Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Nashville. From light displays to holiday performances and festive parties, winter is where Music City thrives.
Gather the family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring 40+ seasonal events happening between mid-November and February.
Holiday happenings and light displays
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Prices vary | This year’s ICE! installation highlights 12 scenes from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and is made from more than 2 million pounds of ice. Other activities include ice skating and tubing, a dinner show, and nightly caroling.
Dancing Lights of Christmas | Sunday, Nov. 11, 2022-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 5-10 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) and 5-11 p.m. (Friday-Saturday) | Wilson County Fairgrounds, 1033 Sparta Pk., Lebanon | $30 | Grab your holiday crew and enjoy millions of lights synchronized to music.
Zoolumination | Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Jan. 8 (nightly) and Thursday, Jan. 12-Saturday, Feb. 4 (Thursday-Sunday) | 5-9 p.m | Nashville Zoo | $19 | This year’s festival will feature colorful scenes of 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns.
FrankTown Festival of Lights | Friday, Nov. 18-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5-9 p.m. | Williamson County Ag Center, 4215 Long Ln., Franklin | $30+ | Load up the car and drive through over 200 light displays synchronized to music.
Way Late Play Date: Holiday Movie Magic | Friday, Nov. 18 | 7 p.m. | Adventure Science Center | $35 | Don your favorite holiday sweater at this 21+ event featuring a planetarium singalong and science demonstrations.
Holiday LIGHTS | Saturday, Nov. 19-Sun., Jan. 8 | 5-10 p.m. | Cheekwood Estate and Gardens | $18+ | The tradition enters its eighth year bringing over one million lights throughout the gardens.
Immersive Nutcracker | Saturday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Lighthouse ArtSpace Nashville, 4416 Ridgefield Way | $30 | Enjoy the enchanting sounds of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as you walk through wintry scenes.
Enchant | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | First Horizon Park | $31+ | The ballpark is transforming into a winter wonderland with four million lights, a 100-ft holiday tree, and an ice skating trail.
Jingle Beat | Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | The Fairgrounds Nashville | $33+ | This ~100,000-sqft holiday activation features indoor and outdoor activities, light shows, a 360-degree performance stage, a skating rink, and more.
Opry Country Christmas | Select days in November and December | Times vary | Grand Ole Opry | $40+ | Join the Opry for eight festive nights of holiday tunes with special guests.
Christmas at the Tennessee Residence | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Tennessee Governor’s Mansion, 882 S. Curtiswood Ln. | Free (registration required) | The Tennessee Residence will be decorated for the holidays and open for self-guided public tours
“Nashville’s Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | TPAC, Andrew Jackson Hall | $35+ | Get swept away into the world of “Nashville’s Nutcracker” with live music and accompaniments from the Nashville Symphony
Seasonal pop-ups
Hidden Bar Holiday Vacation | Wednesday, Nov. 2-Saturday, Jan. 7 | Times vary | Hidden Bar at Noelle, 200 4th Ave. N. | Cost of purchase | Movie buffs can experience as many as 12 themed drinks while taking in views of a burnt tree and Aunt Bethany’s Jello.
An Old Fashioned Christmas | Thursday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Bar TENN at Holston House Nashville, 118 7th Ave. N. | $30+ | Enjoy classic decor, live entertainment, and hot chocolate and festive treats with Santa (on select days).
Camp Bobby |Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Times vary | Rooftop at Bobby, 230 4th Ave. N. | Cost of purchase | The 70s-inspired rooftop campsite features igloos and themed sips and bites.
Buddy’s Bar | Opens in mid-November | Times vary | Dream Nashville, 210 4th Ave. N. | Cost of purchase | Guests can expect “Elf”-inspired holiday libations, festival mocktails, and themed bites.
Miracle on Gallatin Avenue | Opens Tuesday, Nov. 22 | TBA | Pearl Diver, 1008 Gallatin Ave. | Cost of purchase | Similar to last year, expect themed cocktails and over-the-top decorations.
Saint Nicky’s | Saturday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 4-8:30 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) and 4-9:30 p.m. (Friday-Saturday) | Nicky’s Coal Fired, 5026 Centennial Blvd. | Cost of purchase | The Italian restaurant will be decked out in lights and garland and feature lots of festival drinks and treats on the menu.
Snow Globe 360° | Tuesday, Dec. 20-Friday, Dec. 23 | 5 p.m.-12 a.m. | Nightscape, 14 12th Ave. N. | $25 | This one-of-a-kind pop-up bar projects holiday scenes throughout the venue — tickets include one seasonal cocktail.
Porter Flea features over 200 indie makers and small businesses. | Photo by @pariswoodhull
Holiday markets
Christmas Village | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | Times vary | The Fairgrounds Nashville | $15 | Get a head start on holiday shopping at this market boasting toys, clothing, jewelry, and collectibles.
Holiday Market at the Mansion | Friday, Nov. 18-Saturday, Nov. 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Two Rivers Mansion, 3130 McGavock Pk. | Cost of purchase | This annual market hosted by the Donelson Chamber of Commerce unites 60+ artisans for a day of shopping, food trucks, photos with Santa, and live music.
Holiday Open House | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | GasLamp Antiques and GasLamp Too | Cost of purchase | The shopping party will feature seasonal sales, hourly gift card drawings, and a lots of holiday cheer.
Shop Small Holiday Market | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Golden Slipper, 314 Madison St. | Cost of purchase | Shop 30+ small businesses and enjoy food trucks, a photo booth, and holiday music.
The Goddess Craft Market - Holiday Edition | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 5-9 p.m. | Wilburn Street Studio, 307 Wilburn St. | Cost of purchase | Shop clothing, jewelry, mixed media art, candles, and more at this night market.
Porter Flea Holiday Market | Friday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 10 | Times vary | The Fairgrounds Nashville | Free+ | Shop hundreds of local vendors at the two-day indoor marketplace — Friday’s preview market is $30.
Nashville Holiday Handmade Market | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 11 | Times vary | Music City Center | $10+ | This downtown market includes 350 artisan vendors, DIY workshops, photo booths, gift wrapping services, and photos with Santa.
Thanksgiving Day races
Music City Turkey Trot 5K | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m. | Nissan Stadium and downtown | $39+ | Kick off your holiday with a 5K run/walk or 1-Mile Waddle. The race includes a costume contest, largest teams competition, entertainment on the course, and finisher medals for all participants.
Nashville Turkey Trot | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 8:15 a.m. | Wave Country, 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy.| $39+ | This family-friendly event features a kid’s dash, fun run, 8K, and 10-mile races. Bonus: Fox’s Donut Den donuts will be waiting for you at the finish line.
Boulevard Bolt | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m. | Belle Meade Boulevard | $40+ | Since 1994, the 5-mile Boulevard Bolt has grown from 2,500 participants to over 7,500 runners.
Turkey Trot | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 7 a.m. | 3000 Meridian Blvd. | $15+ | Over 3,000 participants run or walk the 5K, 10K, and 1K Kid’s Turkey Chase through the heart of Cool Springs — event proceeds benefit GraceWorks Ministries.
Indian Lake Loop | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 7:50 a.m. | The Streets of Indian Lake, Hendersonville | $35+ | Join hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages for a 5-mile competitive race and a 5K non-competitive run/walk.
And they’re off... | Photo via Boulevard Bolt
Festive concerts
Brett Eldredge | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $55+ | Eldredge is set to kick off his “Glow LIVE” with a three-night residency at the Mother Church.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | $39.50+ | The whole family can come out to hear jazz + swing renditions of holiday classics at the band’s “Swingin’ Holiday Party.”
Mike Farris Sings! The Soul of Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | $55+ | Farris puts a soul, rock, blues, and gospel spin on holiday classics.
LeAnn Rimes | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $45+ | The singer’s “Joy: The Holiday Show” will blend festive songs, greatest hits, and new releases.
Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $24.60+ | Sing along to a cappella renditions of classic holiday songs performed by the Grammy Award-winning group.
Amy Grant and Vince Gill | Monday, Dec. 12-Wednesday, Dec. 21 | Ryman Auditorium | $40+ | This Music City tradition returns with 12 shows featuring the acclaimed country artists.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $49.50+ | The prog-rock group is bringing its “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour to Music City.
New Year’s Eve happenings
Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash | Saturday, Dec. 31 | Free | Spend New Year’s Eve downtown with performances by Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, and Zac Brown Band followed by fireworks and the signature midnight Music Note Drop.
Widespread Panic | Friday, Dec. 30-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $63.10+ | The Georgia-based jam band is bringing their New Year’s Eve party to Music City.
Old Crow Medicine Show | Friday, Dec. 30-Saturday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Ryman Auditorium | $39.50+ | The Americana string band will be joined by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway.
Toast the Rainbow NYE Party | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | City Winery | $55+ | Miss Kennedy Ann will host this New Year’s Eve party with Shelly Fairchild and Ty Herndon.
Sierra Ferrell’s “New Year’s Eve Circus Spectacular” | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | Brooklyn Bowl | $35+ | The singer-songwriter blends elements of country, folk, and gypsy jazz.
Roaring into ’23 New Year’s Eve Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Noelle, 200 4th Ave. N. | $300 | Find your best Gatsby-inspired garb and ring in the new year Roaring 20s-style.
For 30+ more events — ranging from holiday concerts to New Year’s Eve events — click the button below.
