Popular for its outstanding music scene, Nashville is the busy capital of the well-known US state of Tennessee. It is home to noteworthy music halls, prestigious country music venues, and various music events. It is also famous for being the Music City of USA. Just like its rich cultural celebrations, Nashville also features outstanding festivities for the holiday season. An illuminated winter wonderland, Christmas markets, Music City Winterfest, a grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and Reindeer Run Tube Park are just a few incredible events and attractions that showcase praiseworthy yuletide celebrations. So if you have plans to spend your winter vacation in a fascinating destination, opt for Nashville. Check out the best affordable Airbnbs and the top vacation rentals, and start planning your holiday trip. Keep reading to learn about some of the best things to do at Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee.
Winter in Nashville:
- According to the official tourism website of Nashville, a winter visit to the city promises fun and cheer. There are lights everywhere, and the temperature is mild and pleasant. If you're a fan of snow, you can extend your trip to January or February. The month with the lowest temperature is January, with an average low of 32°F (0°C).
Tip for travelers:
- Get a Total Access Pass for a smooth experience in Nashville. Choose from the one-day pass (129 USD) or the pick-three pass (99 USD) depending on your travel plan. The pass is valid for one person only and you must use it within 90 days of purchase.
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Christmas in Nashville
Nashville knows how to make your Christmas merry! With holiday concerts, stunning lighting, vibrant decorations, and more, the city is a great place to spend the holidays in.
Tips for spending Christmas in Nashville:
- Admire the light displays at Gaylord Opryland by strolling its indoor gardens. The Nashville Zoo also puts up a stunning display with the Zoolumination.
- Attend a holiday concert by Nashville Symphony to transport to a magical world.
Other fun tours and activities:
Things to do in Nashville this Christmas
1. Let your belly ache with laughter at The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
What’s a Nashville Christmas without some holiday cheer to liven the mood up? Bringing you joy and laughter this season is the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour, which I think is one of the most entertaining Christmas events in Nashville. This hilarious experience takes you around the best of Nashville, all while providing humor and background on what a redneck really is. Feel like a local by getting to know the vibrant city through this unique tour. All they ask is that you bring a good sense of humor, and you’re all set for a delightful Christmas experience in Nashville!
The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour
Address: 4117 Hillsboro Pike #103, Nashville, TN 37215, United States (mailing address only)
Website: The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour
Takes place: December
Great for: Couples, families, solo travelers
Tips for visiting: Pirchase tickets for the tour from the official website for a seamless experience.
What guests are saying about their experience:
“We had an amazing time with Buckshot and Lenny!!! We took the Christmas light tour. They kept us laughing the entire time and we even had a visit from Santa and his reindeer!!! Definitely a must do!” - by Google reviewer, Shannon Barnes
2. Join a holiday cruise at General Jackson Showboat
Showboats, or floating theaters, might be a thing of the past in the United States but definitely not for Nashville. General Jackson Showboat continues to bring entertainment to the city with its holiday cruises, most notably the Music City Christmas Evening Holiday Cruise. While you travel down Cumberland River, I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with flashy entertainment at the Victorian Theater and served with tasty goodness of authentic Southern dishes. Let the tour leave a mark on you by witnessing the grand performances highlighting the magnificence of Nashville.
General Jackson Showboat
Address: 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
Website: General Jackson Showboat
Takes place: Mid-November through December
Great for: Culture enthusiasts, families, couples
Tips for visiting: The cruises are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps installed wherever necessary. You can also access an elevator. Visit the official website for more details.
What guests are saying about their experience:
“A very pleasant experience in an old riverboat style cruise up and down the river past nashville. We were there for the dinner show which had very nice food and excellent entertainment. A great view of the city and Broadway from the river.” - by Google reviewer, James Rieker
3. Experience the 19th-century Christmastime at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Make sure to visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Nashville for a Christmas experience steeped in history and elegance. While here, you can wander through the 1-ac (0.40-ha) garden, join the wagon tour, and be captivated by the grandeur of the historic mansion once owned by President Andrew Jackson.
You can also head to the on-site Natchez Hills Winery to drink craft beer and wine. Are you looking for a gift for your loved one? The Museum Store has you covered, where you can purchase collectibles, gourmet gifts, books, and more!
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Address: 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076
Website: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Takes place: December
Great for: History buffs, culture enthusiasts, couples, families
Tips for visiting: Although the venue is open until 6 pm, the last entrance is at 5 pm. The holiday hours may vary, so visit the official website for updates.
4. Shop for gifts at Christmas Village in Nashville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Christmas Village on Friday, 9 November 2018
Want to enjoy a great Christmas shopping experience? Then I’d suggest visiting Christmas Village when holidaying in Nashville. Around 30,000 shoppers and 260 merchants throughout the country are known to participate in this renowned event that is considered the oldest consumer function in the capital of Tennessee. Shop for a variety of things, such as seasonal gifts, beautiful jewelry, collectibles, toys, pottery, clothing for adults and kids, delicious foods, and many more. Have fun shopping for presents here.
Christmas Village
Address: The Fairgrounds Nashville, 625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Website: Christmas Village
Takes place: November
Great for: Families, shopaholics, couples
Tips for visiting: Bring your little ones along as children under 9 can enter for free!
5. Step into the marvelous winter wonderland at Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you purchased your Holiday LIGHTS tickets for this weekend? Get into the spirit this holiday season by taking a...
Posted by Cheekwood on Friday, 7 December 2018
Enjoy the most beautiful winter stroll by visiting Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville during your upcoming holidays in Tennessee’s capital city. Feel the festive spirit the moment you enter the premises, where the gardens and a mile-long path is adorned by a million sparkling lights. Do not miss seeing Santa’s trustworthy companions and be sure to pose for a picture with two of his reindeer, Jolly and Joy. Kids will enjoy meeting Santa and admiring the marvelous poinsettia tree that features more than 500 poinsettias.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37205, USA
Website: Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Takes place: November to January
Great for: Couples, families, solo travelers
Tips for visiting: While there’s parking on site, it might get crowded during the event. There’s a parking team to assist you with parking. However, it’s best to avail of rideshare services.
What guests are saying about their experience:
“Very beautiful! We went after dark for the Christmas lights. We toured the mansion. There is a wonderful museum in the mansion. Then walked the roughly 1 mile trail of gardens and lights. They have hot cocoa, and other refreshments at stands during the walk. Nice gift shop. Overall a very nice place to visit! Wheelchair accessibility. Toilets: Restroom in the gift shop, and in the mansion.” - by Google reviewer, Maggie Moon
6. Be amazed by the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Public Square Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make your plans now: Metro Christmas Tree Lighting this Friday at 6PM on Public Square with special guests Jason Isbell...
Posted by Nashville.com on Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Do not miss the splendid event of Metro Nashville’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony during your winter excursion to the capital of Tennessee. This mesmerizing tree lighting is one of the most popular Nashville Christmas events that takes place at Public Square Park in Downtown Nashville. Take your kids along, as they will surely enjoy the presence of Santa and delight in the tasty treats available from various food trucks. If you love cultural experiences as much as I do, you’ll enjoy listening to the pleasant music and admiring the performances by talented local choirs. Witnessing the lighting at the park is one of the most memorable Christmas activities in Nashville.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Public Square Park
Address: Union St & 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243, United States
Website: Public Square Park
Takes place: December
Great for: Families, couples, culture enthusiasts
Tips for visiting: Make sure to visit early and secure a good spot to watch the lighting ceremony and click the best photos.
7. Have fun at Music City Winterfest at Centennial Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for festive music during your winter holidays in Nashville, plan to visit Music City Winterfest at Centennial Park. Here you’ll find a fabulous holiday market where you can shop for crafts and local goods, listen to amazing live music, and devour scrumptious food from the various food trucks. Have fun meeting Santa and taking photos with him. You and your loved ones will surely have a great time and a memorable winter holiday experience at this Christmas show in Nashville.
Music City Winterfest at Centennial Park
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Website: Music City Winterfest at Centennial Park
Takes place: December
Great for: Families with kids, couples, solo travelers, foodies
Tips for visiting: There will be loads of food to enjoy here, but remember to carry some cash for the food trucks.
8. Explore ICE - an indoor winter wonderland at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit Gaylord Opryland Resort’s ICE with your kids and explore this fascinating indoor winter wonderland. This incredible event features a two-story-high ice slide, an amazing walk-through attraction, two million pounds (907,184 kilograms) of hued ice sculptures, hand-carved scenes from ‘A Christmas Story, a holiday movie, and a separate space in clear ice devoted to the Nativity. Learn about the family tale of A Christmas Story by viewing ice displays and interactive ice sculptures. I’m sure you’ll have a unique experience at this venue.
ICE at Gaylord Opryland Events Center
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
Website: ICE at Gaylord Opryland Events Center
Takes place: November to January
Great for: Families with kids, couples, solo travelers, art lovers
Tips for visiting: Book an ICE! package to make the most of this experience. Also, remember to wear gloves as the place gets quite chilly!
What guests are saying about their experience:
“Beautifully decorated for Christmas. Many wonderful additional attractions added. Ice is a great experience! Wonderful hand sculpted ice figures.” - by Google reviewer, Misty Conway
9. Give back to charity by attending Christmas 4 Kids Benefits at The Ryman
Enjoy going to this charity concert this December while holidaying in Nashville. Christmas 4 Kids is a famous non-profit organization and, for many years, it has taken pleasure in bringing the joy of Christmas to kids staying in Middle Tennessee by hosting this event. I’d love to attend this praiseworthy concert at the Ryman and contribute to the fundraising efforts of this benefit to help spread joy to these children.
Christmas 4 Kids Benefits at The Ryman
Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States
Website: Christmas 4 Kids
Takes place: Late November
Great for: Music lovers, culture enthusiasts, families, couples
Tips for visiting: Get tickets from the official website of the organization.
10. Celebrate Christmas at Deck the Hall of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Join us FRIDAY for our annual Deck the Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Balsam Hill and featuring Cassadee...
Posted by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Monday, 19 November 2018
Have fun attending this event at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This Nashville Christmas event usually begins with a tree lighting ceremony. If you and your kids visit during the weekends, you can enjoy taking photos with Santa. Have fun decorating a cookie, showing your creativity at ornament-making, and attending various holiday programs organized here.
Deck the Hall at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Website: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Great for: Families, couples, music lovers, culture enthusiasts
11. Attend Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
Make your Christmas in Nashville more enjoyable by booking tickets to see this classic ballet, Nutcracker, at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall. Watch Clara and her journey with her wonderful, magical friends through a scenic dreamland. Admire the concept, music, set, story, and choreography at this amazing production.
Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
Address: 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243, United States
Website: TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
Takes place: December
Great for: Culture enthusiasts, music lovers, families with kids, couples, solo travelers
Tips for visiting: The venue is wheelchair-accessible and you can avail of elevators to get to the grand tier, loges, and balcony. There are also some rows that can be accessed without stairs.
What guests are saying about their experience:
“At the Nutcracker performance with my daughter and they were amazing! Saw them perform as a high schooler MANY years ago and now with my own kid was pretty amazing too!” - by Google reviewer, Mr T
12. Enjoy the North Pole Express with Santa at Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Go for a fun, festive train ride with Santa Claus and his elves by boarding the North Pole Express which you can find at Tennessee Central Railway Museum. Take great photos during your journey to make your Christmas holidays in Nashville more memorable. Enjoy shopping at the stores in Watertown, and feast on scrumptious food at local restaurants.
North Pole Express with Santa at Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Address: 220 Willow Street, Nashville, TN 37210
Website: Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Takes place: Mid-November through December
Great for: Families with kids
Tips for visiting: Book this experience early as the tickets sell out quite fast. Don’t forget to carry your camera for some excellent photo ops!
What guests are saying about their experience:
“Great experience on the polar express with Santa and his elves. Carolers came through the cars and we got hot chocolate onboard!” - by Google reviewer, Amanda “Blondie” B
13. Drive through dazzling displays of pure Christmas joy at Dancing Lights of Christmas
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Dubbed as “Tennessee’s Largest Drive Thru Light and Music Show”, Dancing Lights of Christmas allows you and your family to really get into the holiday spirit by driving along a spectacle of bright and colorful lights dancing in sync to jovial Christmas melodies. The more than 1.5 million LED dancing lights are also featured in traditional displays such as Christmas trees, nativity scenes, snowmen, reindeers, and of course, jolly ‘ol St. Nick!
The fun doesn’t end there as Dancing Lights of Christmas also features “Santa’s Village”, which features different holiday-themed activities at the end of the main attraction. I’m sure your kids will have a great time with fun activities such as kiddie train rides and pony rides, and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and get their pictures taken. So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Nashville during Christmas with your kids, you should definitely check this out!
Dancing Lights of Christmas
Address: Wilson County Fairgrounds/Ward Ag Center, 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087
Website: Dancing Lights of Christmas
Takes place: Novermber to January
Great for: Families, couples, solo travelers, Instagrammers
Tips for visiting: If you plan on visiting on a weekend, expect to wait for a long period as weekends are the busiest. It’s best to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and wait time.
What guests are saying about their experience:
“Hands down the best Christmas lights in the area. Not only that but everyone that works the tent concessions and games for the kids are super nice! We have went three years in a row and plan to continue going. I think I get more excited than the kid” - by Google reviewer, Trinity Estes
Spend a memorable Christmas in Nashville
Nashville is a beautiful city full of charm, and Christmas celebrations here are full of life. Numerous family-friendly events and attractions greet tourists and help enhance their winter holiday experience. Exciting activities and events will not only please you but your kids too. From the best staycation spots to live music clubs that serve food, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, book an accommodation, head out the capital of Tennessee, and enjoy a fun-filled vacation by checking out the best things to do in Nashville during Christmas.
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