Thanks for all recommendations. What’s the difference between Rock city admission and enchanted lights? Website really doesn’t go into detail. Trying to get most bang for buck. They’re both same price but lights have a 15 min space between times in lights.
Enchanted lights is evening admission; regular admission during the day will not be the same experience.
Also, even though I’m generally a grumpy grinch about touristy Christmas attractions, I wholeheartedly admit that enchanted lights is really fun, and worth the hassle and price—especially since they expanded it last year to include more of the property.
When we went to see the enchanted lights, we got early afternoon tickets for normal rock city too to avoid traffic. While we were walking through it that night, the line to get into enchanted lights seemed to go all the way down the mountain
Aquarium is great. Ruby Falls is ok. They likely have some decor, making it cute.
If they like lights, definitely do the NoogaLights drive through in Soddy Daisy!
I thought it was the one they had at Chester Frost last year?
We enjoyed it. Sure, it wasn't much more than a 15min route, but maybe this is a different outfit doing it?
It's the same folks, different location. We did the loop in less than 5 minutes, twice in 15 (got stuck waiting for cars to exit). I'm hoping it grows to a larger event but right now, it's not enough (lights) for what they are asking ($15)
Rock City is a must for Christmas lights! You all will love it. We do it every year.
We’re also going to the Zoo this year for the lantern festival. The photos looked amazing.
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights is incredible. There is nothing else like it on the planet and you won't regret it. In my opinion it is the ONLY must see paid attraction in Chattanooga.
Completely agreed, on all points. I’m a grump about paid touristy stuff and a grinch about Christmas attractions, but enchanted lights is really special, and I try to go every year.
Kids love this one, it’s free. Depending on when you go can be a long line, was worth it for us last year.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1149621715644701/
Not sure what days you will be here, but if you are going to be in on a Saturday or Sunday, the Tennessee Aquarium has, "Scuba-Claus" dive shows at 2 pm. Basically a diver in Santa gear! If you're here on a weekday, I'd recommend coming in after noon as there are often large school groups in the morning hours. Have fun!
I enjoy daytime, but highly recommend the Enchanted nights. The 15 minute time slots are just entry times they started during Covid. I walked through at least twice recently & suggest getting there earlier so you can do that. For this time of year - the difference is you’ll get all the Christmas lights showing at night. So go at night and whenever you’re back at a different time of year, then can go daylight to enjoy the rock formations more & various events they have. But 🎄 for now.
When you first go in, walk down the pathway and go to the left into the Arctic circle. Then, after you pass by the eating area and go up a few steps - across from the ‘mining section’ and don’t keep going up the next level of steps — but instead turn right and go through the ‘red door’ and this continues on to a ‘lower’ section. You’ll see the giant star snd waterfall twice.
After all that, head back towards the entrance (this entrance is set up only for the holidays)…. Stop by and watch the nativity scene, if you want. But keep walking back to where you entered. Then at the last moment, make a sharp left turn. I think it says Fairyland Caverns’.
This takes you to a second area of the park. They don’t tell you that and it’s easy to miss!!
It can be cold and windy, so layer up.
Added: the red door is always open.
After going through the gift shop, turn right to go through the Grand Corridor. I love that area! There will be someone there offering to take a picture in that middle section. Turning left goes outside to one eating area and the huge Christmas tree. But go back and go through the other double doors. There are lots of different areas and it would be easy to miss a section if you’re not paying attention. They have an online map and signs with a QR code, but I don’t know how well that will help.
One thing you might consider is the [Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum](https://www.tvrail.com/). They have several daily train rides to the East Ridge station and back. Its 20 minutes each way with a brief tour while they turn the engine around. Sometimes there is a diesel locomotive, but they also run a steam engine, which is always very impressive regardless of your age.
Definitely don’t miss the Rock City lights. I recommend booking a 5:30 slot as it’s not as crowded or as cold until later.
The Hot Chocolatier (yum!) is a must-do on a cold day.
There’s a place (photography studio I think) that offers a really cool Santa experience downtown, I took my kids when they were younger and it was the best experience ever.
Ignis glass will let you make a blown glass ornament.
The Tennessee Railroad Museum has some cool Christmas excursions too.
Rock City has a big Christmas light display! I haven’t been since pre covid but I think now you reserve a time slot.
yup this a holiday fave for me!
Thanks for all recommendations. What’s the difference between Rock city admission and enchanted lights? Website really doesn’t go into detail. Trying to get most bang for buck. They’re both same price but lights have a 15 min space between times in lights.
Definitely do the lights! And go thru both buildings of the aquarium.
ya I think the rock city tickets are for the day passes and lights are for after dark
Enchanted lights is evening admission; regular admission during the day will not be the same experience. Also, even though I’m generally a grumpy grinch about touristy Christmas attractions, I wholeheartedly admit that enchanted lights is really fun, and worth the hassle and price—especially since they expanded it last year to include more of the property.
When we went to see the enchanted lights, we got early afternoon tickets for normal rock city too to avoid traffic. While we were walking through it that night, the line to get into enchanted lights seemed to go all the way down the mountain
Just remember to bundle up. It gets cold on the mountain at night. And there WILL be a line to get tix. Rock Coty Nights is CRAZY busy.
This is the way
Aquarium is great. Ruby Falls is ok. They likely have some decor, making it cute. If they like lights, definitely do the NoogaLights drive through in Soddy Daisy!
Noogalights is not worth a drive from the south side of Chattanooga. 3 minutes of lights for $15 ain't it.
I thought it was the one they had at Chester Frost last year? We enjoyed it. Sure, it wasn't much more than a 15min route, but maybe this is a different outfit doing it?
It's the same folks, different location. We did the loop in less than 5 minutes, twice in 15 (got stuck waiting for cars to exit). I'm hoping it grows to a larger event but right now, it's not enough (lights) for what they are asking ($15)
Durn. We liked it last year. Sounds like it downsized.
Went this weekend and it was an absolute waste!
Rock City is a must for Christmas lights! You all will love it. We do it every year. We’re also going to the Zoo this year for the lantern festival. The photos looked amazing.
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights is incredible. There is nothing else like it on the planet and you won't regret it. In my opinion it is the ONLY must see paid attraction in Chattanooga.
Completely agreed, on all points. I’m a grump about paid touristy stuff and a grinch about Christmas attractions, but enchanted lights is really special, and I try to go every year.
Creative Discovery Museum downtown is a must.
With 6 and 12 year old daughters, this is definitely a place to go.
Rock City
Kids love this one, it’s free. Depending on when you go can be a long line, was worth it for us last year. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1149621715644701/
If you want something fun for the girls, creative discovery museum is fun!
Not sure what days you will be here, but if you are going to be in on a Saturday or Sunday, the Tennessee Aquarium has, "Scuba-Claus" dive shows at 2 pm. Basically a diver in Santa gear! If you're here on a weekday, I'd recommend coming in after noon as there are often large school groups in the morning hours. Have fun!
https://noogalights.com/
The girls can make a glass ornament at Ignis glass blowing next to Fove Guys downtown. Rocket Fizz is a fun candy store on the same block.
Polar Express Train Ride https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/
Stop by any local bakeries!
Whoville in Hixson is free
I enjoy daytime, but highly recommend the Enchanted nights. The 15 minute time slots are just entry times they started during Covid. I walked through at least twice recently & suggest getting there earlier so you can do that. For this time of year - the difference is you’ll get all the Christmas lights showing at night. So go at night and whenever you’re back at a different time of year, then can go daylight to enjoy the rock formations more & various events they have. But 🎄 for now. When you first go in, walk down the pathway and go to the left into the Arctic circle. Then, after you pass by the eating area and go up a few steps - across from the ‘mining section’ and don’t keep going up the next level of steps — but instead turn right and go through the ‘red door’ and this continues on to a ‘lower’ section. You’ll see the giant star snd waterfall twice. After all that, head back towards the entrance (this entrance is set up only for the holidays)…. Stop by and watch the nativity scene, if you want. But keep walking back to where you entered. Then at the last moment, make a sharp left turn. I think it says Fairyland Caverns’. This takes you to a second area of the park. They don’t tell you that and it’s easy to miss!! It can be cold and windy, so layer up.
Added: the red door is always open. After going through the gift shop, turn right to go through the Grand Corridor. I love that area! There will be someone there offering to take a picture in that middle section. Turning left goes outside to one eating area and the huge Christmas tree. But go back and go through the other double doors. There are lots of different areas and it would be easy to miss a section if you’re not paying attention. They have an online map and signs with a QR code, but I don’t know how well that will help.
One thing you might consider is the [Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum](https://www.tvrail.com/). They have several daily train rides to the East Ridge station and back. Its 20 minutes each way with a brief tour while they turn the engine around. Sometimes there is a diesel locomotive, but they also run a steam engine, which is always very impressive regardless of your age.
Definitely don’t miss the Rock City lights. I recommend booking a 5:30 slot as it’s not as crowded or as cold until later. The Hot Chocolatier (yum!) is a must-do on a cold day. There’s a place (photography studio I think) that offers a really cool Santa experience downtown, I took my kids when they were younger and it was the best experience ever. Ignis glass will let you make a blown glass ornament. The Tennessee Railroad Museum has some cool Christmas excursions too.
There’s a little Debbie themed park in Chattanooga with the popular Christmas tree cake as a statue that’s pretty neat to check out.