Add These Chattanooga Gems to Your Holiday Plans

Escaping holiday to-do lists with much-needed downtime surrounded by beautiful nature isn’t just a daydream. Luckily there are perfect spots where holiday wishes come true!

Recharge and Reconnect in the Mountains

Head to the mountains, or in this case, deep inside Lookout Mountain to discover the wonder of nature and adventure at Ruby Falls. It's just a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga even though it feels like a world apart.

It’s impossible to imagine a more perfect backdrop to recharge and reconnect than the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. The holiday season kicks off at Ruby Falls right after Thanksgiving, on November 26, and continues through December. Visiting Ruby Falls during the holidays is truly bucket-list worthy!

Pick holiday activities made for making happy memories and spending time with the people you love.  Classic holiday decorations and activities make Ruby Falls especially festive this time of year. Take the entire family on a guided walking tour through the Ruby Falls cavern to the gorgeous underground waterfall and swoon at the sweeping views of the Cumberland Plateau from scenic overlooks. (Even kids can make this almost 1 mile walk successfully on the paved cavern trail or use a front pack carrier for babies as strollers are not permitted it in cave)

Reserving Tickets in Advance is Easy

Planning is blissfully easy and stress-free with timed-entry tour tickets. Tickets are sold only online. For the best availability, buy your tickets at least several days in advance at rubyfalls.com. Ruby Falls is open daily in December, except for December 25.  

An evening visit is especially magical thanks to a captivating view of the valley’s twinkling lights and the gentle glow from a 38-foot Christmas tree on Ruby Falls Village Plaza surrounded by classic white lights in the landscaping. Fortunately, no matter what time of day you visit or the winter weather forecast, the cave’s 60-degree year-round temperature is nice and cozy. Plan to spend 2- 3 hours to enjoy all the sights and activities Ruby Falls offers. 

Forest of Wishes

On your way to the glass-front elevator that descends 260-feet into the limestone mountain, make a stop at the Forest of Wishes in the historic Ruby Falls Castle.  Share the tradition of writing your holiday wish on an ornament to hang in the Forest of Wishes.  Little ones can write a letter to Santa or on select days even tell him in person what’s on their list and have a professional photo taken with St. Nick.

In case you haven’t quite finished your holiday shopping, the Village Gift Shop has gifts you won’t find anywhere else, as well as keepsakes for all ages.  The shop is known for its spectacular selection of agates, geodes, and crystal cathedrals.

Return to a Simpler Time

Ruby Falls is an escape from the ordinary and a hidden gem surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. 

Be sure to slow down and pause on the picturesque front porch of the Ruby Falls Castle to savor the moment, just like folks have done since 1929!

Ice Skate at Ice on the Landing

The 2021 ice skating season of Ice on the Landing at the Chattanooga Choo Choo runs through Jan 30, 2022!  This seasonal outdoor rink in the Choo Choo Gardens is ranked #5 in Tennessee's Best Ice Skating Rinks!   The rink is open daily and the skating fee includes equipment rental.  When you're finished ice skating, head over to the Frothy Monkey at the Choo Choo for a delicious hot drink or go across the street to the Hot Chocolatier for handmade artisan chocolates, pastries, drinks and gelato. 

North Pole Limited Train Ride

Take a real train on an imaginery journey to the North Pole with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.   The trip takes about an hour and includes treats, hot chocolate, storytelling and kids can spy Santa working hard at the North Pole getting ready for his Christmas Eve deliveries.  

There is truly nothing like the holiday season in Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain. It is magical and a perfect destination to slow-down and enjoy the season.