Most Decembers are all about gift-giving, cookie-making and family get-togethers.

This year, we’re completely absorbed with face masks and sanitizer.It’s been a strange year indeed, but that means special holidays and winter traditions are even more important. Don’t push your December festivities to the wayside because of the “new normal.” Our GreenTech team has several ideas on how to make the most of your 2021 holiday season, right here in Chattanooga!

Shop Local At The Holiday Market

Don’t be a last-minute shopper! Complete your Christmas shopping early while supporting local businesses at the Chattanooga Holiday Market. This festive event features over 200 vendors selling their best seasonal goods.Get in the holiday spirit while perusing booths of locally hand-crafted items. There’s live holiday music and plenty to see and buy. This could become your new December shopping tradition! Admission is free each weekend before Christmas. Masks are required and you can find out more details about the Holiday Market here.

Build A Gingerbread House

Cookie-decorating and building gingerbread houses is an annual must-do in many households. But did you know the Creative Discovery Museum hosts a gingerbread workshop with all the fixings included?This is a sweet holiday activity for the kids and grandkids, and the museum deals with the mess afterward! Frosting, sprinkles and other sugary confections are ready for your family’s creative touch. Can you make a gingerbread house that looks just like your GreenTech home? We’d love for you to try!

Take A Wintery Train Ride

All Aboard! The Tennessee Valley Railroad has created a Polar Express-style event for your family to celebrate the season. Board the Hiwassee Holiday Train for a round-trip tour of the breathtaking Hiwassee River Gorge.Your little ones will love the activities onboard, including writing Santa a letter, sampling Mrs. Clause’s hot cocoa, and seeing a glimpse of Santa from the train car!If you’re looking for a more sophisticated train-ride experience, get your tickets for the Holiday Dinner Train. Indulge in a tasty three-course meal aboard a full-restored 1920’s dining car as you travel by rail through urban East Chattanooga.

Admire Holiday Light Displays

What would December be without the decor? Christmas lights are a staple of the season, and Chattanooga has plenty of gorgeous displays!Spend an evening exploring the top light displays on The Holiday Trail of Lights. Light-viewing is just the beginning. There’s shopping, merry music, ice-skating and tasty yuletide food all along the way. View thousands of twinkling bulbs and let us know which light display was the best!

Make New Traditions At Home

With everyone spending more time at home then ever, this is the year to create new holiday traditions! From ornament decorating and board games, to Christmas karaoke and virtual gift exchanges, there’s no shortage of activities your family can do in the comfort of your home.If you’re looking to upgrade life in 2021, contact our team. GreenTech Homes are impeccably designed and our communities are the perfect place to spend all your future holidays. We’d love to fulfill your Christmas wish list with a brand new home!