Things To Do In Nashville For Christmas

When December rolls around, Music City transforms into a winter wonderland that’ll make your heart grow three sizes (even if you’re usually a bit of a Grinch). Grab your cowboy boots and that ugly Christmas sweater – here’s my totally biased but 100% accurate list of the best Christmas experiences in Nashville that’ll have you fa-la-la-ing all season long.

1. The Opryland Hotel Holiday Extravaganza

Let’s be honest here, this place goes absolutely BONKERS for Christmas. We’re talkin’ over 3 million lights, indoor waterfalls decked with garland, and enough poinsettias to make your grandma jealous. The glass atriums are magical any time of year, but during Christmas? Lawd have mercy.

The Country Christmas package gets you access to shows, ice skating, and their ICE! attraction where they literally carve an entire winter wonderland outta ice blocks. Bundle up though – it’s colder than a well digger’s behind in there.

Tip: Go on a weeknight if possible. Weekends get more crowded than a honky tonk on Saturday night.

2. The Dancing Lights of Christmas

Y’all ever seen Christmas lights synchronized to both country AND Christmas classics? This drive-thru light show at Wilson County Fairgrounds will make you believe in Santa again. Pack the car with snacks, crank up the heat, and prepare to be dazzled while never leaving your vehicle – which, let’s be real, is the perfect activity when it’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails outside.

Tip: Tune your radio to their station for the full experience. It ain’t the same if you’re just lookin’ at blinkin’ lights.

3. Nashville Christmas Parade

This ain’t your average small-town parade. Nashville brings out the big guns with country music stars, elaborate floats, and giant balloons that’ll make you feel like you’re in New York (except with better music and friendly faces). The route winds through downtown and it’s free to attend – my favorite price tag!

Tip: Stake out your spot early and bring a thermos of hot chocolate (or somethin’ stronger if you’re feelin’ festive).

4. Grand Ole Opry Christmas Shows

C’mon now, you can’t come to Nashville without vistin’ the Opry. Their Christmas shows feature country legends and newcomers alike singin’ holiday classics and tellin’ stories that’ll warm your heart faster than whiskey. There’s something special bout hearin’ “Silent Night” in the same venue where countless country legends have stood.

Tip: Book tickets WAY in advance. These shows sell out faster than hot chicken on a cold day.

5. The Frist Art Museum Holiday Happenings

For when you need a break from the twinkly lights and Santa hats, the Frist offers a more sophisticated holiday experience. Their winter exhibitions are always top-notch, and they host special holiday workshops where you can make gifts that’ll impress even your pickiest relative.

Tip: Check their calendar for free admission days – sometimes they offer discounts during the holiday season.

6. Christmas at the Ryman

The Mother Church of Country Music gets all dolled up for Christmas, and let me tell ya, it’s somethin’ special. From Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s annual Christmas residency to other holiday shows, experiencing Christmas music in this historic venue with its perfect acoustics might actually bring a tear to your eye. No shame in that game.

Tip: Snag tickets to the Christmas Eve service if you can – even if you ain’t particularly religious, it’s a beautiful Nashville tradition.

7. Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC

The Nashville Ballet puts their own spin on this classic with uniquely Nashville touches. Set during the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, it features local landmarks and historical figures. The dancin’ is top-notch and the sets are gorgeous enough to make your Instagram followers green with envy.

Tip: Look for the special characters that are uniquely Nashville – like the dancing sugar plum fairy wearing cowboy boots (I’m kiddin’… or am I?).

8. Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

Imagine 55 acres of botanical gardens transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million lights. Cheekwood Estate goes all out with light tunnels, s’mores stations, and real reindeer (not the flying kind, unfortunately). The historic mansion gets decked out with themed Christmas trees in every room.

Tip: Go right at dusk to see the gardens in the last bit of daylight, then watch as everything magically illuminates as darkness falls.

9. Nashville Christmas Bar Crawl

For the grown-ups only! Nashville’s got some of the most creative Christmas pop-up bars you’ll ever see. From “Miracle on Broadway” at Hidden Bar to the over-the-top decorations at Santa’s Pub, you can sip seasonal cocktails while singin’ along to Christmas classics. Some bars even have snow machines!

Tip: Order the “Christmapolitan” wherever you find it – trust me on this one.

10. ICE! at Gaylord Opryland

I mentioned Opryland earlier, but ICE! deserves its own spot on this list. Imagine 2 million pounds of ice hand-carved into scenes from your favorite Christmas stories. It’s kept at a chilly 9 degrees, and they give you big blue parkas to wear, but your nose will still turn redder than Rudolph’s.

Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes. I learned this one the hard way, y’all.

11. 12 South Winter Warmer

This neighborhood festival brings together local craft breweries offerin’ special winter brews, food trucks servin’ up comfort food, and makers sellin’ perfect last-minute gifts. The whole 12 South area gets decorated, and the community vibe is stronger than gas station coffee.

Tip: Try the hot buttered rum from Embers Ski Lodge – it’ll change your life.

12. Christmas Shopping in Downtown Franklin

Just a short drive from Nashville, historic Franklin transforms into a Hallmark movie set during Christmas. The Victorian buildings on Main Street get decked with garland and lights, local shops offer unique gifts you won’t find at the mall, and carolers roam the streets. It’s like steppin’ back in time, but with credit card machines.

Tip: Don’t miss their annual Dickens of a Christmas festival – the entire downtown becomes a Victorian village.

So there ya have it – my totally subjective but absolutely correct list of Nashville’s best Christmas offerings. Whether you’re a local or just visitin’, these experiences will have you singin’ “Joy to the World” even if you usually prefer “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Now get out there and make some holiday memories, y’all!