Experience the magic of the holiday season in Nashville, TN, with a variety of enchanting events that delight both locals and visitors. Wander through the luminous landscapes at Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, where over a million lights transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season during the Nashville Christmas Parade, featuring dazzling floats and country music stars.
Marvel at the breathtaking light displays at Christmas at Opryland, where over 3 million lights adorn the resort's indoor gardens. From festive parades to spectacular light shows, Nashville offers an unforgettable holiday experience for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Nashville
- Christmas at Opryland
- Nashville Christmas Parade
- Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
- Zoo Holiday Lights
- Theatre Opry Christmas Show
Nashville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Opryland
What to Expect:
Massive indoor holiday display with millions of lights
Description:
Opryland transforms into a dazzling winter spectacle, boasting over 3 million lights adorning its indoor gardens and atriums. Visitors can glide through the resort on a Delta River flatboat, marveling at the illuminated scenery. This tradition began in 1984, evolving from a modest outdoor celebration to the grand indoor extravaganza it is today. The resort's soaring glass ceilings amplify the brilliance of the lights, creating an atmosphere that captivates guests from around the world.
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Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with artistic light installations
Description:
Cheekwood Estate's gardens illuminate the night with over a million lights, artfully arranged to complement the natural beauty of the grounds. Visitors can stroll through glowing tunnels and admire light sculptures that pay homage to Tennessee's flora. The event showcases the estate's historic mansion, decorated to reflect holiday traditions from the 1930s. As you explore, the crisp winter air carries the scent of pine and cinnamon, enhancing the sensory experience of this beloved Nashville tradition.
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Zoo Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays and nocturnal animal encounters
Description:
Nashville Zoo's nighttime transformation features illuminated animal sculptures and themed light displays that celebrate wildlife from around the globe. Visitors can embark on a special nocturnal tour, observing animals that are typically more active after dark. The event highlights the zoo's conservation efforts, with educational stations scattered throughout the illuminated pathways. Guests can also warm up with hot cocoa while learning about the zoo's history, which dates back to its founding as a private animal farm in 1937.
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Nashville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Theatre Opry Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Classic country Christmas performances in a historic venue
Description:
The Opry's Christmas show transports audiences back to the golden age of country music with performances by both legendary artists and rising stars. The historic venue, which has hosted country music's biggest names since 1925, resonates with the rich harmonies of classic holiday tunes infused with a country twang. Visitors can marvel at the Opry's famous wooden circle on stage, cut from the original Ryman Auditorium floor. The show interweaves holiday traditions with country music history, creating a uniquely Nashville holiday experience.
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Nashville Other Holiday Activities
Nashville Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Star-studded parade with country music performances
Description:
Nashville's streets come alive with the rhythmic beats of marching bands and the twang of country music during this annual parade. Floats adorned with twinkling lights glide down Broadway, showcasing the city's rich musical heritage. You'll spot famous country artists waving to the crowds, a tradition that dates back to the parade's inception in 1927. The event culminates in a special performance by a headlining country star, blending holiday cheer with Nashville's signature sound.
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Nearby Events
Franktown Festival of Lights (Franklin)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show benefiting underprivileged youth
Description:
Franktown's Festival of Lights illuminates the night with a mile-long drive-through experience featuring over 200 displays. The event supports Franktown Open Hearts, a local organization serving inner-city youth since 2005. As you cruise through the twinkling wonderland, your car radio syncs with the light show, creating a multi-sensory experience. The festival showcases intricate light sculptures depicting local landmarks and holiday scenes, offering a unique blend of community spirit and holiday cheer.
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Enchanted Garden of Lights (Chattanooga)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a mountain setting
Description:
Perched atop Lookout Mountain, this illuminated garden offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley below. Visitors can activate motion-sensor light displays, bringing the garden to life with their movements. The event pays homage to the area's Cherokee heritage with special exhibits and storytelling sessions. As you explore, the crisp mountain air invigorates your senses, enhancing the experience of wandering through glowing pathways and encountering surprises around every corner.
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Dancing Lights of Christmas (Lebanon)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show set to music
Description:
This drive-through extravaganza features over 2 million lights pulsating and "dancing" in perfect synchronization with holiday tunes. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station, immersing themselves in a multi-sensory spectacle. The show incorporates cutting-edge light technology, including RGB pixels that allow for intricate color changes and animations. This modern twist on holiday lights began in 2012 and has quickly become a cherished Nashville tradition, drawing inspiration from similar shows across the country.
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Gallatin Christmas Parade (Gallatin)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with a focus on local businesses and organizations
Description:
Gallatin's charming downtown transforms into a hub of community spirit during this annual parade. Local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with handcrafted floats, while marching bands fill the air with jubilant melodies. The event highlights Gallatin's rich history, with some participants donning period costumes from the town's founding era in 1802. Spectators can warm up with locally-roasted coffee as they watch the procession, fostering a sense of small-town camaraderie.
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Christmas in the Park (Brentwood)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village with live entertainment
Description:
This immersive holiday experience transforms a local park into a bustling winter village. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting or watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. The event showcases Nashville's diverse musical talent with performances ranging from bluegrass to gospel. As you explore, the aroma of freshly-baked gingerbread wafts through the air from the village bakery. The park's transformation pays homage to Nashville's early days as a frontier settlement, with historical reenactors sharing stories of holidays past.
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Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade (Leipers Fork)
What to Expect:
Quirky, small-town parade with a focus on creativity and humor
Description:
Leiper's Fork's annual parade bursts with eccentricity and charm, featuring everything from decorated tractors to costumed pets. The event celebrates the village's artistic spirit, with many floats showcasing works by local artists. Spectators line the historic main street, which has remained largely unchanged since the town's founding in the late 1700s. The parade's unique blend of humor and holiday cheer reflects the community's close-knit nature and creative flair, making it a standout among Nashville-area holiday events.
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Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade