It’s that time of year again!! Every year there are holiday events around Nashville my friends, family and I WILL NOT MISS!! I have compiled a list of WAY TOO MANY holiday events going on in Nashville. I have already planned to attend 6 of these, including Christmas Village today!! AND Christmas with Jennifer Nettles and the Nashville Symphony <3
If you haven’t been to any of these events, I hope this will get you out of the house and into the holiday spirit! This list will either be super helpful, or completely overwhelming! 🙂 Good Luck!
For the Shoppers & the Crafters!
Christmas Village 2017
Friday, November 10, 2017 – 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday, November 11, 2017 – 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, November 12, 2017 – 12:00pm to 6:00pm
The Nashville Fairgrounds (500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)
Approximately 260 merchants and 30,000 shoppers from all over the United States participate in Nashville’s oldest and most prestigious consumer show. A variety of unique seasonal and gift items are offered. Christmas Village is organized and operated solely through the volunteer efforts of the Nashville Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club to benefit the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center and other Pi Beta Phi philanthropies.
MADE SOUTH Holiday Market
Saturday, November 18, 2017 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
The Factory (230 Franklin Road, Franklin, Tennessee 37064)
- Shop 130+ of the finest makers & artisans in the South
- Sample tastings from local and regional chefs and restaurants
- Distiller tastings for 21+ guests
- Live music
- Free parking
- Family friendly
CHS Holiday Show
Saturday, November 18, 2017 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, November 19, 2017 – 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Centennial High School (5050 Mallory Lane, Franklin, Tennessee 37067)
The Centennial Holiday Show is the CHS PTSO primary fundraiser. Each weekend before Thanksgiving, over 170 arts and crafts vendors transform CHS into a shopping destination.
Holiday at the Barn
Sunday, November 19, 2017 – 12:00pm to 4:00pm
2034 Williams Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135
Join over 18 local vendors, handmade artisans, boutique shops and more at Nolensville’s 1st Holiday at the Barn!
Get a head start on all of your Christmas shopping and even receive complimentary gift wrapping – donations appreciated to benefit Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee’s Walk For Wishes.
Bring the little ones to see Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cider and support your local friends all at the same time!
Holiday Village
Saturday, November 25, 2017 – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Homestead Manor (4683 Columbia Pike, Thompsons Station, Tennessee 37179)
Please join us for all things merry + bright at our third-annual Holiday Village at Homestead Manor!
Shop your way through our barn as your favorite local vendors sell their hand-crafted and home-grown items like custom jewelry and wood masterpieces, hand-poured candles, paintings and leather goods, natural soaps, baked goods, jams and more!
Dickens of A Christmas In Franklin
Saturday, December 9, 2017 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 10, 2017 – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Historic Downtown Franklin
This is the 33rd year that Dickens of a Christmas has taken place in downtown Franklin. In mid-December, the town square and side streets will transform into a scene out of a Charles Dickens’ novel. Over 50,000 people attend this FREE family-friendly holiday festival.
You can expect horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers, Dickens characters, and many great vendors. Even neighbors get in the spirit and dress up for the Victorian era event.
We can’t forget the amazing food. You can enjoy everything from kettle corn to turkey legs and sugar plums to roasted peanuts.
Porter Flea Holiday Market
Saturday, December 9, 2017 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
The Nashville Fairgrounds (625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)
A free holiday shopping experience with over 125 vendors selling apparel, accessories, home goods, furniture, jewelry, and paper goods. It’s a great place to get unique gifts for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members.
There is also a ticketed Preview Market the night before on Friday, December 8th (6-9pm) where you can be the first to get your hands on the goods for $25. Tickets include a complimentary drink.
Music City Winterfest
Saturday, December 9, 2017 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
Centennial Park (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)
All day, shop our Holiday Market for unique gifts from Nashville craft artisans, enjoy live music by local performing groups, and treat yourself at our food trucks, holiday libation bars, s’mores stations and more! Santa will also be making an appearance!
Don’t Miss the Parades!
Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 8:30am to 11:00am
Broadway – Nashville, Tennessee (Starting at North 1st Ave & Brandon Street)
Grand Marshal, NHL veteran, Mike Fisher! Nashvillians will line the streets to support the parade, which features celebrity performances, marching bands, and giant balloons. It’s the perfect family-friendly outing downtown!
Downtown Franklin Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Great American Main Street – Historic Franklin, Tennessee
Kiwanis 2017 Christmas Parade is held annually the first Saturday in December in Historic Downtown Franklin Tennessee. The parade is a community celebration of the traditions of Christmas Day.
Live Shows!
TPAC
A Christmas Story
Friday, November 24, 2017 – Friday, December 22, 2017
TPAC – Andrew Jackson Hall
Ralphie’s back! Reaching year nine of this Nashville holiday tradition, Nashville Rep exuberantly gives fans what they want – a hilarious, interactive winter treat. With a frozen flag pole, a ballet tribute to an iconic Leg Lamp, and many, many costume changes; the show more than delivers on its promise of laughs, heart-warming charm, and a child with a bar of Lifebuoy in his mouth. Tickets range in price starting at $25.
Nashville’s Nutcracker: Celebrating 10 Years!
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – Saturday, December 23, 2017
TPAC – Andrew Jackson Hall
Celebrating 10 years of awe-inspiring magic and dazzling holiday cheer, Nashville’s Nutcracker will ring in the season with additional characters and all-new magical elements. A truly local production through and through with clever nods to the city’s sparkly past, Nashville’s Nutcracker epitomizes the holiday season in Music City.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Friday, December 8, 2017 – 7:00pm
TPAC – James K. Polk Theater
A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation featuring all of your favorite characters and classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
The Ryman
Christmas at the Ryman: With Amy Grant & Vince Gill
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – Thursday, December 21, 2017
“Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.
In their two hour program, the Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team will present cherished standards and as well as newer seasonal fare.
LeAnn Rimes: Today is Christmas Tour
Sunday, December 10, 2017 – 7:30pm
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Fantasia: Christmas After Midnight
Sunday, November 25, 2017 – 8:00pm
Kick off the holiday season as Fantasia makes her Schermerhorn debut performing selections from her brand-new album Christmas After Midnight, along with hits like “I Believe,” “Truth Is,” “Free Yourself” and “When I See U.” This sensational singer made history by winning American Idol at age 19, dazzling fans with her gorgeous voice and distinctive blend of R&B, soul and gospel. Since then her star has continued to rise, with a GRAMMY® win and an award-winning performance in the Broadway musical The Color Purple.
Holiday with Cirque de la Symphonie
Thursday, November 30, 2017 – 7:00pm
Friday, December 1, 2017 – 8:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 1:00pm
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 8:00pm
A CIRQUE-TASTIC DISPLAY with acrobats, contortionists, aerial flyers & more with your Nashville Symphony. Experience the must-see family concert this holiday season, featuring holiday classics like:
- Ave Maria
- Jingle Bells
- Deck the Halls
- Music from The Nutcracker
- Carol of the Bells
Christmas with Jennifer Nettles and the Nashville Symphony
Tuesday, December 5, 2017 – 7:30pm
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 – 7:30pm
Back by popular demand! Celebrate the season with one of today’s most beloved artists, who first made a splash as part of the country duo Sugarland. The sensational Jennifer Nettles returns for two nights of hits and holiday favorites with the Nashville Symphony, including selections from her hit LP To Celebrate Christmas.
CeCe Winans: Holidays & Hits with the Nashville Symphony
Thursday, December 7, 2017 – 7:30pm
One of gospel music’s best-selling artists of all time, CeCe Winans joins your Nashville Symphony for an intimate evening of hits, holiday favorites and soul-drenched selections from Let Them Fall in Love, her first album in nearly a decade. With more than 12 million albums sold and 10 GRAMMY® Awards, this iconic singer brings pure heart and inspiration to everything she sings. Be there as she makes her Schermerhorn Symphony Center debut.
Home Alone in Concert with the Nashville Symphony
Thursday, December 21, 2017 – 7:00pm
Friday, December 22, 2017 – 7:00pm
This hilarious and heartwarming holiday tradition is perfect for the whole family. Experience John Williams’ delightful score performed live while the movie is shown on the big screen.
Franklin Theatre
Elf Jr & Charlie Brown Christmas
Sunday, December 17, 2017 – 1:00pm
Sunday, December 17, 2017 – 5:30pm
The Franklin Theatre – Live Theater
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This show is performed by the talented kids of Act Too Players.
Make an Evening of it!
Christmas Lights at Opryland
Friday, November 10, 2017 to Monday, January 1, 2018
Get in the spirit of the season as you discover more than 3 million dazzling Christmas lights around every bend of our resort! Don’t miss the magic of the new lights and festive décor Santa’s Elves have added for 2017. Or you can pay to do many other fun activities.
A Country Christmas at Opryland
- Carriage Rides
- ICE!® featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas Story
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- Diamond Rio Holidays & Hits Dinner Show
- Cookies with Mrs. Claus
- Outdoor Nativity Scene
- Snow Tubing
- Ice Skating
- Santa’s Snow Throw
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Check out this CALENDAR for a detailed list of all the activities!
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Friday, November 24, 2017 to Sunday, December 31, 2017 (closed Mondays)
5:00pm to 10:00pm
Admission ranges from $14 to $27.
One Million Holiday Lights!
The spirit of the holiday season is felt from the moment you walk into Holiday LIGHTS. This year, we’re illuminating our gardens with one million holiday lights throughout the mile-long walking path.
Real Reindeer
Two of Santa’s most trusted companions will be visiting from the North Pole. Visitors can see Jolly and Joy every night of Holiday LIGHTS and during our daytime hours.
Holiday Carolers
Warm up in the Cheek Mansion and enjoy the sounds of season as carolers singing holiday favorites.
Meet Santa
Kids are invited to come see Santa at Cheekwood every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings leading up to Christmas. Santa visits are included with LIGHTS admission.
Note: Professional photographers are not provided for Santa photos; Families are welcome to take their own pictures.
S’mores Pits
Get warm by the fire and roast a marshmallow! Located at the bottom of the mansion drive, our fire pits are the perfect spot to take a break, grab a drink and take in the scenery. Smore kits are available for purchase.
Gingerbread Workshops
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 and Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Drop in anytime between 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Massey Auditorium
Everyone loves a gingerbread house! Join us for special nighttime workshops to decorate your own gingerbread house. Pricing includes a gingerbread house from Crumb de la Crumb Bakery and supplies for decorating. Cash bar available.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Tree Lighting with Tracy Lawrence
Friday, November 24, 2017 – 4:00pm
Tracy Lawrence will help us kick off Deck the Hall 2017 with a free acoustic performance followed by the lighting of the tree in the Mike Curb Conservatory.
After the tree lighting, Lawrence will sign copies of his new CD, “Good Ole Days” purchased from the Museum Store. One photo per guest.
Photos with Santa
Saturday, November 25, 2017 – Sunday, December 17, 2017
Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am and 2:00pm
Children of all ages are invited to share their Christmas lists with Santa and pose for a free photo. Participants will also receive a commemorative photo holder designed by Hatch Show Print.
Sunday, November 26, 2017 – Sunday, December 17, 2017
Sundays Only – Anytime between 10:00am and 1:00pm
Share in our tradition of cookie decorating to celebrate the holiday season and create a festive paper hat to represent your style. We will provide the cookies, icing, paper hats, and decorations—you supply the creativity!
Christmas at the Mansion
Friday, November 24, 2017 – Saturday, December 23, 2017
Fontanel Nashville (4125 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37189)
The Mansion at Fontanel will be open to the public for the first time during the holidays. Tours will take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, running from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. View over 40 beautifully-decorated Christmas trees as you leisurely stroll the mansion, have a festive beverage at our bar and enjoy our talented Dickens Christmas carolers! Tickets are $35 plus tax.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Friday, November 17, 2017 – Sunday, December 31, 2017
New Location: James E Ward Agricultural Center (945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, Tennessee 37087)
The 8th annual Dancing Lights of Christmas will be at a new location in 2017 — The new location comes with new displays and an extended drive route, some new rocking’ Christmas tunes and an expanded Fox17 Santa’s village. With over one and a half million lights dancing to the music on the radio, each visit will be a new experience. It’s a great evening for the entire family! The cost is $25 per car. The show opens nightly at 5:00pm.
Running Events
Rudolph’s Red Nose Run
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 7:30am
Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way, Nashville, Tennessee 37213)
Music City’s most festive 5K invites elves, grinches, and sugar plum fairies to light the way for Santa’s arrival at the Nashville Christmas Parade.
This family-friendly event is perfect for runners, walkers, joggers, and merry-makers of all ages and abilities.
Whether this is your first 5K or your 50th, you’ll walk away with the spirit of the season in your heart, knowing that you’re helping families and seniors stay warm this winter. 100% of proceeds benefit NeedLink Nashville.
12 South Winter Warmup
Saturday, December 2, 2017
7:00 a.m. Kids 1K START
8:00 a.m. 6K and 12K Race START
Sevier Park in 12South Neighborhood (3000 Granny White Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37212)
The 12South Neighborhood will host the Annual 12South Winter WarmUp on Saturday December 2nd, 2017 at Sevier Park starting with the Kids 1K run at 7:00AM followed by the 6K and 12K at 8:00AM. This is a closed-course road race through the scenic & historic 12South Neighborhood with timing and event management by Start 2 Finish. You can pick your level of challenge by signing up for the 6K (3.7 miles) or 12K distance (7.4 miles).
2017 Jingle Bell Run
Saturday, December 2, 2017 – 8:00am
The Square in Historic Downtown Franklin
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. ’Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a reason! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk, spread smiles and good cheer … and be a Champion of Yes! 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause.
Nashville Santa Rampage
Saturday, December 9, 2017 – 8:00pm
Over 1,000 people dress as Santa and pub crawl Downtown Nashville starting with a group photo at the Christmas Tree on 2nd Avenue! Organizers request that you please bring your ID and recommend cash, so you don’t have to wait to swipe a card. This event is a great time!!
7:00pm – Gather at Hooters, Beer Sellar, Piranhas, Benchmark Sports Bar or any other favorite Santa watering holes during the day.
8:00pm – Meet at the tree on 2nd Avenue for our photo shoot!!
Then the Rampage begins, Ho Ho Ho!!
Franklin Theatre Movies
Elf
Wed, Nov 22 7:00 PM
Thu, Nov 23 1:00 PM
Thu, Nov 23 4:00 PM
Fri, Nov 24 7:00 PM
Sun, Nov 26 4:00 PM
The Polar Express
Thu, Nov 23 10:00 AM
Fri, Nov 24 10:00 AM
Sat, Nov 25 10:00 AM
Sun, Nov 26 1:00 PM
Tue, Nov 28 4:00 PM
Christmas Vacation
Thu, Nov 23 7:00 PM
Fri, Nov 24 1:00 PM
Fri, Nov 24 4:00 PM
Sun, Nov 26 7:00 PM
Mon, Nov 27 7:00 PM
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Tue, Nov 28 7:00 PM
Wed, Nov 29 7:00 PM
Thu, Nov 30 7:00 PM
The Santa Claus
Wed, Nov 29 4:00 PM
Thu, Nov 30 4:00 PM
Tue, Dec 19 4:00 PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sat, Dec 2 10:00 AM
Sat, Dec 9 10:00 AM
Sat, Dec 16 10:00 AM
Mon, Dec 18 4:00 PM
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Mon, Dec 4 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 18 7:00 PM
Wed, Dec 20 7:00 PM
Sun, Dec 24 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 25 3:30 PM
White Christmas (1954)
Tue, Dec 19 7:00 PM
Wed, Dec 20 3:30 PM
Fri, Dec 22 4:00 PM
Fri, Dec 22 7:30 PM
Sun, Dec 24 3:30 PM
Mon, Dec 25 7:00 PM
A Christmas Story
Fri, Dec 22 1:00 PM
Sat, Dec 23 10:00 AM
Sun, Dec 24 12:30 PM
Mon, Dec 25 12:30 PM
Wow, there is a lot going on in Nashville! I’m sure I missed several events, so if I missed your favorite, please add it in the comments!
Happy Holidays!
