Chattanooga's Magic of Light is an annual event that takes place in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. This event is a celebration of light and features various light displays and installations throughout the city. The Magic of Light event aims to bring the community together and create a sense of wonder and excitement during the holiday season. One of the main attractions of Chattanooga's Magic of Light is the holiday light display in the downtown area. The streets are lined with beautiful lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. The light displays range from traditional Christmas lights to more modern and artistic installations.
Also new this year, Christmas Underground will operate with timed-entry ticketing. As a specially ticketed event, guests purchase tickets based on the time they would like to check in at Ruby Falls for their Journey to the North Pole. For greatest availability, purchase online tickets early as multiple dates are expected to sell out. Tickets may also be purchased at Ruby Falls based on availability. Several ticket options are offered, including discount tickets combining a visit to Christmas Underground and a Classic Waterfall Tour. Admission to Christmas Underground - A Journey to the North Pole includes a private visit with Santa, keepsake geode, complimentary digital photo with Santa, all event activities and special surprises! Tickets are $16.95 for everyone ages three and up. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.
We adore showcasing our love of the holidays and family traditions by creating delightful new holiday displays and introducing new features along Christmas Underground s Journey to the North Pole. Admission to Christmas Underground - A Journey to the North Pole includes a private visit with Santa, keepsake geode, complimentary digital photo with Santa, all event activities and special surprises.
The light displays range from traditional Christmas lights to more modern and artistic installations. In addition to the downtown light display, Chattanooga's Magic of Light also features a projection mapping show. Projection mapping is a technology that uses video projectors to transform three-dimensional objects, such as buildings or statues, into a display surface for video projection.
Thank you to our 2022 patrons for a fantastic 1st year!
Open nightly 7-days a week for six weeks, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the lights with friends and family.
Chester Frost Park
Experience a world-class holiday lights display from the comfort of your vehicle during this magical winter light experience on Dallas Island inside Chester Frost Park.
Hours of Operation
Sunday–Thursday:
5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday:
5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Event Information
Location
Dallas Island inside Chester Frost Park
Dates
November 14 – December 31*
*Open on Thanksgiving
*Closed on Christmas Day
Hours of Operation
Open at 5:30pm 7-days a week
Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:00pm
Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:00pm
In line at close? Vehicles in line at the time of gate closure will be admitted!
Length of Ride
Approximately a half-hour drive thru the 1.5-mile route
Pricing
$30 per car, online purchase only (you’re in the right place!) No cash at gate. Purchase tickets in advance!
Payment
Online Ticket Purchase Only. No cash or credit cards accepted at the gate! Purchase Tickets here and come prepared to have a your ticket’s QR Code scanned for admittance at the entrance gate.
Weather
Rain or snow, the lights will glow. Adverse weather actually amplifies the lighting effects, so don’t hesitate to attend if it’s raining. Extreme weather conditions may temporarily close the event.
The spirit of the season abounds at Ruby Falls with merry and bright décor and twinkling lights. “The picturesque Village Plaza is a perfect backdrop for our new, stunning 27-foot Christmas tree topped with a grand star, warmly welcoming guests,” said Hollie Baranick, Tours and Special Projects Manager. “We adore showcasing our love of the holidays and family traditions by creating delightful new holiday displays and introducing new features along Christmas Underground’s Journey to the North Pole.”
This creates a stunning visual experience that brings the buildings and landmarks in downtown Chattanooga to life. Another highlight of the Magic of Light event is the illumination of the Walnut Street Bridge. The Walnut Street Bridge is a historic pedestrian bridge that spans the Tennessee River and connects downtown Chattanooga with the North Shore neighborhood. During the Magic of Light event, the bridge is adorned with colorful lights, turning it into a magical pathway for pedestrians. Chattanooga's Magic of Light also includes various activities and entertainment for all ages. There are live performances, music, and food vendors throughout the downtown area. Visitors can also take part in interactive light installations or visit the ice skating rink set up for the event. Overall, Chattanooga's Magic of Light is a magical experience for both locals and visitors alike. The combination of beautiful light displays, projection mapping, and festive activities creates a sense of wonder and joy during the holiday season. It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the magic of light..
Reviews for "Chattanooga's Magic of Light Festival: A Must-See Winter Event"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Chattanooga's magic of light" event. The light displays were underwhelming and didn't live up to the hype. The whole experience felt very chaotic and disorganized. There were long lines to get in, and once inside, it was difficult to navigate through the crowd. The ticket prices were also quite steep for what I got in return. I definitely would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a magical holiday experience.
2. John - 2 stars
I attended the "Chattanooga's magic of light" show with high expectations, but unfortunately, it fell short. The light displays were not as impressive as I had hoped and lacked creativity. It felt like I was just driving through a regular neighborhood with some holiday decorations. The traffic management was also poorly handled, causing long wait times. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed and would not attend this event again.
3. Lisa - 2 stars
I was excited to take my family to the "Chattanooga's magic of light" event, but it turned out to be quite disappointing. The light displays were minimal and didn't provide the wow factor I was expecting. The ticket prices were quite high, considering the lackluster experience. Additionally, the event lacked proper organization, and we spent more time waiting in lines than actually enjoying the displays. I would recommend looking for other holiday light events in the area.