The holiday season is a time of travel for many. Chattanoogans, however, have no need to travel; they can enjoy first-class entertainment right here at home. Below are some of the most popular holiday activities, listed in order by date, in and around the Scenic City.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
November 20 through January 2; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve night)
Enjoy this award-winning Chattanooga family tradition, featuring more than 30 holiday scenes and over a million lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment.
Cost: $16.95 adults;
$8.95 children (ages 3-12)
(706) 820-2531
www.seerockcity.com
Deck the Falls
at Ruby Falls
November 20 through January 2;
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Deck the Falls is in its 9th year of festivities. In addition to everyday activities, Deck the Falls includes a special holiday light show at the waterfall, holiday music in the cave and a beautifully decorated lobby and grounds.
Cost: $15.95 adults;
$7.95 children (ages 3-12)
(423) 821-2544
www.rubyfalls.com
Delta Queen Hotel
November through December
This 1927 Steamboat will be brimming with nostalgic charm and decked with beautifully adorned trees and Victorian holiday décor. Special holiday packages include among others: the Chattanooga Grande Illumination Extravaganza weekend, Mistletoe Magic for couples, and It’s a Wonderful Life Family Adventure two-night stay. In December, A River Christmas dinner and jazz performance will be held on Saturday evenings, and Christmas Belle Teas will be enjoyed on Sunday afternoons.
Cost: Varies by holiday package
and activity. Reservations required
(423) 468-4500
www.deltaqueenhotel.com
Holiday Packages at the Chattanooga Choo Choo
November 20 through December 22; Choo Choo Enchantment ends Dec. 30
The Chattanooga Choo Choo offers five unique holiday packages that include overnight accommodations (1-2 nights): Choo Choo Elf Workshop, Choo Choo Enchantment, Choo Choo Fantasy, North Pole Limited Adventure One and North
Pole Limited Adventure Two. Packages include magical holiday touches, including an elf tuck-in service for children, admission to the Choo Choo’s Elf Workshop, train rides, pictures with Santa and tickets to various holiday attractions.
Cost: Varies, depending on package inclusions
1-800-872-2529
www.choochoo.com
North Pole Limited
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
November 20 through December 22; departure times at 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Since 1999, the Tennessee Valley Railroad has been carrying all the good boys and girls from the Chattanooga area to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus. Along the way, enjoy a reading of The Polar Express, as well as cookies and chocolate drinks.
Cost: $22 (ages 1 and up)
(423) 894-8028 • www.tvrail.com
Tropical Holiday Adventure
Tennessee Aquarium
November 20 through January 3
Visit exotic locations in every corner of the world by simply taking a trip to downtown Chattanooga. Daily schedule includes festively-dressed divers and many tropical-themed activities.
Cost: $21.95 adults; $14.95 children ages 3-12
1-800-262-0695
www.tnaqua.com
Holiday Events at the Creative Discovery Museum
November 21 through January 3
The Creative Discovery Museum is offering many holiday events this year, including gingerbread house workshops; a “Share the Warmth” Tree decorated with donated mittens, scarves, hats, gloves and blankets; a “Helping Hands” exhibit designed to teach children about giving; a Holiday Maze at the CDM’s Science Theatre; and a “New Year’s Eve at Noon” party on December 31.
For specific event dates and prices, visit www.cdmfun.org or call
(423) 756-2738
Grand Illumination
Ross’s Landing
November 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Grand Illumination features a mini holiday market from 6:30-7 p.m., a lighted boat parade on the waterfront from 7-7:45 p.m. between Veterans Bridge and Olgiati Bridge, music by Sweet Georgia Sound, and a live Nativity scene presented by First Baptist Church of Soddy Daisy. From 8-9 p.m., enjoy a stage show at Ross’s Landing and then Singing Santa will signal the illumination of 130 downtown buildings, followed by a fireworks finale.
Cost: Free
(423) 265-0771
www.downtownchattanooga.org
Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise aboard the Southern Belle
Chattanooga Riverboat Co.,
201 Riverfront Parkway, Pier 2
November 27 through December 20
Singing deckhands will get the Christmas caroling started while cruising along the Tennessee River. Enjoy dinner, live entertainment and dancing, and a visit from Santa.
Cost: $42.50 adults; $21.50 children (ages 3-12) - includes gratuity and tax
(423) 266-4488
www.chattanoogariverboat.com
Holidays at the Hunter
Hunter Museum of American Art
November 27 through January 3;
This year’s traditional family event will include special programs, holiday shopping and a magical display of 10 holiday tree vignettes and displays decorated by local designers. There will be activities for everyone, from family art activities to holiday shopping at the museum store and a special holiday menu at the Hunter’s Palate Café and Bistro.
Cost: $9.95 adults; $4.95 children (ages 3-17), $6 senior day on December 2 (2 to 5 p.m.); Free First Sunday and Holiday Gift Expo on December 6
(423) 267-0968
www.huntermuseum.org
Breakfast with Santa
Grand Ballroom at The Chattanoogan
November 28 at 8:30 a.m. (first seating) and 11:30 a.m. (second seating)
Enjoy a bountiful breakfast with all the trimmings and a full menu of holiday fun featuring strolling entertainment, chilly science fun from the Creative Discovery Museum Science Theatre, and a delightful musical show by the famous Singing Santa. Goody bags will be given to each child. Children may have their picture taken with Santa following breakfast for an additional charge.
Cost: $12 children; $18 adults
(423) 265-0771
www.downtownchattanooga.org
A Classic Christmas
in Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland
Carols in the City and Tree Lighting on December 4 at 6 p.m.
Christmas Parade on December 5
at 6 p.m.
Mainstreet Cleveland lights the community Christmas tree and welcomes Santa. The crowd then walks to each of the historic downtown churches for musical presentations on the steps of each church. The Christmas Parade features beautifully decorated floats with lights, bands and caroling.
Cost: Free
(423) 479-1000
www.mainstreetcleveland.com
Chattanooga Girls Choir presents Pictures of December
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
The Chattanooga Girls Choir annual winter concert will be a festive family event focusing on holiday music, including Ho! Ho! Holidays, Hanukkah Hanukkah, Winter Sleigh Ride and Carol of the Bells.
Cost: $11 adults; Student price TBA
(423) 629-6188
www.chattanoogagirlschoir.org
Holidays in the Woods
Chattanooga Nature Center
December 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; December 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring the family out for an old-fashioned holiday celebration at the Chattanooga Nature Center. All aboard for sleigh rides, pictures with Santa and his enchanted treehouse workshop; make bird feeders and snacks for Santa’s reindeers; be inspired by storytellers and carolers; shop the Hollow Tree gift shop and much more.
Cost: Members free; $7 adults,
$4 seniors and children (ages 4-11)
(423) 821-1160
www.chattanooganaturecenter.org
Chattanooga Boys Choir’s Singing Christmas Tree
Tivoli Theater
December 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Joined by Ballet Tennessee and the CSO Youth Orchestra, the Chattanooga Boys Choir will perform “Second Chance Christmas” by Ric Reitz, which chronicles the town of Second Chance and its rediscovery of music and triumph during the holiday season.
Cost: All seats $11
(423) 622-3033
www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org
Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Market
First Tennessee Pavilion
December 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; December 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join over 100 local and regional artisans and craftsmen as they offer some of the finest handmade holiday gifts. Enjoy holiday music and fun for the entire family.
Cost: Free
www.chattanoogamarket.com
Holiday Starlight Parade
Downtown Chattanooga: Starts at Miller Park and follows Market Street to the Tennessee Aquarium
December 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As Chattanooga’s largest evening holiday parade, this event is known for its dazzling Yuletide theme featuring performing groups, vehicles, marching bands, balloon creations and dazzling floats strung in twinkling lights.
Cost: Free
(423) 265-0771
www.downtownchattanooga.org
Ruby Red Christmas
Ruby Falls
Friday and Saturday nights in December; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy the holidays with the family at Ruby Falls. Meet wonderful costumed characters while enjoying holiday acoustical music and listen to Mrs. Claus read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. After your tour, visit the North Pole Workshop for festive activities or take a carriage ride.
Cost: Normal admission prices apply
(423) 821-2544
www.rubyfalls.com/christmas
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sewanee: The University of the South
December 6 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
This service was developed from ancient forms of worship and has been sung annually at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, since 1918. Through music and readings, the Festival of Lessons and Carols explores Christian themes of God’s Advent and Incarnation in Jesus Christ. Doors open one hour before the beginning of the service – get there early.
Cost: Free
(931) 598-1274
www.sewanee.edu
Holiday Lights at the Zoo
Chattanooga Zoo
December 10 (member night); December 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy the Chattanooga Zoo as it is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visit the animals and Santa Claus, and enjoy holiday games and crafts.
Cost: $6 adults; $4 seniors;
$3 children (ages 3-15)
(423) 697-1322
www.chattzoo.org
Appalachian Christmas
Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza
December 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This family event serves up an abundance of traditional holiday tunes performed by Appalachian and bluegrass musicians. Featured at this toe-tapping event will be The Dismembered Tennesseeans, The Morgans and Lynne Haas, and a headline performance by Barbara Lamb. Complimentary hot cider and sugar cookies round out this favorite holiday event.
Cost: $3; Free for children
ages 10 and under
(423) 265-0771
www.downtownchattanooga.org
Chattanooga Ballet’s Production of The Nutcracker
Tivoli Theater
December 11 and 12 at 8 p.m.; December 13 at 2 p.m.
The Chattanooga Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic ballet, The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra.
Cost: $15-$29 adults; Discounts available for children, seniors and students
(423) 265-0617
www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com
Community Chanukah Celebration
Jewish Cultural Center
December 13 at 5 p.m.
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Chattanooga Boys Choir. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods that will be formed into a massive Menorah and later donated to the Chattanooga Food Bank. Families are encouraged to bring their own Menorahs to participate in the community candle lighting. Space is limited. RSVP by December 9.
Cost: $10 adults; $7 children
(ages 5 and up)
(423) 493-0270 ext. 13
atreadwell@jcfgc.com
NCAA Division I Football Championship
Finley Stadium Davenport Field
December 18
Nothing says the holidays in Chattanooga like the NCAA Division I Football Championship, a tradition in the city since 1997. Enjoy pregame activities, including a performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Stay after the game to enjoy the trophy presentation and fireworks.
Cost: All tickets are reserved seating, $30 each. Group discount tickets (10 or more) available by contacting (423) 756-8689.
www.div1fbchampionship.com
Home for the Holidays with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
Tivoli Theater
December 19 at 8 p.m.; December 20
at 2 p.m.
Bring the whole family along to celebrate some of the greatest music of the holiday season and performances by the CSO Chorus.
Cost: $19 to $79
(423) 267-8583
www.chattanoogasymphony.org
New Year’s Sleep
in the Deep
Tennessee Aquarium
Overnight: 6 p.m. on December 31 to 8:30 a.m. on January 1, 2010
Usher in 2010 with style. Spend New Year’s Eve inside the Aquarium and enjoy a “midnight” toast with a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. Enjoy pizza, a continental breakfast, behind-the-scenes tours and special activities. At lights out, bed down in the Undersea Cavern of Ocean Journey while sharks and thousands of colorful fish swim over and around you.
Cost: $45/person members; $55/person
non-members; This event is for children 6 and older and they must be accompanied by an adult.
Click on Events at www.tnaqua.org