It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Rock City Gardens prepares for its 15th Annual Enchanted Garden of Lights, which runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 2.
Visitors "See Rock City" in a whole new light, as a million lights illuminate age-old rock formations along the Enchanted Trail. This award-winning, light extravaganza features 30 holiday scenes that transform the gardens' natural daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland.
“The Enchanted Garden of Lights celebrates its 15th Anniversary by presenting its first themed approach,” said President Andrew Kean of Rock City Gardens. “This year’s theme, The North Pole Adventure, offers a dynamic experience for all as guests interact with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, watch live elves harvest candy canes right before their eyes and even see a sleeping polar bear.”
The lighting spectacular ranges from glittering snowflakes to a life-sized lighted gingerbread house. “We are also continuing to improve our experience as we begin a formal transition to a total LED light display as our organization finds our Green Way Forward,” said Mr. Kean. “We’re focused on creating an evening that guests will surely remember and repeat in the years to come.”
A portion of each ticket sold goes to benefit Ronald McDonald House. After raising $92,000 for RMH Charities so far, this year’s goal is to surpass the $100,000 mark.
“Strategic community partnerships like the one we have with Rock City is essential for us in raising the funds necessary to provide a ‘home-away-from-home’ for the families of seriously ill children at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga,” said Executive Director Jane Kaylor. “We are thrilled to have the support of Rock City during their Enchanted Garden of Lights promotion and look forward to continuing this collaboration for years to come.”
A special treat is the nightly concert series where guests can enjoy hot cocoa and listen to holiday music performed in Rock City’s Pavilion. Also enjoy cookie decorating and Sugar Plum Fairy Makeovers. Go to seerockcity.com/lights for a complete listing of entertainment.
Rock City Gardens' Enchanted Garden of Lights is a recipient of the Southeast Tourism Society's coveted "Shining Example Award” and is one of their “Top 20 Events” this holiday season. The event is also recently acclaimed as one of America’s “Top 100 Events” as listed by the American Bus Association.
This weekend only: $5 tickets for the following area colleges with valid school I.D. for all students and faculty:
Friday – Lee University
Saturday – UTC
Sunday – Chattanooga State
Rock City Gardens is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the holiday season, with the Enchanted Garden of Lights open nightly from 6-9 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve night). Don’t forget to enjoy some Starbucks coffee on your way in or out!