Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS is a tradition the whole family can enjoy year after year. | Photo by Nathan Zucker, courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
From visiting major attractions like Adventure Science Center to trying out curling at Tee Line Nashville, there’s something in Nashville for children of all ages. With winter break coming up, it’s easy to keep the kids busy with this guide to family-friendly activities.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Cheekwood’s 55 acres offer history, art, culture, and other family fun. As you explore the Holiday LIGHTS displays through Jan. 5, be sure to stop by the “TRAINS!” exhibit to see the model trains all decked out for the season.
Frist Art Museum Visit on the second Sunday of each month for family tours and multisensory gallery experiences. Pro tip: Martin ArtQuest — a space for kids to draw, paint, and get creative — is open the same hours as the museum.
Nashville Zoo Parents and children alike will be wowed by animal encounters, backstage tours, and special events. Plus, visit the zoo after hours (with hot cocoa in hand) during Zoolumination.
Dive Hard Comedy | 7 p.m. | The Dive Motel | Cost of purchase | Have a laugh with local and touring comedians at this weekly comedy show.
Friday, Dec. 20
Brett Eldredge | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $42+ | The country crooner’s annual “Glow” holiday tour culminates in Music City with special guest Stacey Ryan.
Marshmallow Hikes | Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, Brentwood | $11+ | Enjoy up to one hour of hiking followed by hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows — two difficulty levels will be offered.
Saturday, Dec. 21
A Tribute to the Sounds of Sinatra | 12:30 p.m. | 3rd and Lindsley | $20 | This “Rat Packin’ Holiday Celebration” will take you on a journey through Frank Sinatra’s iconic hits and holiday favorites.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Ornament Workshop | 5:30 p.m. | Handmade Studio TN | $79+ | Tickets include all instructions, tools, and materials for creating keepsake ornaments + a complimentary cheeseboard and drinks.
After dinner, watch sushi bars transform into cocktail bars while a DJ kicks up the tempo for L888 Night. | Photo provided by 888.
Say goodbye to eating grapes and black-eyed peas at home on New Year’s Eve — we’ve got a new tradition to bring you good luck in 2025.
888, downtown Nashville’s innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge, is hosting a dinner featuring a five-course prix-fixe menu of prime sushi + L888 Night party.
Spend the night avoiding long lines and crowded bars while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails with fellow music lovers.
Metro Council approved Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $527 million capital spending plan, his second since taking office. Read more about planned investments in schools, parks, and infrastructure, including $98.4 million for MNPS and $33.5 million for East Bank improvements.
Open
Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville is now open at 118 12th Ave. S. The 210-room property features 2,200 sqft of indoor/outdoor meeting space, an all-day coffee and cocktail lounge, and many railroad-inspired motifs throughout the hotel — a nod to the active train yard behind the hotel.
Try This
See Bob Dylan memorabilia on display at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum through Friday, Jan. 17. Some of the featured items include a signed harmonica, typewritten lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man,” a 1968 oil painting, and a denim jacket from the film “Hearts of Fire.” A live auction is set for Jan. 18.
Answered
As part of our 25 Questions for 2025 initiative, reader Ashley F. asked us to look into what’s coming to the former Back Yard Burgers in Brentwood. According to the planning commission, Whataburger is moving in. While an opening date isn’t available, the chain is already hiring. Psst — submit your questions.
Finance
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Tech
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Job
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The Buy
The Buy
Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.
The Nashville Predators Foundation and American Red Cross are teaming up for a regional blood drive Monday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Dec. 27 (excluding Dec. 25). Going to the Preds game on Dec. 23? The venue will host a blood drive from 2 p.m. until the puck drops at 7 p.m.
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