There are fun and exciting events coming up at the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater and aboard the River Gorge Explorer:
Event Name: Holidays Under the Peaks
Dates: November 20 – January 3
Time: 10am – 6pm
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adults: $29.95 Children: (3-12) $18.95
Is advance registration required? No.
Brief description of event/activities: The wonders of nature are some of the greatest gifts to share with family and friends.
During Holidays Under the Peaks the Aquarium offers specially-themed programs each week, in addition to more than one dozen daily Extraordinary Experiences, free with Aquarium admission or membership. Meet the feisty Peacock Mantis Shrimp with bright colors that rival any holiday décor. Guests will be encouraged to touch moon jellies, get close to a jolly ‘possum and catch special readings of the Cajun Night Before Christmas while surrounded by alligators. Scuba Claus will be making special underwater appearances in the River Journey building each weekend from Nov. 21 through December 20. You might also see jolly otters playing with snowmen or an octopus playing with festive toys during special enrichment activities. For a complete schedule of holiday fun at the Tennessee Aquarium, go to the Aquarium’s website: tnaqua.org/holidays ordownload the FREE Tennessee Aquarium app available in the iTunes Store or Google Play.
Holiday Films at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater:
The Polar Express 3D returns to IMAX for a limited time November 27 – December 24. Experiencing this magical train ride to the North Pole on the giant, six-story screen at IMAX has become a holiday tradition for many families. Kids can meet the conductor on December 18 & 19 during special, “PJs and The Polar Express” events. On Christmas Eve The Polar Express 3D is programmed all day with show times at Noon, 2pm & 4pm.
Special screenings of JERUSALEM 3D will be offered November 27 – January 3. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, JERUSALEM 3D immerses audiences in the many layers of one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic cities. Critics have called JERUSALEM 3D a breathtaking, beautiful film that captures the region’s majestic scenery and awe-inspiring religious ceremonies. Filmmakers gained exclusive access to many sites giving viewers special access to locations rarely seen by the general public. View the official trailer online: tnaqua.org/imax/jerusalem
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 www.tnaqua.org
Event Name: Civil War Cruise: The Battle of Missionary Ridge
Date: Sunday, November 29
Time: 11am – 1pm
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adults: $32 Children: (3-12) $24.50
Is advance registration required? Yes
Brief description of event/activities:Travel back to 1863 with Jim Ogden, National Park Service Historian, for the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Missionary Ridge and Sherman’s crossing of the Tennessee River. This battle defeated Confederate strategies to regain Chattanooga and served as a preamble for the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. Cash bar with wine, beer and snacks will be available for purchase.
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs
Event Name: Caroling with the Fishes
Date: Sunday, December 6
Time: 6:30pm – 9pm
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adult: $14.50 Children: (3-12) $9.50
Is advance registration required? No, but preferred.
Brief description of event/activities: The sounds of the season will fill the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Journey building during Caroling with the Fishes. Stroll through the Aquarium’s Cove Forest as carolers fill the air with seasonal classics. Enjoy the sounds of Jazzanooga, the Chattanooga Flute Society, GPS String Quartet and the McCallie Hand Bell Choir as you relax and explore the freshwater exhibits. You’ll also be invited to sing along with Dan Landrum’s holiday hammered dulcimer music in the Rivers of the World gallery. Visit with Santa and take home a keepsake photo for a nominal fee, then enjoy holiday shopping during extended hours in the River Journey Gift Shop. Gift boxes and shipping will be available. Traditional family caroling with the Metro Musicians in the Aquarium’s auditorium concludes this special night of fun and good cheer.
Help us make a difference in a child's life this holiday season by donating to our toy drive this year. If you bring (1) unwrapped new toy (suggested retail price of at least $10) for a child, you will receive (1) free child's ticket to this event*. (* Limited to one free ticket per party.) We will accept unwrapped toy donations as well. All collected gifts will be distributed to our community through Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs
Event Name: Nature Nuts: Wild Holiday Decorations
Dates: Thursday, December 17
Time: 5 – 7pm
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Member Child: $12; Non-member Child: $17
Is advance registration required? Yes
Brief description of event/activities: For this session of Nature Nuts, Aquarium educators will help your children craft holiday decorations from the wild and for the wild. We may even make some gifts for a few Aquarium animals! This monthly nature club is great fun for the family, especially children ages 5-12. The Tennessee Aquarium Nature Nuts come together to connect children and their families to the amazing diversity of nature in our own backyards and around the world. Our goal is to kindle a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs
Event Name: PJs & The Polar Express (one of two events)
Dates: Friday, December 18th
Time: 9:30 – 11:45am
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adult/Child:$12
Is advance registration required? Yes
Brief description of event/activities: Choo! Choo! All aboard the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole! Begin winter break in a leisurely style. Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express 3D. This is your chance to meet the Conductor, sip hot cocoa and enjoy brunch muffins before the movie. Fun for the entire family and all who truly believe!
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs
Event Name: PJs & The Polar Express (two of two events)
Dates: Saturday, December 19th
Time: 9:30 – 11:45am
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adult/Child:$12
Is advance registration required? Yes
Brief description of event/activities: Choo! Choo! All aboard the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole! Begin winter break in a leisurely style. Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express 3D. This is your chance to meet the Conductor, sip hot cocoa and enjoy brunch muffins before the movie. Fun for the entire family and all who truly believe!
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs
Event Name: Winter Wildlife Cruise: “Eagle Eyes”
Dates: Monday, December 28
Time: 2 – 4pm
Venue with street address: Tennessee Aquarium – One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Age-appropriateness: all
Admission fee: Adult: $32; Child: $24.50
Is advance registration required? Yes
Brief description of event/activities: Winter is prime time to watch for the arrival of wintering Bald Eagles in the our area. With the leaves fallen down and the eagle population soaring up, viewing is even better on the river from the River Gorge Explorer's observation deck. Bring your binoculars and dress appropriately for an eye-full of our national emblem—the bald eagle. Along the way, we'll discuss the wild and tumultuous history of this spectacular bird of prey from endangered days back to its current protected status. Coupons and other discounts are not valid for this cruise.
Questions? Email us at events@tnaqua.org.
Phone and website: 800-262-0695 tnaqua.org/events-programs