Christmas in Nashville 2026: Lights, Markets & Things to Do

Nashville has plenty going on in December, even beyond its usual lineup of live music. You'll find Christmas lights spread across botanical gardens and drive-through displays, holiday markets filled with local makers, and seasonal performances that have become annual traditions.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend, spending Christmas with family, or staying through New Year's Eve, this guide covers the best things to do for Christmas in Nashville in 2026.

Nashville Christmas Events at a Glance

Here's a quick look at some of Nashville's biggest holiday events and when to catch them.

Dates and schedules may change. Check each event's official website before visiting.

Nashville Christmas Lights Worth Seeing

From elaborate garden displays to a drive-through show you can enjoy from the car, Nashville has several ways to see Christmas lights throughout the season.

Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo

Best for: Families, holiday lights, and outdoor ice skating
Where: Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pike
When: November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027, nightly from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Ticketed, with parking and ice skating available for additional fees

Zoolumination is canceled for 2026, but Nashville Zoo is still celebrating the season with Glow Wild, a brand-new holiday light show. Visitors can explore illuminated wildlife displays, see an 85-foot Christmas tree with a synchronized light show, enjoy outdoor ice skating, and visit Santa through December 24.

Local tip: For a quieter experience, try arriving when the gates open at 5 p.m. on a weekday. Ice skating requires a separate ticket, which includes skate rentals and a 45-minute session. The rink may close when temperatures rise above 50°F, so check conditions before planning your evening around it.

Find tickets and event details on the official Glow Wild page.

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

Best for: Couples, leisurely garden walks, families, and holiday lights
Where: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
When: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027

Cheekwood's Holiday LIGHTS fills the estate's gardens with more than a million lights along a mile-long walking route. This year's experience also includes seasonal installations and French-inspired Christmas decorations inside the historic mansion.

Local tip: Tickets are sold by entry time, so reserve ahead for weekends and dates close to Christmas. If your schedule is flexible, Cheekwood offers discounted late-night admission on eligible evenings. Parking is limited and carries an additional fee for nonmembers.

Cheekwood is closed on Christmas Day. Explore Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS for tickets and visiting details.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

Best for: Families, groups, and anyone who prefers a drive-through experience
Where: Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon
When: November 7, 2026–January 3, 2027

The Dancing Lights of Christmas pairs a drive-through display with music synchronized to the lights. Admission is charged by vehicle, making it a convenient option for families or friends traveling together.

The 2026 admission price is $35 per family vehicle, and the event also includes access to Santa's Village and a petting zoo.

Local tip: Saturdays and the days just before Christmas are typically the busiest. A weeknight is a better choice if you'd rather avoid a long wait. The display is also open on Christmas Day, which makes it one of the more reliable holiday outings for December 25.

See the Dancing Lights of Christmas website for hours and tickets.

Holly Jolly Festival of Lights

Best for: Families with young children and a walk-through Christmas lights experience
Where: Lucky Ladd Farms, Eagleville, TN
When: Select dates, November 27–December 23, 2026
Cost: $12-$16 per person online, with children under 2 admitted free

Lucky Ladd Farms transforms into a holiday destination with a mile-long trail of Christmas lights, festive displays, and music. Along the way, families can visit Santa, warm up around campfires, roast s'mores, and enjoy activities like the farm's playground and animal encounters. It's a particularly good choice if you're traveling with younger children and want to make a full evening of seeing the lights.

Local tip: Buy tickets online at least an hour before your visit. They're less expensive than purchasing at the gate, and parking is free. Santa is available nightly from 6–8 p.m., while special holiday character appearances take place on select Fridays and Saturdays.

Check dates and book tickets on the official Holly Jolly Festival of Lights website.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

Best For: Families, holiday attractions, and indoor activities
When: November 6, 2026–January 2, 2027
Where: Gaylord Opryland Resort
Cost: Varies by activity

Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas is one of Nashville's largest seasonal celebrations. The resort fills its indoor gardens with Christmas decorations and offers a range of ticketed experiences, including shows and family activities.

For 2026, the signature ICE! attraction features scenes from Home Alone recreated as elaborate ice sculptures. The resort is also bringing back POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a holiday show featuring acrobatics and theatrical performances. More than three million Christmas lights illuminate Gaylord Opryland's indoor gardens and resort grounds, making the decorations an attraction in their own right.

Local tip: You don't necessarily need to stay at the resort to visit, but access restrictions apply during busy dates. On certain afternoons and evenings, entry is guaranteed only for overnight guests and visitors with qualifying activity reservations. Check the policy before driving over, particularly on weekends and the week of Christmas.

Find activities, tickets, and visiting rules on the official Gaylord Opryland Christmas website.

Nashville Christmas Markets and Holiday Shopping

If you'd rather find something made by a local artist than shop another big-box store, Nashville's holiday markets are a good place to start.

Christmas Village Nashville

Best for: Gift shopping and holiday traditions
When: November 13–15, 2026
Where: The Fairgrounds Nashville
Cost: Ticketed

Christmas Village is a long-running Nashville shopping tradition featuring more than 250 merchants. You'll find gifts, home decor, jewelry, clothing, and seasonal treats, with proceeds supporting local charitable causes. One-day admission tickets are $17.00, but group discounts are available when purchasing 10 tickets or more.

Local tip: This event takes place before Thanksgiving, so it's worth knowing about if you're visiting Nashville in November. The organizers also offer a separate Sneak-A-Peek event on November 12.

Visit Christmas Village for admission details.

NashVillage Holiday Market

Best for: Local shopping, festive drinks, and downtown outings
When: December 3–6 and December 10–13, 2026
Where: Walk of Fame Park, Downtown Nashville
Cost: Check the official website for admission details

NashVillage Holiday Market brings local vendors, food, live music, festive cocktails, and Saturday photos with Santa to downtown Nashville. It's an easy stop for holiday shopping or an evening out with friends.

Local tip: Santa visits are available on Saturdays only, so plan accordingly if you're bringing kids. If you're visiting with friends, check out the market's holiday cocktail experience.

Visit the NashVillage Holiday Market website for more details.

Porter Flea Holiday Market

Best for: Handmade gifts and independent makers
When: December 11–12, 2026
Where: The Fairgrounds Nashville
Cost: Check event details

Porter Flea brings together independent artists, designers, and makers, with a focus on thoughtfully made goods. It's a good stop for ceramics, prints, accessories, and gifts you may have trouble finding elsewhere.

Local tip: Porter Flea has traditionally offered a ticketed preview event before its main shopping day. Check the schedule if you'd prefer to shop early or want to know which admission options are available. Parking is $10 and cash only, so keep that in mind before visiting.

Visit Porter Flea for the latest market information.

Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin

Best for: Families, history lovers, and a festive day trip
When: December 12–13, 2026
Where: Historic Downtown Franklin
Cost: Free

A short trip south of Nashville brings you to one of Middle Tennessee's most distinctive holiday celebrations. Dickens of a Christmas fills Franklin's historic Main Street with Victorian-era characters, carolers, performers, and local vendors.

It's a great way to spend an afternoon exploring downtown Franklin, especially if you enjoy independent shops and historic neighborhoods.

Local tip: Make time to wander beyond the main festival activities. Downtown Franklin has plenty of restaurants and shops worth visiting while you're there. Expect busy streets during the event and check the organizers' parking guidance before arriving.

See the official Dickens of a Christmas event page for the schedule.

Holiday Shows and Performances in Nashville

Nashville's live entertainment scene doesn't slow down in December. Alongside its regular concerts, the city has several seasonal performances worth planning around.

Nashville's Nutcracker

Best for: Performing arts and a classic holiday tradition
When: November 27–December 27, 2026
Where: Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Cost: Ticketed

Nashville Ballet's Nashville's Nutcracker puts a local spin on the classic holiday ballet. The production features Tchaikovsky's score performed live by the Nashville Symphony and storytelling inspired by the city.

Local tip: Weekend performances and dates close to Christmas are popular. If you know when you'll be in town, book tickets before finalizing the rest of your evening. TPAC is downtown, so you can easily pair a performance with dinner nearby.

View the Nashville Ballet performance schedule.

Christmas at Belmont

Best for: Live Christmas music and holiday concerts
When: November 20–21, 2026
Where: The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont University
Cost: Ticketed

Christmas at Belmont is an annual Nashville tradition that brings together Belmont University's talented student musicians and vocal ensembles. The concert features familiar Christmas carols, classical works, and seasonal favorites, all performed in the beautiful Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Local tip: Free parking is available in the South Garage and Curb Garage near the Fisher Center. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the performance so you have time to park and find your seats.

Find ticket information on the official Christmas at Belmont announcement.

Ice Skating in Nashville

Looking for something active between holiday outings? Nashville has a few places to lace up your skates during the Christmas season.

Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo offers an outdoor ice rink as part of its 2026 holiday celebration. Skating costs extra, with rentals included in each 45-minute session. It's an easy activity to pair with the zoo's illuminated displays and synchronized Christmas tree light show.

Gaylord Opryland also offers seasonal ice skating and ice tubing as part of its A Country Christmas festivities. If you're already planning to visit the resort for its holiday decorations or attractions, it's worth adding to your itinerary.

Local tip: Nashville Zoo's outdoor rink may close when temperatures rise above 50°F, so check conditions before heading over. Skating sessions and availability can also vary at Gaylord Opryland, especially during busy holiday weekends.

Christmas Pop-Up Bars in Nashville

Nashville's Christmas pop-up bars bring seasonal cocktails and elaborate decorations to restaurants and lounges across the city.

Santa Baby at Hidden Bar opens November 5 with festive drinks and a holiday-themed setting. Geist in Germantown starts its Christmas pop-up November 4, with decorations throughout the restaurant and seasonal cocktails. For a more playful evening, Saint Nicky's at Nicky's Coal Fired returns November 24 with a 1990s-inspired holiday theme.

Local tip: Reservations are recommended at all three, especially on weekends. Hidden Bar's Santa Baby experience is for guests 21 and older, while Geist and Saint Nicky's welcome all ages.

See the 2026 Nashville holiday pop-up bar guide for reservation details and additional openings.

Things to Do in Nashville on Christmas Day

Spending December 25 in Nashville? It's worth planning ahead. Many holiday attractions, shops, and restaurants close or operate on limited hours, so your options will be different from the rest of December.

Here are a few possibilities for Christmas Day 2026.

Drive through the Dancing Lights of Christmas. The organizers have confirmed that the display will be open on December 25. It's a good option for an evening outing, especially if you're spending the day with family.

Plan ahead for Christmas dinner. Some Nashville restaurants typically offer Christmas Day dining, but hours and menus can differ from their regular schedules. Check a current local dining guide and make reservations directly with the restaurant before your visit.

Explore downtown Nashville. A walk through downtown or along the riverfront can be a relaxed way to spend part of the day. Some bars and live music venues may open, but don't assume their usual schedules apply.

Plan around closures. Cheekwood is closed on Christmas Day. If it's on your list, visit earlier in your trip.

Local tip: Make dining reservations early and double-check hours a few days before Christmas. Even confirmed holiday schedules can change.

New Year's Eve in Nashville

Nashville's Big Bash

Best for: Live music and New Year's Eve celebrations
When: Not officially announced yet, though expected December 31, 2026
Where: Downtown Nashville, with final event details to be announced

If you're staying through New Year's Eve, Nashville's Big Bash is one of the city's biggest celebrations. Previous years have featured major live music performances, fireworks, and the Music Note Drop at midnight.

The event has historically been free to attend, with celebrations centered around Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

Local tip: Expect large crowds and plan your transportation before heading out. The walk back to a downtown stay may be easier than arranging a rideshare immediately after midnight, depending on where the final event takes place.

Check Visit Music City's official New Year's Eve page for the 2026 lineup and event details.

Planning Your Visit to Nashville in December

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The best dates depend on what you'd like to see.

Early November through Thanksgiving: Gaylord Opryland and Dancing Lights of Christmas are already underway, and Christmas Village takes place November 13–15.

Early to mid-December: This is a great time for holiday lights, seasonal performances, and Christmas shopping. NashVillage Holiday Market runs December 3–6 and 10–13, while Porter Flea and Dickens of a Christmas take place December 11–13.

Christmas week: Many light displays and performances are still running, but popular dates can sell out. Christmas Day itself requires more planning because of holiday closures.

Getting Around Nashville During the Holidays

Downtown is a convenient base for Broadway, TPAC, restaurants, and other central attractions. You'll likely want a car or rideshare for Cheekwood, Nashville Zoo, Gaylord Opryland, or the Dancing Lights of Christmas in Lebanon.

For events in Franklin, allow additional travel time, especially on busy December weekends.

Where to Stay for Christmas in Nashville

Staying downtown makes it easier to enjoy Nashville's holiday events without spending your whole trip getting from place to place.

At Placemakr Premier SoBro, you'll have room to settle in between outings. Start the morning with breakfast in your own kitchen, spend the day exploring the city, and come home to a comfortable space where you can unwind. And if you need a hand during your stay, the on-site team is there to help.

Located in Nashville's SoBro neighborhood, the property puts you close to downtown holiday attractions, including NashVillage Holiday Market at Walk of Fame Park, performances at TPAC, and the city's New Year's Eve celebrations.

Whether you're visiting for a few nights or looking for extended stays in Nashville, having a comfortable home base makes exploring the city easier.

Christmas in Nashville FAQs

Is Zoolumination happening in 2026?

No. Nashville Zoo canceled Zoolumination for 2026. Instead, the zoo is hosting Glow Wild, a new holiday light show running November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The event features illuminated wildlife displays, a synchronized Christmas tree light show, and outdoor ice skating.

Is December a good time to visit Nashville?

Yes. Nashville in December offers holiday light displays, markets, seasonal performances, and plenty of the live music the city is known for year-round. Temperatures can be chilly, so bring layers, particularly for outdoor evening events.

What are the best things to do in Nashville in December?

Popular activities include Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo, Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, Gaylord Opryland's Christmas attractions, and Dancing Lights of Christmas. You can also visit NashVillage Holiday Market, catch Nashville's Nutcracker, or take a day trip to Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin.

Where can you see Christmas lights in Nashville?

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS offers a walk-through garden experience, while Dancing Lights of Christmas features a drive-through display in nearby Lebanon. Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo includes illuminated wildlife displays and a synchronized Christmas tree light show. Families can also visit Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farms for a mile-long walking trail of Christmas lights.

What is open in Nashville on Christmas Day?

Dancing Lights of Christmas has confirmed it will operate on December 25, 2026, as will Nashville Zoo's Glow Wild event. Some Nashville restaurants will also be open for holiday dining, although reservations are recommended. Cheekwood will be closed on Christmas Day.

Are there free Christmas activities in Nashville?

Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin offers free admission. Nashville also has public holiday decorations and neighborhood activities that visitors can enjoy without purchasing tickets. Check individual event calendars, since admission policies vary.

Do you need a car to visit Nashville Christmas attractions?

You can enjoy downtown performances, restaurants, and entertainment without a car, particularly if you're staying centrally. For destinations like Gaylord Opryland, Cheekwood, Nashville Zoo, and the Dancing Lights of Christmas, plan on driving or arranging a rideshare.

Enjoy Nashville at Your Own Pace

There's plenty happening in Nashville throughout the holiday season, so choose the events that interest you most and book ahead where needed. Leave some time for the city itself, too. Between the Christmas lights, live music, and local restaurants, you'll have plenty of ways to enjoy December.

Originally published October 4, 2023. Updated October 15, 2026.