Enchanted Garden of Lights

Activities

The Arctic Kingdom Aurora Lights

Journey through this enchanted realm filled with the traditional icy blue and white. The addition of aquamarine and purple creates a design reminiscent of the aurora borealis lights in an Arctic realm of wonder.

Dance Among The Trees of The Magic Forest

Ascend through the Magic Forest as the sounds of the season dance around you on the trees and archways lining the pathway.

Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus

Immerse yourself in this Santa experience. Meet Santa Claus in his cozy workshop where he works hard creating the Naughty and Nice list! *Photos by DigiPhoto. Step over into Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen to create a Gingerbread Cookie masterpiece that may look too good to eat!

*Santa visits through Dec. 23, Mrs. Claus visits through Dec. 31. Gingerbread Cookie decorating available through end of event. 

The Toy Soldier

Everyone’s favorite quiet clown, Jerry the Mime, will be back as the Toy Solder delighting children of all ages.

The Christmas Market

Make sure Santa is impressed this Christmas Eve! Get your personalized ornaments, winter wear,  plush ornaments, and more. Located along the North Pole Highway.

Enchanting Souvenirs & Holiday Gift Headquarters

Stop by and do all of your holiday shopping in the North Pole Village. Garden’s Gateway and Woodland Wonders offer unique finds such as: the iconic Rock City Birdhouse, Birdfeeders, and Hummingbird Feeders.

Photo Opportunities

Celebrate a wonderful holiday tradition AND make sure you capture each moment. To celebrate with us, stop and take a moment to capture a memory worth repeating. There are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities for you and your your family and friends! Tell us your story – use the hashtag #EnchantedGardenofLights and tag Rock City on social media!

Dining

Big Rock Grill & Santa’s Workshop

Open: 4:30pm – 10:00pm (11:00pm Fri – Sun)

Enjoy short-order style offerings like hamburgers, chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and more for a quick bite. Warm up with our delicious House-Made Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, Coffee, or Cappuccino.

• Gingerbread Cookie Decorating – Decorate a Gingerbread Cookie with Mrs. Claus. Let your imagination take over and create something unique to you!

Cafe 7

Open: 4:30pm – 10:00pm (11:00pm Fri – Sun)

Enjoy hot drinks with a view like none other! Cafe 7 is serving Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, Biltmore Estates Wine, Regional Craft Beers, and Seasonal Cocktails. A variety of small bites also available nightly.

Cliff Terrace

Open: 4:30pm – 10:00pm (11:00pm Fri – Sun)

Retreat from winter’s chill and warm up with a fresh to order Funnel Cake and Fried Cookie Dough. Hot drinks, Pizza, Hot Dogs, and other snacks also available.

Christmas Market at the Pavilion

Open: 4:30pm – 10:00pm (11:00pm Fri – Sun)

Enjoy sweet treats and snacks at the Christmas Market like warm chocolate chip cookies, powdered sugar donuts, Giant Bavarian Pretzels, popcorn, and cotton candy. Hot drinks, soda, beer and wine also available.

*Gem Members can pick up their complimentary hot chocolate or warm chocolate chip cookie here!

Starbucks (located outside across from Main Ticket Plaza)

Open: 6:30am – 9:00pm (11:00pm Fri – Sat)

Grab a warm drink before or after your visit to see the lights! All your Starbucks holiday favorites await.

FAQs

Can I purchase tickets in-person at the ticket window?

• No, all tickets are timed-entry reservations and must be purchased online in advance. Tickets will not be sold in-person. Nights will sell out in advance. We recommend purchasing your timed entry tickets early for best availability as capacity is limited.

Do Gem Membership need to reserve a time?

• No, Gem Members do NOT need reservations and are welcome to visit on any night by showing their pass to the greeter, including SOLD OUT nights.
• For FAQs on Gem Memberships, click here to learn more!

What time should I arrive?

• We recommend that you arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the admission time on your ticket reservation. This will give you time to park and walk to the entrance gate at the front of the gardens. Guests will not be admitted before their reserved time.

Can I change the date/time of my ticket?

• Yes, tickets can be changed to different dates/times IF there is availability during your preferred time slot* by emailing us at [email protected]. Please note – this email address is monitored Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm. *An upcharge will apply to change from a lower-priced admission night to a higher-priced night. 

We were not able to visit on our scheduled date/time, can I get a refund?

• Tickets for the Enchanted Garden of Lights are non-refundable. Tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase and the date can be adjusted. Please email us for assistance.

Where can I find coupons or discounts?

• We are not offering any coupons or discounts for the Enchanted Garden of Lights for this season. Coupons for Rock City cannot be redeemed online, nor do we offer price adjustments due to coupons at the guest service window.

Is Santa visiting?

• Yes! Santa will be at the Enchanted Garden of Lights for visits through December 23. DEI photographers will be on hand to capture the moment with a variety of photo packages available for purchase. No personal photography, please.

When is the best time to attend?

• This year, we have timed entry and limited capacity per night, so we anticipate crowds to be more evenly divided among most days. Tickets are ONLY available online and we recommend purchasing your tickets early for best availability.

How much does it cost?

• Admission price varies by date. Adult admission ranges from ($19.95 – $31.95) and Children, ages 3-12, ranges from ($9.95 – $21.95). Click here to view our calendar and plan your visit. Tickets are available online only.

Is there a combination to visit during both the day and evening?

• No, these are separately ticketed events, and guests would need to purchase tickets for both the daytime and evening if they wish to attend both. Guests will be instructed to leave the park and reenter for the Enchanted Garden of Lights at their entry time.

Can I visit the Enchanted Garden of Lights with a regular/daytime Rock City Gardens ticket?

• No, a separate timed entry admission, purchased online specifically for the Enchanted Garden of Lights, is required for your visit.

Is there enough parking?

• Parking is always free up at Rock City. We have continued to expand our parking area in past years and have parking attendants assisting with parking. Now that we have moved to timed ticketing in recent years, we rarely run into issues with parking. However, on busy nights, we recommend you plan in advance to arrive at your ticketed time.

Bring A Group

Explore the Enchanted Realms

Start Your Journey on North Pole Highway

See: Grand Entryway with Photos, Nativity Light Show, North Pole Lodge, the Christmas Market and walk through a 40 foot Christmas tree!

Enter through a 40 foot Christmas tree and journey down the North Pole Highway to access the entrances to all the realms.

Featured Lodging

Needing Lodging while you are in town to See Rock City?

Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located across the street from Rock City. The bed-and-breakfast is a prime location for the hundreds of thousands of annual out-of-town visitors to Rock City Gardens.

Booking Information

RiverView Inn just a few miles down the road conveniently located near Ruby Falls and minutes from downtown Chattanooga. With breathtaking panoramic views and rocking chair porches, your stay at RiverView Inn will give you time to relax, unwind and connect with nature.

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