Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee, creates a sparkling atmosphere filled with lights, joy, and festive activities for everyone. Here are 14 holiday ideas that will help you celebrate Christmas in Music City!
1. Attend the Festival of Lights at Cheekwood
Enjoy the 10th Annual Festival of Lights at Cheekwood. Stroll through Cheekwood's gardens decorated with over a million lights. This enchanting one-mile walk offers a festive experience for all ages, with s'mores, seasonal drinks, and a Holiday Marketplace. One of the highlights of the event is a walk-through of the Historic Mansion, elegantly decorated this season by Laura Dowling, a former White House florist.
2. Explore Gaylord Opryland's ICE!
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland features ICE!, an interactive winter wonderland featuring intricate ice sculptures crafted by master artisans who shape 6,700 massive blocks of ice totaling 2 million pounds. Visitors to this winter wonderland experience the magic of "Frosty the Snowman" at the 2024 ICE! event.
Guests of all ages enjoy festive activities including stage performances, character encounters, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, crafting sessions, and seasonal culinary delights. The lavish Christmas decorations throughout the hotel add to the holiday cheer at Gaylord.
2024 Information: Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN) featuring Frosty the Snowman! from November 8, 2024 – January 4, 2025. Book your stay at Gaylord Opryland.
3. Ride the North Pole Train
During the holiday season, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers a journey on a refurbished vintage stainless steel passenger train featuring Santa and his Elves. The excursion includes a visit to Watertown with a 2.5-hour stopover.
4. Ice Skating at Centennial Sportsplex Ice Arena
Centennial Sportsplex Ice Arenas in Nashville offers two full-size ice rinks, with two smooth ice sheets measuring 200' x 85'. This indoor ice rink is open year-round for public skating sessions.
5. Tour the Belle Meade Plantation
Experience the charm of the past at Belle Meade Plantation through its exquisite Christmas decorations and special events. Guided tours of the 1853 Greek Revival Mansion are offered to the public.
6. Explore Local Christmas Markets
Many neighborhoods host Christmas markets featuring handmade crafts and local food. Admission is often free, so gather the family to enjoy holiday cheer and explore unique offerings.
7. Attend Zoolumination
Visit America's largest lantern festival as the Nashville Zoo is lit during Zoolumination. More than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns decorate the 60-acre zoo.
8. Attend a Candlelight Concert at the Parthenon
Located in Centennial Park, the Parthenon is the world’s only exact-size replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, and Nashville's art gallery. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including candlelight-illuminated concerts presented by Fever during the holiday season.
9. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame showcases exhibits that include invaluable artifacts such as instruments, stage attire, unique recordings, films, and more, narrating the tale of the individuals who have influenced the history of country music. Live music performances and interactive family activities are available throughout the year, with Christmas concerts held in December.
10. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie accompanied by the Nashville Symphony
The Nashville Symphony celebrates the season with live concerts all month long. Watch a favorite Christmas movie accompanied by the symphony, or catch a pops or classical Christmas Concert.
12. Attend Nashville Rep's A Christmas Carol
Nashville Rep's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is making a comeback in 2024. Experience the classic tale as the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future will guide the wealthy yet miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of change and salvation. This heartwarming holiday show features elaborate sets and costumes, impressive special effects, and beautiful music transporting the audience to the Victorian era.
12. Watch The Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker
Experience the enchanting journey of Nashville's Nutcracker by Paul Vasterling this holiday season. Recognized as the Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville and a recipient of a 2020 Emmy Award, this event is a must-see in Nashville during the festive season. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy's realm, the intensity of the Mouse King, and the timeless escapade of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Witness this timeless story, accompanied by live music from The Nashville Symphony.
13. Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro
At Bass Pro Shops, Santa’s Wonderland offers games, toy stations, and crafts, making it an ideal holiday destination for families. Kids are invited to leave a letter for Santa in his mailbox, and if they provide an email address, they will receive a response from Santa.
Special events include:
Nov. 3-Dec. 24: Free Photos and Activities
Nov. 18-Dec. 6: Wood Ornament Craft
Dec. 9-24: Bass Cookie Cutter
14. Drive Through the Dancing Lights of Christmas
Drive through Tennessee's largest Christmas light show. Visitors are charged per vehicle for this 2.5 mile holiday light extravaganza.
More Great Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Nashville:
Nashville is brimming with delightful ways to celebrate Christmas. Celebrate the season with shows, lights, and holiday magic.
Comments