December is always a busy month, but as soon as you take a glance at this calendar of joyous happenings, we know that you will be filled with excitement and holiday cheer! Catch one million lights at Cheekwood, experience the holiday classic of Auntie Claus at the Nashville Children’s Theater, shop a multitude of holiday markets, and that’s just the beginning! ‘Tis the season to enjoy the final days of 2019 with your family and friends when you check out these festive holiday happenings!
Start a new tradition this year with your family at GLOW Holiday at First Tennessee Park.
Through December 24, 2019: 103rd Annual Caroling for Kids
Create a new tradition this year! Gather your family and friends to serenade your neighborhood with holiday carols in support of Fannie Battle Day Home, a nonprofit childcare center serving Nashville families since 1891. This long-standing event is an impactful way to give back during the holidays! All proceeds raised support Fannie Battle Day Home’s programs and services. Grab your hot cocoa and mittens while getting in the holiday spirit with Caroling for Kids! fanniebattle.org
Through December 27, 2019: Music in the Café
On Thursdays and Fridays through December 27, gather with friends and family at the Frist Art Museum for free music at the Frist Café. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy a variety of singer-songwriters, musicians, and vocalists in the heart of Music City. Plan your visit to Music in the Café by taking a look at the Frist’s music calendar online, or pop in during December to get a taste of some wonderful stylings from local musicians! fristartmuseum.org
Through December 28, 2019: 2nd Annual Franktown Festival of Lights
Stay bundled in the warmth of your car as you cruise through a mile of more than 50 gorgeous Christmas light displays in Franklin! The festival kicks off on November 22 at 6 p.m. and continues every night through December 28. Get your ticket now for $25 per car, with proceeds benefiting Franktown Open Hearts. eventbrite.com
Through December 29, 2019: Auntie Claus at Nashville Children’s Theater
Bring the whole family out for the world premiere of holiday musical, Auntie Claus, at Nashville Children’s Theatre! Commissioned for Nashville audiences by award-winning writing team Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, this holiday special is one you’re not going to want to miss. The show runs through Sunday, December 29. Tickets are $17/youth and $23/adult. nashvillechildrenstheatre.org
Through December 30, 2019: Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights
The USA’s largest Chinese lantern festival is now right here in Nashville, daily at the Nashville Zoo from 5 to 9 p.m. (closed November 28, December 24, December 25). With over 500 custom made silk lanterns, this is an entirely new way to see the zoo! Plus, the dragon lantern is over 200 feet long … wow! nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination
Through December 31, 2019: GLOW Nashville
This December, embrace the cold days and the spirit of the holidays at GLOW Nashville. Hosted at First Tennessee Park, the immersive holiday experience will feature some of the tallest Christmas trees in the country, festive ice sculptures, ice skating, and tubing, plus a life-size Santa’s workshop and much more! General admission tickets start at $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children while offering a bundle for families of four, plus VIP experience tickets. glowholiday.com
Through January 5, 2020: Holiday Lights at Cheekwood
You don’t want to miss your chance to take part in the cherished tradition of Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS! November 23 through January 5, bring the whole family to see one million lights illuminate the beautiful gardens. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven nights per week, head to Cheekwood for the brightest holiday stroll in Nashville. Reserve your tickets now! cheekwood.org
December 3 – 5, 2019: NASCAR Champion’s Week
Get ready Nashville. NASCAR is here December 3 – 5 with Fan Fest happening at Broadway & Riverfront Park each day. With several events occurring throughout these three days, one that stands out to us is Burnouts on Broadway that will take place on December 4 and will mark the first time Broadway will shut down for NASCAR drivers to show off their burnouts and tricks under the honky-tonk neon lights. All 16 NASCAR playoff drivers will be in attendance! For more details and tickets to events: championsweek.nascar.com
December 3, 2019: Annual Christmas Party at K. McCarthy
Get into the holiday spirit with K. McCarthy, at their Annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include an open bar, finger foods, exclusive in-store discounts, plus a trunk show from LA Hagan. Grab your best gal pal and head over to K. McCarthy for a festive evening! kmccarthynashville.com
December 4, 2019: Claus For a Cause
Step into the holiday season with Claus for a Cause, its 2nd annual tree lighting ceremony at Vertis Green Hills. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with complimentary bites and sips from the Vertis Green Hills restaurants, plus live reindeer, cookie decorating and hot chocolate. As the evening gets closer to 6:00 p.m., you and your family will be singing O’ Christmas Tree, as the official tree lighting begins! For the rest of the evening, enjoy live music from The Peter Moon Band and make sure to grab a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! The event marks the kickoff of Vertis’ Claus for a Cause toy drive for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s hospital to gather toys for those in need this holiday season. vertisgreenhills.com
December 5, 2019: Woods Aesthetics’ Open House
Join Woods Aesthetics on Thursday, December 5, for the annual Holiday Open House! From noon to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., stop by the Belle Meade office space to enter giveaways, enjoy special once-a-year discounts and celebrate the season with the community! woodsaesthetics.com
December 5, 2019: Community Wine Tasting
On Thursday, December 5, head over to Deacon’s New South for its monthly wine tasting series, featuring selections from their in-house sommelier and general manager, Jenn McCarthy. Sample a variety of Pinot Noir’s from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., including St. Francis, Ken Wright, Nielsen and Patricia Green. Reserve your spot ahead of time for $5 or pay $10 at the door. Additionally, a selection of appetizer specials will be available for purchase. eventbrite.com
December 6, 2019: TEDxNashvilleWomen 2019
TEDxNashvilleWomen 2019 returns to Music City, for its second year, on December 6. Be a part of the live audience filming, as Ariel Bloomer, Azita Ghanizada and Lily C. Hansen take the stage at the War Memorial Auditorium from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grab your tickets and celebrate pioneers breaking into the business, brilliant people who are just getting started and much more! Tickets are available online for $60 per person. tedxnashville.com
December 6, 2019: Margaret Ellis Jewelry Sample Sale
Join Margaret Ellis Jewelry on Friday, December 6 for its annual sample sale. Shop among various pieces, including discounted and overstocked handcrafted jewelry up to 70% off. All sales are final. margaretellisjewelry.com
December 6, 2019: Martinis and Mistletoe
Mark your calendar for this year’s Marinitis and Mistletoe event. Join Cheekwood and the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee for a music-filled evening of great bites from some of Nashville’s favorite eateries, while dancing the night away to live music from the 24/7 band. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., raise a glass with your friends and toast to a wonderful season of holiday cheer at this year’s Martinis and Mistletoe event at Cheekwood. hsmtn.org
December 6-15, 2019: Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays
Join Governor Bill Lee and his wife, Maria, for the 9th annual Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays open house event held at the Tennessee Residence. This year’s theme is “Songs of the Season,” and the festive holiday decor is inspired by the classic carols of the most wonderful time of the year. Reserve your spot for free now! eventbrite.com
December 7, 2018: Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival
Get in the holiday spirit(s) with tidings of cognac and gin! On December 6, at the Factory at Franklin, enjoy sips of festive cocktails at Franklin’s Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival. Your $34 ticket includes 12 sipping-size cocktails and an evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to enjoy live music, a visit from Santa and plenty of savoring the merry times with friends! Event proceeds benefit TennGreen. holidayspiritstn.com
December 7, 2019: First Saturday Art Crawl, Presented by FirstBank
Kick-off your month with the wonder of the First Saturday Art Crawl! This monthly event features art galleries throughout the town, as they host over 1,000 people and open their doors to beautiful displays from both local and world-famous artists. Admission is free for this event, and you can explore the diverse and inspiring exhibits in downtown Nashville and gain a new appreciation for artwork in our city. Most galleries will serve refreshments as you stop by. Check out the map and this month’s featured galleries! nashvilledowntown.com
December 7, 2019: Hill Center Green Hills Holiday Walk
This season, the Hill Center Green Hills will host its Holiday Walk on December 7, featuring special holiday offers and promotions. Get into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Walk by enjoying refreshments and small bites while you shop the boutiques, specialty stores and national brands for the season’s newest styles and trends in fashion, home decor and gifts. hillcentergreenhills.com
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December 7, 2019: Hill Center Brentwood Holiday Walk
Get into the holiday spirit with the Hill Center Brentwood from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This season, the center will host its Holiday Walk on December 7, featuring special holiday offers and promotions. Amongst the holiday cheer, enjoy refreshments and small bites while you shop the boutiques, specialty stores and national brands for the season’s newest styles and trends in fashion, home decor and gifts. hillcenterbrentwood.com
December 7, 2019: 66th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade
Bring your whole family to enjoy the magic of the Nashville holiday tradition that dates back to 1927! VIP Experience tickets start at $20, and the day kicks off promptly at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of North First Avenue & Brandon Street! nashvillechristmasparade.com
December 7, 2019: The Wonderful Life Foundation Annual Holiday Fundraiser
Join The Wonderful Life Foundation on December 7, for a holiday fundraiser and screening of the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life! After the movie screening, share some festive snacks and refreshments, dance the night away and raise money with a silent auction and wine pull. Proceeds from the event support locally-treated children and their families while they undergo chemotherapy and other treatments. wonderfullifefoundation.org
December 7-23, 2019: Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker
Immerse yourself into the classic dreamland of Clara and her magic friends during this year’s Nutcracker performance from Nashville Ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The Music City’s favorite holiday tradition returns throughout December to bring festive delight to both the young and young-at-heart. nashvilleballet.com
December 8, 2019: INFAMI: An Evening of Spoken Word
Join the 21c Museum Hotel for the ensemble production, INFAMI. Using various artforms such as spoken word, dance, and visual arts, INFAMI highlights relationships, love and the invisible. The production reveals that many issues are complex and can be solved selflessly. The production is free and open to the public. 21cmuseumhotels.com
December 11, 2019: Holiday Open House and Pop-Up Shop
The Cosmetic Market is set to host its annual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 11, at its Cool Springs location. Enjoy shopping, champagne, light bites, discounts, plus a pop-up shop from SB Shop and OMI Beads! We look forward to seeing you there! thecosmeticmarket.com
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December 12 & 13, 2019: Home Alone in Concert
Enjoy the spirit of holiday cheer during the viewing of the holiday classic, Home Alone, at the Nashville Symphony. Experience John Williams’ delightful score, performed live, while the hilarious and heartwarming film shows on the big screen. This holiday tradition is perfect for the whole family, with tickets starting at $71. nashvillesymphony.org
December 13 & 14, 2019: Porter Flea Holiday Market
The Porter Flea Holiday Market returns this December to showcase hundreds of new and returning vendors, thousands of the region’s best handmade wares, the city’s finest food trucks, and, of course, a surprise or two. The festivities begin on Friday, December 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the Preview Market, a $25 ticketed event, and continue on Saturday with the free market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the full lineup of vendors and head to the Nashville Fairgrounds for yet another year of this cherished holiday event! porterflea.com
December 14, 2019: Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
Bring your holiday cheer to this year’s Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14. Enjoy this ‘wacky’ holiday parade on Southall Road through the heart of the village with tractors, old cars and trucks, a variety of farm animals and more. Plus, there will even be a special visit from Santa! Grab the whole family and head down to Leiper’s Fork for an unforgettable day of holiday cheer. leipersforkcountry.com
December 20 & 21, 2019: The Longest Night
Join OZ Arts Nashville for a unique multicultural and multidisciplinary celebration of the Winter Solstice. The Longest Night brings together more than 40 Nashville-based artists, musicians, dancers and dramatists in a performance curated by Jason Shelton of the Portara Ensemble. The evening begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. ozartsnashville.org
December 31, 2019: Gatsby’s House
Ring in the new year with the Omni Nashville Hotel with a trip back to the roaring 20s! From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., guests will be able to enjoy premium drinks from the five-hour open bar, a casino speakeasy with prizes to win, plus, three event areas to dance the night away with two of Nashville’s top DJs. The Gatsby House event at the Omni is 21+. Tickets start at $119 and can be packaged together to include a room at the Omni for the evening. eventbrite.com
December 31, 2019: Shaken not Stirred, a James Bond New Year’s Eve Affair
Breakout your best 007 impressions for Bourbon Steak’s Shaken not Stirred, a James Bond New Year’s Affair on December 31. The local Nashville eatery will offer two seatings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The first seating of the evening will include a four-course menu with dish selections ranging from King Salmon Crudo to Chestnut Cappellacci, Wagyu New York Strip, and a Champagne Mousse with a Macaroon Crisp and Raspberry Sorbet for $225 per person (includes tax and gratuity, excludes alcohol). Additionally, the second seating of the evening is $292 per person with a five-course menu. Dishes range from the A-5 Wagyu Nigiri, Foie Gras Terrine, Miso-Glazed Black Cod and Wedge Oak Farms Duck to a sweet selection of chocolates, confectioneries, pastries and sweets. After the five-course seating, guests are invited to attend the after-party at Bourbon Sky for a live band, dancing and decadent dessert buffet, plus a champagne tower at midnight. nashvillebourbonsteak.com
December 31, 2019: Aprés 2019: New Year’s Eve at L27
This winter, you don’t have to travel to the Alps to enjoy a cozy snow retreat and festive aprés ski. Join the Westin Nashville’s L27 New Year’s Eve ski chalet to ring in the new year with good company, disco music, and plenty of delicious fares. General admission starts at $225 per person and includes complimentary valet, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, four drink tickets, plus a midnight toast! l27nashville.com
December 31, 2019: Black Rabbit: Ring in the ’20s
Head to Printer’s Alley for a swingin’ good time at Black Rabbit’s New Year’s Eve bash. Partygoers will be treated to live music by The Willies, an oyster bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast, a photo booth, 1920’s swag and more. Tickets are $100, and the fun lasts from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. eventbrite.com
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