Holiday Happenings: Christmas in Nashville 2026

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.

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

Nov 6-Jan. 2, 2027
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. TIP: Onsite parking is pricey so in years past I’ve parked at Opry Mills and walked over.

This 2025 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. (Awaiting a 2026 update.)

Dancing Lights of Christmas

November 7-January 3, 2027
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

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

Awaiting 2026 dates
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

Awaiting 2026 dates
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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Amy Grant & Vince Gill

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.

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. 18-21
The Nashville Symphony and Chorus join forces to present this classic. Schermerhorn Symphony Hall.

VENUE ABBREVIATIONS

Bridgestone Arena (BA)
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

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)

DECEMBER 1-15

Dec. 1                 Ryan Middaugh Jazz Orchestra: “A Very Bari Christmas” (FT)
Dec. 2                 “Elf” in Concert: Nashville Symphony (SC)
Dec. 2                 Rock the Halls: A Rock’n’Roll Holiday Celebration (FT)
Dec. 4-6             “Home Alone” in Concert: Nashville Symphony (SC)
Dec. 6                An Ozzie & Harriet Christmas with the Nelsons (FT)
Dec. 6-7             Andrew Peterson: Behold the Lamb annual event (RA)
Dec. 10               A Very Dave Barnes Christmas (SC)
Dec. 13               Holiday Brass Spectacular (SC)
Dec. 15.              Bluebird@the Symphony: Christmas with Charles Esten  (SC)

DECEMBER 16-31

Dec. 19-20.        Michael W. Smith “Every Christmas” (FC)
Dec. 19-20         Christmas with the King: Elvis tribute (FT)
Dec. 21               Lady A: This Winter’s Night  (RA)
Dec. 21-22         Christmas with the Gatlins: Country and Christmas (FT)

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.

SPECIAL DECORATION THEMES AREN”T USUALLY ANNOUNCED UNTIL EARLY NOVEMBER.

Posted below are 2025 themes.
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.

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.

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

Rooftop at The Nash