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25+ Nashville Events & Happenings: December 2025

From glittering lights to festive markets and Santa selfies, Nashville is the ultimate December playground for holiday cheer. Image: Facebook / Cheekwood

· By Anne Marie Hanna
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A wood-paneled library decorated for Christmas with two ornate Christmas trees, red and gold ornaments, a chandelier, and a large mirror above a leather sofa—perfect inspiration for Nashville events in December.Pin

Celebrate the magic of December in Nashville, where holiday fun is around every corner! From sparkling light shows and festive markets to joyful encounters with Santa, these local events are not to be missed.

Through January 4, 2026: Carols & Barrels Pop-Up Bar Trail

Carols & Barrels is the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s holiday pop-up, with 12 uniquely themed distilleries and tasting rooms across the state. Sip seasonal cocktails crafted with local whiskey, track your journey with a digital passport, and earn fun prizes — from whiskey-themed socks to an “Ugly Sip-mas” sweatshirt. Highlights include Ole Smoky’s “Winter Wonderland,” Corsair’s “Nightmare Before Christmas,” Leiper’s Fork’s “Bootleggers Christmas Run,” and more. tnwhiskeytrail.com

Through January 3, 2026: A Country Christmas

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is Nashville’s ultimate holiday celebration. Marvel at over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures in ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas and live carving demos, catch the new cirque-style show POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, and enjoy ice tubing, skating, gingerbread decorating, bumper cars, carriage rides, and a synchronized fountain light show. With more than 5 million twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, miles of garland, and seasonal performances, holiday magic fills every corner of the resort. christmasatgaylordopryland.com

Through December 28, 2025: Nashville’s Nutcracker

Nashville Ballet’s Nashville’s Nutcracker, choreographed by Paul Vasterling, takes the stage at Jackson Hall at TPAC. This Emmy-winning production reimagines the classic tale through a uniquely Nashville lens — complete with live music by the Nashville Symphony, gorgeous sets and costumes, and a whimsical journey through snowflakes, sugar-plum dreams, and the Mouse King. nashvilleballet.com

December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026: Festival of Trees

Stephens Valley’s Festival of Trees is a magical, free winter tradition running every evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Meriwether Park. Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees (designed by local businesses and neighbors), vote for your favorite, and enjoy events like the grand tree lighting, the Jingle Bell Market, and visits with Santa — all while helping support the Bellevue Community Food Bank with optional donations. stephensvalley.com

December 2, 2025 – January 2, 2026: Holiday Teas at Cheekwood

Cheekwood’s iconic Holiday Teas take place Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout December, offering tableside service of seasonal teas and sweet and savory bites in Café 29. Admission is $50 per person for both members and non‑members (plus mansion admission if not a member), and you can add on a guided tour of the festively decorated Historic Mansion before your tea. cheekwood.org

December 5, 2025 – January 5, 2026: Margaret Ellis Jewelry Sample Sale

The Margaret Ellis Jewelry Sample Sale returns for its 42nd year, offering once-a-year prices — up to 70% off — on classic favorites, one-of-a-kind pieces, and handcrafted designs made in the ME Berry Hill studio. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 5, for first access, with remaining pieces released online at noon CST and available in-studio and online through the holidays or until sold out. margaretellisjewelry.com

December 2, 9, & 16, 2025: Nashville Nights at Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas introduces three special Nashville Nights on December 2, 9, and 16, offering Davidson and adjoining county residents (Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson) up to 50% off ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas plus free hot chocolate, a scavenger hunt, and festive caroling with special guests Chris Kirkpatrick (Dec. 2 & 9) and Melissa Joan Hart (Dec. 16). Residents can also enjoy a Holiday Puppy Adoption Event on December 2 from 4–5:30 p.m., where rescue pups, onsite adoptions, and photos with Snoopy bring even more holiday cheer; proof of residency required. christmasatgaylordopryland.com

December 3, 2025: Winter Radiance Event at Rose at The Joseph Nashville

Winter Radiance invites guests to the Rose Spa at The Joseph Nashville for an exclusive evening featuring tranquil spa spaces, introductions to new Rose Journeys, intention-setting activities, wellness partner experiences, and special perks for pre-booked services. Guests can enjoy sparkling wine, seasonal bites, and limited-time savings while discovering winter offerings in this peaceful, 21-story-high sanctuary; complimentary RSVP required for ages 21+. eventbrite.com

December 4 – 6, 2025: Diamond Cellar Holiday Gala

Diamond Cellar‘s annual Holiday Gala marks five decades of sparkle with up to 25% off fine jewelry and timepieces. Meet the designers behind the magic, explore one-of-a-kind creations, and celebrate tradition in style. You can also shop the gala online at diamondcellar.com.

December 4 – 7, 2025: Nashvillage Holiday Market

The Nashvillage Holiday Market turns Downtown Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park into a festive winter hangout! Free and open to all ages, the event features a curated selection of artisan vendors, live music, photos with Santa, a community tree lighting, and family-friendly activities — plus a ticketed Holiday Cocktail Bash on Friday night. nashvillageholidaymarket.com

December 5 & 6, 2025: Solus + Synergy

OZ Arts Nashville presents two original world-premiere works by local choreographers. Becca Hoback and cellist-composer Kaitlyn Raitz unveil Solus, a profoundly emotional dance‑film‑music triptych exploring spiritual search and vulnerability. Synergy by Shabaz Ujima and Thea Jones features live jazz, improvisation, and liberated movement, with trumpeter Rod McGaha. Tickets range from $30 to $35, with discounted tickets available for artists and creatives. ozartsnashville.org

December 6 & 7, 2025: Santa & Mrs. Claus at Hester & Cook

Hester & Cook is spreading holiday cheer with two special meet‑and‑greets: Santa and Mrs. Claus are set to visit both the Hillsboro Village (December 6) and Franklin stores (December 7) — perfect stops for festive photos and shopping! hesterandcook.com

December 7, 2025: Frist Arts Fest

Frist Arts Fest offers a day full of art-making, performances, music, and family activities. Visitors can explore interactive stations inspired by current exhibitions, including a multisensory cart in the New African Masquerades gallery, a scavenger hunt, DIY Polaroids, dancing ribbon wands, and more. There are also guided tours, poetry readings, and a masquerade performance by the Tiwaniokay Hunters Society. Admission is $20 for adults, and free for members and guests ages 18 and under. fristartmuseum.org

December 9 & 10, 2025: Christmas at Father Ryan

The Father Ryan Performing Arts Department invites all to celebrate the season with two nights of holiday performances at the school’s Center for the Arts. On December 9 and 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy the Father Ryan Singers, Band, and Dance Team. Admission is free. fatherryan.org

December 12 & 13, 2025: Porter Flea Holiday Market

Porter Flea is Nashville’s curated, bi‑annual indoor craft market spotlighting modern handmade goods from local and regional artisans. The holiday market — held at the Nashville Fairgrounds — features over 200 vendors, including Apple & Oak, Ashley Treece, gold + ivy, and more, and takes place indoors. porterflea.com

December 13 & 14, 2025: A Jacksonian Christmas

Celebrate the season at The Hermitage’s historic Tulip Grove Mansion. Enjoy holiday crafts for kids, live music and carolers, festive photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus (including a pet photo hour), artisan vendors, food trucks, and a Christmas trolley ride. Optional add-ons include a lantern-lit mansion tour and horse-drawn wagon rides across the grounds. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for children 13 and under. Admission is valid for both days. thehermitage.com

December 13 & 14, 2025: 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas

Produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, step into the magic of the Victorian era at the 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Franklin, where the streets come alive with carolers, costumed characters, live music, arts & crafts vendors, and festive entertainment. Free to attend. williamsonheritage.org

December 13 & 20, 2025: Gingerbread House Decorating

At Grand Hyatt Nashville, you can join a hands‑on gingerbread house decorating event in The Nashville Grange (prices around $45 per kit). Groups of up to four can build and decorate a gingerbread house — then either take it home or leave it on display to compete for a prize. hyattexperiences.com

December 18, 2025: Holiday Writers’ Round

Join Thistle & Rye at 6:30 p.m. for a free Holiday Songwriters Extravaganza featuring four festive rounds and 12 standout Nashville artists. Set inside the Conrad Hotel’s stylish rooftop bar, the evening blends original music, Christmas classics, skyline views, and seasonal cocktails for a cozy, high-spirited celebration of community and creativity. opentable.com

December 18, 2025: Holiday Cocktail Class

From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., join the Holiday Cocktail Class at Noelle, where an expert mixologist will guide guests through crafting two festive cocktails — the Ginger-Lemon Hot Toddy and the Cookie Jar Martini — alongside light bites and a sparkling holiday atmosphere. Tickets are $55 per person. noelle-nashville.com

December 19 – 21, 2025: Handel’s Messiah

The Nashville Symphony presents its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah for the 2025–2026 season, offering audiences a powerful, immersive experience of this timeless choral masterpiece. StyleBlueprint readers can receive 20% off with promo code MESSIAHSB before selecting seats! Full concert details and ticket information are available on the Nashville Symphony website. nashvillesymphony.org

December 19, 20, 23, 27, 30 & 31, 2025: Marshmallow Hikes

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary hosts its annual Marshmallow & Hot Chocolate Hikes on select dates between November and January, where you can stroll wintery woodland trails (0.5–1 mile) and finish with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Tickets are $11 online and $13 at the gate, with a special Noon New Year’s Eve hike available for $15 online ($17 walk-up). Children 2 and under are free. owlshill.org

December 24, 2025: Feast of the Seven Fishes — Christmas Eve at Yolan

Yolan invites you to its 2025 Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes — a five-course seafood tasting inspired by the New World tradition of La Vigilia and the coasts of Southern Italy. Priced at $165 per person, this elegant evening features dishes such as Linguine alle Vongole and Lobster Risotto alla Milanese, before concluding with holiday dolci. Reservations are required. yolannashville.com

December 24 & 25, 2025: Holiday Screenings

Join W Nashville for free holiday movie screenings in The Living Room — on December 24, catch Elf, A Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. On Christmas Day, cozy up to The Santa Clause, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Love Actually. Bar service with festive cocktails is available, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. eventbrite.com

December 31, 2025: New Year’s Eve Party: Ibiza Dreams

Conrad Nashville rings in 2026 with Midnight in the Med: Ibiza Dreams, a chic white-party celebration that transforms the hotel into a Mediterranean escape. The night opens with a coastal-inspired four-course feast by Executive Chef Andrew Rodriguez, then shifts into high-energy revelry with a live performance by Rachel Horter. Fortune-teller moments and a 360° photo booth add playful intrigue, all leading to a shimmering midnight champagne toast. Dancing goes until 12:30 a.m., with drinks flowing until 2 a.m. opentable.com

December 31, 2025: Midnight Hour: Starry Night

L.A. Jackson invites you to ring in 2026 at their rooftop venue in Nashville. Expect an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, live DJs, burlesque performances, tarot readings, and a decadent midnight brunch buffet as the clock strikes midnight. lajacksonbar.com

December 31, 2025: Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

Nashville’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration takes over Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with live music, a giant Music Note Drop at midnight, and a fireworks display. This year’s headliners include Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, CeCe Winans, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, bringing big-country and soulful vibes. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public. visitmusiccity.com

Happy December, Nashville!

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To see even more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar.

Anne Marie Hanna

Anne Marie Hanna

An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.

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