The holiday season is here, and Nashville is turning up the sparkle. Streets, parks, and venues are all decked out in twinkling lights and seasonal fun that make this time of year feel extra special. Whether you’re planning a night out with family, a festive date, or want to soak in the seasonal spirit, here’s a guide to some of the best holiday lights and events happening around Music City this season.
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville
Gaylord Opryland transforms into a holiday playground where you can wander through ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with tickets from $33.38, race down ice tubing lanes or skate across the Pinetop Village rink for $28.38, or set sail on a festive Delta Riverboat Cruise starting at $21.99. Kids can join Snoopy’s scavenger hunt for $14.99, decorate gingerbread for $29.99, or grab a keepsake photo with Santa for $40.99, while cozy private carriage rides start at $80.38. With nightly tree lighting ceremonies and festive selfie spots scattered across the resort, the entire day can be filled with holiday magic at every turn.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Date: November 7, 2025
Address: 4060 Cane Ridge Pkwy, Antioch
Kick off the season at the annual holiday tree Lighting celebration in Antioch. Watch a 48-foot LED tree light up the night at 6:00 PM after a grand entrance by Santa at 5:45 PM. Festivities include DIY ornaments, a Reindeer Dust station, live performances, and a mini Nutcracker performance by the Nashville Ballet. The first 100 guests also receive a complimentary light-up necklace. Admission is free, making it an easy stop for a quick dose of holiday spirit.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Address: 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon
For a holiday drive-through full of synchronized lights, The Dancing Lights of Christmas offers a family-friendly show with tickets at $35 per vehicle. Admission includes a visit to Santa’s Village, a petting zoo, and a chance to see Santa himself (available until December 23). The show is open rain or shine, even on holidays, and weekends after Thanksgiving can get busy, so plan accordingly.
Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo
Dates: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville
Zoolumination lights up the Nashville Zoo with over a thousand lanterns, some reaching heights of up to 50 feet, and festive displays throughout the grounds. Single-night admission starts at $25 for adults and $21 for kids, while platinum passes allow unlimited visits for $39 and $29. Visitors can meet Santa nightly from November 28 to December 24, grab a hot cocoa or cocktail, and glide across the Smashville Ice Rink for an additional $10–$12. Evening entertainment and animal viewing add to the charm, making it a glowing experience for all ages.
Christmas Village
Dates: November 14 – 16, 2025
Address: 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville
Step into Christmas Village, where over 250 merchants fill the fairgrounds with holiday shopping, handmade goods, and tasty treats. Tickets are $15 online or $12 per person for groups of 10 or more, with children 9 and under admitted free. Free parking makes it easy to stop by for a stroll through the festive displays, snap a photo with Santa, or check out seasonal crafts and food offerings!
Santa Express Excursion
Dates: November 22, 29 & December 6, 13, 20, 2025
Address: 220 Willow Street, Nashville
Climb aboard the Santa Express for a classic holiday train ride filled with festive cheer. Pricing starts at $38 for children under 12 in coach seats, $70 for dining car seats, and $120 for dome seating. Over the course of a two-hour round trip, kids can meet Santa and his elves, snap photos, and enjoy seasonal treats for purchase. With departures at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, this ride blends nostalgia, fun, and a dash of holiday magic on rails.
Franktown Festival of Lights
Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025
Address: 4215 Long Lane, Franklin
Franktown Festival of Lights transforms a mile-and-a-half of drive-through paths with more than 200 synchronized light displays. Admission begins at $32.63 for standard vehicles, while larger ones can go up to $106.79. Take photos by the towering Christmas tree, roast s’mores, or grab a snack from the food trucks. On select Wednesdays, visitors can stroll the illuminated route before it opens to cars, giving a quieter way to take it all in. Dogs on leashes are welcome, so the whole family, including furry friends, can get in on the fun.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville
Wander through Cheekwood as the gardens glow with over a million lights and the 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree sets the scene for a truly festive night. Tickets are $20 for adults and $13–$17 for youth, with members enjoying discounted rates. Add a mansion tour, roast s’mores, or grab a drink from the holiday bar to round out your visit. The ‘Merry & Bright’ package, priced from $130 to $155, bundles tickets, parking, drink tickets, and s’mores kits for a festive night made easy.
Holly Jolly Festival of Lights
Dates: November 28 – December 21, 2025 (bonus nights December 22–23)
Address: 2175 Moore’s Lane, Franklin
Lucky Ladd Farms lights up with a walkable trail of twinkling displays, seasonal photo spots, and festive fun for all ages. Admission begins at $16 for ages 2+, while little ones under 2 get in free—plus, parking’s included. Add-on activities include face painting, s’mores roasting, and a hot cocoa bar. Seasonal character meet-and-greets and a snow globe experience give families a full evening of festive fun.
Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
Dates: December 31, 2025
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville
Ring in the new year at Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park—a free celebration that brings together music, fireworks, and the spirit of Music City. This year’s lineup features headlining performances by Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman, along with appearances from CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. As the clock counts down to midnight, watch the iconic Music Note Drop and fireworks illuminate the Nashville skyline. It’s one of the city’s most anticipated nights of the year and the perfect way to welcome 2026 in true Nashville style.
Nashville’s holiday offerings are bursting with lights, events, and festive cheer, making it a great destination to celebrate the season with family and friends. To make the most of your holiday, visit and book a GoodNight Stay, and find your home for the holidays. Ring in the season with 15% off stays between December 18, 2025, and January 3, 2026, using code HAPPYHOLIDAYS15 at checkout. Don’t forget to peek at our specials page for additional discounts to make your holiday getaway extra special!
