Music City knows how to do the holidays right with festive shows and family fun! Whether you’re planning a full holiday getaway or just looking for the best ways to soak up the season with the family, here’s your guide to celebrating Christmas in Nashville.
Write a Letter to Santa
Our friends at BLK Dog Estate Sales are bringing back their holiday tradition! Drop off your letter to Santa at The Happy Place (6444 Nolensville Pk #103, Antioch, TN 37013) and receive a special handwritten keepsake letter in return. This is perfect for kids and families looking to add a little magic to the season.
Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s A Neighborly Christmas
A Nashville favorite returns as Drew and Ellie Holcomb bring A Neighborly Christmas to the Schermerhorn. Expect warm harmonies, holiday classics, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that makes this show a beloved Music City tradition year after year. With limited dates and a beautifully festive setting, it’s one of the season’s standout concerts. Tickets are on sale here.
“It’s just such a beautiful setting,” Drew said in our recent interview with him about the Schermerhorn Symphony Center adding, “It upped the pageantry. It went from a neighborhood rock-and-roll Christmas show to, ‘Oh, we’re putting on a real show here.’ That’s when Ellie started getting these elegant evening gowns every year.”
ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas
Step into a winter wonderland at Gaylord Opryland with ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas! Explore iconic scenes from the beloved TV special, hand-carved from over 2 million pounds of ice, and follow Charlie Brown on his heartwarming quest to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Glide down ice slides, wander through larger-than-life Peanuts sculptures, and enjoy a fully immersive holiday adventure perfect for families, couples, and fans of all ages. Plan ahead and bundle your visit with skating, tubing, and hot chocolate for a full day of festive fun. Book your trip here.
See the Lights at Cheekwood
Of course, this is one of our favorite local traditions, and it’s perfect for the whole family. Book your visit before the season is over.
Holiday Movies at W Nashville
Looking for a cozy, festive way to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? W Nashville is hosting free holiday movie marathons in their Living Room, featuring classics like Elf, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Santa Claus, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Love Actually. Kick back with seasonal cocktails from the bar and enjoy the films starting at 4 PM both days. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the event is open to everyone.
Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo
Step into a winter wonderland at Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination! This is the city’s biggest holiday light experience, and it’s open now with more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. Choose between the platinum pass and single-night admission tickets here.
White Limozeen’s Southern Christmas
Celebrate the season with White Limozeen’s Southern Christmas, running all December long during business hours. Sip on a lineup of festive, one-of-a-kind cocktails crafted by Beverage Director Demi Natoli and her team, all while soaking in the full holiday decor. With plenty of unique holiday drinks to try, it’s the perfect spot for a festive night out!
Nashville’s Nutcracker
Make the season magical with the Nashville Ballet’s annual holiday tradition at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. This Emmy Award–winning production, choreographed by Paul Vasterling, puts a uniquely Music City twist on the classic tale — complete with live music by the Nashville Symphony, beautiful sets, and festive costumes. Get your tickets.
Martha My Cheer at Martha My Dear
Get into the holiday spirit with Martha My Cheer, returning for the entire month of December! From Dec. 1–31 during business hours, sip your way through a curated menu of seasonal cocktails, each crafted to celebrate the flavors and fun of the season.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas at Schermerhorn
Bring some New Orleans flair to your Nashville holiday season with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Creole Christmas. On Dec. 15 at 7:30 PM, the band takes the stage at Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a soulful, jazz-inflected holiday show. Buy tickets here.
Candied Land at Play Playground
Get ready for a sugar-coated good time as Play Playground transforms into Candied Land. Their Nashville rooftop is turning into a whimsical holiday pop-up through Dec. 30. Think candy-coated wonderland vibes, seasonal cocktails (and mocktails), sweet treats, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. Find out more here.
Amy Grant + Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman
This is another beloved holiday tradition. Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Brunch with Santa at JW Marriott Nashville
Make holiday memories with the family at JW Marriott’s Southern-inspired Christmas brunch in Stompin’ Grounds! Every Sunday in December, leading up to Christmas (Dec. 7, 14, and 21), starting at 11 AM, enjoy a festive buffet of seasonal favorites and Southern classics, all while Santa stops by for photos. Reservations include Santa pics and valet parking. Book your reservation here.
Opry Country Christmas
The Grand Ole Opry is jingling all the way into the season with Opry Country Christmas, offering plenty of chances to catch the magic this year. With multiple dates throughout the season, it’s an easy addition to any holiday itinerary. Find out more here.
A Drag Queen Christmas at Ryman Auditorium
Talk about a uniquely fun holiday event! Head to Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 28 for A Drag Queen Christmas. Find out more here.
Cookie Decorating at JW Marriott Nashville
Get little ones into the holiday spirit with cookie decorating at Stompin’ Grounds! On December 6, 13, and 20 at 3 PM, kids can create their own sweet masterpieces with colorful icing and festive toppings, guided by the JW Marriott Nashville pastry team. The cost is $45 per child. Book your experience here.
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
Add a little magic to your holiday season with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a high-energy cirque-style Christmas show filled with acrobatics, music, and over-the-top festive fun. It’s the kind of whimsical, family-friendly production that mixes holiday storytelling with big visual moments — think dazzling costumes, impressive stunts, and plenty of seasonal charm. A perfect pick if you’re looking for something different from the traditional holiday lineup! Buy your tickets.
Little Big Town’s Christmas Shows
Get in the holiday spirit with Little Big Town at Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now for this fun, holiday experience.
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