A Chattanooga Christmas for Kids of All Ages

Holidays at Ruby Falls is full of magical views, twinkling Christmas lights on the Village Plaza and festive cheer around every corner of the historic Ruby Falls Castle. Visit Santa, add your wish to the Forest of Wishes, enjoy cave adventures and savor a meal with local craft beer. Christmas treats and hot chocolate can be enjoyed by the fireplace at Castle Cafe for the ultimate holiday aesthetic.

While atop Lookout Mountain, you don’t want to miss Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights. A cherished family tradition, Rock City is a brilliant way to celebrate Christmas. A beautiful garden any time of year, it’s transformed into a custom light display during holiday evenings. Enter at the original 1932 Gatehouse for a self-guided tour. Stroll through the Arctic Kingdom. Swing along Stone Bridges and Lover’s Leap. Beyond Polar Bear Village is the North Pole Village where Santa greets you. Don’t forget to gaze at the twinkling city of Chattanooga below.

Celebrate the season at Holidays Under the Peaks at Tennessee Aquarium. Spot SCUBA Claus in the River Journey building. He'll float among enormous fish in the River Giants exhibit in the Tennessee River gallery, waving hello and listening to Christmas requests. Social media c-EEL-ebrity Miguel Wattson is the aquarium's designated tree lighter, illuminating the tree made possible by yuletide tech in the Rivers of the World gallery. Catch a screening of The Polar Express 3D during the annual PJs and Polar event and more.

While a sleigh may be Santa’s preferred mode of transportation, he loves to spend some of his leisure time aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. Take a break with a “Tis the Season” prime rib lunch or dinner cruise (a beautiful way to see Chattanooga Christmas lights). Take the kids to enjoy Breakfast with Santa along the Tennessee River complete with live entertainment. You’re also invited to join the boat’s captain at the wheel to see how he navigates the long and winding waterways.

The annual Asian Lantern Festival lights up the night at Chattanooga Zoo. The beautiful event features hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns displaying a variety of wildlife from the Amazon Rainforest and dinosaurs. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy 40 unique lantern displays that move, change color, emit fog, play music and more as you tour the zoo at night. Snap a free photo with Santa Claus on select dates as well.

Head on over to the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s original landing, where you can lace up those skates for a spin or two at Ice on the Landing. Skates are provided, but you can also bring your own. Each ticket allows for a 60-minute skating session, and spectators are also welcome. Think you’re a little rusty or just want to get that spin down pat? Knowledgeable rink guides are available to assist you as well as "plastic skate buddies" available for $5.

Need to warm up? Head inside to Frothy Monkey for a cup of Festivus, their special holiday coffee blend, or sip on a craft cocktail such as “Under the Mistletoe.” If you need a bite to eat, Frothy Monkey provides a thoughtfully-sourced, all-day menu.

Listen for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole Limited whistle as you round Hunziker Curve heading into the tunnel toward Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. While onboard this Chattanooga Christmas train, chefs Nick and Frost share cookies and milk with you as they tell the history of the tracks on which you ride. Get your ticket punched by a conductor, listen to jokes by Elf Tinker, but avoid getting on Elf Snow Ball’s naughty list because Santa Claus is coming to town. He and Mrs. Claus greet boys and girls at the train’s North Pole destination and ride back to the station so all who believe can visit with them. All the fun is for a cause as ticket sales go to railcar restoration efforts. Additional rides include a Christmas Tea, Christmas Daylight Express and a Nightcap with St. Nick train ride that is 21 and up only. 

Chattanooga has many holiday activities you can experience this season. It’s easy to get into the spirit in the city that’s filled with twinkling lights, beautiful displays and endless fun.