Chattanooga's free New Year's Eve party at Coolidge Park ends with midnight fireworks over the river. Plus the Southern Belle cruise and TVRM's New Year's Eve trains.
Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the City of Chattanooga, the Southern Belle Riverboat and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. We add restaurant and venue plans only when the venue announces them.
New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Chattanooga’s biggest party in recent years has been the city’s free New Year’s Eve Celebration at Coolidge Park, with live music from 4 p.m. and fireworks over the Tennessee River at midnight. The city had not announced the 2026 lineup by Oct. 17; below is what happened last year. For other plans, the Southern Belle cruises the river and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum runs New Year’s Eve lunch and dinner trains.
What this means for you
- Free: the city’s Coolidge Park party, if it returns, with a kids’ countdown before 6 p.m. and midnight fireworks.
- Adults only: New Year’s Eve on the River aboard the Southern Belle, 9 p.m. to about midnight.
- By train: TVRM’s lunch train at 11:30 a.m. and dinner train at 6 p.m.
- Questions: Chattanooga 311, 423-643-6311.
The city’s Coolidge Park celebration (2025 details)
The City of Chattanooga’s Division of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy held its third annual free New Year’s Eve Celebration at Coolidge Park on Dec. 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The 2026 date and lineup are not out yet; we will update this page when the city announces them. Last year:
| Time | What happened |
|---|---|
| 3:30 p.m. | Kids Zone opened, with crafts and games |
| 4 to 5:45 p.m. | Kids Stage performers |
| 5:55 p.m. | Kid’s Countdown and apple juice toast with the Chattanooga Fire Cabaret |
| 6 p.m. to midnight | Main Stage: local bands and line dancers, emcee Jay Fever and DJ Shoey Russell |
| Midnight | Community countdown and fireworks over the Tennessee River |
Local food and drink vendors set up in the park. The city asked people to arrive early to find parking. Coolidge Park is on the North Shore.
On the river
New Year’s Eve on the River, Southern Belle Riverboat, 151 Riverfront Parkway. Hors d’oeuvres on Pier 2, then boarding at 8:30 p.m. for a 9 p.m. departure and three hours on the river, with a DJ, pilothouse tours, party favors and champagne. Ages 21 and over only. Book on the Southern Belle’s cruise page or call 423-266-4488.
On the train
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road, runs two rides on Dec. 31:
- New Year’s Eve Lunch Train, 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Lunch Train.
- New Year’s Eve Dinner Train, 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner Train.
Reservations: 423-894-8028.
Restaurants and bars
We list New Year’s Eve dinners and parties only when the restaurant or venue posts them on its own website. Send yours through our contact page. Year-round ideas are in our date night guide and our live music and nightlife guide.
What is open on New Year’s Day
- Garbage: collected as normal on Friday, Jan. 1; the city skips only Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See our trash and recycling guide.
- CARTA: the free Downtown Shuttle and the CARTA Garage route do not run on New Year’s Day. CARTA, 423-629-1473.
- Hamilton Place: open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, according to the mall’s holiday hours.
- Schools: Hamilton County Schools’ winter break runs through Jan. 1; Jan. 4-5 are teacher development days with no school for students.
Safety
Call 911 in an emergency, and plan a sober ride home before the night starts. CARTA’s free Downtown Shuttle normally stops at 10 p.m. on Thursdays, well before midnight.
Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Christmas parade and tree lighting and things to do this month.
Frequently asked questions
Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Chattanooga?
Yes, in recent years. The city’s free New Year’s Eve Celebration at Coolidge Park ended with a countdown and fireworks over the Tennessee River at midnight. The 2026 details have not been announced yet.
Is there a kids’ New Year’s Eve countdown in Chattanooga?
Last year the Coolidge Park celebration held a Kid’s Countdown and apple juice toast at 5:55 p.m., after a Kids Zone that opened at 3:30 p.m.
Is there a New Year’s Eve cruise in Chattanooga?
The Southern Belle Riverboat runs New Year’s Eve on the River, a three-hour cruise for ages 21 and up. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m. for a 9 p.m. departure from Pier 2.
Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Chattanooga?
Yes. The city collects garbage on every holiday except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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