Holidays Under the Peaks

The Tennessee Aquarium is a favorite place for families during the holiday season. For many, it has become a tradition to spend time reconnecting with extended family members while surrounded by some of nature’s most spectacular gifts. 

Guests will also be delighted by live musical performances and diving SCUBA Claus weekends from Nov. 17 – Dec. 23. Look for SCUBA Claus at 11 a.m. on Saturdays in the Nickajack Lake exhibit or 2 p.m. on Sundays in the River Giants exhibit. It’s an experience that’s enjoyable for all ages.

Families will have fun learning about the Aquarium’s generations because 2012 was an exceptional year for significant animal births. Special programming during Holidays Under the Peaks, Nov. 16 – Jan. 6, will help connect Aquarium guests with creatures from around the world. Kids can quiz divers, penguin experts and other keepers about families in the wild and learn how we care for baby penguins, turtles and tiny jellies.

Holidays Under the Peaks Daily Schedule Nov. 16, 2012 - Jan. 6, 2013 The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
10:30 a.m.		South Pole Penguin Program – Ocean Journey – Penguins’ Rock, Level 2
10:30 a.m.		Generations of Butterflies – Ocean Journey – Butterfly Garden, Level 4
10:45 a.m.		Special Presentation: Toucan Family Life – River Journey – Stage Program in Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari
11 and 11:30 a.m.		Quiz our SCUBA divers about reef life. Learn about sharks & sea creatures – Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.		Animal Adventure Programs – River Journey – Stage Program in Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari
11 a.m.		Bubbles & Fins – Watch SCUBA divers in action – River Journey – Nickajack Lake or River Giants
1:30 p.m.		Freshwater follies - Enjoy the playful antics of river otters during “enrichment” time – River Journey – Cove Forest, Level 4
1:45 p.m.		South Pole Penguin Program –  Ocean Journey – Penguins’ Rock, Level 2
2 and 2:15 p.m.		Animal Adventure Programs – River Journey – Stage Program in Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari
2 p.m.		Feast for the Fishes – SCUBA divers feeding freshwater fish –  River Journey - River Giants or Nickajack Lake exhibits
2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.		Talk to saltwater SCUBA divers to learn about sharks and sea turtles –  Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
3:30 p.m.		Seahorse Dads- Join an Aquarium expert to learn fascinating facts about seahorses and pipefish – River Journey, Level A
4 p.m.		Colorful Wings – Learn about partridges, a peacock pheasant & release butterflies - Ocean Journey – Butterfly Garden, Level 4
Sounds of the Season Schedule
Enjoy live performances of seasonal music while visiting the Aquarium on the following dates:
Sat., Nov. 24 ~ 11 am - 3 pm									Paul Vogler provides lively steel drum music in Ocean Journey
Sun., Nov. 25 ~ 11 am - 2:15 pm									Paul Vogler provides lively steel drum music in Ocean Journey
Mon. - Fri., Nov. 26-30 ~ 12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Sat. & Sun., Dec. 8 & 9 ~ 12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Mon. - Fri., Dec. 3-7 ~  12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Mon. - Fri., Dec. 10-14 ~  12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Fri., Dec. 14 ~ 11 - 11:30 am and 12:30 - 1 pm									Celebrate the season with the Ooltewah 8th Grade Girls Chorus in Ocean Journey.
Sat., Dec. 15 ~ 11 am - 3 pm									Enjoy Dan Landrum’s spirited hammered dulcimer performance in River Journey.
Mon. - Thur., Dec. 17 - 20 12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Sat. & Sun. Dec. 22 & 23 ~ 11 am - 3 pm									Paul Vogler provides lively steel drum music in Ocean Journey.
Mon. - Fri., Dec. 26-28 ~  12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
Mon., Dec. 31 ~ 12 noon - 2 pm									Matt Downer performs traditional Appalachian music in River Journey.
NOW SHOWING AT THE IMAX 3D THEATER November 23 - December 6:         CLICK HERE FOR HOLIDAY SCHEDULE     ~     >> BUY TICKETS ONLINE     Extend Your Holiday Fun Aboard the River Gorge Explorer Winter wonders abound aboard the River Gorge Explorer. Aquarium naturalists report more sightings of bald eagles in the Gorge as well as seasonal birds that only visit the area when it’s chilly outside. Fear not, fair-weather fans. The River Gorge Explorer is climate-controlled, so the weather inside is always comfortable. Escape the seasonal hustle and bustle with a relaxing trip into Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.  CLICK HERE for cruise times and to purchase tickets online. Fishing for that Perfect Present? You can’t gift-wrap a penguin, but you CAN give family and friends the gift of a year’s worth of fun visiting thousands of amazing animals.  Aquarium memberships help families reconnect and have fun with annual unlimited visits. In addition, members get discounts on: IMAX and River Gorge Explorer tickets, special events, gift shop purchases and travel adventures. Memberships also help support the Aquarium’s education and conservation initiatives. So giving an Aquarium membership is a gift that really keeps giving. Purchase an Aquarium family membership gift certificate online or by phone at 423-267-FISH (3474). Visit the Tennessee Aquarium Online Gift Shop The Tennessee Aquarium’s online gift shop makes holiday shopping fun and easy. For those wishing to give an experience, give someone a day out to the Aquarium, IMAX or Tennessee River Gorge Explorer with Tennessee Aquarium gift certificates. Look for limited edition Lodge Cast Iron Serve & Protect skillets which come with a sustainable seafood recipe from Alton Brown. We also have a wide variety of unique t-shirts, mugs, books, jewelry and much more. Visit our online gift shop to find that perfect gift today!  New Year’s Eve Sleep in the Deep December 31st – January 1st, 2013 Usher in 2013 at the Tennessee Aquarium by registering for the New Year’s Eve Sleep in the Deep. Celebrate New Year’s Eve visiting animals and habitats from around the world and then raise a “midnight” toast with a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. This night of adventure includes activities in both Aquarium buildings. Explore behind the scenes, get up-close with our critters, and at lights out, bed down in the Undersea Cavern of Ocean Journey. Includes overnight, guided tours, special activities, pizza and continental breakfast. Families with children AGE 6 AND OLDER, accompanied by an adult. $45/Member, per person; $55/Non-Member, per person. CLICK HERE to register online.