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!! I have *starred* some good events to take kids to as well!

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 2018

Friday, November 9, 2018 – 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday, November 10, 2018 – 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, November 11, 2018 – 12:00pm to 6:00pm

The Nashville Fairgrounds (500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)

Approximately 260 merchants and 25,000 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. Parking: $5, Admission: $10

Holiday at the Barn

Sunday, November 10, 2018 – 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 2nd Annual Holiday at the Barn!

Get a head start on all of your Christmas shopping and bring the little ones to see Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and cider and support your local friends all at the same time!

🎅 🤶 Santa will be bringing along Mrs. Claus with him this time! They will be here from 12:30-2:00. Pictures will be free however, a small donation will be greatly appreciated! This year all donations will be going to Round Up for Nolensville.

MADE SOUTH Holiday Market

Friday, November 16, 2018 – 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, November 17, 2018 – 9:00am to 5:00pm

The Factory (230 Franklin Road, Franklin, Tennessee 37064)

Join us on November 16-17, 2018 at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee and do all of your holiday shopping with more than 100 of the finest makers and artisans! Enjoy delicious chef tastings, cocktails and craft beers, and a live music stage. MADE SOUTH Holiday Market is the absolute best and most fun way to complete all of your holiday shopping. It feels AWESOME to walk away know that all of your shopping is DONE, that you will be giving the COOLEST gifts to your friends and family, and that your purchases were made with WONDERFUL small businesses from all over the South. All of that AND you had FUN doing it!

A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit the Holiday Food Box Program at GraceWorks, Williamson county’s nonprofit community resource center. Please consider adding a $5 donation to your ticket purchase. Your donation will go towards helping feed more than 4000 of our neighbors in Williamson County!

CHS Holiday Show

Saturday, November 17, 2018 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, November 18, 2018 – 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 Village

Saturday, November 24, 2018 – 10:00am to 7:00pm

Homestead Manor (4683 Columbia Pike, Thompsons Station, Tennessee 37179)

Holiday Village will return to Homestead Manor on Saturday, November 24 from 10a – 7p as local vendors fill a tented area on the Homestead lawn with unique goodies and holiday cheer.😊🎄

Our events barn will be packed with activities for kids and families, including photos with Santa from 1-3p and 4-6p, Express Train rides, Ornament-making + Letters to Santa stations and more!🎅🏽🚂

Photos with Santa will be $25 for the first photo and $5 for each additional photo and can be purchased at the event.

Dickens of A Christmas In Franklin

Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 9, 2018 – 11:00am to 4:00pm

Historic Downtown Franklin

The 34th annual free street festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories.

As more attention is turned toward downtown Franklin in both the local and national press, we encourage festival goers to dress in Victorian costume and to add to the ambiance as they stroll the streets.

This year’s event will reprise a crowd favorite from last year: it WILL snow at Dickens of a Christmas! Come decked out in holiday style to capture that perfect family picture.

Music City Winterfest

Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 10:00am to 4:00pm

Sunday, December 9, 2018 – 11:00am to 4:00pm

Centennial Park (2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)

Join us in Centennial Park for holiday cheer for the whole family. Make plans to grab Breakfast with Santa or drinks with friends at the Onesie Brunch! 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, s’mores stations, pet portraits, a beard competition, and tons more.

EVENTS
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday December 8th, 10:00am – 11:30am
ONESIE BRUNCH
Sunday December 9th, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Make an Evening of it!

Reindeer Games: Christmas Pop-up Bar!

Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 29

Headquarters Beercade Nashville (114 2nd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201)

This holiday season, join us as we transform HQ into Reindeer Games: an experiential winter wonderland with holiday decorations, interactive installations, festive cocktails, and SO much more! 🎅🏽🎄

Starting Nov. 30, Reindeer Games will take over our 6,500 sq. ft. space with a different event or installation for EVERY day of December! Naughty or nice, you’re invited to enjoy our photo ops like a life-size Santa’s Sleigh and a giant, four person snow globe! ❄️🎁

Eat, drink, and be merry with a new Reindeer Games menu including Santa’s Sliders, Christmas Queso, and Rudolph’s Reindeer Snacks. Click the link to check out the full list of nightly themed events!

Christmas Lights at Opryland

Friday, November 9, 2018 to Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Over 3 million lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination. You can visit Opryland for free any day between November 9 and January 1 just to see the interior and exterior lights, or you can pay to do other fun activities. And, of course, you could stay the night for the ultimate experience!

A Country Christmas at Opryland

Carriage Rides
SoundWaves (an indoor/outdoor water experience opening December 1, 2018)
ICE!® featuring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Outdoor Nativity Scene
Snow Tubing
Ice Skating
Santa’s Snow Throw
Gingerbread Decorating Corner

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood

Friday, November 23, 2018 to Sunday, December 30, 2018

Now Open 7 Nights A Week! 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission ranges from $14 to $27.

*One Million Holiday Lights!*

Delight in the joy of the holiday season during Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood. Nashville’s favorite tradition returns with ONE MILLION LIGHTS illuminating our gardens for the prettiest winter stroll of the season.

*Real Reindeer*

Two of Santa’s most trusted companions will be visiting from the North Pole every night of Holiday Lights and during our daytime hours.

*Holiday Carolers*

6:00pm – 9:00pm Warm up in the Frist Learning Center and enjoy the sounds of season as carolers sing holiday favorites.

*Meet Santa*

5:00pm – 8:00pm Kids are invited to come see Santa at Cheekwood every evening in December until 8 pm 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. S’mores kits are available for purchase.

*Gingerbread House Decorating*

Saturday, December 1, 2018 9:00am to 10:30am & 11:00am to 12:30pm

Saturday, December 15, 2018 9:00am to 10:30am & 11:00am to 12:30pm

Ticket includes 1 gingerbread house for up to 5 people.
Ticket does not include admission to Holiday LIGHTS. Holiday LIGHTS tickets for December 12, 2018 must be purchased to attend Gingerbread House Decorating.

Piano Music
Saturdays 9:00am – 4:00pm Enjoy the sounds of live piano music in Museum of Art Drawing Room.

Poinsettia Tree

Located in the Loggia, our Poinsettia tree features over 500 poinsettias and is the perfect picture spot.

*Paint a Ceramic Ornament*
Saturday December 8 and 22 12:00pm to 3:00pm

It’s time to get crafty this holiday season in what is sure to become a new favorite tradition. Choose from several pre-fired ceramic ornament shapes to paint and take home. This is a free drop-in activity. Registration is not required. Questions please contact Visitor Services, 615-353-6965

Holiday at Cheekwood is included with Cheekwood admission or membership. Breakfast with Santa and Family Gingerbread Workshops are an additional fee.

Drive-Thru Dancing Lights of Christmas

James E Ward Agricultural Center (945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087)

Open nightly at 5:00pm

The Dancing Lights of Christmas returns for it’s 9th consecutive season. Wilson County and the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, home of the Wilson County Fair, will host the Dancing Lights of Christmas this holiday season.

The new location comes with new displays and an extended drive route, some new rocking’ Christmas tunes and an expanded News 4 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!

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

Friday, December 14 6:00pm

Eastern Flank Event Facility (1368 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37069)

The grounds of Eastern Flank Battlefield Park are sprinkled with candy canes ready to be eaten…grab your flashlight and help us hunt for the holiday treats! Kids will decorate treat bags for their candy canes before the hunt. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Participants must bring a flashlight, and all other supplies will be provided. Feel free to dawn a festive outfit for the event! This event is limited to 100 participants.

Don’t Miss the Parades!

Nashville Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 8:30am to 11:00am

Broadway – Nashville, Tennessee (Starting at North 1st Ave & Brandon Street)

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 1, 2018 – 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Great American Main Street – Historic Franklin, Tennessee

Kiwanis 2018 Christmas Parade is held annually the first Saturday in December in Historic Downtown Franklin Tennessee. The theme for the 2018 parade is “The Magic of Christmas!”

Live Shows!

TPAC

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Tuesdsay, November 13, 2018 – Sunday, November 18, 2018

TPAC – Andrew Jackson Hall

This holiday season, discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Start with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, fill it with classic Irving Berlin songs, top it off with glorious dancing and lots of snow and come see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas! It’s a must-see classic in a lavish musical that The New York Times says to “put on your wish list.” Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written! Give everyone the gift they’re dreaming of with this merry and bright holiday musical.

A Christmas Story

Friday, November 23, 2018 – Saturday, December 22, 2018

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.

The Ryman

Christmas at the Ryman: With Amy Grant & Vince Gill

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 – Sunday, December 23, 2018

Amy Grant and Vince Gill will return to the Mother Church the 2018 Christmas season for an unprecedented twelve-night stand performing their beloved Christmas at the Ryman. The annual holiday tradition sold out ten shows in 2017 so two additional dates have been added this year to meet demand. The Nashville Ryman shows are the only place the superstar couple will perform the Christmas show together making it a destination for fans from far and wide.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas

Thursday, November 29, 2018 – 7:00pm
Friday, November 30, 2018 – 8:00pm

Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 8:00pm

Celebrating 25 years as one of country music’s most beloved entertainers, Martina McBride brings her magical holiday concert to the Schermerhorn. Along with everyone’s favorite Christmas songs, she’ll perform a few of her biggest hits, which include “Blessed,” “A Broken Wing,” “Wild Angels,” “This One’s for the Girls” and many more. BRING A TOY TO THE CONCERT FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

The Grinch Christmas & Sing-a-long

Saturday, December 1, 20178 –11:00am

Take a trip to Whoville at this holiday music extravaganza with the Nashville Symphony. Perfect for the whole family, this concert will celebrate the season with a musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, along with other holiday favorites, including a sing-along bonanza!Starting at 10 am, show up early for fun, family-friendly, holiday-themed pre-concert activities, including our Instrument Petting Zoo, crafts, a book nook, and much more.

A Very Merry Christmas with Dave Barnes

Sunday, December 2, 2018 – 7:30pm

A Music City holiday tradition returns! GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Dave Barnes and guests perform favorites like “Christmas Tonight,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other selections from his albums Very Merry Christmas and December to Remember. This concert sells quickly, so get your tickets early!

Home Alone in Concert with the Nashville Symphony

Wednesday, December 5, 2018 – 7:00pm
Thursday, December 6, 2018 – 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.

Michael W. Smith with the Nashville Symphony

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 – 7:30pm

One of Christian music’s biggest stars returns to ring in the holiday season with your Nashville Symphony. Bring the family for a very special evening of holiday favorites and original tunes by Michael W. Smith, including:

Running Events

Rudolph’s Red Nose Run

Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 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 1, 2018 – 8:00 AM

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 1st, 2018 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 Event Management. You can pick your level of challenge by signing up for the 6K (3.7 miles) or 12K distance (7.4 miles).

Event Schedule
6:30 a.m – 7:45 a.m. Packet Pick up and Registration
7:00 a.m. Kids 1K START
8:00 a.m. 6K and 12K Race START
8:05a.m. Stroller START (participants with strollers)
9:00 a.m. Post Race Celebration Begins
9:30 a.m. 6K Awards Ceremony
9:45 a.m. 12K Awards Ceremony

2018 Jingle Bell Run

Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 8:00am

Downtown Franklin Square (317 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064)

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.

Event Schedule
12/01/18 Day of Event Registration Opens 7:00AM
12/01/18 Opening Ceremonies 7:30AM
12/01/18 Santa Chase 8:00AM
12/01/18 5K Race Begins 8:15AM
12/01/18 1-Mile Walk Begins 8:30AM
12/01/18 Race Awards 9:00AM
12/01/18 Costume Awards and Farewell 9:15AM

Nashville Santa Rampage

Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 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!!

8:00pm – Meet at the tree on 2nd Avenue for our photo shoot!!

Then the Rampage begins, Ho Ho Ho!!

Music City Santa Dash

Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 8:00 AM

Cumberland Park/John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Tree Lighting

Nashville Christmas Tree Lighting

Public Square Park (1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201)

Friday, November 30, 2018 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting

Downtown Franklin (109 3rd Ave S, Franklin, Tennessee 37064)
Friday, November 30, 2018 at 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thompson’s Station Tree Lighting

Sarah Benson Park
Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Franklin Theatre Movies

Elf

Wed, Nov 21 4:00 PM
Thu, Nov 22 1:00 PM
Sat, Dec 23 1:00 PM
Sat, Dec 15 10:00 AM
Sun, Dec 23 1:00 PM

The Polar Express

Thu, Nov 22 10:00 AM
Sat, Dec 1 10:00 AM
Sat, Dec 8 10:00 AM
Sat, Dec 22 10:00 AM
Mon, Dec 24 1:00 PM

Christmas Vacation

Wed, Nov 21 7:00 PM
Thurs, Nov 22 4:00 PM
Thurs, Nov 22 7:00 PM
Tues, Nov 27 7:00 PM
Wed, Nov 28 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 1 7:00 PM

Miracle on 34^th Street (1947)

Sat, Dec 1 4:00 PM
Mon, Dec 3 7:00 PM
Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM
Sun, Dec 16 1:00 PM
Fri, Dec 21 4:00 PM
Sat, Dec 22 4:00 PM

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Sun, Dec 9 7:00 PM
Tue, Dec 11 7:00 PM
Thu, Dec 20 7:00 PM
Fri, Dec 21 7:00 PM
Sat, Dec 22 7:00 PM
Sun, Dec 23 7:00 PM
Mon, Dec 24 4:00 PM
Mon, Dec 24 7:30 PM
Tue, Dec 25 7:00 PM

So much 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!