Many of us have an annual tradition of driving around to look at the wonderful Christmas lights around Nashville. It’s almost magical how the twinkling of hundreds of little lights can amaze an entire family, all generations equally impressed. With displays synchronized to music, giant, animated snowmen, and entire cul-de-sacs lit up, it can be an entertaining evening without ever leaving the car. So, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, a handful of candy canes, and head out to any of these great Christmas lights in the Nashville area:
Chad’s Winter Wonderland
Believe it or not, one of the largest displays in the nation is in Nashville’s backyard. For years Chad Barnard has been decorating 8 acres of his property in Lebanon with over 2 millions lights and scenery. Cars pay to drive through the lighted arches of this incredible wonderland. There’s even dancing snowmen, a Christmas train and live animals. This is full-on Christmas entertainment!
For more information visit http://www.chadswinterwonderland.com
Dancing Lights of Christmas at Jellystone Park
This is the 4th year that Shadrack Productions has gone to work on setting up this fun attraction. It’s located north of Opry Mills mall off of Briley Pkwy. The lights are all programmed to holiday music and designed to resemble fireworks, fountains and shooting stars. Your family can also engage in other activities, like the inflatable petting zoo, rock-climbing wall, and even make of smores to top off the evening!
For more information, visit http://www.thedancinglightsofchristmas.com
Lipton Lights
A Franklin family puts on this lovely, local show and all proceeds go to benefit Happy Tales. This display is also choreographed to music and lasts for approximately 8 songs. Sometimes, the family that organized it will even pop out to say hello and hand out hot chocolate to passersby, spreading good holiday cheer along the way.
For more information visit http://www.liptonlights.com/Pages/default.aspx
Sunnyside Lights
The display in Sunnyside neighborhood off of Hillsboro Rd in Franklin is a personal favorite largely for the backstory behind it. The entire 8-house display is dedicated to the memory Bill Menece’s son, BJ, who passed away 20 years ago. BJ loved Christmas lights and each year that Menece puts out the display, he brings joy to other kids who share that love. Donations are accepted and go to the Shriner’s Hospital.
Quick Tip: This display is best explored out of the car and on foot. Bundle up and be sure to look for Santa too!
For more information visit http://sunnysidelights.com/
These are our top 4 Christmas light destinations for Nashville this year. We’d love to know your favorites as well.