Christmas in Nashville Tennessee: Events and Activities
Imagine a place where the holiday season comes alive with spectacular light displays, iconic venue celebrations, and a unique blend of music and festive cheer. Nashville, Tennessee, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during December, attracting visitors from around the world. This is the best guide for Christmas in Nashville Tennessee.
With the city bustling with events and activities for all ages, it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. As one of the busiest destinations during December, Nashville offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the holiday season, ensuring an unforgettable experience for family and friends alike.
Celebrating Christmas in Nashville Tennessee
December is a magical time in Nashville, with the city’s iconic venues and downtown area coming alive with holiday cheer and festivities. As you plan your visit, you’ll discover that Nashville’s strong musical identity transforms during the holiday season, with special Christmas-themed performances at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and various downtown locations.
What Makes Nashville Special During the Holidays
Nashville stands out from other holiday destinations with its unique blend of country music tradition and festive celebration, creating a distinctly “Music City” Christmas experience. The city’s religious identity also contributes to the holiday atmosphere, with beautiful carol singing in churches throughout the city during December, adding to the charm and warmth of the season.
Best Time to Visit for Holiday Festivities
The best time to visit Nashville for holiday festivities is mid-December, offering a good balance between festive activities and manageable crowds before the peak tourism period. By planning your visit during this time, you can enjoy the city’s holiday events without the large crowds that flock to the city during the week of December 24-31, one of the busiest periods for tourism in Nashville.
Spectacular Holiday Light Displays
Nashville’s holiday light displays are a treat for the eyes, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages. The city and its surroundings are adorned with dazzling light shows that are sure to captivate both locals and tourists.
Chad’s Winter Wonderland in Lebanon
Located just 25 minutes from downtown Nashville, Chad’s Winter Wonderland in Lebanon is a must-visit attraction. This spectacular display features over 2 million lights and 90 drive-thru arches, creating a winter wonderland experience like no other.
Dancing Lights of Christmas in Nashville Tennessee at Jellystone Park
The Dancing Lights of Christmas at Jellystone Park is another popular light show that synchronizes with music. Although wait times can be up to three hours on busy nights, the 15-25 minute drive-through display is well worth the visit.
Christmas in Nashville Tennessee Light Tours Around Nashville
For a more personalized experience, consider chartering a Christmas Light Tour. With the ability to accommodate up to 24 people, you can create your own route through Nashville’s most beautifully decorated areas or choose from several pre-designed destinations.
Festive Shows and Performances
This holiday season, Nashville comes alive with an array of captivating shows and performances that showcase the city’s rich musical heritage. You can experience the best of Nashville’s holiday entertainment, with a range of events that blend music, theater, and festive cheer.
Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC
Nashville’s Nutcracker, presented by Nashville Ballet in conjunction with the Nashville Symphony, is a holiday tradition. Running from December 6-26, this production is inspired by the Emmy-winning 2020 film, with special local customizations.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Experience a unique seasonal twist on rock’n’roll history with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, running December 5-29. This event reimagines the legendary meeting of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash with holiday flair.
David Alford’s “Southern Christmas Sampler”
Enjoy the intimate and moving performance of David Alford’s “Southern Christmas Sampler” at the historic Belmont Mansion, where the acclaimed actor reads Truman Capote’s beloved “A Christmas Memory” accompanied by talented musicians from December 18-29.
These performances have become Nashville holiday traditions, offering you a chance to experience the city’s artistic excellence while enjoying seasonal entertainment. With limited runs, it’s essential to plan your itinerary around these events to ensure you don’t miss them.
Holiday Magic at Nashville’s Iconic Venues
Experience the enchanting holiday atmosphere at Nashville’s most iconic venues, where tradition meets festivity. These beloved landmarks offer a unique blend of Nashville’s cultural identity and Christmas traditions, making your holiday visit truly special.
Opryland Hotel Christmas Celebration
The Opryland Hotel is a marvel during the Christmas season, with its ICE featuring “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Musical” being a major highlight. The hotel is beautifully decorated with millions of lights, creating a winter wonderland that is a must-see.
The Parthenon’s Holiday Illumination
The Parthenon in Centennial Park is transformed into a festive spectacle with red and green lights, creating a magical atmosphere at night. This full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon is a perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Grand Ole Opry Christmas Concerts
The Grand Ole Opry hosts special Christmas-themed concerts and events throughout December, featuring country music’s biggest stars performing holiday classics. This historic venue is the heart of Nashville’s musical heritage, making it a must-visit during the holiday season.
These iconic venues not only create distinct holiday experiences but also offer a glimpse into Nashville’s rich cultural heritage. By visiting these places, you’ll get to experience the city’s festive spirit in multiple ways, from spectacular light displays to memorable musical performances.
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities
Nashville’s holiday celebrations are designed to delight families with a range of fun and interactive experiences. You can create lifelong memories with your family by enjoying the city’s festive events and activities.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop is a must-visit attraction during the holiday season, running until December 25. Your kids can enjoy free activities like remote-controlled trucks and coloring sheets, plus complimentary photo sessions with Santa.
Nashville Children’s Theatre Holiday Shows
The Nashville Children’s Theatre hosts holiday performances throughout December, with shows every day from mid-December until December 31. These shows bring classic Christmas stories to life for young audiences, making it one of the best things to do in Nashville with children during December.
To make the most of your family trip to Nashville, consider visiting these attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially at Bass Pro Shop. It’s also a good idea to make reservations for popular shows that tend to sell out quickly.
By incorporating these family-friendly activities into your broader trip plan, you can ensure a well-rounded Christmas vacation with plenty of memorable experiences for children of all ages.
Historic Nashville Christmas Experiences
Experience the magic of Christmas in Nashville Tennessee, where timeless mansions and plantations come alive with festive cheer. You can step back in time and discover the city’s rich history through its beautifully decorated historic properties.
Christmas at Belmont Mansion
Belmont Mansion is resplendent in Victorian holiday decorations, offering a glimpse into Nashville’s aristocratic life 160 years ago. Take a guided tour to explore the historic property and experience how Nashville’s elite celebrated Christmas during the Victorian era.
Belle Meade Plantation Holiday Decorations
Belle Meade Plantation transforms into a winter wonderland during December, showcasing impressive Christmas decorations from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the plantation, learn about its history, and even create their own period-appropriate Christmas decoration to take home.
These historic properties provide a unique and educational Christmas experience, complementing Nashville’s modern downtown attractions and offering a more complete picture of the city’s cultural heritage during the holiday season.
Festive Dining and Holiday Markets
From whimsical afternoon teas to traditional Victorian dinners, Nashville’s holiday dining scene has something for everyone. As you explore the city’s holiday attractions, be sure to warm up and refuel with some of the special dining experiences and markets that Nashville has to offer.
Grinchmas Afternoon Tea at Conrad Hotel
Indulge in the whimsical Grinchmas Afternoon Tea at the Conrad Hotel’s Blue Aster restaurant, running until December 29. Enjoy festive treats like Linzer cookies, Oreo truffles, and fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, along with unlimited tea and a round of bubbles on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Victorian Dinner at Monell’s
Experience a taste of Victorian holiday tradition at Monell’s historic restaurant north of downtown Nashville. Their special Christmas dinners feature period-inspired cuisine, including bread, onion soup, and beef steaks with bearnaise sauce, in a charming historic setting.
Skydeck Christmas Market
Discover local artisans and unique gifts at the Skydeck Christmas Market in the Fifth and Broadway complex. Operating Thursday through Saturday, the market offers warm seasonal beverages and special Saturday visits from Santa Claus, making it a perfect holiday activity for families.
Nashville’s culinary scene embraces the holiday season with special menus and festive environments that showcase both traditional Southern cooking and innovative seasonal creations. These dining experiences and markets can be incorporated into your evening plans, creating perfect opportunities to warm up and refuel after exploring the city’s outdoor holiday attractions.
Ringing in the New Year Nashville Style
As the holiday season comes to a close, Nashville transforms into a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration hub. You can experience the city’s epic festivities in various ways, from lively concerts to family-friendly activities.
New Year’s Eve on Broadway Street
Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Broadway Street is a spectacular event, featuring live concerts from top musical acts, a massive countdown, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the Cumberland River. You can enjoy the festivities from multiple vantage points throughout the city.
Transperfect Music City Bowl
If you’re a football fan, you won’t want to miss the Transperfect Music City Bowl, taking place on December 30 at Nissan Stadium. This year’s matchup features the Missouri Tigers against the Iowa Hawkeyes, promising an exciting game that brings college football excitement to Nashville.
You can also explore various dining options for New Year’s Eve, from special prix fixe menus at upscale restaurants to casual fare at Broadway’s famous honky-tonk bars that offer food, drinks, and live music throughout the night. Nashville’s unique blend of musical entertainment and festive atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Planning Your Nashville Christmas Getaway
To make the most of your Christmas getaway to Nashville, careful planning is key to enjoying the city’s top attractions and events. Pack for winter weather, with a good waterproof coat and comfortable footwear for walking the city.
Make advance reservations for accommodations, dining, and popular shows to avoid last-minute hassles. Balance your time between daytime light displays and evening entertainment, including music city‘s famous bars.
Create a flexible itinerary to accommodate Nashville‘s unpredictable winter weather, ensuring you don’t miss the must-see holiday attractions and events. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable trip to Music City during the holiday season.
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