Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade

Reindeer on the Riverfront has lit up the Tennessee River in Chattanooga for more than 40 years, with the Southern Belle and Erwin Marine Sales sending out extravagantly decorated boats. On shore, families meet real, live reindeer, take pictures with Santa and enjoy a hot cocoa bar, mini-train rides, face painting, balloon animals and holiday tunes. The evening wraps up with the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks. The 2026 event moves to a new location, Coolidge Park.

Our take: Reindeer visits wrap up before the boat parade starts, so arrive in the late afternoon for the reindeer and Santa, then find a riverbank spot for the parade and fireworks.