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.
- Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights / Nov 18 - Dec 31 (closed Christmas Eve), Nightly, 6-9pm ($) - Over a million lights transform the gardens' daytime splendor to a nighttime fantasyland. Cookie decorating, hot cocoa & nightly musical entertainment. 800-854-0675
- Tennessee Valley Railroad's North Pole Limited Adventures / Nov. 18 - 20, 25 - 27 & Dec.1 - 4, 8 - 11, 15 - 22 / 5:45-8:45pm ($) - Take a trip to the "North Pole" pulled by a steam locomotive with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, visits by Santa Claus & more! 423-894-8028
- Chattanooga Choo Choo's Holiday Enchantment / Nov. 18 - Dec. 22 ($) - Have your pictures taken with Santa, take the North Pole Limited train, become an Honorary Elf at the Elf Workshop complete with crafts, arts, games and movies or get tucked in by an Elf! Multiple overnight packages available, including sleeping in a traincar. / 800-Track29 or 423-266-5000
- Tennessee Aquarium's Tropical Holiday Adventure & IMAX 3D / Nov. 18 - Jan. 1, 2012, Daily ($) - Meet new tropical birds and exotic animals in Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari, then relax and enjoy daily dive shows, stingray feedings, butterfly releases and much more. 800-262-0695
- Deck the Falls / Nov. 10, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012 & Ruby Red Christmas / Fri & Sat nights, Dec. 2011 (closed Christmas Day) ($) - The 145-foot waterfall is transformed with a light and music show. Enjoy a classic holiday with costumed characters, snow and a North Pole Workshop for kids.
- Creative Discovery Museum's Winter Wonders / Nov. 19 - Jan. 3, 2012, Daily. Closed Wed. ($) -Explore cold-weather traditions. From cozy cottages to a blizzard maze and learning about animal tracks, this exhibit is a warm welcome for wintertime play. 423-756-2738
- Creative Discovery Museum's Gingerbread Workshops / Nov. 19 - Dec. 18, Dates & times vary. Closed Wed. ($) - Create your own Holiday tradition by participating in the annual Gingerbread House Workshop at Creative Discovery Museum. By reservation only. 423-756-2738
- MainX24 Festival / Dec. 3-4 / 8am - 8am (FREE) - Celebrate Main Street & the Southside district with a 24 hour packed schedule of entertainment, green living, fashion shows, parades and parties, music & motion. Santa will be at the Choo Choo and don't miss the Sculpture Burn!
- Chattanooga Theatre Centre's Best Christmas Pageant Ever (live on stage) / Dec. 9-23, dates & times vary ($) - The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But when rumors of free snacks lure them into church, they inadvertently take over the Christmas Pageant. The delightful chaos teaches everyone about the true spirit of the Holiday Season. 423-267-8534
- Holiday Starlight Parade / Dec.10, 6-7pm (FREE) – Enjoy this community-wide holiday parade featuring live music, balloons, Santa Claus, floats, walking units & specialty vehicles, all strung with festive holiday lights. Route: starts at Martin Luther King Blvd. & travels down Market St. to the Tennessee Aquarium. 423-265-0771
- Chattanooga Holiday Market / Dec. 3, 10am-5pm & Dec. 4, 11am-4pm & Holiday Market Too! / Dec. 9-10, 10am-6pm & Dec. 16-17, 10am-6pm (FREE) - The Holiday Market offers a special holiday theme with live music, caroling, festivities & over 200 vendors selling unique, hand-made holiday gifts and artisan foods. Holiday Market held at First Tennessee Pavilion. Holiday Market Too held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
- Lighted Boat Parade / Nov. 25, 7pm (FREE) - Boat parade and community caroling. 423-265-0771
- Holidays at the Hunter Museum of American Art / Nov 25-Jan. 2, 2012, Daily ($) - Explore the Hunter galleries and discover themed holiday trees decorated by Chattanooga's top designers and florists. 423-267-0968
- Chattanooga Zoo's Holiday Lights / Dec. 9-10, 16-17 / 5:30-8pm ($) - Come and see the Chattanooga Zoo transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visit the animals and Santa Claus while enjoying fun holiday games and crafts! 423-697-1322
See our complete listing of events for more fun holiday ideas. View a variety of vacation packages and book your trip today!