KURT HEINECKE
Nashville Symphony
Tickets to the Symphony make great gifts!
This spring marks the conclusion of Giancarlo Guerrero’s extraordinary 16-year tenure with the Nashville Symphony. Join them for more than 100 concerts featuring your GRAMMY® Award-winning symphony in one of Middle Tennessee’s most acoustically stunning venues. From classical gems like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, to cross-genre fan favorites, including The War and Treaty and Lyle Lovett, and live-to-film performances of movies like The Lion King and The Princess Bride, there’s something for everyone. Tickets start at just $29.
At the heart of the mission is a commitment to inspiring and engaging the community through education and outreach. In addition to world-class performances, the Nashville Symphony shapes the future of music through our robust education and community programs. The Young People’s Concerts introduce students to symphonic music, while our flagship Accelerando program helps young musicians from underrepresented communities pursue music careers. The Community Concerts bring the Symphony directly to neighborhoods across Middle Tennessee, offering free performances to make orchestral music accessible to all. Other initiatives, like Music in My Neighborhood and Symphony 101, provide enriching experiences that engage and inspire people of all ages. These transformative programs, both in the concert hall and throughout the community, are made possible through the support of donors and community partners.
Contributions help the Symphony continue providing these life-changing opportunities to students and families across the region.
General Jackson Showboat
The 300-foot General Jackson Showboat will begin welcoming guests aboard for holiday-themed cruises November 14 through December 25, 2024. Cruises include the Tennessee Christmas midday lunch cruise and the Music City Christmas evening dinner cruise.
Inside the Victorian Theater, guests will enjoy a delectable meal prepared by Gaylord Opryland Resort’s award- winning chefs prior to the show. The live performances feature a dazzling holiday set, a live band, incredible singers, dynamic music arrangements, mesmerizing choreography, and stunning costumes all supported by state-of-the-art lighting and sound.
Tickets can be purchased at GeneralJackson.com.
Gaylord Opryland Dinner Show
Gaylord Opryland Resort welcomes legendary country music artist Terri Clark and the acclaimed group The Frontmen as headliners for a brand-new “A Country Christmas Dinner Show” series during its 41st annual holiday celebration. This year’s dinner show will feature two distinct performances for visitors to choose from, including Terri Clark’s “It’s Christmas...Cheers!” show and The Frontmen’s “Holidays & Hits” show.
A Country Christmas Dinner Shows are held in the iconic 2,888-room resort’s Tennessee Ballroom where guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal prepared by Gaylord Opryland’s talented culinary team followed by incredible performances. Tickets are on-sale now.
Terri Clark’s “It’s Christmas...Cheers!”: Nov. 23-24, 27-30; Dec. 1, 4-6, and 17-22
The Frontmen’s “Holidays & Hits” show: Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3, 15-16, and 23-25
For ticket reservations, overnight room offers, and dinner show dates and times, visit ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.
Cheekwood
Gifts of the Garden: Cheekwood Mansion Décor by former White House Florist Laura Dowling Delight in the stunning floral-themed décor by former White House florist Laura Dowling, who will adorn nine historic rooms and spaces of the Mansion with festive and colorful decorations. Tour the Mansion during the day or in the evening during Holiday LIGHTS.
Mansion Tour & Afternoon Tea Packages: December 5–January 3 | Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays | 12:45 p.m. Tour, 2 p.m. Tea
For more information and to reserve tickets go to cheekwood.org.
Laura Dowling Lectures & Workshops:
- Lecture and Book Signing: Designing Christmas November 20 | 10 a.m.
- Lecture: Designing Christmas in the White House Style December 6 | 1 p.m.
Hands-On Workshop: An Elegant "Hunt Country" Wreath December 7 | 9:30 a.m. to noon
Hands-On Workshop: An Enchanted Garden Topiary Tree December 7 | 1:30 – 4 p.m.
EVA DRENNAN
The Ryman
The holidays at the Ryman Auditorium in 2024 promise to be a magical experience, filled with festive cheer and unforgettable performances. This season, the legendary venue will feature concerts by beloved artists, including Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s cherished Christmas residency, bringing their signature blend of warmth and holiday spirit. Ricky Skaggs will add a bluegrass twist with his seasonal performances, while Lauren Daigle’s soulful voice will fill the hall with modern holiday favorites. To close out the year, Old Crow Medicine Show will host an energetic New Year's Eve celebration, ensuring the season ends on a high note.
- Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 1-2, 15, 17-18, 20-21
- Lauren Daigle: Dec. 3-4
- Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas: Dec. 22
- Old Crow Medicine Show: Dec. 30-31
Step into Music History This Holiday Season at the Ryman
Ryman Auditorium’s daytime tour is the perfect place to bring out-of-town guests this holiday season. Visitors begin with the immersive Soul of Nashville video experience and then explore exhibits showcasing the Ryman's over 130-year history, including a special exhibit with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights include artifacts from artists like Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, and more. Guests can even take a photo on the iconic stage where so many stars have performed. Tickets can be reserved in advance for an unforgettable holiday experience.
For King + Country ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ Live at the Opry House:
The most wonderful time of the year is back and in a brand new way—for KING+ COUNTRY is bringing ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ back to the Opry House December 17-20! Step into the Christmas spirit like never before as Grammy-award winning brothers Joel + Luke Smallbone lead audiences on a sonic journey that blends the sights and sounds of the season with the musical mastery and heartwarming storytelling the duo is renowned for. With a host of original music as well as thrilling live performances from A Drummer Boy Christmas like the harmonic ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ and the soul-stirring beats of ‘Little Drummer Boy’, it’s sure to be a highlight of the holiday season.
Santa at the Ryman:
Santa is coming on December 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Tour the Ryman with the family and get a photo with Santa himself on the Ryman stage. Kids twelve and under can tour the Ryman for free with an adult admission. There will be live reindeer on the Ryman’s PNC Plaza, carolers and additional holiday activities as part of this family-friendly event.
For more information, visit ryman.com.
Nashville Zoo Zoolumination®
The country's largest lantern festival Zoolumination®, presented by Anheuser-Busch, returns even brighter to Nashville Zoo this holiday season. New this year, Nashville Zoo will have The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by the Nashville Predators and in honor of Scott Hamilton, for visitors to enjoy while they experience the glow of more than 1,000 authentic, custom-made silk Chinese lanterns. Visitors can expect one-of-a-kind lantern structures exquisitely constructed, featuring fantastical beasts, colorful scenes, picturesque walkways, dragons and more.
Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from traditional entertainers who will perform nightly. As the nights become cooler, visitors can warm up with holiday beverages and traditional foods available throughout the pathways. Venture through a special holiday-themed North Pole Village that will feature the North Pole Express, Santa's workshop, holiday treats and even visit Santa from November 24 to December 24.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination.
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Discover the holidays at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage!
This holiday season, step back in time at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage to experience Christmas in the mid-19th-century. Tour the Greek Revival-style mansion the Jacksons called home to see gifts they would have exchanged and how the home would have been decorated. Interpreters will share stories of parties the family had, including an indoor snowball fight.
The mission of the Andrew Jackson Foundation is to provide visitors the opportunity to learn more about the nation’s 7th president, as well as his enslaved community. Daily tours are offered, including a Mansion Tour, horse-drawn wagon tour and specialty tours. While there, stop by the Museum Store for the perfect gifts and souvenirs. And don’t forget to sample local wine and craft beer in the onsite tasting room, Natchez Hills Winery.
- December 6: A Jacksonian Christmas, an evening of merry-making for the whole family
- December 7: Christmas Wreath Workshop
For more information, visit thehermitage.com.