Holiday Happenings 2024

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    Gaylord Opryland Hotel Christmas

Nashville Holiday Happenings 2024

Christmas Light Displays, Holiday Concerts, Special Events, Pop-Up Bars, and More

November and December are packed with all sorts of holiday excitement. Whether you want to join in on a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World” or cozy up for a firepit, Nashville is ready to welcome you.

Events and details added as they become available.

Lighting Displays and Decoration
Special Events
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

Now-January 4, 2025

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 featuring Frosty the Snowman along with an ice skating rink, ice slides, and more. Terri Clark is presenting a series of Christmas concerts and there are a bunch of other options. 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.

Franktown Festival of Lights

November 22-December 31, 2024

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. This year they’ve added Walk-Thru Wednesday if you prefer traveling on foot. Priced at $34.69 per carload of 8 people. Benefits Franktown Open Hearts non-profit organization.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

November 18-January 7, 2025

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 typically an area for kids and a hot chocolate station.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

Now-January 4th, 2025

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 $30 per carload so load up everyone.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo

Now-February 9, 2025

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. New this year: an ice rink. From November 24-December 24, an illuminated North Pole Village is included in admission.

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.

Bass Pro Shop

Now-December 25

My son always begged to visit Santa’s Wonderland inside BPS. In addition to activities like remote controlled trucks and freebies like coloring sheets, you can book a free photo session with Santa. If possible, go on a weekday with kiddos to avoid the mobs.

Christmas at Belmont Mansion

Resplendent in Victorian holiday decoration, tours of this opulent mansion provide a glimpse of Nashville aristocracy 160 years ago.

Brunch with Santa

December 1, 8, 15, and 22

Feast on a southern-inspired Sunday buffet and enjoy a visit from Santa at JW Marriott’s Stompin’ Grounds eatery. Adults: $46, Children: $20. Serving hours 11am-2pm.

Grinchmas Afternoon Tea

Now-December 29

A family-friendly, treat-centric event held in the Blue Aster at the Conrad Hotel. Feast on such delicacies as Linzer cookies, Oreo truffles, Grinch chocolate bark, and fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and jam while partaking of limitless tea and a round of bubbles. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12:30-3pm.

East Nashville Holiday Bash

December 5-7

Need to do a little holiday shopping? Looking for some festive fun? Like live holiday music? Want a photo with Santa? It’s all here plus a cocktail party on Saturday evening.

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

December 5-29

Rock’n’roll history was made in Memphis when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash came together to form what became known as the Million Dollar Quartet. This is a seasonal take on this alignment of stars. You’re sure to have a “blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas.”

A Christmas Carol

December 6-22

Time-travel back to Dickensian London with this lavish production telling the transformative tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Presented by Tennessee Repertory Theatre at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville’s Nutcracker

December 6-26

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).

Jingle Bell Run

December 7

I don’t have a category for charity athletic events so I’ll drop this in ahead of the entertainment options. Choose from a 5k, 1-mile, or Kids Fun Run. It takes place at Two Rivers Park near Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Benefits the Arthritis Foundation.

A Christmas Carol

December 7-22

My friend Chip Arnold will be the perfect embodiment of ol’ Ebenezer in this production staged by Rabbit Room Theatre at the Franklin Special School District’s auditorium on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Holiday Spirits at The Hermitage

December 7-8 and 13-15

Take a lantern tour through the home of Andrew Jackson decorated for Christmas, hear eerie and seasonal tales of the estate, and sip a beverage (wine or non-alcoholic). Starts at 5:30pm.

Rudolph’s Red Nose 5k Run

December 14

Run through Shelby Park in East Nashville. Benefits NeedLink.

Photos with Krampus

December 14

Not jolly? No problem. Head to Honeytree Meadery in East Nashville to have your photo made with Krampus during their annual irreverent festival.

Nashville Santa Rampage

December 14

It might best be described as a downtown bar crawl where everyone dresses as Santa. Check the FB page for details.

Dickens of a Christmas

December 14-15

Downtown Franklin pays tribute to merry ol’ London with this two-day Victorian throwback. Expect roving carolers, Father Christmas, characters from Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol, festive foods and beverages, and all manner of vendors. It’s been a huge hit in years past so expect large crowds.

David Alford’s “Southern Christmas Sampler”

December 18-29

A must-anticipated annual event, heralded local actor reads Truman Capote’s short story “A Christmas Memory” accompanied by a trio of talented musicians. The Belmont Mansion provides the perfect setting for this classic.

Christmas Light Tours

Charter your own tour with up to 24 celebrants aboard. Choose from several destinations or create your own route.

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

Christmas at the Ryman with Amy Grant and Vince Gill

December 1, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 21 including several matinees. Some are sold out.

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. Plus they’ve released a new album entitled “When I Think of Christmas.” Limited edition LPs available.

General Jackson Christmas Cruise

Now-December 25, 2024 + a New Year’s Eve cruise

Choose between midday (Children: $45, Adults: $72) and evening trips (Children:$70+, Adults: $100+) up the Cumberland River from Opry Mills to downtown Nashville. Your cruise includes a live show of holiday music and a nice meal.

Opry Country Christmas

December 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2024

The Grand Ole Opry gives a special nod to the holidays with shows that add a little Christmas spirit.

Nashville Symphony Performances

Because there are a variety of performances including holiday film soundtracks and a performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” I’m sending you to the symphony’s website. You’ll also find holiday events apart from symphony performances.

Holiday Tunes at Rudy’s Jazz Room

December 11-18, 2024

Multiple performances of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack and New Orleans-flavored “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” Check the schedule for details.

Abbreviations for venues listed below. All dates are confirmed for 2024.
BA–Bridgestone Arena
FT–Franklin Theater
FC–Fisher Center for the Performng Arts at Belmont University
OH–Opry House
RA–Ryman Auditorium
SSC–Schermerhorn Symphony Center
TPAC–Tennessee Performing Arts Center

December 1-15

Mike Farris Sings the Soul of Christmas, Nashville's 3rd and Lindsley

December 16-31

Handel's Messiah at Nashville Symphony Hall

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.

  • Bobby Hotel–At their seasonal Camp Bobby, rent a private igloo, the vintage lounge aboard the rooftop Greyhound Scenicruiser or enjoy the fire pits. (See photo.)
  • Grand Hyatt Downtown–The fifth floor of the Hyatt Downtown is transformed into The Rink Above Broadway. Cost is $10 for an hour of skating Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday and skate rental is included. No charge for admission. Reservations recommended. Complimentary valet parking for two hours.
  • Conrad Hotel–“Retro glamour meets cozy alpine charm at Thistle & Rye’s Disco Chalet.” Mirrored balls, twinkling lights indoors. Outdoors there’s a rink to try curling or get cozy in an igloo. Specialty cocktails and complimentary hot chocolate. Runs November 13 through mid-January 2025.
  • Westin–Don’t have time to get away to the Alps? Here’s a convenient solution. The rooftop bar has been transformed into Lodge 27, an elegant escape to Bavaria in the heart of the city. Runs November 16-January 8.
  • JW Marriott–Its Cumberland Bar presents Jingle Bar Rock with holiday-themed beverages and festive decor.
  • Dream Hotel–Its cozy Parlor Bar toasts guests 21+ with its Holiday Cheers theme accompanied by custom cocktails and tasty bites.
  • Pancake Pantry–For 2024, the Pantry is getting Grinch-y with Who’s Tavern Thursday-Saturday, 6-11pm. Stop by to see the place decorated with “Christmas stuff like bingle balls and who-floo fluff.” Downtown location only.
  • Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown— Skye, their top-of-the-building bar, has been magically made-over as Jazz’n’Jingle with live jazz and a vintage ’70s vibe. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 6pm-1am.
  • Jane’s Hideaway–This trendy bluegrass club decks itself out for the holidays as Candy Cane Jane’s with lots of trees and garland. November 26-January 1.
  • Nicky’s Coal Fired–Transformed into Saint Nicky’s for Christmas, the place is aglow with tiki-inspired tropical fun and serving Christmas Tree pasta. November 30 debut.
  • Geist–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 and the dining area was transformed into a spectacular white Christmas.
  • Virgin Hotel–It’s been 30 years since Mariah Carey released her evergreen Christmas album. To celebrate, she playing Nashville on November 25 and Virgin is setting up a “holiday themed winter wonderland” that stays up until December 29. Lots of Mariah-themed photo ops and special drinks. Cover charge: $20. They’re also offering the Cabin Club with Fireside Fridays for cozy rooftop gatherings and Breckenridge Brunch Friday-Sunday.
  • Noelle–Tucked away is the Hidden Bar which this season is hosting a Seuss-inspired Hidden-ville until January 7. 21+.
  • Fairlane–For a cool evening of drinks and nibbles, its penthouse is transformed into Misfits Bar, a whimsical take on a holiday classic film.
  • Union Station–This year’s theme, “A Very Merry Bar Car,” comes to life with beautiful decor, a special menu of small plates, and festive beverages. Even if it wasn’t decorated for Christmas, the lobby of this former train station would make a spectacular stop.
  • Nashville Live!–Head up 2nd Avenue, N. for Tinsel Tavern, a floor-to-ceiling celebration of the season.
  • Big Machine Brewery & Distillery–Gather your Griswolds and head over for a retrospective in SoBro inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
  • Santa’s Pub–Ain’t nothing popping up here because it’s Christmas year-round at this famous lil dive bar whose proprietor is affectionately known as Santa. Gotta have cash–no credit cards.
Camp Bobby winter scene