by Cindy Dupree
posted November 14, 2009
With so much going on in southeast Tennessee during the holidays, the biggest issue people will face is finding the time to do it all. So in an effort to make life easier, here's a list of all the unique things to do in this lovely part of Tennessee.
Kick off the festivities at the 18th Annual Cherokee Heritage/Crane Days taking place this Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, music, demonstrations, several guest speakers, and those magnificent birds, of course. Head over to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood, Tennessee to take it all in.
6800 Blythe Ferry Lane, Birchwood, Tn., 423 334-5850
Don’t forget one of Chattanooga’s all-time faves—Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights which starts up Nov. 20, and runs through Jan. 2, 2010. With 30 different holiday scenes using over a million lights, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is definitely one of the brightest sites to see this holiday season.
Enjoy nightly entertainment in the pavilion with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, while the kids decorate gingerbread cookies and visit with Santa. Don’t miss the elves hard at work building toys and harvesting candy canes! http://www.seerockcity.com/pages/Enchanted-Garden-of-Lights/
Just down the mountain is Ruby Falls’ Deck the Falls starting Friday, Nov. 21 and running through Saturday, Jan. 3, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day).
In addition to the regular daily offerings, Ruby Falls offers a special twist for the Holiday Season as they “Deck the Falls.” Enjoy the sounds of the season, as holiday music accompanies you through your tour of the falls. There is a special, state-of-the-art LED Holiday light show! And on Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy a special 1920's style Christmas. http://www.rubyfalls.com/pages/Deck-the-Falls/
Watch the Grand Illumination on the River from Chattanoooga’s downtown riverfront on Nov. 27. Then, check to see if you’ve made the Naughty or Nice List with Breakfast with Santa in the Grand Ballroom of the Chattanoogan on Nov. 28. Enjoy a full breakfast, entertainment and an opportunity to get pictures with Santa before he returns to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. http://www.downtownchattanooga.org/winter_days/star_light_illumination/
Christmas on the Mountain at Fall Creek Falls State Park takes place the first weekend in December. This three-day celebration features handmade holiday crafts, candies and breads, as well as a number of activities for all ages. A silent auction will be held on Saturday. This is a great place to pick up some unique gifts.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville, Tn. 37367
Office: 423 881-5298/Inn & Cabin Reservations: 1 800 250-8610
http://myfallcreekfalls.com/events.html
Got the winter blues? Head to the Tennessee Aquarium for “Ho, Ho, H2O- a Tropical Holiday Adventure." Though the weather outside may be frightful, inside the aquarium, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to a tropical oasis. All-day programs start Nov. 20, and run through Jan. 3, 2010. Also, check out the holiday classic, The Polar Express playing at the IMAX just across the street.
http://www.tnaqua.org/Home.aspx
What says holidays like nothing else? Downtown Christmas parades. In Southeast Tennessee, we’ve got you covered:
On Dec. 5, enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas in downtown Dayton, Tennessee. Artists and crafters will be demonstrating theirs skills during the Christmas Arts Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab a bowl of chili and snap a picture with Santa at Centennial Park from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enter Fido or Lassie in the Pet Pageant at 3 p.m. The completely non-motorized horse and carriage Christmas parade kicks off at 5 p.m. End the day at the historic courthouse, after the parade, for a bit of caroling. http://www.mainstreetdayton.org/Events.html
Chattanooga’s Holiday Starlight Parade takes place on Dec. 5, on Market Street in Chattanooga. This is Chattanooga’s largest evening holiday parade complete with performers, vehicles and floats strung in twinkling lights, and tons of Yuletide cheer.
http://www.downtownchattanooga.org/winter_days/star_light_illumination/
Light Up the Basin takes places in Copperhill, Tennessee on Friday, Dec. 4. Local communities coordinate their Christmas Lighting Ceremonies into a single evening of celebration the night before the annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade. The night starts off at 6 p.m., at the McCaysville Branch of United Community Bank, where Mayor Buddy Finch helps light McCaysville’s official Christmas tree.
A candlelit parade complete with caroling leads to the Copperhill Branch of BB&T for another tree lighting. Next, Copperhill City Mayor Cecil Arp lights up the Yule Tree at City Hall. The caroling continues down Grande Avenue towards the lighting of the wreath of the Old Steel Bridge. Warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate and cookies while the kids visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. http://www.ocoeecountry.com/events.cfm?eid=226
On Dec. 4, head over to Cleveland, Tn., for Carols in the City. The evening starts at 6 p.m., with the traditional lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, followed by Carols in the City. But this isn’t your average caroling. This reverse-caroling event uses bell-tollers to lead visitors throughout historic downtown, where each downtown church choir awaits their chance to wow the crowd with their own special caroling.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand in the bandstand, and visitors can also enjoy a free carriage ride through this quaint, historic town. http://www.mainstreetcleveland.com/
Ocoee Whitewater Center is hosting its Annual Festival of Trees throughout the month of December. Local businesses, schools, and organizations decorate and compete in categories ranging from Most Imaginative, Best Children’s Tree, Best Home-made Ornaments, Best Historical Theme and Most Community Spirit. http://www.ocoeecountry.com/events.cfm?eid=340
Don’t forget fruitcake! It’s a holiday gift you either love or hate. If you’re one of those fruitcake haters, then you’re in luck with The Dutch Maid Bakery’s fruitcake. One bite and you’ll quickly become fruitcake converted. If you’re still skeptical about the fruitcake idea, the Dutch Maid offers cookies, cakes, jams, breads and pastries, perfect for holiday parties or gifts.
http://www.thedutchmaid.com/
The Sunshine Hollow Bakery ups the fruitcake ante with a honey-butter-rum batter, chocked full of pecan halves, candied pineapple, whole cherries, dates and coconut. These are two fruitcakes you won’t be re-gifting!
http://www.sunshinehollow.com/bakery/
If you’re looking for just that one special tree, here’s your place:
Little Mountain Tree Farm, Griffith Road, Pikeville, Tn. 37367
423 881-3904
Reese Family Christmas Tree Farm, 188 Leamon Drive, Calhoun, Tn.
423 336-9757/Cell: 423 618-2340
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