Seasonal memories are ones we make new each year, and they’re bound to last a lifetime. Here in Chattanooga, we have the perfect to-do list lined up to help make this year’s memories as unforgettable as all the rest.
The holiday season in the Scenic City is nothing short of spectacular. From the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City atop historic Lookout Mountain, to the depths of the Tennessee River, where the majestic Southern Belle Riverboat celebrates with special holiday cruises, to the sounds of the season sung by none other than the Chattanooga Boys Choir, there’s plenty going on during the holidays.
Chattanooga kicks off the 2004 holiday season with our annual Winter Days & Lights tradition. Starting Nov. 26, enjoy our hometown favorites like the 24th annual Christmas on the River lighted boat parade at Coolidge Park. Or join the Grande Illumination Ceremony immediately following, as it features lively performances by singing and dancing groups and the popular singing Santa. The evening comes to a glittering conclusion with a fireworks finale and the illumination of over 120 downtown buildings.
The world’s largest freshwater aquarium invites you to Dive Into Winter starting Nov. 20. Watch as divers feed sharks, stingrays and other saltwater fish in the Gulf of Mexico tank, river otters in the Cove Forest, lake sturgeon in the Discovery Hall, and comical ducks, bass, and catfish in the Nickajack Lake exhibit.
Across the street at the IMAX® 3D Theater, gear up on Nov. 19 for the fight of the season in the holiday film Santa vs. the Snowman. See what happens when a snowman devises a plan to take over Santa's empire and become the world's most popular Christmas figure.
The Children’s Creative Discovery Museum provides hours of entertainment for the whole family, but is specially designed with the little ones in mind. This hands-on-just-for-kids museum rolls out a special holiday exhibit this season, Cool Wonders, where kids can explore a winter forest, play in a warm cottage, experience the northern lights and then wind their way through a blizzard room. Throughout the winter, the museum will also host the Cool Wonders Winter Film Festival for Children, where several unique short films, both animation and live action, will be shown.
And everyone will have a blast on the Southern Belle Riverboat’s holiday cruises. Kids will love the one-hour Santa’s Ho, Ho, Ho! Cruise December 11-12, with a magic show, sack meal, holiday music and, of course, the man in the Big Red Suit. And the Riverboat’s singing deckhands will start a chorus of carols on the Christmas Carol Dinner cruises from Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. But that’s not all, because Santa himself will start the entertainment when he shows his stuff on the dance floor.
For a memory you can’t make anywhere else, join the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Valley Railroad as they team up to bring the North Pole Limited Adventures. Special holiday Choo Choo packages, starting November 26, include tickets to several attractions, elf tuck-in service for the children, and a ride aboard Locomotive #610 with cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.
For more sightings of Santa throughout the season, enjoy a one-on-one Breakfast with Santa on November 27 at The Chattanoogan hotel. This holiday event allows families to enjoy a full breakfast buffet and a delightful musical show performed once again by the famous singing Santa.
The Holiday StarLight Parade on Dec. 4 has been Chattanooga’s largest holiday parade for the past eight years. This lighted parade features floats, vehicles and marching units strung in twinkling lights. For more lights, visit the Chattanooga Zoo’s Holiday Lights event from December 11-18, where thousands of lights decorate the Zoo in animal shapes and holiday designs. While you’re there, wish Hank the Chimpanzee, the zoo’s oldest and most recognized resident, a very happy holiday.
You can’t visit Chattanooga without experiencing Rock City Gardens. Starting Nov. 19, see the gardens like never before at the 10th annual Enchanted Garden of Lights. This award-winning, 500,000 dazzling light extravaganza will feature more than 25 holiday scenes that transform the gardens' natural daytime splendor into a glorious nocturnal fantasyland. And, starting Nov. 19, you can Deck the Falls this year at Ruby Falls. The 145-foot underground waterfall will be transformed with an array of enchanting lights and sound effects you won’t want to miss.
And music lovers everywhere will be awed by the sounds of the Chattanooga Boys Choir as they perform the annual holiday favorite, the Singing Christmas Tree on Dec. 4. The Nutcracker comes to life December 10-11 at the Tivoli Theater, and the Chattanooga Symphony (CSO) brings you Home for the Holidays Dec. 18 with Yuletide carols and other seasonal music performed by the Symphony, local choirs and the CSO Chorus.
Make your memories this holiday season memorable enough to last a lifetime. Make them in Chattanooga.
For more information on Chattanooga’s events or to order a free visitors guide, visit chattanoogafun.com or call 800/322-3344.
2004 Holiday Events in Chattanooga:
WINTER DAYS & LIGHTS 2004
The holidays will sparkle this year as never before in downtown Chattanooga. The Winter Days & Lights holiday season downtown encompasses activities from Nov. 26 through Dec. 10. Call (423) 265-0771
Christmas on the River & Grande Illumination – The 24th annual Christmas on the River lighted boat parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Coolidge Park. Immediately following is the Grande Illumination Ceremony which features lively performances by singing and dancing groups and the popular singing Santa. Bring in the season with the illumination of over 120 downtown buildings. Following the performance, the evening comes to a glittering conclusion with a fireworks finale and the illumination of the city’s skyline for the holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa – Children of all ages are invited to have breakfast with the famous singing Santa Claus on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy a bountiful buffet with all the trimmings and a full menu of holiday fun featuring strolling entertainment, magicians and a delightful musical show by the famous singing Santa. Goody bags filled with toys, candy and special discount coupons from area attractions will be given to each child. Following the breakfast, children may have their picture taken with Santa. Held in the Grand Ballroom at The Chattanoogan hotel, this event costs $12 for children and $15 for adults. Seating is limited so reservations are required.
Holiday StarLight Parade – This event has been Chattanooga’s largest holiday parade for the past eight years. Traditionally held in the evening, this event enjoys a theme as a lighted parade, with every float, vehicle or marching unit strung in twinkling lights. The parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and will travel down Market Street from Ross's Landing to M.L. King.
Appalachian Christmas - Held on Friday, Dec. 10, this event will continue as it has for the past 16 seasons, with an abundance of cheer and traditional Appalachian folk or bluegrass music. Local favorites begin the toe tapping evening, followed by a regional headline band performing traditional Yuletide tunes. An Appalachian Santa and complimentary hot cider and sugar cookies round out this favorite free event. The fun begins at 7 p.m. at the Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza.
Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
Call 697-1322.
The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is hosting Holiday Lights from Dec. 11-18. Thousands of lights decorate the Zoo in animal shapes and holiday designs. Being in a Zoo at night is a wonderful thing and the effect of the soft glow makes it magical. The Zoo will be sparkling for all our visitors during special extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the event is free with regular admission. The Chattanooga Zoo is accredited with AZA and offers free admission to members of most other zoos in America. The Zoo is open daily.
Creative Discovery Museum
Call (423) 756-2738.
Museum Winter Hours: Creative Discovery Museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. It will open noon to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Regular winter hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all other days. The Museum is always closed on Wednesdays during the fall and winter. Admission is $5.95 for children ages 2-12 and $7.95 for adults.
“Cool Wonders” now through Feb. 1, 2005 – When you enter the exhibit, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a winter forest where you can dress up like animals, hibernate in a winter den, play with puppets, read a winter book or learn how to identify animals by their tracks. Then, make your way from the forest into a warm winter cabin, complete with furniture, wooly clothes, a fireplace and even some resident mice. But this cabin has something special – a wardrobe with a secret entrance into a blizzard maze. After the blizzard maze, you’ll be at Ice Mountain, an eight-foot high rock climbing gym. Play in a realistic ice-fishing hut or try your skill at downhill skiing on an arcaded stimulator.
"Cool Wonders" Science Demonstrations through Feb. 15, 2005 – Hammer nails with a banana, break a penny and see a flower shatter like glass. This liquid nitrogen science demonstration examines sub-freezing temperatures, throws in a variable element, and reworks the three states of matter. It’s a cool show you won’t want to miss! Demonstrations are Saturdays at 1:45 p.m and 3:45 p.m. and Sundays at 3:45 p.m. These activities are free with Museum admission, and seating is available on a first-come, first served basis.
"Cool Wonders" Art Studio Lessons through Feb. 15, 2005 – In November, discover wide open spaces, cowboys and fantastic sunsets in the “Give Me Land, Lots of Land” art lesson. Children will explore crayon resist techniques using white paint to make their own winter wonderland snowscape to take home during December’s “Winter Wonderland” art lesson. Demonstrations are Saturdays and Sundays at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. January’s “Through the Window” art lessons bring beautiful, sparkling rainbow windows. Children will discover how to express artistic vision through the creation of replica stained glass windows. These activities are free with Museum admission, and seating is available on a first-come, first served basis.
Saturday, Nov. 29 - Cool Wonders Winter Film Festival for Children begins. Unique short films for children will air every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the Museum beginning Nov. 29 and ending Dec. 28. Admission to the films is free with paid admission to the Museum. The films, both animated and live action, will include such award-winning shorts as “The First Snow of Winter,” which tells the tale of a small duck who misses migration and spends a cold winter alone; “Why Rabbit Turns White,” which tells the Native American tale of why rabbits are white; and “The Legend of Spirit Bear,” which tells why every 10th bear is a spirit bear.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 – New Year at noon, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the grand toast and countdown at Noon, sharp. Ring in the Year 2005 at Creative Discovery Museum with our 6th annual, kid-friendly "New Year at Noon" celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can make party hats at Creation Station, get a kazoo and learn how to play it, enter prize drawings and enjoy our "Cool Wonders" science demonstration and exhibit. As our "New Year's at Noon" count-down culminates promptly at - what else - Noon, everyone can toast the New Year with apple juice and a kazoo rendition of "Auld Lang Syne." After our Grande "New Year at Noon" Celebration (which is when the New Year will be celebrated in Sumatra, Java and the Steppes of Russia), kids can enjoy culturally diverse holiday activities from around the world, courtesy of the Women's Council on Diversity. This is a great opportunity to get to know your kids before going off to your own "big kid" party.
Chattanooga Theatre Center
Call (423) 267-8534.
A Christmas Story, Dec. 3-19. Discover humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of the Midwest in the 1940’s through the eyes of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker. Join Ralphie on his quest to find a genuine Red Rider BB gun for Christmas. You’ll enjoy all the elements from this beloved motion picture. This is a special Mainstage co-production.
A Swingin’ Christmas, Dec. 3-18. Cozy up with Shanni Hedden, (Always…Patsy Cline) and band members, Kenny Palmer, Joe Lance, Eddie Gwaltney and Bob Stagner for this “Swing-Style” Christmas show. Includes standards from by-gone eras made famous by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Curt Vile, and of course, Patsy Cline.
Rock City Gardens
Call (800) 854-0675.
Nov. 19, through Jan. 1, 2005. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights...a family holiday tradition. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as Rock City Gardens prepares for its 10th Annual "Enchanted Garden of Lights." Enjoy the show nightly from 6-9 p.m., except for Christmas Eve. This award-winning, light extravaganza will feature more than 25 holiday scenes that transform the gardens’ natural and daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland. Visitors “See Rock City” in a whole new light, as 500,000 star bright lights illuminate the age-old rock formations along the Enchanted Trail. The spectacular lights range from glittering snowflakes to a life-sized gingerbread house. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa and listen to holiday music performed under a moonlit canopy (heated tent) of stars. Admission to Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is $12.95 for adults, $6.95 for children ages 3-12 and free for children two and under.
Ruby Falls
Call (800) 755-7105.
Deck the Falls, Nov. 19, through Jan. 1, 2005. The 145-foot Ruby Falls will be transformed for the holiday season. Enjoy the splendor with an array of enchanting lights and sound effects.
Southern Belle Riverboat
Call (800) 766-2784.
Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises, Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. Our singing Deckhands will get everyone started singing Christmas carols as we cruise the scenic Tennessee River. Our Prime Rib and Shrimp Creole dinner will surely please the palate. We'll have live entertainment for dancing or just easy listening. Don't forget Santa will be on board to start the dancing.
Tis the Season luncheon, Dec. 2-4. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise complete with slow cooked Prime Rib and live entertainment. The craft instructor will teach everyone how to make a special Christmas decoration for you to take home.
Santa's Ho, Ho, Ho Cruises, Dec. 11-12. Kids will love this one-hour cruise with a magic show that will razzle and dazzle everyone, a deli buffet lunch, holiday music and, of course, the man in the Big Red Suit. For a special surprise, there will be two other visitors – maybe the Grinch and a friend.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, Dec. 31. Join us at 8 p.m. for light Hors d'oeuvres and departing at 9 p.m. to cruise into the year 2005. The fare for dinner will be slow cooked Prime Rib and Shrimp Creole, Baby Red Potatoes in a Dilled Buttered Sauce, Steamed Rice, Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Dinner Rolls, Coffee, Iced Tea and Pecan Pie for dessert. At midnight, the horns will be blowing with party favors for all. A Split of Champagne is provided to each couple for a toast to ring in the New Year.
Tennessee Aquarium
Call (800) 262-0695.
During "Dive Into Winter,” Aquarium visitors get a special holiday treat as our divers swim with the comical diving ducks, colossal catfish and stealthy sharks. Daily schedule - Nov. 20, - Feb. 27, 2005 (The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.)
10:05 a.m. - Cove Forest: The phrase “eat like a bird” may imply a light appetite, but in reality, birds must consume a great deal of food in order to stay healthy. Watch as our birds dine on fruit, pellets and the occasional mealworm.
10:30 a.m. - Cove Forest: How does a river otter dine? While floating on its back, of course. Visitors can see the Aquarium's river otters frolic for food.
11 a.m. - Nickajack Lake: Comical diving ducks steal the show (as well as food from the divers' hands) during the dive in the 145,000-gallon Nickajack Lake tank. Visitors will learn more about native fish as our divers swim with giant catfish, bass and alligator gar.
2 p.m. - Gulf of Mexico: Sharks, stingrays and other saltwater fish surround divers in the Gulf of Mexico tank, while colorful reef fish dart among the mangrove roots.
3 p.m. - Member's Entrance: For everyone who ever wondered how the Aquarium makes sea water out of tap water or how many pounds of crickets, worms and squid are on the daily menu, the Aquarium now offers a behind-the-scenes tour. The guided tour takes visitors above the tanks, behind the exhibits, into the food preparation kitchen and down into the basement where holding basins the size of tractor-trailers are stored. Additional tickets required. Tickets may be purchased with an Aquarium admission ticket. Prices are $7 per adult and $5 per child. Member tickets can be purchased at $5 per adult and $3 per child. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Tour participants meet at the Members Entrance at 3 p.m.
3 p.m. - Seahorse Gallery: Learn more about the feeding habits of our amazing seahorses and watch as they slurp up their favorite food - baby brine shrimp. You'll find out what makes these "steeds of the deep" such great predators.
4:30 p.m. - Delta: The Tennessee Aquarium has one of the largest turtle collections in the world. Learn more about our reptilian friends and their feeding habits.
Tennessee Aquarium IMAX® 3D Theater
Call (800) 262-0695.
Santa vs. the Snowman: Starting Nov. 19: "Santa vs. the Snowman" is the story of a lonely Snowman who finds Santa's workshop but is chased away when he sets off an alarm. Envious, he devises a plan to take over Santa's empire and become the world's most popular figure each Christmas. Having enlisted "Snow Minions Made Easy," he pits his snowman army against Santa's elves and captures Santa, setting off a hilarious, epic-scale polar battle.
Tennessee Valley Railroad
Call (423) 894-8028.
North Pole Limited Adventures - Fun family holiday activity based on a popular children’s book. Round trip train ride aboard Locomotive #610 originates at the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex and features storytelling, hot chocolate, cookies and an appearance by Santa. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Thursday – Sunday in November and December.
Tivoli Theatre
Call (423) 642-TIXS.
Chattanooga Boys Choir Singing Christmas Tree, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The world-famous Chattanooga Boys Choir presents their 42nd annual Christmas show. All seats are reserved at $10 each. Call the Chattanooga Boys Choir at (423) 622-3033.
The Nutcracker, Dec. 10-11 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet, presented by Chattanooga Ballet with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra live. Call the Chattanooga Ballet office at (423) 870-1518.
Chattanooga Symphony Pops - Home for the Holidays, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. Join the CSO for Yuletide carols and other seasonal music performed by the Symphony, local choirs and the CSO Chorus. Call the CSO office at (423) 267-8583.
A Christmas Carol, Nov. 27-28. Ballet Tennessee presents a holiday event for the whole family. Celebrate the 161st anniversary of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family in original choreography by Chattanooga’s own Barry Van Cura. Call (423) 622-3033 for ticket prices and show times.
RESTAURANT & HOTEL PACKAGES:
Bluff View Art District: Call *(423) 265-5033.
Bluff View Art District’s Open House, Friday, Nov. 26 Looking for some holiday magic? Bluff View Art District’s got it. Be fascinated at River Gallery as you watch local and regional artists demonstrating their craft. Watch them work and get great ideas for everyone on your list.
Ideas are up for grabs at Rembrandt’s Coffee House with specialty gift baskets, unique holiday gift ideas, chocolate-making demonstrations, and pastry and chocolate cases filled with the season’s freshest surprises. Enjoy complimentary samples of breads, pastries and cakes prepared especially for the holidays. Be sure to stop by Bluff View Inn’s Maclellan House to tour the inn rooms and enjoy our signature sablées.
Holiday Dining in the Bluff View Art District. Visit the Bluff View Art District this holiday season for all your catering and holiday dining needs. On Thanksgiving & Christmas Days, join the festivities at Renaissance Commons for a holiday feast. A Thanksgiving buffet will be served from 12-6 p.m. and is $24.95 per person. A Christmas Day Champagne Brunch Buffet will be available from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is $24.95 per person. Reservations are required. Call (423) 265-5033 Ext. 4. Or, enjoy a delightful meal at Tony’s Pasta or Back Inn Café. Both will be open until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Call (800) TRACK 29.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn presents Victorian Nights, a selection of four inclusive holiday packages beginning Nov. 19. Packages may include one or more nights' accommodations in a traincar or a regular room and discount tickets to the following attractions: Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights, Deck the Falls at Ruby Falls, The Tennessee Aquarium’s “Dive Into Winter”, the holiday film “Santa vs. the Snowman” at the IMAX 3D Theater, and a train ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's North Pole Adventures aboard Locomotive #610. Discount shopping at Warehouse Row factory outlet mall included, as well as pictures with Santa, personal elf tuck-in service for the children and a commemorative holiday ornament. Call 1-800-TRACK 29 for reservations.
Mayor’s Mansion Inn
Call (423) 265-5000.
Experience a past rich in history at the Mayor’s Mansion Inn with the Holiday Tours of Homes & Gardens package. Visitors can view over 20 historical homes and gardens located in Chattanooga’s first Historic District. Package includes two nights accommodations, two tickets for the holiday tour, three-course breakfast, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, late night desserts and a commemorative ornament. Rates vary depending on rooms available.
Do you have that favorite holiday recipe? For the entire holiday season, guests can receive $25 off each night of their stay for swapping out a great family recipe.
The Chattanoogan Hotel
Call (877) 756-1684.
The Chattanoogan, an upscale urban resort, rings in 2005 with a celebratory New Year’s Eve package. Package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, one-hour cocktail party in the hotel’s Foundry lounge including entertainment and dancing, four-course dinner at Broad Street Grille, champagne toast at midnight and use of the hotel’s health and recreation facilities. Package is $279 pr couple and is available on Friday, Dec. 31. With the purchase of this package, Saturday, Jan. 1 will be provided at a reduced rate of $75.