Welcome to the Music City: A Celebration of Holidays in Nashville
From Christmas lights decorating the streets to music spilling out of bars and restaurants, Nashville is a great place to spend the holidays. When you think of Music City, of course a honky tonk or two comes to mind. But did you know Tennessee’s capital has so much more to offer? We invite you to experience the greatness of the holidays in Nashville and we are unveiling the magic of the festive season. Keep reading for insight on holiday events, things to do, and gift ideas to make your holiday season in the Music City magical!
Holiday Events in Nashville
Cheeckwood Holiday Lights
Enchanting Gardens Alight: A Must-See Holiday Attraction
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens during the holidays in Nashville is a must-see holiday attraction! From creative displays of lights and decorations to festive cocktails and s’mores stations, this is a great activity for all ages! Being a wide-spread venue, there is so much to check out on the grounds. There are plenty of times to choose from on their website and the events will be running until early January!
Dickens of a Christmas Festival
Time-Traveling Delights: Embracing the Past in Downtown Franklin
This two-day event in Downtown Franklin put on by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is fit for the whole family! This year on December 9th and 10th, experience a Christmas delight doused in rich history. This event features main-stage entertainment, holiday dancers, characters, and carolers. Enjoy food and beverages from various vendors and a curated whiskey lounge for our adults!
Candy Cane Lane at 5th & Broadway
Creating New Traditions: Fun for the Whole Family
Experience the newer addition to downtown at 5th and Broadway this holiday season. Candy Cane Lane is here to kickstart your Christmas celebration on December 10th with shopping, family activities, photos with Santa, and so much more! Admission to this event is free for all ages.
Add Some Music to Your Holidays in Nashville
Nashville Symphony’s Holiday Concert
Immerse Yourself in the Harmonious Spirit of the Holidays
Experience a melodic celebration of the season with Nashville Symphony’s concert series. Located right in the heart of Nashville, enjoy the beautiful sound of Christmas. There are plenty of performances to choose from over the holidays! You can find the schedule online and purchase tickets there as well.
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Unveiling the Extravaganza at Opryland
Gaylord Opryland puts on a Christmas experience like no other in Nashville. From Christmas decorations featuring the Polar Express to Breakfast with Charlie Brown, there is plenty to do this holiday season. Opryland is one of our favorite places to check out Christmas lights in Nashville. Visit their website for everything you can do to celebrate the holidays in Nashville at Opry!
Christmas at the Ryman
Holiday Celebrations with Rich History
The Ryman is one of the most well-known auditoriums in Nashville. Located steps away from Broadway, you’ll find the place that celebrates country music. Starting on December 4th, there will be Christmas-themed shows held on the mainstage. Enjoy musical talent and amazing architecture at a show this season.
Casual Viewing: Broadway
Nashville’s Famous Neon Lights
Make sure you pack those cowboy boots! While it is winter, the South does things a little differently. You could be pleasantly surprised with a nice day to stroll the downtown streets of Broadway. Rooftop bars and live music is what it’s all about in Music City. Enjoy extravagantly lights illuminating the streets while in a horse-drawn carriage parading you through the city!
Where to Eat & Drink During the Holidays
Union Station – 9 ¾ Pop-Up Bar
It wouldn’t be Nashville without a themed pop-up bar! This year, Union Station has put together a nostalgic wizard-themed cocktail experience. Enjoy Potter-themed drinks and dishes while enjoying the unique decor. Open from November 1st to December 31st. Minors are permitted but must be accompanied by an adult.
The Rink Above Broadway
This family-friendly activity is a great place to eat, drink, and play! The Rink Above Broadway is open 7 days a week and has other events for the whole family if skating isn’t your thing. Enjoy cookie decorating and breakfast with Santa in the Winter Village surrounding the rink.
Ice-Skating Rates: $10 Monday – Thursday, $15 Friday – Sunday
Santa’s Pub
It’s always Christmas time at Santa’s Pub! This dive bar is off the beaten path and a local’s favorite watering hole. Get away from the busy Broadway streets and enjoy karaoke and fun decorations! This is a cash-only bar open from Wednesday to Sunday. If you’re lucky you’ll even meet Santa himself!
Nashville Gift Guide
Pontoon Saloon
Give the gift of an experience: Nashville’s favorite honky tonk on water
Get your friends and family a gift they’ll never forget! Gift a gift card for the saloon to use toward any cruise. We have 21+ BYOB public party cruises that make for a good gift to your friend visiting Nashville next year. We also offer all-inclusive bachelor/bachelorette party cruises and luxury private cruises all in the heart of Downtown Nashville. With different cruise types, you’ll definitely be able to find something for everyone! Gift cards can also be used for merch from our online store.
We have a variety of new trucker hats and crewnecks, iconic koozies, and many more stocking stuffers online that are a great reminder of just how fun the Saloon was! During the fall and winter months, Pontoon Saloon offers luxury private party cruises for those still wanting to experience Nashville from the Cumberland River. With a new full-enclosed pontoon, you can stay cozy and enjoy reduced rates during the holidays! With Karaoke and fun decorations, a warm winter cruise might be just the thing to ease you into the holiday spirit, you might even meet Santa himself!
Nashville Holiday Market
Shop and Stroll: A Festive Market Experience
Unique gifts and culinary delights await at the Nashville Holiday Market this year! If you’re someone who loves getting your Christmas decorations out the second you clean up your Thanksgiving dinner then this is for you! Hosted at the Nashville Fairgrounds, this weekend-long fair starting November 24th hosts over 400 vendors. Admission to this event is free and parking on the grounds is $10.
Nothing says holiday cheer like Nashville during Christmas! Immerse yourself in light shows and hot chocolate. Starting in late November, you can experience Christmas with events and lights all over middle Tennessee! From holiday pop-up bars and festive dinner menus to annual lighting ceremonies and ice rinks downtown, you’re bound to find something you love about the holidays in Nashville!
