Holiday Magic in Nashville
Your Guide to the Best Festive Fun in December 2025
December in Nashville always feels a little enchanted. The lights get brighter, the music gets warmer and the city leans fully into the joy of the season. Whether you're planning family outings, date nights or simply want to soak in a little holiday cheer, Nashville delivers big. At Living True, we love helping you live well in the place you call home … and that includes sharing all the cannot-miss holiday fun Music City has to offer.
Here’s your curated guide to the best holiday events, holiday lights, markets, shows and family-friendly activities happening across Nashville in December 2025.
🎄 LIGHTS & DISPLAYS
From twinkling trails to larger-than-life lanterns, these Nashville holiday light displays bring the magic.
Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo
One of Nashville’s most dazzling holiday attractions. Zoolumination brings more than 1,000 hand-crafted silk lanterns, glowing pathways and immersive light scenes to the Nashville Zoo. Santa also visits nightly through December 24.
Dates: Now thru January 4, 2026
Local Tip: Bring a jacket - nighttime strolls under lantern-lit skies are magical, but chilly.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
A Nashville holiday staple. Wander the one-mile trail through millions of lights, glowing tunnels, s’mores stations and Cheekwood’s historic mansion fully decked out for the season.
Dates: Now thru January 4, 2026
Local Tip: Book a later entry slot (8:30 pm) for “Late Night LIGHTS” to beat some of the crowds.
ICE! at Gaylord Opryland + Christmas at Opryland
Opryland goes all out. Think indoor gardens wrapped in lights, massive holiday displays, ice tubing hills, skating, and the iconic ICE! exhibit — featuring a full “A Charlie Brown Christmas” sculpted entirely from ice.
Dates: Now thru January 3, 2026
Local Tip: Parking can be pricey - consider rideshare or off-site parking and walking in (hint: Opry Mills is right next door and has lots of parking!). Also bundle your ticket for ICE + skating for best value.
🎭 PERFORMANCES & SHOWS
Holiday entertainment is a whole mood in Nashville … from classic ballet to live-score movies.
Nashville’s Nutcracker – Nashville Ballet
This award-winning ballet brings a Nashville-themed twist to the classic story, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony.
Dates: November 29 thru December 28, TPAC
Local Tip: It’s popular and sells out—book early, especially for weekend performances.
Home Alone in Concert – Nashville Symphony
Watch the beloved film while a full live orchestra performs the score. A perfect family outing.
Dates: December 5–7, Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Local Tip: Check for matinee performances if you’re planning with younger kids.
Elf in Concert – Nashville Symphony
Buddy the Elf + live orchestra = instant holiday joy.
Dates: December 10–11, Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Local Tip: Make a day of it downtown by doing some shopping at 5th & Broadway and grabbing a meal in the Assembly Food Hall.
Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman
A true Music City tradition. Vince Gill and Amy Grant return to the Ryman Auditorium with their iconic Christmas concert series - filled with soaring vocals, storytelling and the cozy nostalgia only the Ryman can offer.
Dates: December 10 thru 20, Ryman Auditorium
Local Tip: These shows sell out fast every year. Grab tickets the moment they go on sale, and make it a full evening by pairing the show with dinner downtown.
🎁 HOLIDAY MARKETS & SHOPPING
Find unique gifts, support local makers, and enjoy Nashville’s best festive markets.
Nashvillage Holiday Market
This downtown open-air market features Santa photos, live music, a tree lighting, food trucks, festive drinks and tons of local vendors. Free to attend!
When: Dec 4–7, 2025
Where: Music City Walk of Fame Park
Local Tip: Free to attend, but budget for shopping, treats and parking downtown.
Nashville Flea Market - December Market
A Nashville classic - and perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, antiques, handmade pieces and holiday finds.
When: Dec 19, 20 & 21, 2025
Where: The Fairgrounds
Local Tip: Arrive early for the best booths and easier parking.
❄️ FAMILY FUN & FESTIVE POP-UPS
Camp Bobby Igloos – Bobby Hotel Rooftop
Cozy, private rooftop igloos with skyline views, seasonal cocktails, blankets and that perfect Nashville-winter vibe.
When: Now thru mid-January 2026
Where: Bobby Hotel, 230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Local Tip: Reservations are a must - they book up fast!
Holly Jolly Christmas Bar
A totally over-the-top, decked-in-tinsel holiday bar in downtown Nashville. Perfect for a fun night out with friends or a festive date night.
When: Now thru December 28
Where: Sonny’s Patio Pub Clubhouse, 1322 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Local Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance as seating is first-come, first-served. Each ticket includes a 90-min open seating + a Welcome Drink.
Holiday Parades & Neighborhood Lights
From the Donelson-Hermitage Christmas Parade (Dec 6) to community light displays across many Nashville neighborhoods, December is packed with local cheer. If you live in Inglewood (like us!) don’t miss Jinglewood - a community lights tour and competition we’re putting on for the 2nd year in a row!
Local Tip: Keep an eye on neighborhood Facebook groups - many host lights maps or walking tours.
⭐ WHY WE LOVE THE HOLIDAYS IN NASHVILLE
Iconic Nashville venues — the Ryman, Schermerhorn, TPAC — all roll out their best holiday programming.
The city blends big-ticket attractions with cozy neighborhood traditions.
It’s the perfect season to explore Nashville’s unique culture, support local businesses and make memories that last.
And if you’re hosting out-of-town guests? This list is basically your December playbook.
✨ LIVING TRUE HOLIDAY TIPS
Book ahead: Cheekwood, Opryland, Nutcracker, and Ryman shows do sell out.
Mix it up: Pair a light display night with a festive market for the perfect holiday double-header.
Capture the moment: These outings make great story content for Instagram, and help you show off the heart of Nashville living.
Support local: Holiday markets are the easiest way to shop small and find meaningful gifts.