Status check on Legislative Plaza’s upgrade | Work begins on the $126 million project in January 2025 + we’re sharing what major changes are on the horizon for the downtown district.
Nashville’s New Year’s Eve events guide | If a night out on the town isn’t for you, we have foodie-focused and music-centered gatherings + where to celebrate early.
Porter Flea | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Fairgrounds Nashville | Cost of purchase | Find a gift for everyone on your list at this holiday market featuring over 200 vendors, from ceramic creations to quality leather goods. Pro tip: Parking is $10 cash.
Dickens of a Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Main Street, Franklin | Cost of purchase | Recreate the time of Charles Dickens and watch as musicians, dancers, and characters fill the streets + stop by a variety of vendors and food/drink purveyors.
Howdy Holidays | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Fifth + Broadway | Cost of purchase | Line dance (12-1 p.m.), get your face painted, and write letters to Santa at this block party-style holiday extravaganza — the first 200 people will receive an ornament with free custom engraving.
Opry Country Christmas | 7 p.m. | Opry House | $94+ | Megan Moroney, Mandy Barnett, The Ornaments, and more will take the stage for country renditions of holiday classics.
Holiday Lights Public Tour | Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Locations vary | $49 | Step on the Music City Brew Hop trolley for a brewery visit and 30 minutes of holiday lights viewing.
Wondering what was on Nashvillians’ minds this year? According to Google Year in Search 2024, people in our city were searching for things like “drive-in theatre near me.” Pssst: To answer your search, we’d recommend Stardust Drive-In Theatre.
Pro tip for kids’ gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to Adventure Science Center. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
Fun Fact
Quick — what’s the weirdest thing in our state? You mean it’s not the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in Centennial Park? That’s pretty unique, but according to FiftyGrande’s list of the “50 Weirdest Roadside Attractions,” the Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Parkin Bluff City, TN is even stranger.
Cheekwood is shining a light on a decade of Holiday LIGHTS this year. | Photo by Nathan Zucker via Cheekwood
Gather with family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special by checking out these winter events happening in Music City.
Holiday happenings
Santa’s Flight Academy After you snap a photo with the boss of the North Pole, start your interactive adventure at Santa’s Flight Academy, complete with a 22-ft-tall sleigh and a magical snow room.
Zoolumination The annual festival showcasing scenes created with over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns returns featuring a brand-new ice skating rink.
The Rink Above Broadway Head to the hotel’s fifth floor for Glice skating surrounded by a winter village. Skates and complimentary two-hour valet are included and reservations are encouraged.
Holiday LIGHTS The tradition is celebrating its 10th year bringing over one million lights throughout the gardens, s’mores stations, and a holiday marketplace.
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
Still looking for more weekend plans? The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its newest exhibit “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” earlier this month. Visit through Sunday, March 1, 2026 to see artifacts like “Closer Than I Appear” handwritten lyrics and a jacket designed by Stella McCartney.
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