Holiday Trail of Lights: Chattanooga attractions sparkle for the season

A visitor videos her walk along a lit path in Rocky City's Enchanted Garden of Lights.
A visitor videos her walk along a lit path in Rocky City's Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Just in time to entertain your holiday guests or for a family night out, the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed a new Holiday Trail of Lights - eight points of interest at top holiday attractions that collectively glitter in millions of twinkling lights.

Four of these attractions began last weekend, two open this weekend and the final two will begin Dec. 1.

Visitors to these locations will discover holiday sweets, Santa sightings, shopping, carolers and other live music, not to mention beautiful light shows.

Enchanted Garden of Lights

» Where: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain

» When: 6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6, with the exception of Christmas Eve

» Admission: $19.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3-12 Mondays-Thursdays; $22.95 adults, $12.95 children Fridays-Saturdays

» For more information: www.seerockcity.com

Follow the star high atop Lookout Mountain to the award-winning 23rd annual light extravaganza at Rock City. Choose one of four themed paths to start with (map available online). This winter wonderland boasts nearly a million LED lights that transform the gardens' natural splendor into a magical fantasyland,

There will be pictures with Santa, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa, nightly entertainment and a VIP Dinner with Santa (see website for special pricing and schedule).

photo Enjoy storytime with penguins and Scuba Claus during Holidays under the Peaks at the Tennessee Aquarium.

Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peak, "Polar Express 3D" in Imax Theater

» Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.; Imax, 201 Chestnut St.

» When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

» Admission: $29.95 adults, $18.95 children ages 3-1

» For more information: www.tnaqua.org.

Meet "Sandy Claws," watch Scuba Claus feed fishes and enjoy penguins opening their Christmas presents during a month of holiday programs at the Aquarium. Young Scientists can interact with Aquarium educators at 2 p.m. each Sunday. Caroling with the Fishes holiday party is set for Sunday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

"Polar Express 3" is showing at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 24 at the Imax. Have a pajama party with your friends at "PJs and Polar Express" screenings at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 17-18. Register in advance at www.tnaqua.org/events-programs.

photo All ages can enjoy Ice on the Landing at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Ice on the Landing

» Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo gardens, 1400 Market St.

» When: 2-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 2-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 19 when hours will change. Skating rink open through Jan. 21.

» Admission: $10 adults, $8 children ages 12 and younger; includes skate rental and two hours rink time.

» For more information: www.iceonthelanding.com

Daily promotions and multiple theme nights break the ice for newcomers and, combined with appearances by Santa, offer family fun that skaters of all skill levels can enjoy.

Friday, Nov. 24, skate with the crash-test dummies from Warren & Griffin; Sunday, Nov. 26, is Tacky Christmas Sweater Day; Tuesday, Nov. 28, is '90s Nostalgia Night and college student night.

Twinkling Snowflakes

» Where: Walnut Street Bridge

» When: Nightly through January

» Admission: Free

December's relatively mild temperatures invite residents to stroll or a take a run across downtown's 2,370-foot pedestrian bridge. Suspended above that walkway are thousands of twinkling lights in snowflake forms.

North Pole Limited Adventures

» Where: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road

» When: Multiple times Friday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 30

» Admission: $21-$59

» For more information: www.tvrail.com

Take an imaginary trip to the North Pole on a train filled with refreshments, storytelling and caroling. During the return ride, Santa makes his way through the train cars to greet every child and presents a keepsake item to all children.

Be sure to check the website for additional holiday trips: Nightcaps with St. Nick (adults only), Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train, Summerville Santa Special, Christmas Special Dinner Train and New Year's Eve Dinner Train.

Southern Belle Christmas Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Cruises

» Where: Chattanooga Riverboat Co., 201 Riverfront Parkway

» When: Daily through Dec. 23, times vary

» For more information: chattanoogariverboat.com/southern-belle-riverboat

Breakfast with Santa offers a full breakfast spread with magic show and visit from Santa.

'Tis the Season Luncheons are two-hour cruises with a meal of slow-cooked prime rib or Chicken Wisconsin, and a live band playing your favorite Christmas songs.

Enjoy prime rib and Shrimp Creole on a Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise with live music and a visit from the jolly old elf.

Check the website or call 423-763-1603 for cruise times, prices and reservations.

photo A Nutcracker guards the entry to Christmas Underground at Ruby Falls.

Christmas Underground at Ruby Falls

» Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway

» When: Noon-8 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays, Dec. 1-17; daily Dec. 18-23.

» Admission: $11.95 ages 3 and older for Christmas Underground; $24.95 adults, $16.95 children ages 3-12 for Ruby Falls tour and Christmas Underground.

» For more information: www.rubyfalls.com

Christmas Underground offers a magical holiday adventure to visit Santa. Discover an underground ice cave that leads to the North Pole, see the Northern Lights and check out the Sugar Plum Fairy Village.

photo Children watch a zoo inhabitant unwrap a Christmas package to discover its treat during Holiday Lights at the Zoo.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo

» Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.

» When: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17

» Admission: $9.95 adults, $6.95 children, zoo members free

» For more information: www.chattzoo.org

The Chattanooga Zoo is transformed with hundreds of lights that weave through the animal habitats. Visit zoo animals and watch them open their Christmas presents. Then decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa and get your picture taken with Santa.

Upcoming Events