Christmas Lights in Tennessee 2024-2025

Tenessee is home to some of the largest and most impressive America's Christmas lights displays. Its top destinations include Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas in the Smokies, Nashville, Memphis, and Chatanooga. These cities attract crowds of tourists during the holiday season thanks to a wide array of events and beautiful decorations.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Winter Magic in Gatlinburg (November 8, 2024–February 12, 2025)

Winter is a unique time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which get draped in about five million lights, shining from early November to early February. Beautiful decorations and fun seasonal events transform the Smokies into a winter wonderland. To enjoy the dazzling displays, take the Trolley Ride of Lights. One more way to see the best view of the Gatlinburg Parkway lights is to go up the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Once there, you will be able to see the city's panorama and the Christmas Tree from a height of 400 feet (121 m).

The 49th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is set to take place on Friday, December 6. This enchanting event will showcase a dazzling array of decorative floats, lively marching bands, festive holiday balloons, and, of course, a special appearance by Santa Claus, all part of a star-studded lineup sure to fill the evening with holiday magic.

SkyBridge and Lights Over Gatlinburg (early November 2024–late January 2025)

Stop by Gatlinburg's famous SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which is all lit up during the holiday season at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. From mid-November to late January, SkyLift Park is decorated with over 40,000 twinkling lights. The main attraction is a 300-foot (91-m) tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge. A 38-foot (9-m) Christmas tree is another frequently photographed spot with lights animated to music.

Adding to the holiday cheer, Santa Claus will make special appearances on November 28 from 10 am to 12 pm, as well as on December 9 and 16. Families can take advantage of this unique chance to capture a memorable photo with Santa's sleigh, set against a backdrop of sparkling lights.

You can find out even more details about Gatlinburg Christmas Lights here.

The Island in Pigeon Forge (November 16, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The Island in Pigeon Forge offers more sparkling lights during Winterfest. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel to see the whole picture from 200 feet (61 m) in the air. Watch the Island Show Fountain and enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options at one of the premier East Tennesee holiday destinations.

The Island also will host its annual New Year's Eve celebration with a free concert and fireworks display on December 31. Open from 10 am to midnight, The Island in Pigeon Forge invites families to come together, celebrate, and create cherished memories as they ring in the New Year with a spectacular show.

Chattanooga

Holiday Trail of Lights (mid-November 2024–mid-January 2025)

In southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga Holiday Trail of Lights is the premier Christmas display with millions of twinkling lights. Illuminations from this showing can be seen throughout the whole city: on Chattanooga bridges, boats, cliffs, and buildings. Its biggest highlights are the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, adorned with sparkling snowflakes, Ice on the Landing at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and, of course, Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights.

The Trail of Lights events also include Tennessee Aquarium's Holidays Under the Peaks & Polar Express in IMAX, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's North Pole Limited & Holiday Train Excursions, Chattanooga Riverboat Company special cruises, and Holiday Lights at the Chattanooga Zoo. There is no single ticket for the Trail of Lights, as each location follows its admission policy. Visitors can explore one, a few, or all of the locations at their own pace.

Nashville

Dancing Lights of Christmas (November 8, 2024–January 4, 2025)

The Dancing Lights of Christmas show features a 2.5-mile (4 km) route with over two million lights composed of all imaginable shapes: tunnels, giant snowmen, candy canes, and Christmas trees. Visit it at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, which is about a half-hour drive from Nashville. The Dancing Lights of Christmas show is open Sunday-Thursday from 5 pm until 10 pm and Friday-Saturday from 5 pm until 11 pm during the Christmas season, which runs from late November to early January. The entrance fee starts from $35 for a family vehicle.

Chad's Winter Wonderland (late November–late December 2024)

Enchanting Chad's Winter Wonderland is one of the largest displays in Tennessee. The park boasts about 3 million lights and a drive-thru Santa's house. Its light tunnel has 90 arches and over 350 various displays, such as a Nativity scene, a Christmas train, and a dancing snowman.

The event runs nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, with hours from 5 pm to 10 pm. Admission is priced at $25.

Memphis

Graceland Christmas Tours (November 21–December 23, 2024)

The birthplace of rock'n'roll boasts some serious Christmas vibes. And Christmas at Graceland is one of the best experiences Tennessee can offer during December. The mansion, which Elvis called his home, is located on the southern outskirts of the city, west of Memphis International Airport. It's most charming during the winter season with holiday lights and music.

From November 21 to December 23, the Christmas Tour runs daily from 2 pm to 4 pm, featuring live guides who share stories of Christmas with Elvis. Tickets are $97 for adults, $62.50 for youth, and free for children four and under. The Christmas UVIP Tours, priced at $294 per person, offer an after-hours tour of Graceland's holiday decorations, limited to 8 guests per tour, starting from 6 pm.

Holiday Wonders at the Garden (November 29–December 28, 2024, on select days)

Holiday Wonders at the Garden is another popular display in East Memphis, available from late November until the end of December. The 20-night lineup features beloved events like the dog-friendly Paw-liday Wonders evenings, Santa Sundays with the Big Guy himself, and a variety of fun and festive theme nights.

Ticket pricing for weeknights, from Monday to Thursday, is set at $12 for MBG members and $15 for non-members when purchased in advance, while same-day tickets cost $17. On weekends, from Friday to Sunday, advance tickets are priced at $15 for members and $17 for non-members, with same-day tickets available for $20. Children under the age of 2 can enter for free.

Zoo Lights (November 29, 2024–January 4, 2025, on select dates)

Memphis Zoo Lights are an ideal experience for families with children. Located in midtown, the city zoo showcases a stunning Christmas display featuring a million twinkling lights. This season, the iconic Light Tunnel will once again illuminate the night with vibrant colors. For those looking to embrace the winter spirit, ice skating is available, providing the perfect opportunity to glide across the rink. Guests can also enjoy gooey treats that complement the rich flavor of hot chocolate. No holiday season is complete without a visit to Santa Claus. Beyond the enchanting lights, visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy holiday shopping, and savor festive foods.

Thanks to the warm climate, beautiful nature, and vibrant music scene, Tennessee is a perfect destination for the winter holidays. Add some light magic into the picture, and you'll receive some lasting memories from the American South.