Nashville never skips a beat, thanks to a constantly filled event calendar and a landscape packed with exciting attractions — and the holidays are no exception. With so much to do and see in Music City around the holidays, we’ve narrowed the ultimate guide on how to have a festive Nashville Christmas. From two luxe hotel options to beloved annual celebrations and performances, here’s how to make the most of your holiday travels to Nashville!
WHERE TO STAY
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza
Whether you’re a Nashville local or simply visiting, Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza is the perfect home base for a staycation or getaway. Nestled along the West End corridor, this Nashville gem offers well-appointed guest rooms, local dining flare, and top-notch amenities.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a sleek, welcoming lobby, complete with wood paneling and local artwork inspired by Nashville’s legendary music scene. The space also offers a cozy fireplace and plush seating options, making it an ideal retreat after a day full of exploring.
In your room, you’ll find comfortable linens, plenty of space to unwind, and large pane windows that allow natural light to flood the room. In terms of amenities, you can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, luxe bathrobes, and premium bath and body products.
As if those weren’t enough reasons to stay at Loews Nashville Hotel, now through March 2025, you can enjoy a delightful twist on its beloved afternoon tea service.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Hot Chocolate Affair serves cocoa in lieu of tea, offering milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate varieties. You’ll have the choice of a variety of toppings, including toasted marshmallows, caramel, and chocolate shavings. To reserve your spot, call the hotel directly at (615) 320-1700 or visit resy.com. The two-hour reservation slots begin between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
In addition to this seasonal offering, the hotel also offers two other on-site dining options. Mason’s serves daily brunch from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., while Mason Bar (or is it Mason’s Bar) features a variety of hand-crafted cocktails and bar bites.
Hutton Hotel
A boutique hotel nested in the heart of Nashville, the Hutton Hotel offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and Southern hospitality. It also hosts a lineup of exciting holiday offerings, ensuring there is never a dull moment during your stay!
To make your holiday travel planning easy, the hotel is offering two exclusive holiday packages this season. Available November 27 through January 6, the Warm Welcome Package guarantees a cozy stay. In addition to complimentary valet parking, you receive a seasonal candle from Nashville’s beloved Ranger Station and two complimentary cocktails from the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Evelyn’s.
Through this package, the hotel is also teaming up with the Nashville Blanket Project. For every Warm Welcome Package purchased, the local nonprofit gifts a blanket to both you and someone in need.
To take advantage of this exclusive offering, use the code WARMWELCOME during online checkout.
If you plan to visit Nashville closer to the new year, the Toast to Midnight Package is sure to provide a fun-filled New Year’s Eve. In addition to dinner for two at Evelyn’s, you receive two tickets to an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance at Analog, the hotel’s on-site music venue. The performance includes music by Scott Mulvahill and Friends, as they pay tribute to two classic albums — Graceland by Paul Simon and Purple Rain by Prince.
To purchase the Toast to Midnight Package, use the code MIDNIGHT during online checkout. You’ll also receive 20% off the best available room rate and complimentary overnight valet parking.
The hotel’s restaurant, Evelyn’s, hosts a few seasonal happenings, too. From Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy prix fixe menus and specials. To learn more and make a reservation, visit evelynsnashville.com.
Analog, the on-site music venue, also hosts an exciting Black Friday event on November 29, which includes live music from Kevin Mac and a whiskey tasting featuring Elsie Marshall Shotgun Granny Whiskey. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
WHERE TO PLAY
Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas
While you can certainly stay overnight at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the hotel also offers over 17 hours of holiday fun each and every day, thanks to A Country Christmas.
Now in its 41st year, this year’s signature event, ICE!, offers a brand-new theme: Frosty the Snowman. Featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice, families can enjoy everything from ice carver demonstrations to life-sized ice sculptures and ice slides.
ICE! begins on November 8 and runs through January 4. Event hours are Monday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $31.99 for adults and $22.99 for children. Children ages 3 and under are free with paid adult admission.
Before or after visiting ICE!, be sure to check the other seasonal activities happening around the resort, including ice skating, ice tubing, and bumper cars.
Music lovers will enjoy Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas Dinner Show. Taking place on select days in November and December, the show includes performances from Terri Clark as well as The Frontmen. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind evening full of all your favorite holiday music and classic country hits.
For a unique breakfast experience, make plans to attend Mrs. Claus’ North Pole Breakfast. Available on select dates, the interactive dining experience includes a delicious meal as well as photo opportunities with Mrs. Claus herself.
If you’re visiting during the evening, we recommend taking a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the hotel’s beautiful outdoor light displays and holiday decor. Available Sunday through Thursday, 5:20 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5:20 p.m. to 11 p.m., the private experience includes a 12-minute ride full of holiday cheer.
The Fisher Center
Located at Belmont University, The Fisher Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts center offering a diverse and entertaining lineup of performances — and wait until you see its holiday schedule!
The 150,000-square-foot theater offers 1,727 seats in its European-style performance space. Whether you’re looking to hear traditional Christmas carols or take in a visually stunning rendition of The Nutcracker, you’re sure to find a performance that piques your interest.
On December 7, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey take the stage for their Celebrate Christmas Tour. Beginning at 7 p.m., the award-winning vocalists come together to perform all of your favorite Christmas songs. Tickets start at $48 and can be purchased HERE.
Children and adults alike will enjoy A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage, which heads to The Fisher Center on December 10. The beloved animated television series by Charles M. Schulz comes to life as The Peanuts embark on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The performance starts at 6 p.m., and tickets begin at $29 HERE.
Another great family-friendly performance, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is a beloved holiday tradition for many. Starting at 7 p.m., an all-star cast takes the stage for an awe-inspiring performance full of lively music, extravagant costumes, and spectacular acrobatics. Purchase tickets HERE, starting at $32.
Next on The Fisher Center’s calendar is Dave Barnes, who will perform a very special Christmas show on December 14. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $30 HERE.
On December 15, visitors can get into the spirit with a night of holiday music at Christmas Celebration! With Music City Chorus and Friends. The evening will host a variety of performers, headlined by Music City Chorus, Nashville’s own award-winning men’s chorus! Purchase your tickets HERE.
Rounding out the December lineup is Michael W. Smith’s Every Christmas. Running from December 19 through December 21, performances include renditions of classic Christmas songs performed by Michael and special guest Riley Clemmons. Shows begin at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $56 HERE.
For more information on The Fisher Center’s holiday offerings and a full lineup of events, visit their website.
Nashville Zoo
While certainly a popular attraction year-round, Nashville Zoo transforms into an enchanting wonderland every holiday season. Zoolumination®, presented by Anheuser-Busch, is the largest lantern festival in the country — and it returns to Nashville Zoo this winter!
Beginning November 14 and continuing through February 9, Zoolumination includes over 1,000 authentic, custom-made silk lanterns that create larger-than-life light structures — some 100 feet long and 50 feet high!
New this year, Zoolumination now offers The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by Nashville Predators and in honor of Scott Hamilton. Open to all skill levels and ages, admission to the rink is $10 for zoo members and $12 for non-members.
Be sure to also stroll through the special North Pole Village, which includes the North Pole Express, Santa’s workshop, and plenty of holiday treats. Little ones can also pay a personal visit to Santa from November 29 through December 24!
Of course, no trip to the zoo is complete without an animal encounter or two. While most wildlife goes to sleep before dark, you can still catch glimpses of animals like flamingos and Sumatran tigers. The zoo’s Unseen New World exhibit is also open on select nights.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the event also offers a variety of specialty food and drinks. Quills Cafe & Grill serves a Chinese takeout-themed menu while Screaming Gibbon Pizza Cafe offers personal-sized pizzas alongside sandwiches and salads. You can also stop by the zoo’s concession stands to sip on libations and indulge in seasonal treats, including hot cocoa!
If you’re interested in attending Zoolumination, it’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Admission starts at $21 for children (ages 2-12) and $25 for adults and teens. Zoo members receive a $5 discount and free parking. Group packages are also available.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
From a breathtaking evening outdoor light display to seasonal libations, floral-themed holiday decor, and afternoon tea, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is the backdrop for one of Nashville’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Beginning on November 22, embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens, adorned with over one million twinkling lights. Now in its 10th year, Holiday LIGHTS is a delightful experience for the entire family, offering cozy fire pits with s’mores, a holiday marketplace, and festive cocktails. The event runs through January 5, and nightly hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Be sure to take a tour of the property’s historic mansion, which is beautifully decorated this year by former White House florist Laura Dowling. Nine rooms in the home are elegantly festooned with floral decor — each space inspired by Cheekwood’s 13 unique gardens. The mansion is open for daytime tours and during Holiday LIGHTS from November 22 through January 5.
Laura also hosts a lecture and book signing on November 20. She will share a behind-the-scenes look at how she worked with Cheekwood over the last year to create this year’s mansion tour. The event begins at 10 a.m., and tickets are $55 for Cheekwood members or $75 for non-members.
To make the most of your mansion tour, add an Afternoon Holiday Tea Package to your experience. Packages can be booked on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from December 3 through January 3. The afternoon begins at 12:45 p.m. with a guided tour of the historic home, followed by a delicious tea service in Cheekwood’s Café 29.
The tea service includes a holiday-inspired menu of seasonal teas, bite-sized sandwiches, and fresh-baked sweets. Standout items include spiced honey butter ham sandwiches, fresh scones, and candy cane pound cake.
Ready to start planning your holiday getaway? Visit visitmusiccity.com.
This article is sponsored by Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza, Hutton Hotel, Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas, The Fisher Center at Belmont University, Nashville Zoo, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, and Visit Music City – Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.
