CHRISTMAS
Festive Forest
When: Daily
Where: Miller Park, 928 Market St.
Cost: Free
More info: Christmas trees decorated by various businesses will be displayed in Miller Park through the end of the year.
Holidays at Ruby Falls
When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway
Cost: Cave adventure tickets are sold separately online and are not required for the holiday lights or the Castle Cafe. Visit the website for more information.
More info: Find sparkling lights at the plaza, seasonal treats at the cafe and special activities (including visits from Santa) at the historic castle during Ruby Falls’ monthlong celebration. Santa’s schedule is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Holidays Under the Peaks
When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m. daily
Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.
Cost: Seasonal programming is available with regular aquarium admission. Santa photos are available on select dates for an additional fee; packages start at $35 online and $45 in person. Discounts available to members.
More info: Experience an underwater wonderland with holiday music, decor and daily seasonal programming at the Tennessee Aquarium. Through Dec. 21, Scuba Claus will dive on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. in the River Journey building.
Pet photos with Santa
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday
Where: Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., Space Center Court on Level 1
Cost: Santa visits are free; photos are for purchase
More info: Bring your fur friends on a leash or in a carrier to meet Santa during these adorable Monday photo sessions at Hamilton Place. Santa takes a break from 3-4 p.m.
Santa at Hamilton Place mall
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., Space Center Court on Level 1
Cost: Santa visits are free; photos are for purchase
More info: Santa and his friendly elves return to the Scenic City, transforming a section of the mall into a magical workshop. Drop off your “Dear Santa” letter and get a picture with the man himself. Santa takes a break from 3-4 p.m Monday-Saturday and 3-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Black Santa makes a special appearance Nov. 13-17.
The Polar Express 3D
When: 10 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9 and 11 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. and noon Friday-Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $10 general admission, $8 per person for members
More info: Returning to the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, the immersive holiday experience tells the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
North Pole Limited train ride
When: There are multiple rides available Thursday-Sundays in December.
Where: Train departs from 4119 Cromwell Road
Cost: $65 per person for Santa’s private car; $42 per person for traditional ride, free for infants under 1
More info: Take a trip to the North Pole during the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s most popular event. The hourlong ride features festive decor, live entertainment, lighted displays and a visit from Santa.
Chief Vann House candlelight tours
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Chief Vann House State Historic Site, 82 Highway 225 N., Chatsworth, Ga.
Cost: $8 per person, children 5 and under are free
More info: Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour through the historic Cherokee home with live music and hundreds of candles to light your path. Also, tour the Cherokee Farmstead and enjoy warm apple cider and Moravian cookies in the two-story Vann Kitchen Exhibit.
SEASONAL
Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 North Holtzclaw Ave.
Cost: $19 per adult and $14 per child ages 3-12 for zoo members / $23.50 per adult and $17.50 per child ages 3-12 for nonmembers. Free for children under 2.
More info: Featuring a new collection of hand-crafted Asian lanterns, the zoo’s annual event is an immersive and interactive experience, showcasing dozens of lanterns that flash, move, glow, smoke and more.
Ice on the Landing
When: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.
Where: 3:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 2:30-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $14 per adult ($16.50 on holidays), $12 per child 12 and under ($14.50 on holidays)
More info: A classic winter tradition for all ages, open-air ice skating takes place under the covered protection of the pavilion. Skating fees cover skate rentals plus a 60-minute session.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
When: 4-10:30 p.m. nightly
Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Road
Cost: Starting at $31 per adult and $21 per child ages 3-12
More info: One of Chattanooga’s most unique traditions, each season, Rock City transforms into a magical holiday wonderland, inviting families to explore its Enchanted Garden of Lights at night.
Southern Belle Riverboat holiday cruises
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 151 Riverfront Parkway
Cost: $69.99 per adult, $39.99 per child ages 3-12, $5.99 for child ages 0-2
More info: Step aboard Chattanooga’s elegant riverboat for a holiday-themed cruise with dinner, dancing and music, all set to the backdrop of the scenic riverfront. Cruises are two hours long.
Winter Skating at Stable 41
When: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Where: Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe
Cost: $9
More info: No matter the weather, you can have fun ice skating under the cover Stable 41 because the surface is not ice.
MUSIC
Christmas with the Celts
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Walker Theatre,
Cost: $29-$96
More info: Irish and Nashville musicians combined to form The Celts, who bring their Christmas show to Chattanooga.
Whitechapel
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $37-$70
More info: Metalcore rockers Whitechapel bring their Rituals of Hate Tour to Chattanooga with support from Bodysnatcher, AngelMaker and Disembodied Tyrant
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Walker Theatre,
Cost: $30-$72
More info: Led by Rick Schuler, step into the 1970s with the music of John Denver including a tribute to Denver’s holiday specials.
The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $31-$91
More info: Duo Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez blend folk, pop and blues.
A Holly Dolly Christmas
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $111-$138 for dinner, $56 for show only
More info: This dinner-and-show holiday special features husband and wife duo Amber Carrington and Dran Lewis and a southern menu by Chatter Box Cafe.
Orchestra Christmas Concert
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Red Bank Baptist Church, 4000 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank
Cost: Free
More info: The Red Bank Baptist Church Orchestra presents “Joy to the World: An Instrumental Christmas” concert.
Silly Goose
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. M.L. King Blvd.
Cost: $18
More info: Silly Goose slams their way into Chattanooga.
THEATER & ARTS
Annie
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.
Cost: $23-$35
More info: Annie is a beloved, family-friendly favorite full of hope, humor and heart.
Art Showcase & Holiday Market
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: AIM Center, 472 W. M.L. King Blvd.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
More info: Enjoy artwork created by AIM Center members, bid on pieces in an art auction and shop holiday cards and art books — all supporting mental health recovery and creative expression.
Rolling Stones – At the Max
When: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15
More info: First released in 1991, this concert film follows the Rolling Stones during the band’s 1990 Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour. Not rated.
Chattanooga Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 7:30 Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $33-$126
More info: A true Christmas cornerstone, the world-famous Nutcracker ballet blends classical dance with storytelling, costumes and giant puppets. Performed by the Chattanooga Ballet, the show runs 1.5 hours with one intermission.
Exhibit closing
Where: Chattanooga State Community College, Denise Heinly Art Center (OMN 130), 4501 Amnicola Highway
More info: “Southern Fiction,” photography exhibit by Tema Stauffer, a visual interpretation of the domestic settings, vernacular architecture and rural landscapes from the South’s literary history.
The Shining
When: 7:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6:45 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15
More info: For the first time, Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece can be experienced in IMAX.
Julie The Queer Who Saved Christmas
When: 7 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.
Cost: $25-$35
More info: Seed Theatre’s beloved holiday tradition returns with a story about family, identity and rediscovering the true meaning of love during the holidays.
Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.