Holiday Happenings: Christmas in Nashville 2026

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Holiday Happenings: Christmas in Nashville 2026

Christmas Lights, Special Events, Holiday Concerts, 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.

Scroll down or jump to what interests you.

Lighting Displays and Decoration
Special Events
Theatre and Dance
Concerts and Musical Events
Holiday Pop-Up Bars (and Restaurants)

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

November 6-January 2
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 “Home Alone” along with an ice skating rink, ice slides, and more. Returning 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.

Here’s a partial excerpt: ” For capacity management and to ensure an enjoyable environment, resort access will be guaranteed after 3:00 p.m. CT for overnight guests as well as indoor or outdoor ticket reservation holders only every Friday and Saturday beginning November 20 plus daily November 23-26 and December 18-31, 2026.

The resort welcomes visitors without room reservation or ticketed event reservations to arrive on site prior to 3:00 p.m. CT on the aforementioned dates and enjoy the rest of the afternoon into the evening, or to visit anytime November 6-19, Nov. 22, Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, Dec. 6-10, Dec. 13-17, 2026; or Jan. 1-2, 2027. Additional restrictions may apply without advance notice.”

TIP: Onsite parking is pricey so in years past I’ve parked at Opry Mills near Regal Cinemas and walked over.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

November 7-January 3
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.)

Christmas at The Hideaway

November 13-December 20
Head north to Gallatin for lighting displays, a Christmas marketplace, storytime with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, treats, and live animals. Costs $40/carload.

Franktown Festival of Lights

November 20-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. Open nightly. Walkin’ Wednesdays give you a chance to tour on foot 5:00-6:30pm. Priced per carload. Benefits Franktown Open Hearts non-profit organization.

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

November 20-January 3
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.

Glow Wild at the Nashville Zoo

November 19-January 3
Due to difficulty getting Chinese artisans through U.S. Immigration, Zoolumination is being replaced by this walk-thru light exhibit. Other features include an ice rink and nightly visit from Santa.

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.

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.

Christmas Village

November 13-15
A Nashville tradition held at The Fairgrounds Nashville, shop among dozens of vendors selling crafts, food items, decor, and much more.

Merriest Main Street

November 18
Franklin’s Historic District comes alive with all sorts of vendors, food, and live entertainment.

Made South Christmas Village

November 20-21
All sorts of crafty items, gifts, and tasty treats on display at The Factory in Franklin. Admission charged.

Holiday Central

November 21+
Check the website for specifics but Nashville Yards is hosting an number of activities including a Merry Market with local artisans, ice skating, free hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. Downtown between Broadway and Church Street.

Holly Jolly Festival of Lights

November 27-December 23
Head out to Eagleville’s Lucky Ladd Farms for a charming light display and, on select evenings, visits with Santa.

Nashvillage Holiday Market

Dec. 3-6 and 10-13
Sponsored by the Nashville Downtown Partnership, look for booths set up along Riverfront Park selling all sorts of decor, gift items, and treats.

Fezziwig’s Old World Christmas Market

December 12
Experience the charm of a European marketplace featuring live music and artisans offering a wide assortment of handmade goods as well as unique food and beverages. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Free parking and entrance. Hours: noon-8pm.

Christmas Light Tours

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

Titans vs. Colts

Dec. 20
Okay, it’s not a holiday event but it does occur on Christmas week.

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl

December 30
An SEC team squares off with a Big 10 team at Nissan Stadium. Typically announced early December.

Christmas Village

Theatre and Dance>

Although Nashville is best known for music, there’s a robust and diverse community for all the performing arts.

Roosevelt and Churchill: The Christmas that Saved the World

November 12-15
Not your typical holiday fare. It’s a dramatization of a meeting between the two world leaders that took place in the White House just days before Pearl Harbor. (TPAC)

Nashville’s Nutcracker

November 27-December 27
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)

Frozen: The Musical

December 4-20
Okay, it’s not exactly a holiday show but it does have a snowman. (TPAC)

A Christmas Carol

December 4-20
Imagine combining Dickens’s classic tale with “Greater Tuna.” That’s roughly the idea as five actors play all the parts. FYI, Playhouse 615 is about 25 miles east of downtown Nashville.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

December 16
Described as “a breathtaking holiday spectacle featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes, and towering puppets.” (FC)

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.

Christmas at the Ryman with Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Dec. 14-23
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. Must purchase tickets through the Ryman or AXS.com.

General Jackson Cruises

Nov. 6-Dec. 14
It is final season, the General Jackson offers two Christmas-themed outings: a lunchtime Nashville Christmas musical event and it Holiday Christmas Spectacular dinner cruise.

Country Roads Christmas

Nov. 5 till Christmas. A multi-talented cast brings portrayals of classic country artists performing Christmas songs. West of Nashville at Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Theater.

Opry Country Christmas

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 2-3, 6, 9-10, 13-14, 20-22
The legendary country music institution adds a nod to the season with these performances. Opry House.

Little Big Town: The Christmas Shows

Dec. 8-10
The focus is on songs of the season but it’s a safe bet that they’ll slide in some of their chart-topping hits. Ryman Auditorium.

Tommee Profitt: The Birth of a King

Dec. 12-13
A musical spectacle drawing on the talents of 20+ artists, a 60-piece orchestra, 100-person choir, and full band. Bridgestone Arena.

for King + Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas

Dec. 15-18
Joel and Luke Smallbone return to the Opry House for what has quickly become an annual classic. Opry House.

Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 18-20
The Nashville Symphony and Chorus join forces for this vibrant annual tradition at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

VENUE ABBREVIATIONS

Bridgestone Arena (BA)
City Winery (CW)
Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (FC)
Franklin Theatre (FT)
Harken Hall (HH)
Opry House (OH)
Ryman Auditorium (RA)
Schermerhorn Symphony Center (SC)

Fisher Center lobby

NOVEMBER

Nov. 20-21 Christmas at Belmont featuring 200 student musicians (FC)
Nov. 21 John Chisum & Friends: O Holy Night (FT)
Nov. 27-29 Brett Eldredge “Glow 10” (RA)
Nov. 30 Christmas with the Celts (FT)
Nov. 30 Mickey Guyton Holiday Tour (CW)

DECEMBER 1-15

Dec. 1 Christmas Voices with Nashville Symphony and Chorus. (SC)
Dec. 1 Ryan Middaugh Jazz Orchestra: “A Very Bari Christmas” (FT)
Dec. 2 Rock the Halls: A Rock’n’Roll Holiday Celebration (FT)
Dec. 2 “Elf” in Concert: live Symphony score (SC)
Dec. 2 Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (BA)
Dec. 2-3 Lauren Daigle: The Behold Christmas Tour (RA)
Dec. 4 A McCrary Kind of Christimas (HH)
Dec. 4-6 “Home Alone” in Concert: live Symphony score (SC)
Dec. 6 An Ozzie & Harriet Christmas with the Nelsons (FT)
Dec. 6-7 Andrew Peterson: Behold the Lamb annual event (RA)
Dec. 7 Ricky Skaggs: AKentucky Thunder Christmas (SH)
Dec. 9 Pentatonix: Christmas in the City (BA)
Dec. 10 A Very Dave Barnes Christmas (SC)
Dec. 10. Nathan Thomas Holiday Concert (CW)
Dec. 11 Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas: (SC)
Dec. 11-12. Mike Farris Sings the Soul of Christmas (3rd and Lindsley)
Dec. 12 Slice & Friends Alternative Christmas Show (The Underdog)
Dec. 13 Deborah Allen & Friends Christmas/Gospel Matinee (FT)|
Dec. 14. A Franklin Christmas with Steven Curtis Chapman & Friends (Liberty Hall, Franklin)
Dec. 15. Bluebird@the Symphony: Christmas with Charles Esten (SC)

DECEMBER 16-31

Dec, 18 Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas (FC)
Dec. 18 A Rat-Packin’ Christmas Sinatra Style (3rd and Lindsley)
Dec. 19 A Very Sinatra Christmas Special (Kimpton Aertson)
Dec. 19-20. Michael W. Smith “Every Christmas” (FC)
Dec. 19-20 Christmas with the King: Elvis tribute (FT)
Dec. 19-20 Christmas Carols by Strings (Conrad)
Dec. 20 John Berry Christmas (HH)
Dec. 20 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Jody Nardone Trio (CW)
Dec. 21 Lady A: This Winter’s Night (RA)
Dec. 21-22 Christmas with the Gatlins: Country and Christmas (FT)
Dec. 23 Motown Christmas (CW)

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.

CONFIRMED FOR 2026

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 in this Germantown stalwart and were blown away by the holiday decor. Countless ornaments hung above the bar (see above) and this year. Looking forward to this year’s extravaganza.

Pearl Diver
East Nashville–Check out their beach-themed Christmas with specialty holiday cocktails, tropical barbecue, and a life-size snow globe guests can step inside for photos. Private parties welcome. Decorations in place for Thanksgiving week.

The Nash

Downtown At their seasonal rooftop camp, rent a private igloo, the vintage lounge aboard the rooftop Greyhound Scenicruiser or enjoy the fire pits. fyi, The Nash was formerly The Bobby.

AWAITING UPDATES FROM 2025 LISTINGS

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–Its Blue Aster restaurant will offer a four-course Christmas Eve dinner–a rarity to find fine dining on the night before Christmas.

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.

Rooftop at The Nash

Downtown Parking Made Easier

Activities for Kids and Families