It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Rock City’s 21st annual Enchanted Garden of Lights, returning Nov. 20–Jan. 2. Visit the area’s own “north pole” high atop Lookout Mountain where hundreds of thousands of lights shine brightly from 6-9 p.m. nightly.
This holiday tradition is complete with wonder and magic around every turn of the Enchanted Trail.
The popular Dinner with Santa event is almost sold out, with a few spots remaining Tuesday, Dec,15, at 5 p.m. This festive buffet dinner also offers VIP admission to the Lights, with extras for children that include a gift, gingerbread cookie decorating voucher and a visit with St. Nick! Reservations and other info are available online at www.seerockcity.com/lights.
Inara the Ice Queen, Jack Frost and Jerry the toy soldier mime are back, along with animatronic polar bears, Merry and Dash and their newborn baby yet to be named. Guests can visit Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights Facebook page to vote on a name and get other fun details (www.facebook.com/RockCityLights).
Enjoy last season’s new additions like the Dancing Forest, as well as a new lit scene in 2015 celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Chattanooga! A portion of each ticket sold to the Lights goes to benefit local families at RMHC. Go to rmhchattanooga.com for more info on how you can help.
Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, get a Sugar Plum Fairy Makeover, decorate a Christmas ornament and eat some reindeer corn. Guests can also enjoy the nightly concert series in the North Pole Lodge while sitting by the fire, drinking hot cocoa, cappuccino or apple cider. Other entertainers are also performing on select nights in the park and at Starbucks.
College nights at the Lights also return, with college groups performing opening weekend. Opening night, Friday, Nov. 20, is Lee University night, Nov. 21 is UTC night and Nov. 22 is Chattanooga State. All students and faculty with current school I.D. receive $6 tickets on their respective college night. This discount also applies to Covenant College for all Sunday – Wednesday evenings.
Discounted tickets to the Lights are offered Sundays through Wednesdays - visit the website for additional details. Rock City is closed Christmas Eve night, reopening on Christmas Day at 6 p.m.