‘Tis the season for holiday cheer. From live reindeer and martinis & mistletoe to New Year’s Eve celebrations and tours of the Tennessee Residence, these events will leave you feeling festive. Celebrate the holidays with the kiddos at Dickens of a Christmas, or leave them behind and down a glass of bubbly at Acme’s New Year’s Eve Party. Whatever you do, enjoy the final days of 2017 and have a great December!
We’re dreaming of a white December! Image: Cheekwood
Through December 31, 2017: Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Enjoy this new holiday tradition at Cheekwood. For only the third time ever, the gardens — not just the mansion — will be decorated with elegant displays and hundreds of thousands of festive lights. Throw on your jacket and stroll the grounds as you celebrate the holiday season. The gardens will be open every night until 10 p.m. (not open Christmas night). cheekwood.org
December 1, 2017: Chairman’s Choice Renée Fleming at OZ Arts Nashville
One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, Renée Fleming, will perform an intimate, evening-length concert for the inaugural “Chairman’s Choice” event, a must-see presentation chosen by OZ Arts Board Chairman Cano Ozgener. The star soprano will perform vocals and piano featuring German, French and Italian classics, as well as some American contemporary works. Her “sumptuous voice, consummate artistry and compelling stage presence” are sure to impress during this one-night event. Tickets are $200 per person. ozartsnashville.org
December 1, 2017: Martinis & Mistletoe
While anyone over 21 is welcome to attend this festive get-together, we have noticed it to be particularly popular for young professionals. Held annually at Cheekwood Botanic Hall, this holiday party features late-night eats, festive cocktails and live music (plus complimentary access to Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights display). Benefiting the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee, Martinis & Mistletoe promises to be a fun-filled evening in support of the magnificent Botanical Garden at Cheekwood. Wear your dancing shoes. Cost is $75 per person. hsmtn.org
December 2, 2017: 12South Winter WarmUp
The Annual 12South Winter WarmUp 6K and 12K race starts at Sevier Park at 8 a.m. and takes runners through the streets of 12South. For kiddos, there is a 1K around Sevier Park that will take place before the main race. Children ages 5-13 are welcome! Registration fees range from $30 to $45. Later in the day, the run will continue with 12South Winter Warmer, a beer festival in Sevier Park. Reward yourself with a cold beer! 12southwinterwarmup.racesonline.com
December 2, 2017: 64th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade
Gather with friends and family for this Nashville tradition that dates back to 1927. This year 13 performers will give show-stopping performances and former Nashville Predators player Mike Fisher will lead the event as Grand Marshal. The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of North 1st Avenue & Brandon Street! nashvillechristmasparade.com
December 2 & 3, 2017: Holiday Lights Carriage Tours
December brings bright and stunning displays of holiday lights. What better way to see the lights and gorgeous homes than to tour the Hillsboro-West End neighborhood via carriage? The Holiday Lights Carriage Tours take you through the heart of this Nashville neighborhood in horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy live music, carols, hot cider and refreshments during this festive, 30-minute clip-clopping tour. Reserve your tour and be sure to wear your warmest winter attire! Individual tickets are $23.50 (group tickets are $22 per person for groups of 10). hwen.org
December 2-23, 2017: Nashville’s Nutcracker
Nothing signals the start of the holiday season quite like a day at Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker, as we join Clara as she ventures through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Plus, this year promises all-new magical elements — including snow falling onto the audience for the very first time! Not only will it tell the classic tale, but the production will also feature nods to Nashville’s past by weaving Music City’s historic landmarks and characters into the famous ballet’s storyline. Kick-off your holiday season with Nashville’s Nutcracker. Tickets start at $35. patron.tpac.org
December 6 & 7, 13 & 14 and 18-21, 2017: Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Once again, Grammy-winning husband-and-wife team Amy Grant and Vince Gill will celebrate Christmas at the Ryman. For eight nights in December, they will sing classic tunes and seasonal hymns at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Get your tickets now and celebrate the season at this annual holiday show. This is a holiday event that you will not want to miss! ryman.com
December 6-17, 2017: Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays
Join Governor Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, for the annual Tennessee’s Home for the Holidays open house event held at the Tennessee Residence. The tours are offered each December and this year’s decorations will celebrate “Tennessee Heroes.” Memorabilia and articles will honor the men and women who have served our communities through the Tennessee Department of Military, Department of Safety, TBI, TDOT, TEMA, as well as veterans, local law enforcement and first responders. Visits to the home are free, but save your spot by registering online! www.tn.gov
December 8 & 9, 2017: Porter Flea Holiday Market
Nashville’s favorite holiday shopping tradition is back! The Porter Flea Holiday Market returns in December to showcase hundreds of jury-picked vendors, thousands of the region’s best handmade wares, the city’s finest food trucks and, of course, a surprise or two. Well-loved vendors return and new vendors make first-time appearances. You’re sure to love them all! In its seventh year, this semi-annual market is a must-attend holiday event! The festivities begin on Friday, December 8, 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. porterflea.com
December 9, 2017: Music City Winterfest
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop the holiday market, enjoy live, local music, indulge at food trucks, sip beers at the beer garden and warm up at the s’mores station during Music City Winterfest. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Centennial Park. musiccitywinterfest.com
December 9, 2017: Dickens of a Christmas
Held in Historic Downtown Franklin, this free street festival will take you back 150 years to the time of Charles Dickens. It is guaranteed that will you run into characters from Dickens’ stories, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley the Ghost, Tiny Tim, Father Christmas and more. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday for carriage rides, the holiday bazaar, Victorian eats and treats, and the Town Sing. historicfranklin.com
December 14, 2017: Science of Beer
The Adventure Science Center isn’t just for kids! In fact, for one night this month, it is only for adults. The Annual Science of Beer event offers tastings of more than 80 local and international craft beers and beer-science demonstrations and activities. Tickets are $60 for not-yet-members and include access to all exhibits and activities, unlimited tastings and a souvenir pint glass. adventuresci.org
December 31, 2017: Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville
Ring in the New Year with Keith Urban, Maren Norris, Cheap Trick, Carly Pearce, Jonny P and The Fisk Jubilee Singers in Music City. This free, New Year’s Eve event features live music, fireworks, confetti cannons and the “Music Note Drop®.” Party with your fellow Nashvillians at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park! visitmusiccity.com
December 31, 2017: Acme’s New Year’s Eve Party
During Acme’s New Year’s Eve celebration, each floor will have dancing, confetti cannons and plenty of bubbly to go around. On the first floor, find Dynamo and Ping Rose and The Anti-Heroes and on the third floor, find Coach & Rate’s Back to the Future Dance Party. If you haven’t made NYE plans yet, make this your go-to event. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 27. theacmenashville.com.
December 31, 2017: Intimate Champagne Dinner at City Winery
Pop a few bottles of champagne while enjoying a four-course dinner by City Winery’s Executive Chef Garrett Pittler. The intimate setting is perfect for a New Year’s Eve date night or quiet evening with friends. The dinner has two seating options: 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and will last approximately two hours, giving you just enough time to hit another party and watch the ball drop. Tickets are $100 per person. You can also catch Marc Broussard’s New Year’s Eve performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. citywinery.com
For more December events, including many trunk shows and more festive gatherings, be sure to check out our Daily Happenings. Stay tuned for a full listing of NYE events!
