Last updated: November 11, 2024
Find the top festive events in Hermitage! Our guide has all the must-see holiday highlights. From Hermitage regulars to first-time explorers, our guide unlocks the season's magic.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting display of lights and festive cheer at Cheekwood Holiday Lights, where thousands of twinkling bulbs transform the botanical gardens into a winter wonderland. The immersive Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo features illuminated animal displays, making it perfect for a family outing. And the beloved Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing stunning indoor gardens and elaborate decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hermitage Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
- What to Expect
- Immersive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
- Description
- Christmas at Gaylord Opryland features elaborate holiday light displays, ice sculptures, and festive activities like ice tubing and gingerbread decorating.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- One-mile illuminated garden walk with themed mansion decor.
- Description
- Cheekwood Holiday Lights features a one-mile walk through gardens illuminated by over a million lights, with s'mores stations, seasonal libations, and a holiday marketplace. The event includes specially decorated historic mansion interiors by former White House florist Laura Dowling.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Cheekwood Holiday Lights
Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Chinese lanterns and live entertainment.
- Description
- At Nashville Zoo, Zoolumination features over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns in stunning scenes, including fantastical beasts and wildlife. Live Chinese acrobats and entertainers perform nightly, and select animal exhibits are open late. Visit the North Pole Village for festive lights and holiday fun, with Santa visiting each night.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo
Franktown Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with a delightful stroll option.
- Description
- The Franktown Festival of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light display featuring over 200 synchronized lights in Williamson County, Tennessee. Guests can enjoy holiday music on their car radios, take selfies by the stunning Christmas tree, and make s’mores by the fire pits. Select Wednesdays offer a delightful stroll along the illuminated path, capturing moments by the Christmas Tree and enjoying s’mores by the cozy fire.
- Where
- Franklin | More Info : Franktown Festival of Lights
Dancing Lights of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and music show with Santa's Village and petting zoo.
- Description
- The Dancing Lights of Christmas is Tennessee's largest drive-thru light and music show, featuring over two million lights synchronized to upbeat, traditional, and rockin' Christmas tunes. The event includes admission to Santa's Village, visiting with Santa, and petting animals in the petting zoo.
- Where
- Lebanon | More Info : Dancing Lights of Christmas
Hermitage Holiday Markets and Shopping
Mt. Juliet's Vendor and Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and vendors showcasing handmade crafts.
- Description
- The MJ Craft & Vendor Fair at the Mt. Juliet Community Center on October 12, 2024, features a variety of local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts, unique items, and more.
- Where
- Mt. Juliet | More Info : Mt. Juliet's Vendor and Craft Fair
Hermitage Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman
- What to Expect
- Iconic holiday concert featuring renowned artists.
- Description
- Multi-platinum-selling artists Amy Grant and Vince Gill return to Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium for their 14th annual "Christmas at the Ryman" residency. The duo will perform a variety of Christmas favorites and their biggest hits, making this event a cherished holiday tradition for music fans.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman
Nashville Symphony: Home Alone in Concert
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score from "Home Alone."
- Description
- The Nashville Symphony presents a live performance of John Williams' score from the beloved comedy classic "Home Alone," featuring Macaulay Culkin as the resourceful 8-year-old Kevin McCallister. This hilarious and heart-warming holiday tradition is a Music City favorite, perfect for families.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Nashville Symphony: Home Alone in Concert
Nashville Symphony Chorus: Handel's Messiah
- What to Expect
- Resounding Hallelujah Chorus performance.
- Description
- The Nashville Symphony Chorus presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the resounding Hallelujah Chorus and showcasing passion, drama, and stunning beauty. Celebrate the season with this timeless masterpiece performed by four astounding soloists and conducted by Tucker Biddlecombe.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Nashville Symphony Chorus: Handel's Messiah
The Nutcracker by Nashville Ballet
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Nashville's Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition that brings together history, magic, and dance. Set against the vibrant city backdrop, this performance features original choreography by Paul Vasterling, stunning costumes, and live music by the Nashville Symphony. It invites audiences of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : The Nutcracker by Nashville Ballet
Pentatonix at Bridgestone Arena
- What to Expect
- A cappella holiday concert with a blend of classic and modern music.
- Description
- Pentatonix brings their signature a cappella sound to Bridgestone Arena with a festive holiday concert featuring classic Christmas carols and modern hits.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Pentatonix at Bridgestone Arena
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Bridgestone Arena
- What to Expect
- Epic rock symphony performance of beloved holiday classics.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its iconic holiday music to Bridgestone Arena with "The Lost Christmas Eve Tour," featuring high-octave renditions of classic holiday songs.
- Where
- Nashville | More Info : Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Bridgestone Arena
Dickens of a Christmas
- What to Expect
- Historic downtown Franklin setting with Victorian characters.
- Description
- Dickens of a Christmas is a Victorian-themed outdoor festival in historic downtown Franklin, TN, featuring musicians, dancers, and Dickens characters. Expect to see Fagin from Oliver Twist, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol, along with a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas.
- Where
- Franklin | More Info : Dickens of a Christmas
Yulefest in Goodlettsville
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live music, storytelling, and demonstrations in historic settings.
- Description
- Yulefest in Goodlettsville is an annual holiday event featuring musicians, storytellers, and demonstrators in historic cabins and homes. Visitors can enjoy simple, natural decorations, refreshments, and unique shopping at the gift shop.
- Where
- Goodlettsville | More Info : Yulefest in Goodlettsville
Hermitage Other Holiday Activities
Bell Buckle Old Fashioned Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional Quilt Walk and festive holiday activities.
- Description
- Celebrate the simple goodness of the season in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, with FREE sleigh rides with Santa, a Quilt Walk Tour of Homes, a s'mores pit, and more.
- Where
- Bell Buckle | More Info : Bell Buckle Old Fashioned Christmas
Christmas Open House at Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a historic home setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at the Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum with a festive open house. Explore the historic Greek Revival home, outbuildings, and grounds adorned with seasonal decorations. Enjoy refreshments and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Davis family.
- Where
- Smyrna | More Info : Christmas Open House at Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation
1860's Christmas at Historic Collinsville
- What to Expect
- Historical reenactments and period-specific decorations.
- Description
- Step back in time to the 1860s at Historic Collinsville, where you can immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of a bygone era. Enjoy period-specific decorations, historical reenactments, and festive activities that bring the past to life.
- Where
- Southside | More Info : 1860's Christmas at Historic Collinsville
Holiday Open House at Historic Rock Castle
- What to Expect
- Historic home tour with live music and refreshments.
- Description
- Explore Historic Rock Castle during the Holiday Open House, featuring a free tour of the 1784 home, live historic music, and Christmas carols, along with refreshments and a holiday gift shop.
- Where
- Hendersonville | More Info : Holiday Open House at Historic Rock Castle