Nothing says “holidays” quite like wearing your PJs in public or seeing Santa Claus decked out in a wetsuit and fins, right?
No?
Well, perhaps not in most houses. But at the Tennessee Aquarium, underwater appearances by SCUBA Claus and the chance to sip hot cocoa and cuddle up in your coziest jammies while watching The Polar Express 3D are the most jingle-worthy of seasonal traditions.
During this year’s Holidays Under the Peaks celebration —Nov. 22 to Dec. 24 — the Aquarium is pulling out all the stops to ensure trips through the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings are at their merriest and brightest for visitors of all ages.
From the winter chill of the Appalachian Cove Forest where the river otters frolic to the orchid-filled Tropical Cove where silver and gold reef fish reside, each tour will be an experience bottom-to-top packed with seasonal fun, all free with regular admission.
In addition to the return of traditional favorites like PJs and The Polar Express 3D pajama parties at IMAX and SCUBA Claus at the Aquarium, guests will experience new seasonal programming as well that embraces, even celebrates, the chill in the air.
Special Programming
While visiting during Holidays Under the Peaks, guests can enjoy special seasonal additions to the usual slate of free Daily Animal Programs.
He’s already an Internet c-eel-ebrity, but this year, the Aquarium’s snarky, Twitter-famous Electric Eel, Miguel Wattson, will be the focus of an electrifying new holiday program. Guests can learn what all the buzz is about when it comes to these Amazonian extraordinaires and why you they’re not really eels at all. (Daily at 11:15 a.m. in the Rivers of the World gallery.)
The Aquarium’s massive school of Flashlight Fish — one of the largest ever exhibited — have been glowing in Ocean Journey since the Island Life gallery opened in March. During Holidays Under the Peaks, guests will gain illuminating insights into these living, breathing Christmas lights and how their twinkling helps them to hunt and communicate in their deep ocean homes. (Daily at 1:15 p.m. in Island Life.)
Practically brushing needles with the Aquarium’s Christmas tree in the River Journey lobby, educators will offer guests an up-close encounter with Sea Stars, pointing out just a few of the varied, astounding adaptations that make them such curiosities of the marine world. (Daily at 2 p.m. in the River Journey lobby.)
Who doesn’t like presents? Giving gifts is as much in the spirit of the season as receiving them. During Holidays Under the Peaks, guests can watch the Aquarium’s colony of Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins enjoy presents purchased for them off the Aquarium’s engagement wish list on Amazon. Visitors who want to contribute to the birds’ enrichment can choose to buy a gift for them by selecting from tags hung on a tree placed outside the Penguins’ Rock gallery. (Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Penguins’ Rock.)
During Holidays Under the Peaks, guests will continue to enjoy the usual slate of Daily Animal Programs featuring keeper-led discussions about American Alligators, River Otters, Malagasy chameleons and dive presentations. A full schedule of these programs is available at https://www.tnaqua.org/animals-exhibits/extraordinary-experiences/
SCUBA Claus
It’s a bit of a holiday secret, but when he’s not busily slaving away making toys for billions of children, Old Saint Nick is actually a pretty avid scubaphile. In what has become a beloved tradition for visitors during the holiday season, the Jolly Old Elf can be seen each weekend during Holidays Under the Peaks dipping below the surface of the massive Tennessee River and River Giants exhibits. This year’s dive schedule runs Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 23 to Dec. 22.
· Nov. 23 — Tennessee River (11 a.m.)
· Nov. 24 — River Giants (2 p.m.)
· Nov. 30 — River Giants (11 a.m.)
· Dec. 1 — Tennessee River (2 p.m.)
· Dec. 7 — Tennessee River (11 a.m.)
· Dec. 8 — River Giants (2 p.m.)
· Dec. 14 — River Giants (11 a.m.)
· Dec. 15 — Tennessee River (2 p.m.)
· Dec. 21 — Tennessee River (11 a.m.)
· Dec. 22 — River Giants (2 p.m.)
Holidays at IMAX
In addition to the incredible connection with the natural world brought about by witnessing — and even coming into contact with — the amazing animals exhibited in the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, the experience of seeing animals on a six-story screen can be almost as impactful. During Holidays Under the Peaks, guests can enjoy a variety of giant-screen films on Chattanooga’s biggest screen, including a certain steam-pendous holiday classic.
[Note: A full schedule of IMAX screenings is available at tnaqua.org/calendar/month/category/imax-showtimes]
· It may be edging closer to winter every day in Chattanooga, but for those seeking an escape from the cold, a trip to the land down under may be just the ticket. In Great Barrier Reef 3D, audiences are whisked thousands of miles away to the eastern shores of Australia, where they’ll learn more about the majestic, all-too-fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. From Dwarf Minke Whales to a Maori Wrasse named “Wally,” they’ll meet many of the animals that call the reef home, guided along by reef native, conservationist and underwater cinematographer Jemma Craig.
· Santa is well-known for keeping a meticulous list of the world’s naughty and nice children, but in Superpower Dogs 3D, his job is pretty easy. This film’s extraordinarily talented pups are all good girls and boys. From ski and water rescue to emotional healing and endangered animal protection, the stars of this film (and their human partners) have more than earned their toys this year, chew or otherwise.
· What would the holidays be in Chattanooga without the return of The Polar Express 3D? Fans flock to see this Tom Hanks-led yuletide favorite every year, cheering along as the selfsame locomotive carries its load of children on a harrowing trek to the North Pole. Showing Nov. 29 through Dec. 26.
Polar Express screenings are always a treat, but there’s something extra special about attending a PJs and Polar party. These weekend showtimes at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 and 15 have a pajamas-encouraged dress code (flannel or silk, footed or otherwise) and include free hot cocoa and pre-showing pastries. Register in advance at https://www.tnaqua.org/events-programs
The Gift That Gives Back All Year
The holiday season is an undeniably special time to visit the Aquarium, but the sensation of wonder that comes from being close to amazing animals above and below the water is available year-round to Aquarium members. With more than 10,000 animals to see, from leaping lemurs to romping otters, toothy American Alligators to North America’s largest collection of turtles, the Aquarium is best experienced during repeat visits.
By giving a gift membership to a loved one, they’ll have unlimited access to both buildings, special discounts in the gift shops and access to members-only events. Memberships are available for individuals or families. Aquarium members also receive discounted admission to various regional attractions, including the Creative Discovery Museum, Dollywood and the Nashville Zoo. Each gift membership, individual or family, purchased online or at the Aquarium ticketing center between Nov. 18 and Dec. 18 will include a free Panther Chameleon plush while supplies last.
Learn more about the benefits of gift memberships and purchase one of your own at tnaqua.org/members/gift-membership.
