The Nashville Holiday Bucket List
Twinkling lights, cozy markets, Santa visits, and small-town parades. Tap the checkbox as you go and watch your holiday season fill up.
Lights & Shows
Dancing Lights of Christmas
Middle Tennessee’s largest synchronized drive-thru light and music show at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. One carload ticket includes Santa’s Village, a visit with Santa, and the petting zoo.
Nov. 7 – Jan. 3 · 5–10 p.m. Sun–Thu, 5–11 p.m. Fri–Sat
Franktown Festival of Lights
Drive through more than 200 dazzling light displays synchronized to festive Christmas music. After, stop for a photo under the giant lighted Christmas tree and don’t miss FREE photos with Santa, who’s there every night! Warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit. Walk the path on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm!
Nov. 20 – Dec. 31 · nightly 5–9 p.m.
Glow Wild at the Nashville Zoo
Explore dazzling lights and glowing designs as the Zoo transforms into a magical holiday wonderland! The Holiday Square features an 85 foot-tall Christmas tree with a synchronized light show! Santa visits nightly, Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Ice skating available for additional purchase.
Nov. 13 – Jan. 3 · nightly 5–9 p.m.
Markets & Festive Fun
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
The classic Nashville holiday outing: sparkling decor, big seasonal spectacle, and enough to see for a full day or night. ICE! returns each year alongside annual favorites like ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, live performances, and millions of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere for all who visit.
Christkindl Village Christmas Market at Annabel Farms
European style Christmas market and tree farm featuring Farming Around the World light displays. Enjoy festive treats, eats & live music. Visit Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole, get a photo with Santa and meet live reindeer from Dec. 18-20.
Stephens Valley Festival of Trees
Make room for a new holiday tradition. Join us for the Festival of Trees at Meriwether Park—free and open to the public. The Christmas Tree Lighting on December 1 is for residents only. Visit the Jingle Bell Market on 12/5 from 11 am – 3 pm for photos with Santa!
41st Annual Dickens of a Christmas
Dickens of a Christmas 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 characters from A Christmas Carol.
Dec. 12–13, 2026
Holiday Central at Nashville Yards
Downtown Nashville’s holiday hub, with a real ice-skating rink and a 40-foot Christmas tree to light up the season. Parking at Nashville Yards for Holiday Central and The Rink Under Broad is safe, easy and convenient. Park for three (3) hours for just $15 only in the West Garage at Nashville Yards (131 10th Avenue N).
Rink opens Nov. 21 · Tree lighting Nov. 28
Christmas at The Hideaway
Enjoy Santa’s Barnyard with live animals, life-sized nativity scene, storytime with Mrs. Claus, the bounce house, letters to Santa with a festive photo opportunity, and the Christmas market—all included with admission. Christmas trees, crafts, games and more available for an additional purchase.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Every holiday season, Bass Pro Shops transforms its stores into a festive Christmas Wonderland. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free customized digital video they can share on social media. Bring the whole family to create unforgettable memories
Nov. 7 – Dec. 24 daily. FREE!
Farms & Family Favorites
Christmas at Grandaddy’s Farm
Located in Estill Springs, TN, guests can enjoy festive foods, lights and a chance to meet Santa! Kids will love the farm fun activities!
3rd Annual Cookie Exchange at Mint Springs Farm
Join us for a night of cocktails, small bites, fun & COOKIES!!! This event will be one of the biggest cookie exchanges in middle tennessee with an expected 14,000 cookies from local cookie professionals and cookie lovers.
Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farm
Stroll our mile-long trail of outdoor Christmas lights in Middle Tennessee! All ages will enjoy this magical Christmas festival featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday scenes, and festive music. Photo opps, games, and Santa meet n’ greet!
Attend a Festive Parade!
- Nolensville Holiday Parade, Sat., Dec. 5, 11 a.m. from Rolling Hills Community Church Town tree lighting on, Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
- Franklin Christmas Parade, Sat., Dec. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. in historic downtown Franklin.
- Spring Hill Christmas Parade, Sat., Dec. 12, 5 p.m. It’s an evening parade on Main Street. Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 13, 2 p.m.on Historic E. Main Street, with the theme “A Country Christmas.”
