2017 Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Chattanooga

Posted by on Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 at 10:10am.

Christmas came early for the Torgerson house! Before we even finished our Thanksgiving leftovers, the house was already decked out in holiday decor with classic Christmas radio playing on a constant loop.

Because we love the holidays so much, we’ve scoped out all of the best Chattanooga has to offer for holiday fun this year and have brought it all together for you to enjoy throughout the month of December! Here are our favorite local destinations to enjoy a very merry Chattanooga Christmas:

Where to…See the best Christmas lights

Rock City Gardens’ Enchanted Garden of Lights

When: Now through January 6, 6-9 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Eve)
Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Head high atop Lookout Mountain to the award winning, 23rd annual light extravaganza that showcases more than 30 holiday scenes and hundreds of thousands of LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a magical fantasyland. New paths were created in 2016 that allow you to choose one of four uniquely themed realms of wonder to start with (map available online). The evening includes pictures with Santa, decorating gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment. For more information, visit seerockcity.com.

Holiday Trail of Lights

When: Now through January 21, 2018
Where: Across Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, you’ll find plenty of incredible experiences along the new Holiday Trail of Lights. The trail has eight major points of interest featuring millions of twinkling lights at Chattanooga’s top holiday attraction, including the aforementioned Rock City! Click here for a map.

Where to…Start your holiday shopping

Chattanooga Holiday Market

When: Dec. 16-17, Times Vary
Chattanooga Trade & Convention Center, 1150 Carter Street

As part of the Chattanooga Market, this special holiday market offers live music, caroling, festivities and more than 200 vendors providing a great assortment of unique, locally hand-made items, holiday décor and artisan foods for all those holiday gifts. For more information, visit chattanoogamarket.com/holiday.

Where to…Bring the kids

Ice on the Landing – Skating Rink

When: Now-January 21, Times Vary
Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo,

Celebrating its fourth year, Ice on the Landing has become a holiday staple in Chattanooga. The much anticipated temporary outdoor ice rink is a great place to bring the kids and celebrate the season as a family. For more information, visit iceonthelanding.com.

Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground

When: December 14-23, Times Vary
Where: 1720 Scenic Hwy

Ruby Falls’ Christmas Underground offers a magical holiday adventure for the whole family. Experience the wonder of Ruby Falls Christmas Underground on a magical journey to visit Santa! Travel a secret passage to the North Pole where Santa's Joystone miners are preparing for the holiday season. Discover a glittering ice cave, see Sugar Plum Fairy Village, and find your own sparkling Joystone on this heart-warming adventure! Located in the caverns of Ruby Falls, Christmas Underground allows guests to enjoy nighttime magic all day and is one of the only places in Chattanooga Christmas lights are on display throughout the day. For more information, visit rubyfalls.com.

Chattanooga Zoo’s Holiday Lights

When: December 15-17, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N Holtzclaw Ave

The Chattanooga Zoo is transformed into a magical wonderland where you can view hundreds of lights, visit the animals and watch them open their Christmas presents, get your picture taken with Santa and enjoy fun holiday games and crafts. For more information, visit chattzoo.org.

Where to…Experience an artful Christmas

PJs and The Polar Express at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater

When: Dec. 16 and 17, 9:30-11:45 a.m.
Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St

Choo! Choo! All aboard the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole! Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express 3D. Before the movie, guests will get the chance to meet the “real” Conductor, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy pastries. For more information, visit tnaqua.org.

Home for the Holidays

When: December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and December 17 at 3 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.

Enjoy a special evening with all of your favorite traditional holiday songs by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and the Center for Creative Arts Concert Choir. You’ll also get to mingle with Santa and other special guests. For more information, visit tivolichattanooga.com.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Tivoli Theatre

When: December 20, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.

Marking the 25th Anniversary Tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production and world-class Russian artists, larger-than-life puppets, nesting dolls, and gloriously hand-crafted costumes that bring the Christmas spirit to life. For more information, visit tivolichattanooga.com.