Whether you have company coming from out of town or just want to enjoy the Christmas season Buddy-The-Elf style, Nashville has lots to offer. Things officially kicked off during Thanksgiving weekend, but there are many events and activities in the coming weeks. Here’s our Nashville Holiday Guide round-up of what you don’t want to miss!
Christmas lights
Looking at Christmas lights is an annual tradition for many families and Nashville has many incredible displays to enjoy. Stop by any of these Christmas light displays and you’ll have to agree there is something beautiful about thousands (or millions!) of twinkling lights at night. Here are our top picks:
- Opryland – With over 200 million lights, this is by far the largest and most expansive light display option in the area. For years this has been a favorite draw for both locals and tourists alike. The entire hotel is decked out in holiday finery and the lights are spectacular. Best part -it’s FREE! However, there are LOTS of other activities going on at the hotel during this time that are NOT free. So, check things out in advance to plan your trip.
- Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood – This is only the second year for this new Nashville tradition, but we highly recommend checking it out. Cheekwood’s Botanical Gardens are amazing unto themselves. With 1 million lights illuminating the gardens at night, the 1-mile stroll takes on a magical quality. Best part – live reindeer spotted every night on the grounds!
- Chad’s Winter Wonderland – Another great option is Chad’s Winter Wonderland, where cars drive thru a synchronized light tunnel, Nativity scene, and Santa house. This is perfect for parents with smaller kids who prefer to observe the lights from the car and not on foot. Best part – the special Santa mailbox where kids can mail Santa letters directly to the big guy.
Christmas Events
- Nashville’s Nutcracker – Watching the Nutcracker performed at Christmas is a must at least once in one’s life. The Nashville Ballet and Nashville Symphony team up to bring this holiday classic to TPAC through December 23rd. https://patron.tpac.org/events/detail/nutcracker-2016-ballet
- Tennessee’s Home For The Holidays – Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife Crissy open the doors of the Tennessee residence to the public. Best part -Visitors can tour the home and grounds and see the richness of Tennessee agricultural on display in the decor, trees and mantles. http://www.tn.gov/firstlady/section/home-for-the-holidays
- Dickens Of A Christmas – This annual event is actually in Franklin, TN and is well worth the short drive south from Nashville. The entire downtown area of Franklin is transformed for the weekend into a Victorian era wonderland, complete with characters from Dickens’ stories walking about the streets. There are singers, dancers, street performers and craft activities for kids. Best part – Another FREE event, plus holiday photo opportunities galore!
New Year’s Eve
- Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight – New Year’s Eve has become quite the event in Nashville of late. This annual free concert and event has grown bigger each year with larger crowds and more musicians participating. This year’s line up includes Keith Urban, Styx, A Thousand Horses, Moon Taxi, Charlie Worsham and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. It’s guaranteed to be one huge party!
- Guilty Pleasures NYE Bash at 3rd and Lindsley – If a smaller party sounds better then check out Nashville’s favorite cover band, Guilty Pleasures. Known and loved for their covers of hit songs from the late 70s through the early 90s this band is a local crowd pleaser who never disappoints! http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=7007275&pl=3rdlindsley
Looking to sell your Nashville home after the holidays? Call DeSelms Real Estate today at 615.550.5565 and see how we can help you!