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…
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.
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.
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.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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