Your Guide to Chattanooga’s Holiday Music Scene

CHATTANOOGA, TN—As the lights twinkle over the Tennessee River, the Scenic City’s holiday spirit finds its rhythm not just in carols, but in a diverse soundtrack that stretches from grand, historic stages to the raw energy of local clubs. This December, whether you crave the elegance of a symphony or a loud, proud club show, Chattanooga’s music scene has a celebration for you.
Here is your essential guide to the most anticipated and easily overlooked live music events happening this holiday season.

The Grandeur of Tradition: A Classical Christmas

For those who cherish the timeless sound of the holidays, Chattanooga’s core arts institutions are pulling out all the stops, mostly centered around the magnificent Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
The holiday cornerstone is the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO), which anchors the season with its signature Home for the Holidays concert. On Saturday, December 20th, and Sunday, December 21st, the CSO will be joined by the Chattanooga Boys Choir and Chattanooga Girls Choir for a mix of classical and contemporary festive favorites. Don’t forget your donation for their annual toy drive!
Just before the symphony, the Chattanooga Ballet brings the magic with its beautiful production of The Nutcracker from Friday, December 12th, to Sunday, December 14th. This is a truly local effort, featuring hundreds of student dancers and the CSO performing Tchaikovsky’s score live.
For a more contemplative and historic experience, the city offers multiple chances to witness Handel’s Messiah. The performances kick off on Friday, December 5th, and Saturday, December 6th, at First Presbyterian Church before moving to the Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 7th.

Local Flavor: Rock, Country, and High-Energy Nights

The holiday season is also prime time for Chattanooga’s contemporary music venues, where you can find major touring acts and local legends.The city’s largest contemporary stage, The Signal (21 Choo Choo Avenue), is closing out the year with a bang. Metal fans can catch the Whitechapel – Rituals of Hate Tour on Wednesday, December 10th. For a change of pace, country star Kip Moore takes the stage on Saturday, December 20th. And be sure to mark your calendar for their massive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring the Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90’s Country Tribute Band.

Meanwhile, the historic listening room Songbirds (35 Station Street) offers a focused, charitable experience. Guitar enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Doyle Dykes Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9th, an event that raises money for the venue’s Guitars for Kids program. Songbirds also hosts highly popular holiday tribute acts, including the John Denver Christmas Tribute (Dec 11) and Christmas with The Celts (Dec 10).
For the true underground experience, head to JJ’s Bohemia (231 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard), where the local rock spirit is always alive. Be sure to check out Kyle Lewis is a Boring Name on Saturday, December 13th, and look for their staple Punk Rock Christmas Show—a tradition that usually pops up unannounced!

Music Beyond the Stage: Festivals and Public Soundtracks

Keep your ears open while you’re out celebrating, as music spills into the streets for some of the city’s biggest public gatherings. The action starts on Saturday, December 6th, with MAINx24, the colossal 24-hour festival celebrating the Southside. Live music is literally everywhere, from scheduled bands at Barrelhouse Ballroom and The Boneyard to spontaneous acoustic sets filling the air at the Bluebird Row Christmas Market. It’s the perfect place to stumble upon your new favorite local act.

Finally, the holiday spirit also extends to the city’s smaller venues and stages. The Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour provides a stunning, candlelit classical show at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Dec 17 & 18), and tribute acts like Jim Brickman (Dec 15) visit The Walker Theatre. From the grand tradition of a choir to a loud rock concert, Chattanooga has crafted a holiday music itinerary designed to put a little rhythm into your December.

What is the one live Chattanooga holiday show you never miss? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!