Rock City’s 18th annual Enchanted Garden of Lights opens as an area holiday tradition. The magic starts Friday, Nov. 16, from 6-9 p.m. and runs through Jan. 5. Have a North Pole Adventure where joy and wonder await. And back this year is “Dinner with Santa” with more dates to choose from.
Dinner with Santa offers VIP admission to the Lights and a buffet dinner, with extras for children that include a small gift, cookie decorating voucher and of course, a visit with St. Nick. Dinner dates are Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 5 p.m. each night. To view menu options and purchase tickets, go to www.seerockcity.com/santa.
Opening weekend features “college nights” – with Lee University and UTC groups performing. Students and faculty at the respective schools get in for $5 on their college night (with school I.D.) – Friday, Nov. 16 is Lee University Night, and Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18, are UTC Nights.
For more holiday fun, enjoy nightly entertainment in the “North Pole Lodge,” Starbucks Winter Weekend Nights and fun activities like Sugar Plum Fairy Makeovers and cookie decorating. The event has also been acclaimed as one of America’s “Top 100 Events” by the American Bus Association, as well as a repeated Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society. Visit seerockcity.com/lights.
A portion of each ticket sold goes to benefit local families at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Rock City is committed to continuing its efforts of partnering with community organizations like RMH, as well as the MaryEllen Locher Foundation (MELF). The pink Survivor birdhouse ornaments are available through December, with a portion of proceeds benefitting MELF and breast cancer awareness. Visit RMH at rmhchattanooga.com and MELF at melfoundation.org.
Rock City is one of the South’s most popular natural attractions. Known for its unique geological and botanical wonders, the enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, a 140-foot waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain and the Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet. Visit www.seerockcity.com for more info.