Nashville residents go big on Christmas decorations! You'll be amazed by houses lavishly adorned with lights and lawns full of inflatables. The city also features a few large twinkling light displays as well as dozens of festive events during the holiday season.
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel (November 10, 2023–January 1, 2024)
One of the must-see displays in Nashville is located on the territory of Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Starting from mid-November, the hotel becomes a pilgrimage site for local families. With over 3 million twinkling lights and a few new displays, A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is definitely the premier destination during the holiday season. In addition to miles of light displays, it hosts numerous concerts, shows, movies, and activities like ice-skating and snow tubing. Visiting the display, which operates from 4 pm to midnight, is free for the public.
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens (November 18, 2023–January 7, 2024)
Cheekwood Estate is another must-see during the holiday season. With more than a million dazzling lights illuminating the garden after the sun goes down, Cheekwood offers one of the most spectacular holiday walks in Nashville. The 55-acre (22-ha) botanic garden features several Christmas trees and other holiday favorites. Holiday Lights illuminate Creekwood from 5 to 10 pm. Kids will be delighted to meet an actual reindeer. The garden also offers the popular TRAINS! exhibit, a walk-through display with all the bells and whistles. Chihuly Nights display features the fascinating artwork of Dale Chihuly—13 large-scale installations and pedestal items.
Chad's Winter Wonderland (unconfirmed in 2023)
Enchanting Chad's Winter Wonderland is one of the largest displays in the South. The event boasts about 2 million lights and a drive-thru Santa's house where Father Christmas himself is presenting candy canes and taking letters with kids' Christmas wishes. The park features a light tunnel, about 90 arches, as well as over 350 various displays such as a Nativity scene, a Christmas train, and a dancing snowman.
