Get into the holiday spirit with a plethora of seasonal events
In case it’s snuck up on you, like it has me, Christmas is just 25 days away. I know...where has the year gone? It’s already December? Yikes!
But if you’re having a bit of trouble getting into the holiday spirit, here are some events that will help get you ho-ho-hoing.
Kicking off this Thursday, Christmas Underground returns to Ruby Falls. Take a magical adventure deep within the heart of Lookout Mountain where children discover a secret underground passage to see Santa.
You can visit the decorated gemstone mines in this unique setting 26 stories underground and go on a journey past the Northern Lights and Sugar Plum Fairy Village, into a tunnel (optional), through an ice cave and to the North Pole where Santa awaits.
This festive event is made for children of all ages where they meet Ruby Falls gemstone miners and enjoy interactive fun like panning for gems called “joystone” (which spreads the spirit of Christmas), using the joystone tester and cracking their own joystone geode.
Christmas Underground runs Thursday–Sunday through Dec. 18 and then daily Dec. 19–23, from Noon to 8 p.m.
The 32nd Annual Christmas at the Courthouse runs weekdays through Friday, Dec. 9th beginning at 11:30 am. The program takes place in the second floor rotunda area of the Hamilton County Courthouse (625 Georgia Ave.).
Performances by 18 area county schools musical groups will be highlighted during the one hour presentation hosted by emcees from various local media outlets.
The program is free and the public is invited to join the elected officials who are honored guests each day as they enjoy this wonderful program which kicks off the holiday season here in Hamilton County.
One of our favorite holiday traditions is the Singing Christmas Tree, and this year it will be an incredible feast for the ears and eyes.
Based on the theme “The Night Before Christmas”, you will be treated to a re-telling of Clement Clark Moore’s classic poem narrated by WRCB chief meteorologist Paul Barys.
The members of the Chattanooga Boys Choir, Ballet Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Bells will “interrupt” Mr. Barys with musical interludes highlighting the classic story of awaiting a visit from Santa Claus.
Traditional carols, favorite holiday songs, and Santa-inspired selections will put everyone in a festive mood for the holidays!
No holiday season would be complete without Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol”. The Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga examines the timeless questions of past, present and future with their production of the classic.
This is also a season of reflection for ETC itself as it returns to production after a ten-month hiatus and to a new stage. “ETC is very excited to be producing again, and we are especially excited to be doing so in the beautiful new community space at Midtown Central, soon to be home of the Family Justice Center,” notes Director Garry Posey.
Performances are scheduled to run December 3-18, Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 at Midtown Central (the Family Justice Center) located at 911 Eastgate Loop, near the Brainerd Mission Cemetery.
And for you shoppers, The Chattanooga Holiday Market returns to the Chattanooga Convention Center downtown on Carter Street.
This is a producer-only market—which means vendors have made it, baked it, grown it or sewn it themselves. And this year, nearly 200 vendors will be attending the holiday festivities for three weekends in December.
So get your ugly Christmas sweaters out and embrace the spirit of the season. Ho ho ho!