A Guide to Christmas in Nashville

Nashville has a lot to offer. Everyone knows about the music and the food, but most don’t realize all of the seasonal events held in Music City. Visiting in December gives you a lot of opportunities to experience Christmas celebrations you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s our roundup of the places and events you need to see when visiting Nashville around the holidays.

Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Gaylord Opryland Resort has come to be known as a central hub of holiday celebration in the Nashville area. With the many different ways to celebrate, everyone is sure to find something they can enjoy.

For instance, everyone loves the cinema classic “A Christmas Story.” But have you ever experienced some of the most memorable scenes represented in ice sculptures? The leg lamp, a tongue stuck to a pole, and visiting the department store are a few examples you can expect. As an added bonus, you can take a ride down the slide just like little Ralphie after visiting with Santa.

Or maybe Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is more your speed. Well, you can enjoy a musical retelling of the classic story. Your kids will love seeing all of the classic characters live on stage as they tell the story of a reindeer that found his place in society.

Along with the shows comes the elaborate decorations. The entire site is lit up with 3 million holiday lights. You will also find a 48-foot-tall Christmas tree, 15 miles of green garland, 10 miles of red ribbon, and 15,000 poinsettias.

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Christmas at the Ryman

Amy Grant and Vince Gill are Nashville country royalty. With 27 Grammy awards between the married couple, their concerts are a huge draw. So when they began playing Christmas shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, it became an immediate hit.

This year is no different. They will be bringing their holiday show to the stage a total of twelve times throughout December. And for the first time ever, these will include a few matinee shows. Whether it’s a “snowball” fight in the audience, or any one of the many traditional songs played by the top-quality band, this 90 minute holiday extravaganza is sure to delight all who are lucky enough to get tickets.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

Cheekwood Holiday Lights have been voted best event in Nashville by the Nashville Scene, and for good reason. The estate is beautiful at any time of year. The rolling hills, trails, and museum make for a great visit. But when the sun goes down and the lights come on, it’s a whole different experience.

The 55 acre botanical garden is lit up with breathtaking displays of holiday lights. Walk along the paths, near the pond, and through the mansion while enjoying a hot chocolate. The breadth of the experience is enough to make you want to come back again and again. Cheekwood recommends purchasing your tickets beforehand because they frequently sell out, and it’s easy to see why.

The Dancing Lights of Christmas

Jellystone Park is located just north of the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The Dancing Lights of Christmas is entering its tenth year of being one of Nashville’s favorite ways to ring in the holiday season. Enjoy the flashing displays of lights from now until January 4th, rain or shine. This includes all holidays.

Light displays are set up along various winding roads. Simply drive along the 2.5 mile route in the comfort of your own car and take over two million lights as they dance along with the radio. To celebrate their tenth anniversary, they are also offering kids’ activities in Santa’s Village along with the ticket price.

GLOW Nashville

The Nashville Sounds Stadium, First Tennessee Park, is being transformed into a winter wonderland. Millions of lights will wrap around the festivities as well as  a 100ft Christmas tree, the biggest in the south. The kids can enjoy visiting an interactive Santa’s workshop before they head off to the ice skating rink. Or if ice rinks aren’t your style, head off to the tube park where you can ride a tube down a snow hill, of sorts.

Take in the beautiful light display as you investigate the sculptures throughout the field. Then, visit the holiday market. Hot chocolate, lights, friends and family will make this a must-see event this holiday season. Located just outside of downtown Nashville, this event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit

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