Struggling to find truly magical Christmas ideas beyond the usual? You want to create those picture-perfect holiday memories, but planning can feel overwhelming. The core challenge is sifting through endless options to find experiences that are genuinely special and worth your family’s precious time.
The best Christmas ideas in Tennessee for 2025 include exploring Gaylord Opryland’s millions of lights, strolling through Cheekwood’s artful displays, and stepping back in time at Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas festival. This local’s guide is updated for 2025 and filled with unforgettable holiday moments. We’ll give you insider tips to make every outing easy and memorable.
Planning a Tennessee Christmas? Here’s How to Make It Truly Magical
Searching for the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season can feel like a huge task. You’re not just looking for something to do; you’re looking to create warmth, joy, and lasting memories for your family. Tennessee, with its unique blend of big-city spectacle and small-town charm, is a fantastic choice for a festive destination. This curated guide is your key to unlocking the most unforgettable holiday moments. We’ve gathered iconic attractions and hidden gems, complete with insider tips to make your planning stress-free.
11 Magical Christmas Ideas to Discover in Tennessee This 2025
Ready to build your ultimate holiday bucket list? This curated list of annual favorites and local secrets offers a diverse mix of experiences guaranteed to capture the true spirit of a Tennessee Christmas. From dazzling light shows and historic festivals to cozy traditions that feel like coming home, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve gathered pro tips from years of visits to help you make the most of every moment.
1. Immerse Yourself in Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas”
Pin this iconic Tennessee experience to your ‘Holiday Travel’ board!
What to Expect:
- Millions of Lights: The main draw is the stunning display of over three million lights decorating the resort’s massive indoor garden atriums. It’s free to walk through and see the lights.
- ICE! Featuring [Current Year’s Theme]: A ticketed walk-through attraction featuring incredible, larger-than-life ice sculptures crafted by artisans.
- Outdoor Fun: Purity Fun Park offers activities like ice skating, ice tubing, and bumper cars (requires tickets).
- Live Entertainment: Numerous holiday shows, musical performances, and character breakfasts are available throughout the season.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Go on a Weekday: To avoid the heaviest crowds, plan your visit for a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening.
- Park at Opry Mills Mall: If you only plan to see the free lights in the atriums, park at the nearby mall and walk over to save on the steep resort parking fees.
- Book High-Demand Activities Early: Tickets for ICE! and popular dinner shows sell out weeks in advance. Book online as soon as you have your dates.
- Dress in Layers: It’s warm inside the atriums but very cold inside the ICE! attraction (they provide parkas) and at the outdoor activities.
Pro-Tip: The best photo op that captures the scale of the lights is from the second or third-floor balconies in the Delta Atrium.
2. Stroll Through Cheekwood’s Dazzling “Holiday LIGHTS”
Save this beautiful and romantic holiday date night idea!
What to Expect:
- A One-Mile Art Walk: This isn’t just string lights; it’s a beautifully designed journey through artful light installations synchronized to music.
- Historic Mansion & Gardens: The elegant Georgian-style mansion and its surrounding gardens are fully decorated, offering a classic Christmas feel.
- S’mores and Hot Drinks: Several stations are set up with fire pits where you can purchase s’mores kits and festive beverages like hot toddies or spiced hot chocolate.
- Real Reindeer: A highlight for kids, you can usually see real reindeer near the entrance of the trail.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Buy Tickets Online, Weeks Ahead: This event always sells out, especially on weekends. Timed-entry tickets are required and must be purchased in advance online.
- Arrive at Your Entry Time: They are strict about the timed entry to manage crowds. Don’t arrive too early or too late.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be walking a full mile, often on uneven paths and gentle hills. Comfort is key.
- Prepare for the Weather: This is an entirely outdoor experience. Dress warmly and in layers, and don’t forget hats and gloves.
Pro-Tip: The path is one-way. If you see a photo spot you love, take the picture then! You won’t be able to easily circle back.
3. Step Back in Time at Franklin’s “Dickens of a Christmas” Festival
Pin this charming small-town Christmas festival idea!
What to Expect:
- Victorian Characters: The streets of historic downtown Franklin are filled with performers and characters from Charles Dickens’ stories, including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Father Christmas.
- Holiday Market: Main Street is lined with dozens of stalls where local artisans sell handmade gifts, crafts, and delicious food.
- Live Performances: Multiple stages feature live music, dancers, and carolers performing traditional holiday tunes throughout the day.
- Town-Wide Decorations: The entire historic district is beautifully decorated, making it a perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Arrive Early for Parking: This is a hugely popular and mostly free event. Parking is challenging. Arrive before the official start time and expect to walk a few blocks. Look for designated off-site shuttle parking.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors take cards, having cash on hand is much quicker for buying roasted chestnuts, hot cider, or small gifts.
- Check the Schedule: Look up the performance schedule online beforehand to catch specific events like the town sing-along or the Victorian parade.
- Explore the Side Streets: The biggest crowds are on Main Street. Ducking down the charming side streets can offer a bit of a reprieve and you’ll find unique shops.
Lesson Learned: Don’t try to do everything. The best part of this festival is simply soaking in the atmosphere. Grab a warm drink and just wander.
4. Get Cozy at The Dancing Lights of Christmas Drive-Thru
Save this perfect idea for a cozy Christmas night with the kids!
What to Expect:
- A Miles-Long Journey: This is one of the largest drive-thru light shows in the region, featuring a massive number of lights and displays along a route that takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
- Music Synchronization: Tune your car radio to the designated station, and the lights will “dance” in time with a mix of upbeat holiday music.
- Light Tunnels: The most popular features are the incredible, immersive tunnels of light that your car drives completely through.
- Santa’s Village: At the end of the drive, you can park and visit a small village with concessions, a petting zoo, and photos with Santa (for an extra fee).
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Go on a Weeknight: Lines can get extremely long on Friday and Saturday nights. A Tuesday or Wednesday will have a fraction of the wait time.
- Pack Your Own Snacks & Drinks: Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and some Christmas cookies to enjoy in the car. It makes the experience cozier and saves money.
- Visit the Restroom Before You Go: There are no opportunities to stop along the drive-thru route itself.
- Pay with Cash for Faster Entry: The line to pay often has a cash-only lane that moves much faster than the credit card lane.
Pro-Tip: Check their Facebook page before you leave home. They are great about posting updates on wait times on busy nights.
5. Experience the Timeless Magic of Nashville Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Pin this classic holiday tradition for a special night out!
What to Expect:
- World-Class Ballet: A stunning performance by the professional dancers of the Nashville Ballet, featuring beautiful costumes and choreography.
- Live Orchestra: The Nashville Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live, elevating the entire experience.
- Elaborate Sets: The production features gorgeous, detailed sets that transport you from a festive party to the magical Land of Sweets.
- A Festive Atmosphere: Held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), attending is a chance to dress up and enjoy a sophisticated holiday night out.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Book Tickets Far in Advance: This is a beloved Nashville tradition and prime seats for weekend performances sell out by early November.
- Consider a Matinee: For families with children, a weekend matinee performance is often a better choice than a late evening show.
- Arrive Early: Downtown traffic and parking can be congested. Arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime to park, get through security, and find your seats without rushing.
- Read the Story Synopsis: If you’re bringing someone new to the ballet, read a quick summary of the story beforehand so they can follow along.
Pro-Tip: Many local restaurants near TPAC offer pre-theater dinner specials. Make a reservation and make it a full “dinner and a show” evening.
6. Hear Holiday Harmonies at The Ryman Auditorium
Save this for an unforgettable Nashville music and Christmas experience!
What to Expect:
- Iconic Performers: The Ryman hosts a series of Christmas shows each year, often featuring Nashville legends like Amy Grant & Vince Gill or other acclaimed artists.
- Unmatched Acoustics: Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the venue has incredible acoustics that make live music sound magical.
- Historic Setting: The auditorium itself is beautifully decorated, and the historic atmosphere adds a special reverence to the holiday performances.
- An Intimate Experience: Despite its fame, the Ryman is a surprisingly intimate venue where every seat feels close to the stage.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Tickets Go On Sale Early: For the most popular concert series (like Amy Grant & Vince Gill), tickets often go on sale in the summer and sell out almost instantly. Mark your calendar.
- Know the Pew Seating: The main floor and much of the balcony consist of historic, original church pews. They are part of the charm but are not individual seats.
- Explore the Venue: Arrive when doors open and take time to walk around, read the historical markers, and look at the exhibits.
- Plan for Downtown Logistics: Parking is in paid lots and garages nearby. Give yourself plenty of time for traffic and walking to the venue.
Lesson Learned: Even the seats in the very back of the balcony have a great view and incredible sound. Don’t be afraid to book them!
7. Lace-Up for Festive Ice Skating Downtown
Pin this fun and active Christmas date idea!
What to Expect:
- A Festive Centerpiece: Typically located near Bridgestone Arena or another downtown landmark, the outdoor rink becomes a hub of holiday activity.
- Skate Rentals: You don’t need your own gear; the price of admission usually includes skate rentals.
- Holiday Music & Lights: The rink is surrounded by Christmas lights and speakers play festive music, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
- Hot Chocolate Nearby: There are always concession stands or nearby coffee shops perfect for grabbing a warm drink after your skate.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Buy Tickets Online: Many rinks now use a timed-entry system to control crowds. Book your 90-minute skate session online in advance.
- Wear Thick Socks: Rental skates are not known for comfort. Wearing a good pair of thick, warm socks will make a huge difference.
- Skate on a Weeknight: Like most attractions, the rink is far less crowded on a weekday evening than on a Saturday afternoon.
- It’s Fun Even if You’re a Beginner: Don’t be intimidated! Many people are just learning. Hugging the wall is perfectly acceptable and part of the fun.
Pro-Tip: Lockers are usually available for rent, but it’s easier to just bring a small bag for your shoes and essentials that one person can hold while the other skates.
8. Cheers to the Season at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Save this fun Christmas idea for a night out with friends!
What to Expect:
- Over-the-Top Decorations: Every inch of the space is covered in kitschy, nostalgic Christmas decor—tinsel, wrapping paper walls, Santas everywhere, and thousands of lights.
- Creative Holiday Cocktails: The main event is the special menu of cleverly named, delicious cocktails served in whimsical glassware like Santa mugs or T-Rex glasses.
- A Crowded, High-Energy Vibe: These bars are extremely popular. Expect a line, loud holiday music, and a buzzing, festive crowd.
- Perfect for Photos: The entire experience is designed to be shared on social media.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Go Early on a Weekday: The only way to avoid a very long line (sometimes hours) is to go right when they open on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Go with a Small Group: These are often small spaces, and finding a spot for a group of two or three is much easier than for a large party.
- Check Locations Annually: The specific bars that host these pop-ups (like “Miracle” or “Sippin’ Santa”) can change from year to year. Do a quick search for “2025 Nashville Christmas bars” before you go.
- Embrace the Kitschy Fun: This is not a quiet, sophisticated cocktail lounge. It’s meant to be loud, fun, and a little silly. Go with the right attitude and you’ll have a blast.
Pro-Tip: Have a snack before you go. While some pop-ups offer small bites, they are primarily focused on the drinks.
9. Enjoy Small-Town Spirit at Columbia’s Christmas Parade
Pin this wonderful and free family Christmas tradition!
What to Expect:
- A Classic Parade: Expect to see local high school marching bands, festive floats from community businesses, fire trucks with sirens blaring, and Santa Claus making an appearance at the end.
- Historic Town Square: The parade route typically goes around Columbia’s beautiful and historic town square, which is fully decorated for the holidays.
- A True Community Feel: This is an event where you’ll see friends and neighbors; it’s a celebration of community spirit.
- Pre-Parade Festivities: Often, the town square will have food vendors, carolers, or a tree-lighting ceremony before the parade begins.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Bring Your Own Chairs and Blankets: This is essential. Find a spot along the parade route early and set up your folding chairs and wrap up in warm blankets.
- Arrive at Least an Hour Early: To get a good viewing spot, especially with kids, you need to claim your sidewalk real estate well in advance.
- Park a Few Blocks Away: Don’t even try to park on the square. Park on a side street several blocks away and enjoy the walk.
- Pack a Thermos: A big thermos of hot chocolate or warm cider is the perfect accessory for a chilly parade night.
Lesson Learned: The magic of a small-town parade is in its authenticity. It’s not about high-tech floats; it’s about community pride and holiday cheer.
10. Start a Tradition and Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Save this wholesome family activity for a new Christmas tradition!
What to Expect:
- A Field of Trees: Wander through acres of beautiful, fragrant trees (like Leyland Cypress, White Pine, and Fraser Firs) to find your family’s perfect one.
- Tools Provided: The farm will provide you with a small hand saw to cut down your selected tree.
- Shaking and Baling: After you’ve cut your tree, the staff will shake out the loose needles and run it through a baler, wrapping it tightly in netting for easy transport home.
- Extra Fun: Most farms have added attractions like hayrides, a gift shop, a wreath-making station, or a stand selling hot cider and donuts.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Go Early in the Season: The best selection of trees is available right after Thanksgiving. If you wait too long, the choices can become sparse.
- Measure Your Space First: Before you leave home, measure the height of the ceiling where you plan to put the tree. Trees look much smaller in the field than they do in your living room!
- Wear Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: You’ll be walking on uneven, and possibly muddy, ground. Boots are a great choice.
- Bring Your Own Tie-Downs: While some farms offer twine, it’s a good idea to bring your own sturdy ratchet straps or bungee cords to safely secure the tree to your car roof.
Pro-Tip: Remember to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands from sticky sap and prickly needles when cutting and handling the tree.
11. Head East for Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
Pin this ultimate Christmas theme park getaway idea!
What to Expect:
- A Park Aglow: The entire theme park is transformed with over five million dazzling Christmas lights, creating a truly spectacular sight.
- Award-Winning Shows: Dollywood is famous for its high-quality entertainment, and the Christmas season features numerous holiday-themed musicals and performances.
- Festive Food: Special holiday treats are available throughout the park, from gingerbread cookies and wassail to full holiday meals at the park’s restaurants.
- A Holiday Drone & Fireworks Show: Each evening concludes with a stunning high-tech drone show and fireworks display set to festive music.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Dedicate a Full Day (and Night): To experience everything, you need to be there from open to close. The park has a different, more magical feel after the sun goes down and the lights come on.
- Check the Show Schedule Immediately: When you arrive, grab a park map and schedule. Prioritize the shows you want to see and plan your day around them, as theaters can fill up.
- Use the TimeSaver Pass: If you are visiting on a weekend or a peak day and want to ride the roller coasters, the TimeSaver pass is well worth the extra cost to skip the long lines.
- Stay Until the Very End: Many people leave after the fireworks, but the last hour the park is open is often the least crowded time to get photos and soak in the lights.
Lesson Learned: Even if it’s cold, ride the Dollywood Express train after dark. The views of the lights from the train as it winds through the park are absolutely breathtaking.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Tennessee Christmas
- For a Grand Spectacle: Gaylord Opryland is unmatched in scale and variety.
- For Artistic Beauty: Cheekwood’s “Holiday LIGHTS” offers a stunning, romantic walk through artful displays.
- For Small-Town Charm: Franklin’s “Dickens of a Christmas” delivers a unique, historic, and festive street festival experience.
- For Cozy Family Fun: A drive-thru light show is a perfect low-stress option for families with young children.
- Plan & Book Ahead: The most popular ticketed events (Cheekwood, The Nutcracker, Ryman shows) sell out weeks or even months in advance.
People Also Ask About Christmas in Tennessee
What are the best Christmas lights in Nashville?
The two most spectacular Christmas light displays in Nashville are “Holiday LIGHTS” at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and “A Country Christmas” at the Gaylord Opryland resort. Cheekwood offers an artistic one-mile walking trail of lights, while Opryland features millions of lights in its vast indoor atriums. For a drive-thru option, The Dancing Lights of Christmas is a local favorite.
Are there free things to do for Christmas in Tennessee?
Yes, there are many free Christmas activities in Tennessee. Most towns, like Franklin and Columbia, host free public events including their annual Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies. It’s also free to walk through the decorated atriums at Gaylord Opryland (though parking is not) or drive through historic neighborhoods to see private light displays.
Is Franklin, TN worth visiting at Christmas?
Franklin is absolutely worth visiting at Christmas and is considered one of the most charming holiday towns in the state. Its main attraction is the “Dickens of a Christmas” festival, which transforms historic Main Street into a Victorian-era celebration. The entire downtown area is beautifully decorated, creating a magical, old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere.
What is there to do at Gaylord Opryland for Christmas without tickets?
You can enjoy a lot of the Christmas magic at Gaylord Opryland for free, without buying any tickets. The main attraction is walking through the massive, climate-controlled atriums to see the millions of lights and elaborate decorations. This is completely free to do, but you will have to pay for on-site parking.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee truly comes alive with a special kind of magic during the Christmas season. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacular glow of millions of lights at Gaylord Opryland or the heartwarming charm of a small-town parade in Franklin, the real gift is the shared experience. The magic isn’t just in the events themselves, but in the moments of wonder, laughter, and togetherness they create.
What’s your can’t-miss holiday tradition in Tennessee? Share it in the comments below
Last update on 2025-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
