Experience the Magic of Christmas in Nashville

This holiday season, trade the glow of Broadway's neon lights for the twinkling magic of winter wonder. Christmas in Nashville is unlike anywhere else. With live music, epic events, and plenty of chances for the whole family to celebrate together, it's no wonder that families love coming back to Music City year after year.

While there are still a few months to go before the cold weather and holiday events start to fill the calendar, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your travel plans. If festive concerts, larger-than-life light displays, Santa sightings, and down-home charm are what you're looking for, Music City has just what you need! Check out our local recommendations for spending Christmas in Nashville and book your holiday getaway directly with Nautical Properties today!

Want to make the most of your Nashville holiday? Sign up for our Nautical Properties newsletter and be the first to know about local holiday events, insider tips, and seasonal offers. It’s your shortcut to planning a stress-free, magical Christmas getaway.

Join the Newsletter 

In This Article:

• Holiday Concerts and Performances
• Christmas Movies at the Schermerhorn
• Christmas Lights in Nashville
• More Holiday Events
• Book Your Christmas Stay in Nashville
• Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday Concerts & Performances

Music City shows out at Christmas. From the Grand Ole Opry to the Ryman and the Schermerhorn, December is packed with festive shows that make the season feel even brighter. 

Opry Country Christmas

There’s nothing like celebrating the holidays at the Opry. This seasonal showcase brings together Nashville favorites like Mandy Barnett, the Gatlin Brothers, Riders in the Sky, and more for a blend of country classics and holiday cheer.

• Dates: Select nights, Nov 30 – Dec 23, 2025
• Location: Grand Ole Opry House
• Tickets

Little Big Town: The Christmas Shows

For the first time, Little Big Town is bringing their holiday album The Christmas Record to life on the Ryman stage. Each night promises a mix of Christmas favorites and career hits in one of the most iconic venues in Music City.

• Dates: Dec 1–4, 2025
• Location: Ryman Auditorium
• Tickets

Christmas with Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood joins the Nashville Symphony for two nights of festive music at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Her powerhouse vocals, paired with a full orchestra, create an unforgettable holiday performance.

• Dates: Dec 2–3, 2025
• Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Tickets

 Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman

This annual residency has become one of Nashville’s favorite holiday traditions. Seasonal classics, Christmas cheer, and surprise guests make this a must if you're visiting Nashville this winter.

• Dates: Dec 10–20, 2025 (select dates)
• Location: Ryman Auditorium
• Tickets

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas

Nashville’s own Drew and Ellie Holcomb bring their Americana sound and warm storytelling to the stage for one special night at the Schermerhorn. 

• Date: Dec 12, 2025
• Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Tickets

 Handel’s Messiah

The Nashville Symphony and Chorus perform Handel’s timeless masterpiece in a stirring holiday tradition. 

• Dates: Dec 19–21, 2025
• Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Tickets

Christmas Movies at the Schermerhorn

Holiday movies are a tradition in themselves, but at the Schermerhorn, you get to watch them on the big screen while the Nashville Symphony performs the score live. It’s part concert, part cinema, and all holiday magic. 

Home Alone in Concert

Kevin McCallister’s holiday hijinks are even more fun when paired with John Williams’ score performed in real time.

• Dates: Dec 5–7, 2025
• Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Tickets 

Elf in Concert

Buddy’s boundless Christmas spirit fills the hall as the Symphony brings John Debney’s score to life alongside the film.

• Dates: Dec 10–11, 2025
• Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Tickets 

Christmas Lights in Nashville 

Nashville glows during the holidays, but nowhere shines brighter than the city’s light displays. From immersive walk-through trails to drive-through experiences with choreographed music, these events bring the sparkle of the season to life. 

Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

Plan to spend an afternoon and evening here—it’s that big. The resort decks its nine acres of indoor gardens and outdoor spaces with more than five million lights, and while strolling through the displays is free, the ticketed add-ons make it a true holiday destination.

See the ice sculptures of A Charlie Brown Christmas at ICE!, glide down a two-story ice slide, or go tubing in the Arctic-themed park. Families love the extras like gingerbread decorating, bumper cars, carriage rides, and the Delta Atrium’s light-and-fountain show. 

• Dates: Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
• Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort
• Price: Seeing the indoor and outdoor lights is free; activities available with a ticket or bundle

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

The gardens at Cheekwood transform into a glowing wonderland with more than a million lights along a one-mile trail. Warm up with cocoa, roast s’mores by the fire, and tour the festively decorated mansion for a cozy night out.

• Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
• Time: 4:30 PM - 10 PM
• Location: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
• Tickets: Adults, $20 - $26; Seniors (65+) $18 - $26; Youth (3-17), $13 - $19; Ages 2 & Under, FREE 

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo 

Step into the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival, featuring more than 1,000 illuminated displays. Towering animals, whimsical holiday scenes, live performances, and Santa’s Village make this one a family favorite. 

• Dates: Nov 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
• Location: Nashville Zoo
• Single-Night Admission - Adults and Teens: $25; Kids (2-12 yrs) $21 *Platinum Pass tickets available, too
• Parking: $10

The Dancing Lights of Christmas — Lebanon

A short drive from town, you'll find Tennessee’s largest drive-through light and music show. Tune your radio to the holiday soundtrack, pile in the car, and enjoy a classic family outing.

• Dates: Nov 8, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
• Location: James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon, TN
• Tickets: $35 per family vehicle

Other Holiday Events 

Beyond the music and movies, Nashville’s holiday calendar is filled with traditions, markets, and family fun.

Nashville Ballet’s Nashville’s Nutcracker - A local twist on the classic ballet, this production features elaborate costumes, stunning sets, and magical choreography that has become a Nashville holiday staple.

• Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 28, 2025
• Location: Tennessee Performing Arts Center
• Tickets

Nashville Repertory's It’s a Wonderful Life -  See George Bailey’s story come to life on stage in a performance that’s both heartwarming and nostalgic.

• Dates: Dec 5 – 21, 2025
• Location: Tennessee Performing Arts Center
• Tickets: Single tickets start at $45

Vintage Market Days: Dear Santa - A two-day holiday market featuring handmade gifts, vintage treasures, seasonal décor, and one-of-a-kind items from talented vendors.

• Dates: Dec 5–6, 2025
• Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
• Location: Nashville Fairgrounds
• Tickets: $15

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa - A family-friendly tradition at Lucky Ladd Farms with cookie decorating, hot cocoa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a meet-and-greet with Santa himself.

• Dates: Select dates Dec 6–21, 2025
• Location: Lucky Ladd Farms
• Tickets: Ages 2+, $20; Ages 2 and under, $12; Combo ticket cocoa + festival of lights, $36

Shop Local Holiday Market with Santa - Spend a day browsing local vendors, enjoying seasonal treats, and getting complimentary photos with Santa at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. 

• Date: Dec 6, 2025
• Location: Nashville Farmers’ Market
• Price: Free

Holiday Pop-Up Bars - Hotels and venues around town transform into over-the-top holiday experiences with themed drinks and festive décor—perfect for a fun night out.

• Dates: Throughout December
• Locations: Union Station, Playdate, the Virgin Hotel, Bobby Hotel, and more

Discover More Nashville Events

Book Your Christmas Stay in Nashville

Featured Property: Creeks Cabin -3 Bed, 2.5 Bath cozy cabin located 15 minutes from downtown.

The best way to enjoy all these holiday events is with the right home base. At Nautical Properties, our Nashville condos and homes give you comfort, convenience, and space to unwind after a day of Christmas fun. Skip the crowded hotels and stay in a space that feels like your own—close to the lights at Opryland, the concerts at the Ryman, and everything else that makes Christmas in Nashville so special. Book direct with us today and start planning a holiday getaway you’ll want to repeat year after year.

See All Nashville Vacation Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions: Christmas in Nashville, TN

Is Nashville a good place to visit at Christmas? 

Yes! Nashville comes alive during the holidays with festive concerts, larger-than-life light displays, family-friendly events, and plenty of Southern charm. From Opryland’s Country Christmas to holiday shows at the Ryman, there’s something for every age. 

Can you walk around Gaylord Opryland for free?

You can. Strolling through the hotel’s atriums and seeing the outdoor lights doesn’t cost a thing. Many families make an evening of it. If you want to add extras like ICE!, tubing, or gingerbread decorating, those activities require tickets.

What is the temperature in Nashville at Christmas?

December days usually range from the mid-40s to low 50s, with colder nights in the 30s. It’s chilly enough to feel festive, but you won’t often see snow. A cozy jacket and layers are perfect for exploring holiday events. 

Does Nashville do anything for Christmas?

Absolutely. The city is full of holiday traditions, from Opry Country Christmas and Amy Grant & Vince Gill’s shows at the Ryman to Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, Zoolumination at the Zoo, and pop-up holiday bars around town. Nashville truly embraces the season.