Time is running out to enjoy the light shows at these three Chattanooga-area attractions

See Rock City Contributed Photo / Jack Frost and Anara the Ice Queen greet visitors to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights.
See Rock City Contributed Photo / Jack Frost and Anara the Ice Queen greet visitors to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights.

As Christmas approaches, families enjoy driving through neighborhoods and visiting locations where holiday light shows help heighten the anticipation of the big day's arrival.

Three local attractions' holiday extravaganzas have a few days remaining to get last looks at their lights. Following is a reminder of days and times they are open.

photo Photo by Matt Owens / Santa helps children mine geodes at Ruby Falls' Christmas Underground.

CHRISTMAS UNDERGROUND

* Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain

* When: Noon-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 23

* Admission: $16.95 ages 3 and older; add waterfall tour for $15 per adult, $6 ages 3-12

* For more information: https://www.rubyfalls.com/special-events/christmas-underground/

Travel a secret cavern passage to the North Pole and Joystone City, where visitors will discover a glittering ice cave, swirling snow flurries, Sugar Plum Fairy Village, Penguin Palace, Polar Creek and sparkling geodes.

A digital photo with Santa and all activities are included with admission to Christmas Underground.

ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS

* Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain

* When: 6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 4, except closed Christmas Eve

* Admission: $16.95-$29.95 adults, $8.95-$15.95 children 3-12

* For more information: https://www.seerockcity.com/events/enchanted-garden-of-lights/

Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights is celebrating its 25th anniversary this holiday season with more than a million LED lights and 30 holiday scenes.

Enchanted Trail has been transformed into four themed realms of wonder: Arctic Kingdom with Glacier Grotto, Magic Forest, Yule Town and North Pole Village, where Santa and Mrs. Claus await. Santa will greet children nightly at 6 p.m. until Dec. 23. Holiday music is performed by area vocal and instrumental ensembles to entertain visitors.

Rock City Gardens partners with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga during Enchanted Garden of Lights. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the nonprofit, which provides lodging and accommodations for families of hospitalized children.

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. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 20-21

* Admission: Nonmembers $12 adults, $8 children, free for ages 2 and younger; zoo members receive 50 percent discount

* For more information: 423-697-1322

Colorful lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Activities included in the admission ticket are holiday-themed animal enrichment, letters to Santa, carolers, cookie decorating, games, Hidden Elf on the Shelf, ornament crafting and storytime. Extras available for purchase are photos with Santa ($7 per print), snack carts, camel feedings and train rides.

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