1 of 5
Courtesy of Ryman Auditorium
2 of 5
Courtesy of Bobby Hotel
3 of 5
Courtesy of Lisa Diederich Photography
4 of 5
Courtesy of Reindeer Games
5 of 5
Courtesy of Miracle Bar
Don your most festive apparel and check out these holiday happenings in Music City—lights, letters to Santa, igloos, happy hours, and more!
Holiday at the Ryman
Now through January 6, Middle Tennessee residents can enjoy a free self-guided tour with the purchase of a full-price self-guided tour at the Ryman! A perfect activity to share with out-of-town guests, gather friends and loved ones, and immerse yourselves in the Soul of Nashville, taking in the Ryman's state-of-the-art theater experience and stories from Music City’s most hallowed stage. Just show your ID at the Ryman box office and create new traditions at the Mother Church.
Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, 615-889-3060; ryman.com/holiday
Holiday Hour at Josephine
Josephine has introduced holiday hour, a special menu now available at the bar seven days a week between 5 - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy $6 scrapple olives, $9 pretzel bread with housemade brown butter mustard, and $6 fried oysters, as well as $7 holiday sparkling, white, or red wine, a can of Hap & Harry’s and a shot of George Dickel for $6, and the Josephine Toddy (Red Eye Rye, Angostura Amaro, Old Forrester Signature, lemon, and sweet cream) for $9.
Josephine, 2316 12th Ave S, 615-292-7766; josephineon12th.com
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Step into Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood. Nashville’s favorite tradition returns with one million lights illuminating Cheekwood gardens for the prettiest winter stroll of the season. Open November 23 - December 30, seven nights a week (except Christmas Day), 5 - 10 p.m.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, 615-356-8000; cheekwood.org
Igloos at Bobby Hotel
Walkin’ in a rooftop wonderland… Bobby Hotel’s rooftop lounge is home to a slew of igloos for the holidays, open Sunday - Wednesday, 4 - 10 p.m., and Thursday - Saturday, 4 - 11 p.m. Reservations aren’t required, so head to the rooftop to check them up. Downstairs, executive chef Jeff Axline has unveiled a new winter menu at Tavern at Bobby, with hearty dishes highlighting the season’s rich, comforting flavors, inspired by nostalgia and travel.
Bobby Hotel, 230 4th Ave N, 615-782-7100; bobbyhotel.com
L27's Alpine Experience
Winter in Nashville can be bitterly cold, but you can still enjoy the city skyline at L27 Rooftop Lounge's Alpine experience. With new decorations—think cozy blankets, rawhides, wreaths, and garland—guests will feel like they have stepped into an upscale ski resort. Outdoor heaters and seasonal cocktails will also be available to help guests stay warm.
Westin Nashville, 807 Clark Pl, 629-800-5070; l27nashville.com
Letters to Santa at Christie Cookie
Santa isn’t the only one who deserves cookies this time of year. Every visitor who visits either Christie Cookie bakery location to drop off a letter to Santa will receive a free cookie! This is available during regular shop hours through December 24—just look for Santa’s mailbox.
Christie Cookie Co., 2606 12th Ave S, 615-454-3162; christiecookies.com
Miracle at Hidden Bar
Featuring the kitschiest of holiday décor, perfectly crafted cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle at Hidden Bar is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Open nightly at 4 p.m. Admission is free. No reservations needed.
Noelle, 200 4th Ave N, 615-649-5000; noelle-nashville.com
Reindeer Games at HQ Beercade
Deck the halls with Reindeer Games at HQ Beercade, an immersive holiday pop-up bar featuring over-the-top decorations, interactive installations, holiday-inspired cocktails, and more. Guests can eat, drink, and be merry with festive dishes (Santa’s Sliders, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Queso, and Rudolph’s Reindeer Snacks) and a specialty cocktail menu, with creative riffs on classic Christmas flavors, like Red Rye Rosé, Pumpkin Spike Hot Toddy, and White Christmas.
HQ Beercade, 114 2nd Ave S, 615-784-3494; reindeergamesbar.com
Winter Waldenland
East Nashville's Walden has transformed into a winter wonderland 'til New Year's Eve, decked with over-the-top decorations, a fireplace lounge, peppermint Christmas trees, and dancing Santas galore. They're serving up holiday-themed cocktails, like classic Eggnog and a Snowflake Martini, and hosting a daily advent calendar giveaway, too.
Walden, 2909B Gallatin Pk, 615-760-5808; waldenbar.com