Local attractions are lighting up for the holidays
Just in time to entertain your holiday guests or for a family night out, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a new Holiday Trail of Lights — eight points of interest at top holiday attractions that collectively glitter in millions of twinkling lights.
Four of these attractions began last weekend, two open this weekend and the final two will begin Dec. 1.
Visitors to these locations will discover holiday sweets, Santa sightings, shopping, carolers and other live music, not to mention beautiful light shows.
Enchanted Garden of Lights
Where: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain When: 6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6, with the exception of Christmas Eve Admission: $19.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3-12 Mondays-Thursdays; $22.95 adults, $12.95 children Fridays-Saturdays
For more information: www.seerockcity.com Follow the star high atop Lookout Mountain to the award-winning 23rd annual light extravaganza at Rock City. Choose one of four themed paths to start with (map available online). This winter wonderland boasts nearly a million LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural splendor into a magical fantasyland, There will be pictures with Santa, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa, nightly entertainment and a VIP Dinner with Santa (see website for special pricing and schedule).
Tennessee Aquarium’s Holidays Under the Peak, “Polar Express 3D” in Imax Theater
Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.; Imax, 201 Chestnut St.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Admission: $29.95 adults, $18.95 children ages 3-1
For more information: www.tnaqua.org. Meet “Sandy Claws,” watch Scuba Claus feed fishes and enjoy penguins opening their Christmas presents during a month of holiday programs at the Aquarium. Young Scientists can interact with Aquarium educators at 2 p.m. each Sunday. Caroling with the Fishes holiday party is set for Sunday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
“Polar Express 3” is showing at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 24 at the Imax. Have a pajama party with your friends at “PJs and Polar Express” screenings at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 17-18. Register in advance at www.tnaqua.org/events-programs.
Ice on the Landing
Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo gardens, 1400 Market St.
When: 2-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 2-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 19 when hours will change. Skating rink open through Jan. 21. Admission: $10 adults, $8 children ages 12 and younger; includes skate rental and two hours rink time.
For more information: www.iceonthelanding.com Daily promotions and multiple theme nights break the ice for newcomers and, combined with appearances by Santa, offer family fun that skaters of all skill levels can enjoy.
Friday, Nov. 24, skate with the crash-test dummies from Warren & Griffin; Sunday, Nov. 26, is Tacky Christmas Sweater Day; Tuesday, Nov. 28, is ’90s Nostalgia Night and college student night.
Twinkling Snowflakes
Where: Walnut Street Bridge
When: Nightly through January
Admission: Free
December’s relatively mild temperatures invite residents to stroll or a take a run across downtown’s 2,370-foot pedestrian bridge. Suspended above that walkway are thousands of twinkling lights in snowflake forms.