The holidays are here again, and it’s time to get out there and enjoy the festivities at the top holiday events in Middle Tennessee! Though we’ve selected only ten, our amazing region is simply packed with celebrations. Whether you wish to attend a concert, work at a charitable event, be whisked away to yesteryear, or simply roast a s’more and sip hot cocoa under glorious holiday lights, there’s truly something to experience every day and night from now until the end of January.
Now, let’s spotlight ten holiday events of 2024 that are sure to make your days merry and bright!
Holiday Cruise on the Pontoon Saloon
2 Victory Ave. | Nashville
Pontoon Saloon, Nashville’s #1 rated boat cruise on Trip Advisor, is offering their first Holiday Cruise on the Cumberland. This two-hour event will be happening until December 14th. The Holiday Cruise is BYOB and is therefore only open to guests over age 21. The party pontoon has been beautifully decorated for the season. We recommend reserving your full-on festive cruise as soon as possible, because this popular tour will likely sell out quickly!
A Jacksonian Christmas at the Hermitage
4580 Rachel’s Lane | Hermitage
A Jacksonian Christmas returns to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, and your whole family is invited. Come out on December 6th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM to tour the historic home and learn more about the Christmas traditions of days gone by. A horse-drawn wagon will carry you around the property as your guide tells you of the Christmas customs of the enslaved people owned by Jackson.
Then, stay to enjoy Christmas carols sung by Andrew Jackson Elementary’s Eagle Honor Choir, make s’mores outdoors, compete to create the most creative gingerbread house, shop, have your family photo taken with Father Christmas, and have dinner at one of the local food trucks that will be set up on-site.
A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort
2800 Opryland Dr. | Nashville
The Marriott’s Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of Nashville’s crowning hotel jewels, and their many holiday events are internationally famous. In fact, there are many people who make the pilgrimage to Nashville mainly to stay at this resort during the holidays!
Events we particularly recommend include ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman, running now through January 1st. This astounding, immersive experience is story driven and takes place within a massive holiday ice display carved from two million pounds of ice by some of the country’s top ice artists. Slide down frozen slides, climb through magical tunnels, and visit every corner of ICE!
Please remember to bundle up the family for your visit to ice, because the air will be a frosty 9 degrees F to perfectly preserve the frozen wonderland. Parkas will be provided to all guests, but a solid base layer will help you stay toasty.
Another of their top events is Winterfest Ice skating, where you and yours can enjoy a classic spin around the rink, no matter how mild our Nashvillian winter may be. If you’re not a skater, don’t fret! Lessons and skates are available for the whole family.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the fun festivities available at the resort, so you must visit at least once and experience as much as you can!
Dickens of a Christmas
Main Street | Franklin
If you are nostalgic for an era in which you never lived, please accept this invitation to Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas, happening on Main Street December 14th – 15th. Saturday’s hours are 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sunday’s are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Experience the gorgeous recreation of Christmas as Charles Dickens would have recognized it as the lovely architecture of downtown Franklin (fully decorated for the event) transports you. Dancers, musicians, and in-character Dickensian actors will be in attendance, so keep your eyes peeled for Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim and all the Cratchits, and of course, Ebenezer Scrooge himself! Visit the beer garden and whiskey lounge to complete your visit, and of course, feel merry and bright.
Santa Rampage 2024
2nd Avenue through Midtown | Nashville
Sometimes, we need to blow off some holiday-related stress. If this sounds like you, come on out to the Santa Rampage in Nashville on December 14th, from 7:00 PM (or earlier if you wish) onward. The event will take place across many of your favorite bars and pubs, is entirely free to the public, and is focused on safe, fun, and festive shenanigans.
Dress up as your most creative interpretation of what Santa Claus looks like when he rolls out of bed during his busiest time of the year, drink responsibly, be extra kind to any children you meet on your tour (candy canes to hand out are recommended,) look out for your fellow Santas, and have a blast!
The Miracle Pop-Up at Tiger Bar
2909 Gallatin Pike | Nashville
This cozy, 1930s-inspired popup will offer an escape into an antique winter wonderland packed with tasty holiday eats, festive mugs, and delicious craft cocktails, will be held from Wednesday, November 20, 2024, through Sunday, December 29, 2024. Wear your Art Deco looks if you desire, take adorable holiday photos, and make brand-new memories in Tiger Bar’s innovative take on Christmas festivities of nearly 100 years ago.
Camp Bobby: A Winter Pop-Up Experience
230 4th Ave N | Nashville
Camp Bobby returns this November 2, 2024 and runs through February 16, 2024. This 70s-inspired campsite beckons you to curl up against a personal campfire, patronize the tended bar, book an igloo for up to six campers, or kick back in the lounge in the Scenicruiser with up to eighteen of your friends. This popular event tends to be booked up fully each weekend, so we encourage you to make a reservation for one of the igloos if you want guaranteed seating for your visit.
Who’s Tavern at Pancake Pantry
220 Malloy St. | Nashville
We all love the Whos of Suess, so visit Who’s Tavern to fill up on holiday spirits and dynamite festive foods. The event will take place Thursdays through Saturdays from Thursday, November 7th through Saturday, December 28th from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at Pancake Pantry the SoBro/Downtown neighborhood. All ages are welcome!
The Rink Above Broadway
1000 Broadway | Nashville
Even in Nashville, you and your family can experience ice skating high above Broadway. This eco-friendly “glice” skating location opens Friday, November 22nd at Grand Hyatt Nashville. Held on the fifth-floor rooftop, this charming winter wonderland is available for both walk-ins and reservations, though we strongly recommend making a reservation for your desired dates—this event is a popular one!
Visit the rink, of course, but save time to tour the surrounding winter village and capture photos to remember this exciting outing. Valet parking for up to two hours is included with your ticket.
Holidays at the White House with the First Ladies: Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama at Cheekwood Estates & Gardens
1200 Forrest Park Dr. | Nashville
From November 22nd - January 5th, Cheekwood Estates & Gardens welcomes you to explore the holiday themes displayed in the White House from beloved First Ladies. Beginning with style icon Jackie Kennedy who first launched this now entrenched tradition in 1961 and continuing through to the stunning modern display spearheaded by Michelle Obama, this installation is a photographic journey through our country’s Christmas history.
Laura Dowling, who created this event, was the White House Chief Floral Designer for the Obama administration. Her keen artistic eye and personal experience with Christmas at the White House shine through each display you’ll see on your tour.
The Takeaway
There’s no place like Middle Tennessee any time of year, but oh, how it shines at the holidays. Our community comes together to celebrate the love, joy, and spirit of giving that exemplify the best of this time of year, so please join in at any or all of our recommendations for the top holiday events of 2024.
We wish for you to have a joyous, peaceful, and memorable holiday season.
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