“Nashville’s Nutcracker” is a Music City holiday staple. | Photo by Karyn Kipley Photography
It’s the right time... to browse all the fun holiday happenings in Music City this month, from festive foodie events to holiday markets and family-friendly activities.
Seasonal fun
“Nashville’s Nutcracker” | Saturday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | TPAC’s Jackson Hall | $53+ | Experience the classic ballet reimagined with Nashville-inspired scenes and live music by the Nashville Symphony.
Rink Under Broad at Nashville Yards Holidays | Select dates in December | Times vary | The Ascension Saint Thomas Landing | $10+ | Lace up for ice skating, then stick around for movie nights, carolers, and seasonal beverages depending on the day.
Bonus: Collect a holiday passport card and get it punched at various activities around Nashville Yards.
Festive food and drinks
Cookie Decorating | Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Stompin’ Grounds Restaurant at JW Marriott Nashville | $45 per child | Kids can decorate sugar cookies with icing and toppings alongside the JW Marriott pastry team.
Teddy Bear Tea | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Four Seasons Hotel Nashville | $40+ | Gather for an afternoon tea service with seasonal treats, cookie decorating, and photos with Santa.
Carols, Cookies and Crafts | 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Tennessee State Museum | Free | Join the Tennessee State Museum for this free festive family event with cookies, crafts, and live caroling, and stop by the Farmer’s Market next door to shop local + take photos with Santa.*
The weekend festivities include a lecture series featuring esteemed speakers from around the globe. | Graphic by 6AM City, photo by Peyton Hoge
The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville returns to Music City Center Friday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan.11, and we’re giving away the ultimate show weekend experience.
The 36th annual show’s theme is “American Elegance” and will showcase antiques and horticultural finds from more than 150 dealers, world-class landscaped gardens, special events, and more.
Are you ready to ‘Roo? Bonnaroo returns to Manchester June 11-14, featuring headliners Skrillex, the Strokes, Rüfüs Du Sol, Noah Kahan, Kesha, Role Model, the Neighbourhood, and Teddy Swims. See the full lineup.
Shop
Duckbill Bookshop opens its doors in Old Hickory this Saturday, Dec. 6, joining fellow newcomers Powder City Candy & Gifts, James’ Tea Room, and With Blossoms Creative Studio on Donelson Avenue. Get to know the shops + swing by the joint holiday open house from 4 to 8 p.m.
Biz
Wedgewood-Houston added another fashion-focused retailer to the neighborhood. New York-based Enzo Custom specializes in tailored suiting and eventwear + operates by appointment only. (Nashville Post)
Outdoors
Brentwood is getting ready to open its newest greenspace. Windy Hill Park, located on Old Smyrna Road, spans 52 acres and features walking trails, a loop track, picnic shelters, restrooms, and an airplane-themed playground that nods to the site’s aviation history. Attend the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Seasonal
A slew of holiday parades will roll through Middle Tennessee over the next two weekends, including the 39th Annual Donelson-Hermitage Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. Plan your parade stops with this list. (WKRN)
Trending
Farewell, Hawkins. The final “Stranger Things” episode is getting a theatrical sendoff, with screenings at Regal Hollywood, Regal Opry Mills, and AMC DINE-IN Thoroughbred 20 on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Heads up, tickets are vanishing fast.
Pets
Metro Animal Care and Control and three other regional shelters are offering $25 adoption fees through December for approved applicants. Plus, ask about Bow Wow Breakout opportunities to give a furry friend a day out of the shelter.
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
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Health
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The Buy
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
In honor of the Bonnaroo lineup dropping earlier than usual, here’s a low-quality photo snapped on a disposable camera from my first ‘Roo in 2014. I haven’t been to the festival in a few years, but I do miss the late-night shows (or really anything after the blazing sun goes down) and slices of Spicy Pie.
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