Light up the Holidays in Music City

Nashville is a premier destination for celebrating the holidays with ample attractions, extravagant light displays and cheerful special events.

Walk through more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns in elaborate display at Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination — the largest Chinese lantern festival in the country.

© Visit Music City

Immerse yourself in the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Opryland’s ICE!, where 2 million pounds of colorful ice carved by expert artisans create larger-than-life sculptures and slides, plus ice tubing, skating and much more. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ Holiday LIGHTS glisten with elegant and creative light displays along a one-mile walking path, featuring s’mores and bar stations, and a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the historic mansion. Wander in Enchant’s illuminated winter wonderland at First Horizon Park with its more than 4 million sparkling lights, a charming village, Santa & Mrs. Claus and live entertainment.

It wouldn’t be Music City without world-class entertainment. From the producers of Immersive Van Gogh comes Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle at Lighthouse Artspace, a 30-minute, 3-D production. Beloved residency Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman runs during December and evergreen Opry Country Christmas Show will once again charm audiences. All of this and so much more awaits this holiday season in Music City.

Nashville shops have a unique gift for everyone on your list. Discover records by local musicians, hand-crafted jewelry, one-of-a-kind vintage finds, artisanal goods and more. ‘Tis the season for giving by supporting brands that give back! Shop Thistle Farms’ home collection and fuel its mission to provide meaningful jobs and a safe place to live for survivors of prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Shop ethically made, high-quality leather goods and clothing garments from ABLE, and Nisolo, where sustainability is at the forefront.

Spend the last night of the year in Nashville with hours of live music, fireworks and the signature Music Note Drop at Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini and Zac Brown Band will headline the free mainstage event at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

© Visit Music City

Join in the holiday festivities with one of Music City’s vacation packages. Perfect for those traveling with family and friends, the Zoolumination Package includes a minimum one-night stay at a participating hotel and tickets to Zoolumination. Ring in the new year with Nashville’s Big Bash Package which includes a minimum one-night stay at a participating hotel with a NYE Celebration Pack delivered to your hotel.

Enjoy happy holidays in Music City!