“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”….. Temperatures are dropping, and the holiday season is upon us. November to New Year’s is my favorite time of the year because there are so many family-friendly fun events going on. We have gathered a list of everything you need to fill up your calendar with seasonal fun!
2024 Nashville Family Christmas and Holiday Event Round-Up
Events and Festivities
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
November 8, 2024 – January, 4, 2025
There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.
*ICE! Featuring The Polar Express
*A Country Christmas Dinner Show
*Ice Tubing
*Gingerbread Decorating Corner
*Mrs Claus North Pole Breakfast
*Snowball Build & Blast
*Bumper Cars
*Ice Skating (and lessons)
*Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
*Christmas Lights, Santa & More!
November 22, 2024 – January 05, 2024 | 4:30 – 10 PM
Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns, featuring a one-mile walking path with elegant and creative displays of lights that set Cheekwood Estate & Gardens aglow. With over one million lights twinkling throughout the gardens, s’mores, seasonal libations and a Holiday Marketplace, Holiday LIGHTS is a memory-making experience for visitors of all ages.
Tennessee Residence 2024 Christmas Tours
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas at the Tennessee Residence. The Tennessee Residence will be decorated for Christmas and open for public tours on Friday, Dec. 1 – Sunday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 7 – Sunday, Dec. 10.
Families, individuals and groups are welcome to register for a tour of Tennessee’s home that is sure to bring all the delight and merriment of the holiday season.
Self-guided tours are available at the Tennessee Residence during the dates and times indicated on the event sign up page. Tour reservations are required.
For more information, please see below or visit www.tn.gov/residence.
Questions? Contact the Tennessee Residence at [email protected] or 615-399-4254.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
November 8, 2024- January 4, 2025
1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon
Sunday–Thursday 5-10 pm
Friday–Saturday 5-11 pm
$35 per family vehicle*
Santa’s Village and pictures with Santa also available (Santa available through Dec.23)
November 22, 2024 – December 31, 2024
5-9PM
4215 Long Lane- Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin
The Festival of Lights is a rain or shine event that benefits FrankTown Open Hearts, a local nonprofit. This is the longest drive-thru holiday lights spectacular in Williamson County where we just added a half-mile extension! FrankTown Festival of Lights features over 200 displays that are synchronized to Christmas classics that guests can listen to on the radio as they enjoy the mile-and-a-half-long route.
In addition, every Wednesday is Walkin’ Wednesday, where guests can park their cars and walk the lighted route. Finish the night by taking photos at the giant tree and making s’mores over the fire pit! Walkers are allowed on the route from 5:00-6:30 pm. The route opens each of these nights at 7:00 pm for cars. They have special character nights as well on Dec 1, 6, 9, 19 and 22. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up-to-date on all things FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!
December 14-15, Saturday 10A-6P, Sunday 11A-5P
Dickens of a Christmas presented by Wilson Bank & Trust recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The festival is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
Featuring:
- Arts & Crafts Vendors
- Food & Beverage Vendors
- Main Stage Entertainment
- KidZone
- Victorian Village with Holiday Dancers, Characters and Carolers
- Acoustic Stage presented by Lipscomb University
- Whiskey Lounge
December 6-24, 2024
Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Nashville’s Nutcracker by Paul Vasterling, a cherished tradition that brings together history, magic, and dance. Winner of a 2020 Emmy Award-winning film and named the Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, this is Nashville’s can’t-miss holiday event. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city, this performance invites audiences of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom, the fierceness of the Mouse King, and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Experience the joy and wonder of this classic tale reimagined, capturing the heart and spirit of Nashville with live music by The Nashville Symphony. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and storytelling that embodies the magic of the holidays!
*Please note artists, performances, and dates are subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable.
December 5-7, 4-9P
This event is free and will include seasonal activities for all ages. Kick off the festive weekend at 6:30pm on Friday, December 1st. Everyone is invited to join in this free community tree lighting while enjoying holiday cocktails, local vendors, fire pits with a s’mores bar, live holiday music, food trucks and much more.
Enjoy a holiday cocktail while you shop for thoughtful gifts from the curated selection of local artisans, participate in a community tree lighting, capture the perfect group photo, warm up around a campfire while listening to live music, and so much more. Letters to Santa, Ornament Crafts, Fire pits with S’mores, And More!
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own ornament or make one onsite to decorate the tree that will be located in the lot next to Bongo East. The community tree will stay up through the holiday season!
Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo
Nightly November 14-January 5
Thursday-Sunday January 9-February 9
5-9p
See the zoo in a whole new light! Visit the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival featuring magical scenes of more than 1000 custom made silk lanterns!
Live Entertainment | Chinese acrobats and entertainers perform nightly at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm at the Amphitheater.
Animal Friends | Most of our animals go to bed before dark. However, Sumatran tiger and flamingos can stay up until 8:30 pm. Unseen New World will be open all night.
Beverages | Hot cocoa and cider (spiked available), beer, margaritas, specialty cocktails, coffee and soda will be available for purchase until around 8:00 pm nightly.
Food: Quills Cafe and Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen will be open and festive sweet treats + classic Zoo snacks will be available at concession stands until around 8:00 pm nightly.
Meet Santa | Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, meet Santa at the barn behind the Historic Home starting at 5:30 pm
The Smashville Ice Rink will be available!
Know Before You Go: Advance tickets are suggested! Parking is $8. Members park free. This is a rain, snow or shine event. No refunds or rainchecks.
Christmas Parades
Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 1p
Winding through the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin, the Franklin Christmas Parade is a beloved community celebration of Christmas traditions and the magic of Main Street. For over 30 years, this cherished event has filled the streets of Franklin with holiday cheer, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike as we gather to celebrate the season and welcome Santa Claus to town.
This year, our theme is “Miracle on Main St.” — a tribute to the wonder and charm that makes Franklin’s Main Street so special during the holidays. The parade will highlight the historic beauty of our downtown while celebrating the warmth, spirit, and togetherness that define our community.
As of 2023, the Downtown Franklin Rotary has been entrusted with this legacy event. We are honored to take on this responsibility and are committed to continuing this cherished tradition as a joyful expression of gratitude to the community we serve and the vibrant city of Franklin.
The Franklin Christmas Parade is always held on the first Saturday in December, following the City’s Christmas Tree lighting.
Join us on Saturday, December 7, at 1:00 PM for a magical holiday experience on Franklin’s Main Street!
Holidays in the Vue Parade (Bellevue)
Saturday, December 7, 10a
The inaugural Holidays in the Vue Parade is taking place in Bellevue on Saturday Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The parade steps off at Bellevue Middle School with a left on Collice Jeanne Rd, left on Hwy 70S, right on Sawyer Brown Road and ends in One Bellevue Place, near Esterbrook Dr. This is a free, festive and inclusive event that will include a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Grand Marshal 2024 Miss Tennessee Carley Vogel, the Tennessee Titans Blue Crew Drumline and cheerleaders, Nashville Predators GNASH and Energy Team, Al Menah Shriners, The Loveless Cafe, Lawson High School Marching Band, dance groups, local and private schools and many other community organizations and businesses.
City of Goodlettsville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 4PM
The Annual Goodlettsville Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4:00pm.
City of Clarksville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 5-7PM
Spectators can enjoy the parade for free anywhere along the route which begins at Austin Peay State University and goes through Historic Downtown Clarksville. For safety purposes, spectators are asked to please stay off the roadway during the parade.
Hendersonville Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday December 8, 2p
The 2024 Parade Theme is “Candy Canes & Christmas Carols” presented by EXS Group
Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7, 6-8PM
Columbia Main Street, in partnership with the City of Columbia, invites you to attend the beloved annual Christmas Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 6pm in Downtown Columbia, Tennessee.
Gather along West 7th Street and the town square to see local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with beautifully decorated floats.
Saturday, December 7, 5PM
The 14th annual Parade of Lights will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 5 p.m. The parade begins at City Hall and ends at Veterans Memorial Park, where the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show will take place. This year’s theme is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. The grand marshals are La Vergne officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern, both survivors of a 2023 officer-involved shooting.
Saturday, December 7th, Noon
The first Saturday in December means the ever-popular Christmas Pet Parade going right down Main Street! It’s a sight to see all those happy pets and their owners strutting on Main Street in their festive holiday attire!
City of Lebanon Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2PM
Join us for a festive, fun-filled day at Lebanon’s 2024 Christmas Parade! The parade will be held Sunday, Dec 1. This year’s parade theme is “Toys Through the Ages.”
Sunday, December 8, 2PM
Spectators will gather along the parade route to watch floats, bands, classic cars, dancers, and Santa & Mrs. Claus, as they travel northbound on Lowry Street toward Sam Ridley Parkway.
*The Christmas Parade Food Drive is an important tradition in the Town of Smyrna. We believe in neighbor helping neighbor, and we believe that no family in our community should experience food insecurity. Please help us shatter our previous record of 82,384 items collected to benefit Nourish Food Bank. Town personnel will collect food along the parade route
Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2PM
Enjoy a good ole fashioned country Christmas parade in the heart of Leiper’s Fork. Hailed as “almost famous”, see cows, goats, pigs, antique tractors, floats and more in this wacky but wonderful event! Please arrive early as there is only ONE road thru the village and it will be closed at 1:50pm.
Saturday, December 14, 5P
Come join us for the annual Spring Hill Christmas Parade, a festive event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season! Taking place on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 5:00 PM, this in-person parade promises to be a delightful experience for people of all ages Rain or Shine!
Gallatin Christmas Parade presented by The Goddard School
Saturday, December 14, 12-2PM
The Primrose School of Gallatin’s Gallatin Christmas Parade, powered by the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Saturday, December 9th. The theme for this year’s parade is “Music & Magic”.
Come enjoy this great Gallatin Tradition with your entire family! it is a “not to be missed” event! The parade kicks off at 12:00 pm and will end with Santa Claus kicking off the holiday season!
City of Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14th, 11AM
New Parade Route: Mt. Juliet League off of Lebanon Rd. to East Division Street off of N. Mt. Juliet Rd.
Theme: A Musical Christmas
Grand Marshal: Local Music Educators and the Five Longest-Established Businesses
City of Eagleville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7th, 5-6PM
Theme: Parade of Trees
Sunday, December 8, 2PM
Theme: A Vintage Christmas
Sights and sounds of the holiday season coming soon at the annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade!
Floats, musical acts, and, of course, Santa and his sleigh will travel down Main Street beginning at MTSU and ending at the Historic Downtown Square.
Santa Sightings
November 8th – December 24th
Park and enter at Entry 2, Santa will be waiting in between Coach and Ann Taylor.
*Caring Santa (sensory friendly event) is December 8th
*Pet Photos is December 1st
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop, Opry Mills
Now – December 24th
Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland, reservations recommended
FREE 4×6 photo
November 8-December 24
Friday – Sunday 10am-2pm & 3pm-8pm*
Monday – Thursday 12pm-4pm & 4:30-8pm*
**November 28th, December 16-19th, 23-24th, hours are 10am-2pm & 3pm-8pm
Know Before You Go:
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, online. No on-site box office.
- Tickets are non-refundable. Optional ticket insurance is available for purchase.
- Event location is Delta Atrium.
- Additional fees for parking are non included in admission and charges will apply.
- Personal Photography is not permitted.
- Please arrive 5 minutes prior to scheduled time.
- Other restrictions may apply
Santa at Cool Springs Galleria
November 9 – December 24
Visit Santa in the Center Court, lower level
- Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm, Friday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm, Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
*Please note: Santa takes a break to feed the reindeer from 3pm to 4pm on Monday thru Thursday, 1pm to 2pm and 5pm to 5:45pm on Friday & Saturday, and 2:30pm to 3pm on Sunday. - Pet photos with Santa: Mondays through December 16th
- Ginger-Snapped, a VIP Santa Experience: December 14th
- Titans Santa: November 20th
Santa’s Flight Academy at The Mall at Green Hills
November 8th – December 24th
Upper level near Macy’s
On November 16th, Join The Mall at Green Hills and Nashville Predators as we welcome Santa to Nashville! There will be games, crafts*, snacks*, music, and jolly good fun for the whole family. Plus, a special appearance by Santa! Gaylord Opryland will be giving away two (2) FREE tickets to ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman to the first 50 households who check-in at the event!^
*Santa Paws November 17th, December 1st
*Sensory Santa December 8th.
Santa on the Skydeck at Assembly Food Hall
November 29-December 23, 3-5p
Fifth & Broad, 5055 Broadway, Nashville
Every Thursday-Sunday from November 29th-December 23rd, stroll through our beautifully decorated space and shop with local vendors while enjoying a variety of holiday activities and festive entertainment for the whole family. Indulge in holiday shopping, savor warm drinks, and taste delicious bites from Assembly Food Hall, all while getting a special visit from Santa every Saturday from 3-5 PM. And the best part? This event is completely free to the public!
Milk & Cookie Pictures with Santa at Kid’s Corner
November 24th, 1-3p
2705 Old Fort Pkwy Suite K, Murfreesboro
Join us for a joyful holiday celebration, filled with milk, cookies & photos with Santa! Enjoy a cozy experience with reserved time for your family. We will be scheduling 8 families per 30-minute time slot, and while you wait for your turn, our vibrant play space will be open for your little ones.
The Big Event Pictures with Santa 2024
November 17th-December 23
2226 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt Juliet
Join us for Pictures with Santa and a magical holiday experience! Capture the joy and wonder of the season as your little ones share their wish lists and smiles with Santa. Expect laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Book your session now and make this holiday season truly special. Walk-ins are welcome anytime, and appointments can be made! Pets are welcome every Tuesday!
Christmas at Patterson Park Community Center
December 13, 6-8pm
521 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Murfreesboro
An evening at Patterson celebrating Christmas and all the magic of the holiday. Santa and his sleigh will be in attendance for free pictures. Christmas trees, refreshments, crafts, story time with Mrs. Clause are just a few of the activities. Free for all ages!
