Holiday Happenings 2025

Nashville Holiday Happenings 2025

Christmas Light Displays, Holiday Concerts, Special Events, Decked-Out Restaurants & Bars, and More

November and December are packed with holiday excitement. Whether you want to join in on a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World” or cozy up by a fire pit, Nashville is ready to welcome you.
Update: only a few attractions remain but things will be all aglow again starting in mid-November 2026.

Lighting Displays and Decoration

Nashville goes all out to light up the night. You can walk through, drive through or even take a trip back in time. Find the attraction that suits your fancy.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Now-January 3, 2026
No one does Christmas any bigger than Opryland Hotel (photo above). First off, there’s the decoration that takes months of set-up. Just walking through the front lawn displays or the Cascades atrium is pretty magical but there’s so much more.

Returning this year is their stunning ice sculpture display cleverly called ICE. This year carvings feature scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” along with an ice skating rink, ice slides, and more. New this year is POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a Cirque Soleil-style immersive experience with acrobatics, magic, and elaborate costumes.

Check out their website for details and pricing. NOTE: there are restrictions on who will be admitted during peak days/times so carefully read through their FAQ page before visiting. TIP: Parking onsite is pricey so in years past I’ve parked at Opry Mills and walked over.

This Reddit post explains in detail when it’s open to the public and when only resort guests and ticket holders are allowed to tour the grounds.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

Now-January 4, 2026
Travel out to Wilson County Fairgrounds for the area’s largest drive-thru display of lights. Stop by Santa’s Village for a visit with ol’ Saint Nick and treat the kids to the petting zoo. They charge $35 per car so load up everyone. (See inset photo.)

Franktown Festival of Lights

Now-December 31
Drive through displays at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin featuring more than 200 displays in sync with a soundtrack you can play on your car radio. Walkin’ Wednesdays give you a chance to tour on foot 5:00-6:30pm. Priced at $34.69 (awaiting 2025 pricing) per carload of 8 people. Benefits Franktown Open Hearts non-profit organization.

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

Now-January 4, 2026
In recent years, Cheekwood Gardens has gone to great lengths to attract visitors with a million lights illuminating a one-mile path. The grounds are beautiful in daylight but become magical at night. There’s a s’mores station, a hot chocolate stand, and a Christmas marketplace.

Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo

Now-Jan. 4   Nightly
Jan. 8- Feb. 8    Thursday-Sunday
Imagine enormous Chinese lanterns in the shapes of all manner of animals–both real and fanciful. Over 100 creations in all. We toured the zoo grounds last year and were blown away by the artistry and vibrant colors. Returning this year: an ice rink

Franktown Festival of Lights

Now-December 31
Drive through displays at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin featuring more than 200 displays in sync with a soundtrack you can play on your car radio. Walkin’ Wednesdays give you a chance to tour on foot 5:00-6:30pm. Priced at $34.69 (awaiting 2025 pricing) per carload of 8 people. Benefits Franktown Open Hearts non-profit organization.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

Now-January 4, 2026
In recent years, Cheekwood Gardens has gone to great lengths to attract visitors with a million lights illuminating a one-mile path. The grounds are beautiful in daylight but become magical at night. There’s a s’mores station, a hot chocolate stand, and a Christmas marketplace.

Nashville Christmas Lights Tour

The Redneck Comedy Bus rolls out some seasonal sightseeing with this 2.5-hr. family-friendly trip to take in some of Nashville’s most brilliant lighting displays.

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood

Photo: Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS

Special Events

Here I’ve included a hodgepodge of activities including the performing arts, a street festival, and a few other events that aren’t strictly concerts.

Nashville’s Nutcracker

Now-December 28
Inspired the Emmy-winning 2020 film with a few customizations, the production is presented by Nashville Ballet in conjunction with the Nashville Symphony at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

Christmas Light Tours

Check the website for details.
Charter your own tour with up to 24 celebrants aboard. Choose from several destinations or create your own route.

Rare Magic

December 29-30
Looking for some holiday magic that involves sleight-of-hand and illusions? This intimate show may be just the sorbet you need post-Christmas.

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl

December 30
Tennessee vs. Iowa. The stands are gonna be REALLY orange.

Nashville's Nutcracker

Photo: Nashville’s Nutcracker

Concerts and Musical Events

Nashville has a longstanding love affair with Christmas music–from Handel’s “Messiah” to Brenda Lee’s hit “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” I’m featuring some of the most popular multi-night concerts before shifting into one- or two-night concerts.

I’ll fill this post back up again starting in October 2026 as dates are announced.

Amy Grant & Vince Gill

Christmas at the Ryman with Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Check midsummer for 2026 tickets
Now a full-fledged Nashville tradition, Amy and Vince settle into the beloved Ryman Auditorium for a “tender Tennessee Christmas” with cherished favorites as well as selections from Amy’s extensive Christmas catalog. Shows at 7:30pm and some 3:00pm matinees.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars (and Restaurants)

A growing number of downtown establishments (and a few beyond downtown) go all out with holiday decorations. Whether you’d like something elegant or kitschy, Nashville can accommodate. Because a few restaurants get exceedingly festive, I’ve added them to this list. Adding to this list as I come across new offerings.

Geist bar holiday decorations

Santa’s Pub

Wedgewood-Houston–Ain’t nothing popping up here because it’s Christmas year-round at this famous lil dive bar near GEODIS Stadium. Its proprietor, affectionately known as Santa, has passed but his legacy lives on. Gotta have cash–no credit cards.

Geist
Germantown–We had a wonderful dinner there last year in this Germantown stalwart and were blown away by the holiday decor. Countless ornaments hung above the bar (see above) and this year, they’ve incorporated tethered hot air balloons into their dining experience.

Bobby Hotel
Downtown–At their seasonal Camp Bobby, rent a private igloo, the vintage lounge aboard the rooftop Greyhound Scenicruiser or enjoy the fire pits. (See photo.)

Hank Williams Jr.’s Boogie Bar
Broadway–Upstairs is aglow as the bar celebrates an All-American Christmas. Book a table, share a meal, and listen to acoustic music for the season.

Hampton Social
SoBro–Decorated throughout but they’re added a bonus to the rooftop with showing of holiday movies on select nights.

Pushing Daisies

Broadway–This time of year this popular margarita lounge transforms into Pushing Poinsettias with holiday decor and drinks to match. Located underground in the 5th & Broadway complex, it’s a fine little getaway.

Grand Hyatt Downtown
Downtown–This year’s offerings include gingerbread house decorating and a visit from Santa (Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21).

Conrad Hotel
Midtown–A Grinchmas Afternoon Tea returns to the Conrad Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Virgin Hotel
Midtown–This year gather with friends at The Merry Moose, the poolside cabin, to enjoy bites and drinks amid twinkling lights and festive decor. Or take advantage of their Jingle Bell Brunch served every Saturday and Sunday.

Noelle
Downtown–They’ve spiced up this year with the Hidden Bar’s glittery theme–Sugar & Vice. “Think twinkle lights, rhinestone shimmer, bold cocktails, and just the right dose of drama.”

Pancake Pantry
SoBro--Welcome to the Polar Pub, inspired by The Polar Express. Kids can sip non-alcoholic Golden Ticket cocoa while parents can indulge in mixology specials including Candy Cane Express and Caramel Sleigh Ride. Even salads and pancakes get a festive makeover. Thursday-Saturday, 5-10pm, Downtown location only.

JW Marriott
Downtown— Enjoy brunch with Santa on December 7, 14 or 21 in Stompin’ Grounds. Valet parking included.

Nicky’s Coal Fired
Sylvan Park–Transforming into Smoky Mountain Christmas for the holidays November 25th. Note: These folks go all out. No reservations accepted but welcoming to both large and small groups.

Fairlane

Downtown–Take a retro spin with their Very Vinyl Christmas! with a soundtrack and storytelling fitting for the season.

Union Station

Broadway–This year’s theme is “Naughty or Nice” so take your pick between two experience. One family-friendly, the other more adultified.

Top Note
Germantown–Make your reservation at Top Note atop the TownePlace Suites near the Musicians Hall of Fame for The Igloo Experienc. Gather friends in a heated dome for bites and drinks.

Westin
SoBro–Don’t have time to get away to the Alps? Here’s a convenient solution. The rooftop bar has been transformed into Chalet 27, an elegant escape to Bavaria in the heart of the city.

Sonny’s Pub & Sidecar
Germantown–Three experiences at one location: Holly Jolly, Sleighing It!, and Big Nick Energy.

aba
Wedgewood-Houston–This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is adorned with Christmas trees suspended from the atrium ceiling.

Park Café
Sylvan Park–Reserve a heated igloo, sit by the firepit, or toast s’mores at one of Nashville’s veterans of gracious dining.

Common Ground
Sylvan Park and Berry Hill–This year both locations are celebrating the season with a nutcracker theme.

FancyPants
East Nashville–This upscale cocktail bar is dressed to the nines with holiday glow.

Playdate
12South–Hanging in 12South? You’ll find heated igloos, tinsel galore, and fun drinks. A nice stop for lunch, dinner, or beverages.

Camp Bobby winter scene

Photo: Rooftop at The Bobby