Beginning Saturday, Dec. 1, Santa believers can take a "magical journey to the North Pole" at Ruby Falls' Christmas Underground.
The interactive holiday adventure, which returns for its fifth year with even more holiday delights, will be open noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 and 6-9, then daily Dec. 13-23.
Visitors will travel a secret passage through Ruby Falls cavern to a wonderland where Santa's miners are collecting sparkling "Joystones" to spread Christmas cheer.
Children can discover the hidden brilliance inside a keepsake geode, see Sugar Plum Fairy Village along with Penguin Palace, and experience a whimsical version of Ruby Falls' own aurora borealis. Snow flurries and a charming, new, tiny grove of hand-crafted, fully synchronized, musical Christmas trees will delight guests. A glittering ice cave leads to a visit with Santa in his cozy North Pole cavern.
"The picturesque Village Plaza is a perfect backdrop for our new, stunning, 27-foot Christmas tree topped with a grand star," says Hollie Baranick, tours and special projects manager.
"We adore showcasing our love of the holidays and family traditions by creating delightful new holiday displays and introducing new features along Christmas Underground's Journey to the North Pole."
Ruby Falls invited Brandon Carruth, 2017 White House Christmas decorator, to light the exterior of the historic castle and outdoor Christmas tree.
A relaxing addition to this year's holiday offering is TreeTops Winter Lodge in the Ruby Falls castle. This cozy retreat for Ruby Falls explorers offers holiday sweets, hot cocoa and wassail for purchase, and the Christmas Wish Tree where guests can create and hang an ornament on the tree, sharing a heartfelt wish for the holiday season.
Children may write and send a letter to Santa while adults unwind and take in the impressive view of the Tennessee Valley. TreeTops Winter Lodge will be open every Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-23.
Also new this year: Christmas Underground will operate with timed-entry ticketing. Guests may purchase tickets based on the time they would like to check in at Ruby Falls for their Journey to the North Pole. Several ticket options are offered, including discount tickets combining a visit to Christmas Underground and a Classic Waterfall Tour.
Admission to Christmas Underground: A Journey to the North Pole includes a private visit with Santa, keepsake geode, complimentary digital photo with Santa, all event activities and special surprises. Tickets are $16.95 for ages 3 and up. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.
For tickets: RubyFalls.com/Christmas for tickets.