During the holiday season, take time to clear the mind and relieve the spirit. Chattanooga’s attractions offer wonderful holiday activities for every member of the family.
1. Rock City Gardens’ Enchanted Garden of Lights/ Nov. 19, 2010- Jan. 1, 2011, nightly 6-9 pm ($) – This event was named one of North America’s top 100 Events by the American Bus Association. The light extravaganza features more than 30 holiday scenes and over a million lights that transform the gardens into a nocturnal fantasyland. Includes cookie decorating, hot cocoa & nightly entertainment. http://www.seerockcity.com/
2. Tennessee Aquarium’s Tropical Holiday Adventure; IMAX 3D Films/Nov. 19, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 ($) – For an awe-inspiring way to get away from it all, explore the Tennessee Aquarium’s two buildings where you’ll meet exotic animals and tropical “Santa” divers. Relax within a warm, orchid-filled rainforest while enjoying holiday music with a Caribbean vibe. At the IMAX 3D Theater, the six-story screen fills with giant waves, towering toys and a heart-warming holiday classic. http://www.tennesseeaquarium.com/
3. Ruby Falls’ Deck the Falls/Nov. 19, 2010- Jan. 1, 2011; Ruby Red Christmas/Fri.; Sat. nights, Dec. ($) – The 145-foot waterfall magically transforms for the season with an array of enchanting lights and sound effects during Deck the Falls. Ruby Red Christmas brings snow outside the castle, live entertainment, North Pole Workshop and carriage rides. http://www.rubyfalls.com/
4. TN Valley Railroad’s North Pole Limited Adventures/Nov. 19-Dec. 22 ($) – Take a trip to the “North Pole” on a vintage train with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, visits by Santa Claus and other surprises. This family-fun adventure guarantees lasting memories. The Chattanooga Choo Choo offers overnight packages that include the North Pole Limited Adventures, Elf Tuck-In service and more. http://www.tvrail.com/
5. Southern Belle Riverboat’s Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises/Nov. 27-Dec. 19, 2010; Santa Breakfast/Nov. 27 ($)– Enjoy delicious food, singing Christmas carols, dancing, live entertainment and a visit from the man in the big red suit! http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/
6. Creative Discovery Museum’s Gingerbread Workshops/Nov. 20-Dec.19 ; Winter Wonders Exhibit/Nov. 20, 2010-Jan.17, 2011 ($) – Create a new holiday tradition by constructing a delicious gingerbread house masterpiece as a family (reservations required). Explore a wintery wonderland through a blizzard, animal tracks in the snow and more in Winter Wonders. http://www.cdmfun.org/
7. Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Markets/Dec. 4-5, 10-11, 17-18 (FREE) – The Chattanooga Market, an open-air market, offers a special holiday theme with live music and over 100 vendors selling unique, locally hand-made items perfect for your holiday gifts. Markets located at First Tennessee Pavilion and Warehouse Row, schedule on website. http://www.chattanoogamarket.com/
8. MainX24 Festival – a 24 hour festival/Dec. 4, 8 am-Dec. 5, 8 am (FREE) – Celebrate Main Street & the Southside district with a packed schedule of over 70 events including a fire hall pancake breakfast, entertainment, busking, green living, fashion shows, parades, a sculpture burn, parties, music & motion. Santa will be at the Choo Choo and holiday cheer will abound. http://www.mainx24.com/
9. Downtown Winter Days; Lights: The Grand Illumination /Nov. 26 (6-9 pm on riverfront) ; Breakfast with Santa/Nov. 27 (FREE $) – Enjoy the lighted boat parade, live bluegrass music, a holiday market, live nativity scene, warm food and drinks, singing Santa and fireworks during the Grand Illumination. Celebrate the holidays by joining Santa in a bountiful breakfast buffet with all the trimmings along with live music and entertainment. http://www.chattanoogapresents.com/
10. A Christmas Story LIVE @ the Chattanooga Theatre Centre/Dec. 10-23 ($) – Ralphie has to convince his parents and teachers that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's. He even pleads his case before Santa Claus, all with the same response, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” www.theatrecentre.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Ringing in the New Year can be one of the biggest festivities of the year – if you know where to party. Celebrate in Chattanooga this year, with a variety of family-friendly and adult options.
• Funk Ball ‘11 w/The Breakfast Club @ Chattanooga Convention Center/7 pm-1 am ($) – This year’s party is bigger and better, with twice the space. Ring in the New Year in over 36,000 square feet of space, rockin’ to the dynamic sounds of the ‘80s band, “The Breakfast Club.” There will be plenty of dancing room, ample bar service, party favors, balloon drop and more. General admission and VIP options available. Special overnight packages offered. http://www.selloutpresents.com/
• Chattanooga Choo Choo’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party”/7:30 pm-1 am ($) – Dance the night away. Doors open at 7:30 pm, The Beaters play at 9 pm. Cash bars, snacks, prizes, & more; overnight packages available. Book early, reservations required. http://www.choochoo.com/
• Tennessee Aquarium’s “New Year’s Eve Sleep in the Deep”/6:45 pm-8 am ($) – Explore the aquarium at night. Includes tours, special activities, pizza, midnight toast & continental breakfast. http://www.tnaqua.org/
• Southern Belle Riverboat’s Early Bird/4-6 pm and Late night/8pm-1am New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise ($) – Enjoy Prime Rib & Shrimp Creole buffet dinner, live entertainment, dancing and more. Limited Reservations so book soon. http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/
• New Years at Noon @ the Creative Discovery Museum/11am-1pm ($) – Families can celebrate together at the stroke of noon with apple juice toasts, live music, a New Year’s parade and much more. www.cdmfun.org
FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, THANKSGIVING ; CHRISTMAS DINNER SPECIALS, PRINTABLE COUPONS, HOTEL PACKAGES; MORE, VISIT WWW.WINTER.CHATTANOOGAFUN.COM
