How to Enjoy a Quintessential Nashville Christmas

Nashville never skips a beat, thanks to a jam-packed event calendar and a landscape of exciting attractions — and the holidays are no exception. With so much to do and see in Music City this season, we’ve created the ultimate guide on how to have a festive Nashville Christmas. From two luxe hotel options to beloved annual celebrations, here’s how to make the most of your holiday travels to Nashville!

Table of Contents

WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
WHERE TO PLAY

WHERE TO STAY

Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza

Whether you’re a Nashville local or exploring the city for a weekend, Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza is the perfect home base for a staycation or getaway. Nestled along the West End corridor, this Nashville gem offers well-appointed guest rooms, delicious dining options, and top-notch amenities. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a sleek, welcoming lobby, complete with wood paneling and local artwork inspired by Nashville’s legendary music scene. The space also offers a cozy fireplace and plush seating options, making it an ideal retreat after a day full of exploring.

A woman and a man sit on an orange couch in Nashville, smiling and clinking drinks, with plates of food on the table in front of them. — Start or end your day by raising a glass to the season with elevated Southern flavors and signature cocktails. Image: Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza

In your room, you’ll find luxe linens, plenty of space to unwind, and large pane windows that allow natural light to flood the room. In terms of amenities, you can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, plush bathrobes, and premium bath and body products. Plus, beginning on November 1, you can enjoy a delightful twist on its beloved afternoon tea service! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Hot Chocolate Affair serves cocoa in lieu of tea, offering milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate varieties. You also have the choice of a variety of additions, including toasted marshmallows, caramel, and chocolate shavings. Reservations begin at noon and can be made by visiting resy.com. In addition to this seasonal offering, the hotel also offers two on-site dining options. Mason’s serves daily brunch from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., while Mason Bar features a variety of handcrafted cocktails and bar bites.

A Nashville Christmas scene unfolds as a table is set with a variety of pastries and desserts on tiered stands, accompanied by a teapot, two cups, chocolate sticks, and two glasses of iced coffee crowned with whipped cream. — Hot Chocolate Affair also includes a variety of bite-sized treats, including cheesecakes, fresh pastries, and macarons. Image: Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza

A red cocktail in a martini glass garnished with rosemary sits on a dark surface, capturing the magic of a Winter Wonderland with a decorated and lit Christmas tree glowing softly in the background. — After a day full of adventure, visit Mason Bar for a festive nightcap. Image: Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza

Grand Hyatt Nashville

Nestled in the heart of downtown, Grand Hyatt Nashville offers luxurious accommodations and an impressive lineup of holiday experiences that will make your Music City stay unforgettable. This year, guests are invited to experience Le Petit Chef: Around the World, an unforgettable dining event that combines fine cuisine with cutting-edge 3D technology. During this whimsical culinary competition, tiny chefs from France, Spain, Italy, and Japan compete for the golden chef’s hat — and you’re part of the action. Diners can choose from four menus: Grand, Classic, Vegan, or Kid’s.

A rectangular dining table set for eight with plates, glasses, cutlery, and bread on napkins is illuminated by colorful, projected lights and patterns, creating a Winter Wonderland atmosphere inspired by Nashville CVC. — Watch as the world’s smallest chefs compete for the golden hat in this unforgettable dining experience. Image Grand Hyatt Nashville

Then, starting on December 4, 2025, the hotel’s 25th-floor rooftop once again transforms into Lost at lou/na, a holiday heist-themed pop-up featuring house-made pizzas and decadent sundaes. (SB Tip: Keep your ears open for special theme nights throughout the season!) Families will love the Gingerbread House Decorating Competitions on December 13, 2025, and 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in The Nashville Grange. Groups of up to four can decorate handmade gingerbread houses for $45 per kit. Then, take your creation home or leave it on display to compete for a prize. Santa might even make a surprise appearance between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. And when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2025, ring in the New Year at Bubbles Over Broadway, the hotel’s annual rooftop New Year’s Eve party.

Table with Moët & Chandon champagne bottles, shrimp cocktails, mixed drinks, appetizers, gold masks, beads, and small disco balls sets a festive Winter Wonderland scene at a Nashville CVC event, with guests mingling in the background. — Elevate your New Year’s Eve with champagne towers and rooftop revelry. Image: Digital Love

Planning a holiday gathering? Grand Hyatt Nashville’s events and catering team offers exclusive savings. Book by November 15, 2025, for events taking place in December to unlock perks like food and beverage discounts, complimentary champagne toasts, discounted valet parking, and more. Savings tiers range from one to three benefits based on spend levels from $5,000 to $20,000+. Ready to make some merry memories? Visit grandhyattnashville.com or contact [email protected] for catering inquiries.

A gingerbread man cookie with white icing is displayed in front of festive ornaments and wrapped gifts, creating a Winter Wonderland scene among other decorated holiday cookies on a wooden surface. — Handmade gingerbread kits await your creative touch. Image: Grand Hyatt Nashville

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

This holiday season, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery invites you to celebrate at the home of the original Tennessee Whiskey. From November 20, 2025, through January 5, 2026, Home for the Holidays: A Tennessee Whiskey Pop-Up Bar transforms the historic distillery into a festive haven where nostalgic charm meets handcrafted cocktails.

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Four people toast with glasses of red cocktails garnished with herbs and citrus, creating a cozy Winter Wonderland vibe against a softly lit background—perfect for a Nashville CVC celebration. — Toast to holiday traditions with handcrafted cocktails made with delicious Tennessee whiskey. Image: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Step inside the cozy pop-up bar and experience the warmth of the season with seasonal cocktails made with Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey. Whether you’re gathering with friends or looking for a unique date night destination, the atmosphere is brimming with holiday cheer and Southern hospitality. This festive experience is also one of the stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Carols and Barrels Holiday Pop-Up Bar Mini Trail, which makes it easy to explore multiple whiskey destinations throughout Music City during the holidays.

Three bottles of whiskey are displayed on a table with candles and glasses, evoking a cozy Winter Wonderland atmosphere, as people mingle in the blurred background. — A trio of Tennessee traditions: Nelson Brothers Classic Bourbon, Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, and Nelson Brothers Reserve Bourbon, each crafted to capture the spirit of Music City. Image: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Beyond the pop-up bar, Nelson’s Green Brier continues its regular operations throughout the season. Visitors can take a guided distillery tour to learn about the rich history of Tennessee whiskey-making, or elevate their visit with one of the premium experiences. The Bottle Your Own Brier Experience allows you to hand-bottle your own whiskey, a fabulous keepsake or gift for the whiskey lover in your life. Hungry? The distillery pairs its seasonal food offerings with a special holiday drink menu to make your visit unforgettable. From the unique drinks to the warm atmosphere and authentic heritage, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offers a one-of-a-kind seasonal experience.

Three people clink glasses with red drinks over a candlelit table set with food, candles, and a festive Winter Wonderland atmosphere in Nashville. — Seasonal dishes and a festive holiday drink menu come together to create a truly memorable visit. Image: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

WHERE TO PLAY

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

One of Nashville’s favorite holiday traditions returns this season as Cheekwood Estate & Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, Holiday LIGHTS illuminates the historic estate with over a million twinkling lights, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

A family of four walks along a path at night in Nashville's Winter Wonderland, surrounded by trees wrapped in red and white holiday lights and fallen autumn leaves. — Every year, Cheekwood decorates its gardens with over one million dazzling lights. Image: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Stroll through the one-mile trail where every turn reveals a new surprise. Your journey begins with a stunning 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree and continues through magical installations like the classic Peppermint Path of candy-cane trees, the breathtaking Bejeweled Bridge, and a light display that dances across the mansion lawn with 600 linear feet of mesmerizing color. Along the way, warm up by cozy fire pits with s’mores, sip seasonal drinks, and browse the festive holiday market. The experience is open nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Two people toast marshmallows over an outdoor fire pit at night, enjoying a Winter Wonderland atmosphere. The woman wears a beanie and glasses; the man is in a vest. Trees and a stone wall add charm to this Nashville CVC-inspired evening. — Don’t forget to stop by one of Holiday LIGHTS’s fire pits to enjoy s’mores. Image: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

The festive cheer extends indoors with Sweet Holiday Dreams in the historic mansion. Renowned floral designer and former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling returns to decorate the mansion’s halls with her signature artistry. This year’s vision pays homage to the sweet treats of the season — think sugarplums, candy-colored hues, and chestnuts roasting over an open fire. Vintage ornaments, handcrafted florals, and decorated topiaries bring a hint of nostalgia to life in each beautifully appointed room. The mansion is open for tours during the day and throughout Holiday LIGHTS.

Five elaborately decorated Christmas trees with white and gold ornaments create a Winter Wonderland in a bright Nashville room with large windows and a floral arrangement on a side table. — Laura Dowling’s holiday decor transforms the historic mansion with vintage ornaments and elegance. Image (from 2024): Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

For an extra-special experience, book Holiday Tea at Café 29. Available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from December 2, 2025, through January 2, 2026, your afternoon begins at 12:45 p.m. with a guided tour of the decorated mansion, followed by a 1:30 p.m. tableside tea service, featuring seasonal teas and traditional sweet and savory bites.

Nashville Zoo

Get ready for the largest lantern festival in the country! Zoolumination®, presented by Stella Artois, returns to Nashville Zoo with over 1,000 handcrafted silk sculptures that transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Running nightly from November 13, 2025, through January 4, 2026, then Thursdays through Sundays from January 8 to February 8, this spectacular event offers entertainment for the entire family.

A brightly lit, multi-tiered pagoda structure with colorful lights evokes a Winter Wonderland, set against a twilight sky and framed by silhouetted tree branches. — Over 1,000 handcrafted silk sculptures turn Nashville Zoo into a glowing wonderland. Image: Nashville Zoo

Stroll through illuminated pathways lined with giant creatures, dazzling scenes, and mesmerizing light displays. The artistry is breathtaking, with some sculptures reaching up to 100 feet long and 50 feet high. Along the way, you’ll encounter several animal exhibits, including Tiger Crossroads, Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear, Flamingo Lagoon, and the Unseen New World — a unique opportunity to see wildlife against the magical backdrop of twinkling lights. Be sure to also lace up your skates at the Smashville Ice Rink. Open to all ages and skill levels, ice skating tickets are $10 for zoo members and $12 for non-members.

A man and two children ice skating together at night in Nashville’s Winter Wonderland, surrounded by colorful illuminated decorations in the background. — The Smashville Ice Rink welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels during Zoolumination®. Image: Nashville Zoo

The enchantment continues at the North Pole Village, complete with winter-themed sculptures and nightly visits from Santa Claus from November 29, 2025, through December 24, 2025. Special Zoolumination® entertainers — including dancers, jugglers, and acrobats — also perform at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater every night at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Single-night tickets are $25 for adults and $21 for youth ages 2 to 12, with children under 2 receiving free admission. Zoo members save $5 per ticket. Planning multiple visits? Opt for a Platinum Pass for unlimited access at $39 for adults and $29 for youth. Parking is $10 per vehicle, and zoo members park free. Purchase tickets at nashvillezoo.org and prepare for an unforgettable evening of light, wonder, and wildlife.

A brightly lit holiday train with animal characters holding presents on top, next to a decorated Christmas tree, creates a Winter Wonderland at night. — The whimsical North Pole Village features themed sculptures and nightly visits from Santa. Image: Nashville Zoo

Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

Step into the holiday season at Gaylord Opryland Resort for its 42nd Annual A Country Christmas, running November 7, 2025, through January 3, 2026. The resort transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, offering festive fun for the whole family, both indoors and out. This year, guests can experience the return of ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the beloved Peanuts-themed attraction that hasn’t been featured at the resort since 2017. More than two million pounds of ice are hand-carved into 12 immersive scenes, featuring iconic characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus, as well as five thrilling two-story ice slides.

Large, colorful ice sculptures of Peanuts characters create a Winter Wonderland in this brightly lit indoor exhibit, featuring vibrant geometric shapes and a slide—an unforgettable Nashville attraction. — Thrill-seekers of all ages can enjoy the Peanuts-themed ice slides, a highlight of Gaylord Opryland’s ICE! attraction. Image: Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

Visitors can witness live carving demonstrations and explore a separate Nativity display, all while wearing a signature blue parka to brave the nine-degree Fahrenheit temperatures. The skilled carvers travel 6,400 miles from Harbin, China, bringing generations of ice-sculpting expertise to create the nearly 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction. Adding to the magic is the debut of POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a holiday cirque show running November 25, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Created by acclaimed Broadway director Neil Goldberg, this immersive production follows three friends studying music, magic, and circus skills at a secret university. Guests enjoy gravity-defying acrobatics, spellbinding magic, and enchanting characters, all set in a dazzling pre-show universe featuring sparkling reindeer, colossal candy canes, towering nutcrackers, and an 18-foot gingerbread man.

A group of performers in colorful, elaborate costumes and wigs pose on stage with large balls and props, set against a vibrant, Winter Wonderland-themed backdrop. — Step into a world of holiday wonder with *POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance*, where acrobats, magicians, and festive characters dazzle the whole family. Image: Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

The resort itself becomes a breathtaking holiday haven with five million twinkling lights, 15,000 poinsettias, 15 miles of garland, and a 48-foot centerpiece Christmas tree. Families can also enjoy ice skating, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, seasonal treats, photos with Santa, Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends, and a Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt.

Step into a Winter Wonderland in this indoor atrium, where a glass ceiling reveals illuminated trees and twinkling lights. A waterway winds through lush plants bathed in blue and purple hues. — Step into a winter wonderland in Gaylord Opryland’s stunning Delta Atrium, adorned with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive decor. Image: Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas

Happy holidays! This article is sponsored by Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza, Grand Hyatt Nashville, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville Zoo, and Visit Music City – Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.

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Nashville’s Winter Wonderland: Holiday Fun & Festivities

WHERE TO STAY