Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes when it’s not in use as a writing tool or stylus.
Personalized senior 2026 shirt | $14.95 | The perfect fit for students to return from winter break wearing, this customizable sweatshirt will show off their “Class of 2026” pride.
Lap desk | $34.99 | This 4.7-star rated lap desk helps students prop up laptops while reclined — it even has a phone holder.
Gifts for young people
LED dry erase board | $26.99 | Bring coloring time to a new level with this magic board that makes any drawing look like a neon sign.
Karaoke microphone | $29.99 | This karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick:Spark Book Club subscription | $25+/month | Middle grade readers ages 8-12 receive a first edition hardcover each month from Parnassus Books — sometimes even signed — plus a letter from the author.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for pet lovers
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
🎄 This local landmark is a bona fide holiday destination
Presented by Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
From the annual “Holiday LIGHTS” celebration to shopping, afternoon tea, mansion tours + more during the day, Cheekwood has sleigh-fuls of holiday magic to go around. | Photos provided by Cheekwood
Is it just us, or does it not quite feel like the holidays until you’ve seen thousands of glittering lights?
Enter: Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, open now through Jan. 4, 2026. Visitors are invited to stroll down a twinkling trail through the gardens, featuring more than a million lights — and so much more.
Warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal libations, and roast s’mores by the fire.
Explore the Holiday Marketplace
Open during Holiday LIGHTS and daytime hours, the marketplace returns to the Frist Learning Center Great Hall. Visitors can shop one-of-a-kind keepsakes, décor, and ornaments to bring a bit of the magic home.
Tour the historic Cheekwood Mansion
Laura Dowling, former Chief White House Florist, returns to lend her vision to the mansion’s decor. Her latest inspiration? The sweet treats of the holiday season. Visitors can tour the mansion during Holiday LIGHTS or daytime hours.
Looking for festive fun in the daytime? Cheekwood has plenty to offer, like:
The Boring Company’s Music City Loop may include more stops than first announced. In a livestream, CEO Steve Davis said the system could feature at least 20 stations citywide, including a possible extension down Broadway + West End. The company plans to update this FAQ page as more details are announced. (The Tennessean)
Announced
Drumroll, please. The first wave of artists for 615 Indie Live is out with more than 40 Nashville acts set to perform across 15 independent venues on Saturday, Feb. 7. A $20 pass grants entry to all participating stages.
History
On Nov. 28, 1925, Uncle Jimmy Thompson played a fiddle tune on WSM, launching what would become the Grand Ole Opry. To mark the anniversary, the Opry will host two all-star member shows on Friday, Nov. 28. Can’t make it? Watch the livestream on YouTube.
Watch
Vanderbilt football travels to Knoxville on Saturday, Nov. 29. If you want to watch the game with fellow Commodores fans, attend the 2:30 p.m. watch party at Jackalope Brewing Co. Doors open at 10 a.m. for the Vanderbilt women’s basketball game.
Eat
The 101st edition of Waffle Shop is Thursday, Dec. 4 at The Downtown Presbyterian Church. Each $20 ticket includes a beverage, waffles, grits, and a choice of Hattie B’s chicken, Puckett’s country bacon, or turkey hash. There will also be free parking + shuttle service at Nissan Stadium’s Lot R.
Seasonal
Sourdough is the best overall bread to make stuffing, according to the foodie experts at Food & Wine. Chefs cite its versatility and texture as reasons for using it to create the Thanksgiving side dish. Fortunately, there are plenty of great loaves in Nashville.
Biz
We know it’s still November, but we’re starting our countdown to 2026 early with a special deal available only on ourbusiness promo portal. For a limited time, get 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads with code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout.
Fact or Fiction
You can upgrade your bath or shower in as little as one day with Jacuzzi. Fact. Transform your outdated bathroom into a modern sanctuary — now with zero installation cost and no payments + interest for up to one year. Learn more.‡*
The Buy
Knock knock. Who’s there? Surprise … It’s Black Friday savings here a few days early. Don’t wait to shop at the end of the week — check out these three deals now:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Double the good news for Good Times. Not only did the Wedgewood-Houston bar and restaurant just roll out lunch service, it’s also the location of Nashville’s only Miracle holiday pop-up this season. Stop by to see the decorations and sip drinks out of festive mugs like this one.
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‡ With purchase and installation of any complete bath/shower system from participating third-party Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in your area (“Dealer”). Offer and options will vary by Dealer/location. Not combinable with other offers. Add’l terms apply. Subject to change. Expires 12/28/25. †Financing offer available through third-party lenders under terms of applicable loan program. No interest for 12 months if paid in full within 12 months. Interest will be charged to you from purchase date if purchase balance is not paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval—not all buyers will qualify. Add’l terms apply. See or call Dealer for details.
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