One of my favorite family traditions is getting in the car, turning on the holiday music, grabbing a coffee or cocoa, and driving through the local neighborhoods during the holiday season to see all the lights and beautiful displays. I encourage you to add this to your family list of to-do’s during December.
We have gathered the best holiday lights in Nashville — and the surrounding areas! There are lots of great ones, and if we’ve missed any, we’d love for you to let us know in the comments. Happy holidays!
Chad’s Winter Wonderland
Dates: Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, open every night
Times: Monday-Friday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Saturday-Sundays: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (weather permitting)
Open our regular hours Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Price: $20 per car load / $30 for limos & commercial vans, NO CARDS
Good to Know: Chad has added a lot of new stuff again this year that you will not want to miss! Some new things are even MORE live animals, a drive thru Nativity Scene. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa. We have a special mailbox just for him. Santa will be there every night!
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Dates: November 19th – January 8rd.
Times: 5 pm – 10 pm; Cheekwood is closed Thanksgiving Day and Night, Christmas Day and Night, and New Year’s Day. Cheekwood will be open New Year’s Night (January, 1, 2023) from 5 – 10 PM
Price:
Adults: Gardens Only $26 | Gardens and Mansion $28
Senior (65+): Gardens Only $26 | Gardens and Mansion $28
Student (with ID) Gardens Only $26 | Gardens and Mansion $28
Youth (3-17) Gardens Only $20 | Gardens and Mansion $22
Ages 2 & Under FREE
The ‘Merry & Bright’ package returns this year with two adult admission passes, two drink tickets and two s’mores kits all in one convenient purchase. The package costs $100 for members and $125 for non-members.
Buy tickets here.
Good to Know: The route is a little over a mile, and is self-guided.
Franktown Festival of Lights
Dates: November 18- December 31, 2022
4215 Long Lane- Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin
Times: 5-9P nightly
Price: $30 per vehicle
Good to Know: 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, we have FIVE Walkin’ Wednesdays 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! This year’s Walkin’ Wednesdays are November 23, 30, and December 7, 14, and 28. 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. We have special character nights as well! Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up-to-date on all things FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Dates: November 11, 2022-Jan 1, 2023
Times: Sunday–Thursday 5-10 pm and Friday–Saturday 5-11 pm
Price: $30 per family vehicle* (cash and credit cards accepted)
*FREE to all veterans and military November 11-15
Good to Know: Santa’s Village and pictures with Santa also available (Santa available through Dec.23)
$5 off when you bring canned goods on Mondays and Tuesdays, November 14th through December 6th
Gaylord Opryland
Dates: November 11th – January 1st
Time: Daily, 5P-midnight
Price: Free
Good to Know: There is a fee to park at the hotel; but, if you’re willing to walk, you may be able to find parking at the mall and walk over.
Brightest Star Fountain Show, daily at 6pm and 8pm, and Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. only. Sounds of the Season Fountain Show, daily at 7pm and 9pm, and Dec. 31 at 7 pm only.\
Jingle Beat
Dates: November 25-December 31
Times: Wednesdays & Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fridays: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sundays: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Price: Ticket prices start at $24 (children 3 and under are FREE admission).
Good to Know: AMERICA’S FIRST HOLIDAY MULTIVERSE EXPERIENCE
The Jingle Beat immersive holiday pop-up will take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This family-friendly experience will feature more than 100,000 square feet to explore, engaging installations, live performances, light and video displays, and delicious food and drinks.
For more local information about the holidays,
check out our post about Holiday Events in Nashville.
