As 2025 is coming to a close, it’s time to think about the start of 2026. If you’re a parent, gone are the days of ringing in the new year with a night on the town. Even though it can be hard to party with little ones in tow, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate as a family. Here are some local events that everyone can enjoy as you ring in the new year.
Chattanooga New Year’s Eve Family Events
Creative Discovery Museum’s Cheers to the New Year (December 30th at 6pm)
Celebrate early with a night that feels extra special! Enjoy exclusive access to the Museum with smaller crowds, festive activities, and a family-friendly ball drop and confetti celebration. It’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year together.
- Apple Juice toast and cheers
- Salt Paper and Bubble Wrap Fireworks
- Party Hats
- Firework Crafts
And of course, no New Year’s party is complete without well wishes for the coming year and a classic CDM dance party at 7:00 in the atrium! The price is $10 per Member and $22 for Non-Members.
Countdown to Fun
Join us at Creative Discovery Museum to celebrate the New Year at Countdown to Fun—no need to stay up until midnight!
Enjoy story times, apple juice, and crafts throughout the day. Then gather in the Atrium for a festive countdown, balloon drop, and dance party celebration!
Run of Events
11 a.m. – Story Time
12 p.m. – Balloons and Ball Drop
1–2 p.m. – Apple Juice and Toast in Spark
2 p.m. – Popping Film Experiment in Spark
3 p.m. – Science Show
4:30 p.m. – “Goodbye 2025” Bubble Dance Party in Atrium
Free with Museum Admission
New Year’s at Bridgeman’s
Ring in the New Year at Bridgeman’s Chophouse with your closest friends and family and enjoy our full menu with special New Year’s features.
Tennessee Valley Railroad New Year’s Eve Dinner
New Year’s Eve Dinner train trip includes a three-course dining experience onboard restored dining and pullman cars. The excursion trains depart from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station at 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., traveling at a leisurely pace through portions of urban East Chattanooga before reversing direction and returning to Grand Junction. The travel time is just right for a complete meal on a vintage dining car.
Ice on the Landing
Ice on the Landing is holding holiday hours on New Year’s Eve from 11pm to 12:30am.
Southern Belle Riverboat
You can catch an early dinner cruise for the family on New Year’s Eve or one at 9pm to help you welcome 2025 with all inclusive champagne!
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
You can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful lights of Rock City to help you ring in the new year with the last ticket time at 10:45pm!
Chattanooga’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
The event is free. Food and beverage vendors all evening($)
Line up and more announced soon!
Chattanooga New Year’s Eve Adult Events
New Year’s Nightmare (December 27 & January 3)
One of Chattanooga’s most well-known haunted houses, Dread Hallow, is opening for this special event on December 27th and January 3rd.
New Year’s Eve Roaring 20s Party
Ring in the new year at The Read House’s New Year’s Eve Roaring 20s Party with overnight accommodations, tickets to the party, and much more!
Package Includes:
- Overnight Stay
- Admission for 2 adults to the NYE Roaring 20s Party
- Heavy Hors d’oeuvres
- Live Entertainment by Gwen Hughes and the Retro Kats
- Open Bar Featuring Signature Cocktail
- Midnight Champagne Toast
- Dessert & Coffee Bar
- Late Night Snacks
- Two Drink Tickets for a Bloody Mary or Mimosa in Bar & Billiards Room on Jan 1st.
- 25% Off night before and/or after NYE
New Year’s Eve: Black Tie in the Sky at Cloudland
Ring in the new year in unforgettable style at Cloudland’s official New Year’s Eve party, Black Tie in the Sky. Hosted in the elegant Skyline Ballroom, this mountaintop celebration promises fine dining, music, and a dazzling countdown to the new year!
Guests may choose from two ticket options:
Dinner & Party: Begin the night at 6pm with doors opening for dinner guests. Savor a chef-crafted, surf & turf feast with live music from 7-9pm, followed by a decadent dessert hour from 9-10pm. Keep the party going right into the New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring a DJ, late night bites, and a champagne toast to ring in 2026.
Countdown Celebration: Spend your last hours of 2025 at Cloudland for the ultimate New Year’s Eve party! Dance the night away to your favorite hits, celebrate with friends, and savor delicious food all night long. As the clock strikes midnight, raise a complimentary glass of champagne as we welcome 2026 together in sparkling fashion. Festivities continue until 1am.
Dress to impress and join us for a night where timeless elegance meets mountaintop magic. This event is for those aged 21+.
The Moxy Hotel
Adults 21+ can join in the fun at the Moxy Hotel! The event includes live music, food trucks, festive surprises throughout the night, a champagne toast and specially-delivered treat at midnight, and MORE!
Wherever you celebrate this year, I hope 2026 brings much health and happiness to your family.
Happy New Year, Chattanooga!
