The Best Things To Do In Nashville At Christmas

It’s no secret that Nashville has become one of the hottest domestic tourist destinations in recent years. With its ever-expanding…

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Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

December 6, 2022

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Holiday LIGHTS; Photo by Nathan Zucker, Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

It’s no secret that Nashville has become one of the hottest domestic tourist destinations in recent years. With its ever-expanding food scene, the plethora of live music, exciting sporting events, and more, there’s always something to do in Nashville. This rings true all year long, but even more so during Christmastime. 

If Music City is on your list of places to visit during the 2022 holiday season, look no further than this list when planning your itinerary. From stunning light displays to holiday shows at iconic venues, here are the best things to do in Nashville at Christmas.

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood 

Nov. 19, 2022 – Jan. 8, 2023 5-10 pm

Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS is a Music City holiday staple. The display features stunning light displays throughout the grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. In addition to a one-mile walking path through the gardens, guests can enjoy warm drinks, adult beverages, s’mores, and more. This activity is perfect for families, couples, friends, and more. 

Tip: If you have children, check out the train display. It’s so much fun! 

More info HERE

Enchant Nashville

Nov. 25, 2022 – Dec. 30, 2022  Hours vary, see calender

Nashville’s First Horizon Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland with Enchant, the world’s largest holiday-themed light event. Attendees will step into a massive display of lights that includes a whopping 4 million lights with larger-than-life elements such as giant reindeer and a 100-foot tall Christmas tree. The event includes a Christmas light maze, ice skating, The Village (filled with shops from artisan vendors, crafts, and boutiques), and more. 

Tip: On select Wednesdays throughout the season, guests can receive a free child’s ticket with the purchase of any adult, senior, or military admission ticket. 

More info HERE

Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights

Nov. 18, 2022 – Jan. 8, 2023 5-9pm 

The largest Chinese lantern festival in the United States is right here in Nashville! Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere features 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. The walkthrough experience includes whimsical scenes throughout the zoo as well as a North Pole Village where Santa will visit Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. 

Tip: While most of the zoo animals will be sleeping at night, arrive before 8:30 pm to see the Andean Bear, Sumatran tiger, and flamingos. 

More info HERE

Dancing Lights of Christmas

Nov. 11, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023 

This drive-thru light show is a must-see! The Dancing Lights of Christmas at the Wilson County Fairgrounds offers Tennessee’s largest drive-through light and music show. It’s open rain or shine and admission includes access to Santa’s village, a visit with Santa, and a petting zoo. 

Tip: To avoid long waits, visit on a weeknight as weekends can be VERY busy. 

More info HERE

Jingle Beat 

Nov. 25, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2022 

Jingle Beat Nashville is Music City’s first holiday multiverse experience. This interactive experience is located at the Nashville Fairgrounds and allows guests to join Santa on an indoor and outdoor adventure through three universes. Covering 100,000 sq. feet, Jingle Beat includes a 40-foot tree of light that vibes to the music of a deejay, ice skating, and more. 

More info HERE.   

Christmas At Gaylord Opryland 

Nov. 11, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023 

If you are looking for a Christmas experience like no other, look no further than Christmas at Gaylord Opryland. There are endless activities to experience at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, including ICE!, breakfast with Rudolph, photos with Santa, ice skating, and more.

More info HERE

Vince Gill, Amy Grant; Photo by Robby Klein
Vince Gill, Amy Grant; Photo by Robby Klein

Amy Grant & Vince Gill at The Ryman 

Select Dates In December 

For years, Amy Grant and Vince Gill have dazzled fans with their Christmas at the Ryman show and 2022 will be no different. The beloved couple will take the stage at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium on select nights throughout the month of December. 

More info HERE

Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina; Photos Courtesy Grand Ole Opry
Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina; Photos Courtesy Grand Ole Opry

Opry Country Christmas 

Select Dates From Nov. 27, 2022 – Dec. 22, 2022

The Grand Ole Opry is ringing in the holiday season with a number of Opry Country Christmas shows. On select nights, artists such as Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson, Josh Turner, Chris Young and more will take to the iconic Opry circle to perform Christmas classics. 

More info HERE

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.