Some things change, but one thing is certain: CMA Fest’s going to draw large crowds. | Photo by Donn Jones/CMA
Nashville has been named one of Frommer’s “Best Places to Go in 2025,” joining 19 other destinations worldwide.
Music City is in the company of three other US spots — Tucson, Arizona, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. Other highlights include Hampshire, England + Hobart, Australia.
It’s no surprise Nashville made the list — 2025 is packed with events that make it an exciting city to visit:
The Grand Ole Opry and the Belcourt Theatre will celebrate 100 years. Make sure to catch the Opry’s special events, and stay tuned for the Belcourt’s centennial celebrations.
Adventure Science Center marks 80 years, and Cheekwood reaches its 65th anniversary.
Nissan Stadium hosts Metallica, AC/DC, Coldplay, and CMA Fest. Plus, the Savannah Bananas will be having a ball on Saturday, May 10.
GEODIS Park will capture global attention in late June with three FIFA Club World Cup matches.
There’s more where that comes from. Bookmark our events calendar to stay plugged into all the festivals, concerts, and major events happening in 2025.
Events
Events
Friday, Dec. 13
Makers Weekend | Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14 | 12-7 p.m. | Noelle Nashville’s Keep Shop | Cost of purchase | Any Old Iron pops up with its dazzling designs adorned by some of Nashville’s biggest stars.
“A Christmas Carol” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | TPAC’s Polk Theater | $50 | Nashville Repertory Theatre brings back the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Cookie Decorating | 2 p.m. | Grand Hyatt Nashville | $40 | Cookie decorating kits include icing, sprinkles, and festive toppings — plus, there will be a meet-and-greet with Santa.
Sunday, Dec. 15
A Very Merry Holiday Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Union Station Nashville Yards | Cost of purchase | Shop for gifts and pet-friendly items at this holiday market and Wags & Walks adoption event.
Holiday Brass Spectacular | 7:30 p.m. | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | $35+ | Join the Nashville Symphony’s brass, percussion, and organ sections for an evening of holiday tunes.
Monday, Dec. 16
Modern Calligraphy and Ornament Lettering | 6:30-8 p.m. | New Heights Brewing Company | $75 | This class teaches modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink, plus lettering on a take-home acrylic ornament.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Dumpling Class | 5 p.m. | Citizen Kitchens | $75 | Create your own dumplings from scratch, practice the intricate folds, and learn how to cook them.
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Extra sweet news. Shipley Do-Nuts and Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe are planning May and June openings, respectively, at Nashville Yards. Shipley is slated for the office building fronting Church Street, while Sweet Paris will occupy space in The Pinnacle. (Nashville Post)
Biz
Switchyards has a fifth Nashville location in the works, this time in Sylvan Park. The coworking hub plans to open Monday, Jan. 27 at 4521 Charlotte Ave., so if you’re interested in a space with these amenities, sign up to get early access to the membership drop on Thursday, Jan. 23.
Festival
The 33rd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival returns Tuesday, March 25 and runs through Saturday, March 29. Festival attendees can purchase tickets online three weeks ahead of show dates. Plus, stay tuned for the lineup on Feb. 28.
Sports
The NCAA Division I FCS Championship will be played in Nashville in 2026 and 2027. The matchups, co-hosted by the Ohio Valley Conference and the Nashville Sports Council, are set to take place at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium on Jan. 5, 2026 and Jan. 4, 2027.
Eat Boot scoot ‘n boogie over to Honky Tonk Creamery, a new Mt. Juliet ice cream shop moving into the former Sweet CeCe’s spot. Guests can also expect boozy milkshakes + savory items like pizza and nachos when the biz opens “later this month or in early January.” (The Tennessean)
Plan Ahead
Anchor down for the 2025 Vanderbilt Commodores football schedule. The regular season features seven home games, starting with the season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. Charleston Southern. Other home matchups include Georgia State, Utah State, LSU, Missouri, Auburn, and Kentucky.
Try This
Skate through the holiday season in Antioch and Bellevue. Ford Ice Center’s holiday ice skating sessions are underway through the end of December with tickets ranging from $5 to $14 — and did we mention hot cocoa is included?Reserve your skate time.
Announced
Congrats to Mackenzie L., winner of our Antiques & Garden Show “Tix for Two Giveaway.” And an extra special thank you to everyone who entered.*
‘Tis the season to reflect on your year + and start making plans for 2025. Labcorp OnDemand can help you access your health info with easy lab testing you can purchase yourself. Get 20% off purchases over $100 with code 6AMCITY. (Most tests are FSA/HSA eligible.)*
The park is also referred to as “Dragon Park” because of this very sculpture. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
The votes are in for the NASHtoday unofficial historical marker contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner our readers voted for.
Winner: Fannie Mae Dees Park
Over 50% of readers voted for this Hillsboro-West End staple. The outdoor space also known as Dragon Park may not have its own historical marker, but it is a stop on Nashville Sites’ LGBTQ driving tour. The park, which opened in 1978, became home to the 150-ft-long mosaic sea serpent sculpture in the early ‘80s. The sculpture underwent renovations a few years ago and is looking as dazzling as ever. Read more about the park’s history.
Runner up: Hatch Show Print
Close behind the park was Hatch Show Print. Perhaps best known today for its iconic resume of concert posters, the shop has a rich history and continues to thrive out of its space inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
We received more submissions beyond these. Just check our map of unofficial historical locations.
The Buy
The Buy
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
Top Note — the seventh-floor bar inside TownePlace Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown/Capitol District — is breaking out the snow globes through the end of February. Guests can reserve them for 90 minutes with a minimum spend of $125. Take a peek at the festive sips and snacks.
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