga for the Holiday Season, it is hard to keep track of them all. I hope the below list will help you. This list is for events held in November only. Be sure to check out my December list for more great Holiday Happenings.

1^st Annual Reindeer Dash

A 5k run on November 3^rd at the Academy Sports & Outdoors Hamilton Place Mall. This run will benefit YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Bring the entire family and wear your favorite Holiday running gear. To register, visit hamiltonplace.com. Starting time is 8:30 am.

Hamilton Place Holiday Parade

On November 3, 2012, Hamilton Place Mall welcomes Santa Clause to the mall in their annual Holiday Parade. Festivities begin at 11:00 am at the upper level Sears store. The parade will end near the food court. The children will then escort Santa through Hamilton Place Mall to his chair at Center Court. Be sure to arrive early for great seats.

Visit with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall

Children of all ages can visit with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall this year, 2012, from November 3^rd through Christmas Eve. He is located at the lower level near Center Court. He is available for photos from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 12 pm until 6 pm. He usually takes a break around 1 to 2 pm and 5 to 6 pm (even Santa has to eat) during the long days. On Sunday, his break is around 3 to 4 pm. Christmas Eve’s hours will be 10 am to 6pm with a break around 1 to 2 pm. Picture prices range from $21 to $45
                                                 . 

Holiday Mail For Heroes

Show your support and appreciation to our service members, veterans and military families by sending a holiday card through the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes’ “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program. Cards must be postmarked no later than December 7. Please address all cards to Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. Please refrain from sending “care packages”, monetary donations or using glitter or other inserts with the cards. More information and requirements are available to redcross.org/holidaymail.

November Open House at the Georgia Winery

Every Saturday in November the Georgia Winery is having a Holiday Open House from Noon to 4pm. Featuring complimentary hot mulled wine, free wine tasting and a gift shop to please even the pickiest, these open houses are sure to be a magical wine and shopping experience. For more information call 706-937-WINE or visit georgiawines.com. Admission is free.

Chattanooga Market

Shopping is great anytime but is essential during the Holiday Season. Personally, I love all of the fun Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations and buying presents for others. The Chattanooga Market is a great way to buy unique items and support local individuals. Held every Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm, at the First Tennessee Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga, it showcases local artisans and the wares. For more information, visit chattanoogamarket.com.

Santa Paws at Hamilton Place Mall

On November 14^th & 28^th bring in your furry friends, from 6 to 9 pm for a holiday photo with Santa. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and should be brought in through the food court only.

Enchanted Garden of Lights

See Rock City bathed in the brilliance of Christmas lights. Beginning November 16, 2012, Rock City Gardens will be transformed each night into an Enchanted Garden of Lights. This season marks the 18^th year of the North Pole Adventure at Rock City Gardens. The hours for this Enchanted Garden will be daily, except for Christmas Eve, from 6 till 9 pm through January 5, 2013. Prices range from $10.95 (for children) to $21.95.

Breakfast with Santa at Hamilton Place Mall

Saturday November 17 at 8:30, Santa wants to share his breakfast with the children of Chattanooga. A $5 ticket includes a Chick-fil-A breakfast, fun games and a visit from Santa. All proceeds will benefit the Chattanooga Kids on the Block.

Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum is spreading holiday cheer every chance they get this year. With three different events exploring the fun and spirit of winter and Christmas, there is certainly something for every child (or child at heart) out there. The first is the Holiday Shoppe, which allows children to pick out reasonable priced items as gifts for their family and friends. To top the shopping trip off, children will receive just a bit of help wrapping each gift. Next is Snow Day on November 17^th from 12 pm to 4 pm. Enjoy face-painting, paper mitten garlands, snowmen and stories. Finally, explore the science and fun behind Winter Wonders. Have a snow ball fight and build castle forts all while learning animal tracks in the snow. Winter Wonders will be held from November 17, 2012 till January 8, 2013.

Santa VOLS at Hamilton Place Mall

Go , go, go Vols! Oops, sorry my Tennessee spirit got carried away there. Santa is showing his true colors by dressing in Vols orange on select days this year. On November 21 and December  5, come on to Rocky Top, I mean Hamilton Place Mall from 6 to 9 pm for pictures with Santa in VOLS orange. Speaking of Vols and Christmas, check out this oh so cool Christmas tree I found. It is a must have for any Vols fan...
                                                 

Ooltewah High School Band Thanksgiving Parade

Don’t forget to watch the Ooltewah High School Band marching in Chicago’s McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade. The parade will (of course) take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, from 8 to 11 am CST and will be shown on cable channel WGN America to approximately 75 million households, including the Chattanooga area.

Grateful Gobbler Walk

Giving back to others is a big part of the Holiday Season and the Grateful Gobbler Walk is a great way to give back to our community. On Thanksgiving Day at 8 am, individuals from across the Chattanooga area brave the cold November air to get out and raise money (and awareness) for Chattanooga’s homeless community. It is the perfect time to share our thankfulness for the things we have and give to those who do not have these things. To register for the walk or for more information, visit the Grateful Gobbler website.

Deck the Falls

Beginning November 22, 2012, Ruby Falls will be “Decked out” in Christmas splendor. The sounds of the season will entertain guests throughout the tour while a special state of the art LED Holiday Light Show plays at the waterfall. Prices range from $9.95 to 17.95 a person.

A Christmas Carol

Closed Door Entertainment, a local community theatre group from north Georgia, will present a musical adaptation of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol at the Tivoli Theatre. The dates for the performances are November 23 and 24 at 7:30. There will be a special Sunday performance on November 25^th at 2 pm. Ticket prices range from $20 to $28.50 plus convenience fees and can be purchased at Chattanooga.gov.

Organ Concert: A Chattanooga Holiday Spectacular

This concert is presented by the Chattanooga Music Club and features organist Larry-Douglas Embury from Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, the Metropolitan Bells, Jericho Brass and 16 year old Daniel Mata. It will be held on Friday November 30^th at 7:00 pm at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Admission is free.