Couple walking hand in hand through a tunnel of twinkling holiday lights during Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville. — Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Lights

Nashville transforms into a glittering wonderland during the holidays, offering a mix of classic Southern charm and high-energy “Music City” spectacle. Whether you’re a local looking to start a new tradition or a visitor wanting the full experience, the events below are must-see highlights for 2025.

1. Holiday Pop-up Bars

A Very Vinyl Christmas at the Fairlane Hotel
A sophisticated, retro pop-up held in the hotel’s penthouse, celebrating Nashville’s music history with a mid-century twist. Expect holiday classics on record, cookie decorating, and skyline views.
Penthouse Party: December 31, 8:00 PM–1:30 AM

Rooftop holiday igloos and fire pits at Camp Bobby on the Bobby Hotel rooftop in Nashville. — Camp Bobby at the Bobby Hotel

Camp Bobby at the Bobby Hotel
A local favorite with a “1970s winter campsite” aesthetic. This rooftop destination features heated igloos, personal fire pits, and alpine-themed cocktails. Fire pits are walk-in; igloo reservations require a $225 food and beverage minimum.

Sugar & Vice at Hidden Bar (Noelle Hotel)
Tucked behind a secret door in the Noelle Hotel, this pop-up trades traditional green and red for a glitter-soaked pink holiday wonderland with rhinestone shimmer and bold cocktails.
Sugar & Vice NYE Party: December 31, no cover, DJ sets starting late.

2. Nashville’s Nutcracker by the Nashville Ballet

Dancers performing a scene from Nashville’s Nutcracker ballet on stage at TPAC Jackson Hall. — Nutcracker by the Nashville Ballet

A unique local version of the classic ballet set at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Timeframe: December 24, 26, 27, and 28, 2025
Price: Tickets start around $53 and vary by seating
Location: TPAC Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243

3. ICE! at Gaylord Opryland Resort

Hand-carved ice sculptures from ICE! at Gaylord Opryland Resort featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas theme. — Ice! at Gaylord Opryland

A massive walk-through attraction featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. This year’s theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Timeframe: Now through January 3, 2026
Price: Starting at $34.99 per person
Location: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Local Tip

Traffic Warning: I-65 and Briley Parkway areas near Opryland can get very congested on December weekends. Ridesharing or arriving at least 45 minutes early is recommended.

4. General Jackson Showboat Holiday Cruises

Experience the Cumberland River on one of the largest showboats in the country, complete with a Southern-style meal and a holiday stage show.

Timeframe: Midday and evening cruises through December 25, 2025
Price: Midday from $73.18; Evening from $93.45 (meal included)
Location: 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

5. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Illuminated deer figures and a winding lighted pathway at night during Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville. — Lights at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

An elegant mile-long walking path through illuminated gardens featuring over one million lights, along with s’mores pits and seasonal drinks.

Timeframe: Now through January 4, 2026 (4:30 PM–10:00 PM); closed Christmas Day
Price: $26–$32 for adults; $20–$26 for youth (ages 3–17)
Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205

6. Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo

Large illuminated dragon lantern glowing at night during Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo, with visitors walking nearby. — Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo (Nashville Zoo Facebook)

The country’s largest Chinese lantern festival, featuring over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns, holiday scenes, and live entertainers.

Timeframe: Nightly through January 4, 2026 (5:00 PM–9:00 PM)
Price: $25 for adults/teens; $21 for children (ages 2–12)
Location: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

7. The Dancing Lights of Christmas

Drive-through holiday light display synchronized to music at The Dancing Lights of Christmas in Tennessee. — Dancing Lights of Christmas

Tennessee’s largest drive-through light show, synchronized to music played through your car radio.

Timeframe: Now through January 4, 2026 (starting at 5:00 PM nightly)
Price: $35 per family vehicle
Location: Wilson County Fairgrounds, 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087

8. FrankTown Festival of Lights

Drive-through holiday light displays at the FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin, Tennessee. — FrankTown Festival of Lights

A mile-and-a-half drive-through light spectacular featuring more than 200 synchronized displays.

Timeframe: Now through December 31, 2025 (5:00 PM–9:00 PM)
Price: $30 per car (proceeds support the local nonprofit FrankTown Open Hearts)
Location: Williamson County Ag Expo Center, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064

Local Tip

Weather: December weather in Nashville is unpredictable—it may be 60°F one day and 30°F the next. Dressing in layers is best for outdoor events.