Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights – The 26th year of Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights is a holiday tradition where guests can delight in over a million sparkling lights as they venture through our four realms of wonder! They can decorate a gingerbread cookie in downtown Yule Town, experience the icy borealis lights of the Arctic Kingdom and explore the digital enchantment of the Magic Forest’s dancing trees. Visit Santa in his North Pole workshop (thru Dec. 23) and enjoy plenty of holiday treats including hot cocoa, kettle corn, homemade fudge, and beer from Chattanooga Brewing. Tickets are sold ONLINE ONLY, and admission begins at 5 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome! As in years past, a portion of ticket proceeds from this event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. Nightly November 20, 2020 – January 2, 2021 (closed Christmas Eve night). 1400 Patten Rd. Lookout Mountain, GA 30750. www.seerockcity.com/lights
Cut A Fresh Christmas Tree at Raulston Acres – There is nothing like the adventure of picking out and cutting down your very own Christmas tree to take home and decorate. At Raulston Acres Christmas Trees you can choose from a variety of trees. Add to your holiday decorating with the purchase of a fresh wreath, or take a class to make your own. The gift shop gives even more options to make your day memorable, including ole time apple cider in a bottle. (Hey, did you know that the Hallmark movie “Farmer and the Belle” was filmed on location here!) – 2572 Hwy 95, Rock Spring, GA 30739 www.ractf.com (open Thanksgiving Day)
Mercier Orchards – Shop at this awesome farm market with produce and so much more! With that big Thanksgiving meal behind you, now focus on your holiday shopping. The bakery and market are open every day 9am – 5pm (unfortunately, the café is currently closed.) You can purchase on site or place an order for shipping…apple cider donuts, honey, Georgia jams and relishes, apple cider (regular and hard), and of course, apples. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. www.mercier-orchards.com
Christmas in Possum Snout – On Thanksgiving Day in downtown Tallapoosa, businesses open at 2 p.m. for refreshments and shopping to usher in the holiday season. Enjoy food, festivities, grand carriage rides, caroling and the Christmas specials that will truly get you in the Christmas spirit! Start at Allen’s Florist, 175 Head Ave, Tallapoosa, GA 30176. www.visitharalson.org/events-1/christmas-in-possum-snout-3
Tellus Science Museum – Need to get out after spending all Thanksgiving Day at home? Visit Tellus! This world-class 120,000 square foot museum is designed to open minds and ignite a passion for science. Adults and kids of all ages will delight with discovery in four main galleries and a 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope are located at Tellus. The eye-popping exhibits, such as a 80 foot-long Apatosaurus and a replica Wright flyer excite and amaze visitors of all ages. Children will have a blast conducting hands-on experiments with light, sound, magnets and more. Dazzling gems and minerals sparkle and glow alongside interactive exhibits demonstrating how the Earth moves and changes. Have fun and explore! 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120. www.tellusmuseum.org
Enjoy the Outdoors – Make your way to Chatsworth to see the only mansion built by an American Indian at the Chief Vann House. Learn about the area’s Cherokee heritage and way of life before the Trail of Tears. Just a short drive away is Fort Mountain State Park where hiking trails for all skill levels and a lake for paddling are at your disposal. Be sure to find your way to the mysterious rock wall. Share this scenic mountain adventure with friends and family for a fun get-away-day! www.gastateparks.org/chiefvannhouse and www.gastateparks.org/fortmountain