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Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
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A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort
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FrankTown Festival of Lights
Grab a hot chocolate, bundle up, and set out dashing through the snow, because we've rounded up our favorite holiday light displays that Saint Nick Himself would approve of.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
Experience one of Nashville’s favorite holiday traditions now through January 7, as glistening lights illuminate the night sky at Cheekwood’s legendary Holiday LIGHTS display. Featuring more than a million lights twinkling throughout 55 acres of beautiful botanical gardens, holiday lovers of all ages will enjoy a whimsical walk through this real-life winter wonderland. Embark on a magical one-mile walking path exploring sparkling interactive features that set the gardens aglow, along with a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the adorned historic mansion. Cheekwood also offers festive favorites such as s’mores stations, seasonal libations, a holiday marketplace, and more. (1200 Forrest Park Dr.; cheekwood.org)
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort
No holiday season is complete without a visit to Gaylord Opryland where the magic of Christmas is on full display throughout the massive resort. Running through January 1, celebrate the season with an array of family-friendly activities and events set against a backdrop of more than five million brilliant lights on display. Towering, elaborately themed Christmas trees and over-the-top décor deck the halls (and the grounds) throughout the resort for an immersive holiday experience to brighten up even the coldest winter night. The resort’s signature attraction ICE! makes its highly anticipated annual return, bringing the magical world of The Polar Express to life through breathtaking sculptures hand- carved by a team of expert ice artisans to create this nearly 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction. The resort also features nightly tree lightings, seasonal dining and drinks, thrilling outdoor activities at the Appalachian-inspired Pinetop village, and so much more. (2800 Opryland Dr.; christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com)
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Tennessee’s largest drive-thru light and music show is back every night through December 31 at the Wilson County Fairgrounds/Ward AG Center. Beat the winter blues (and temps) with a family-friendly outing you can enjoy without leaving the coziness of your car. Drive through 2.5 miles of lights taking the shape of vibrant tunnels, dancing trees, candy canes, and more synchronized to Christmas tunes the whole family can sing along to. Light show admission also includes access to Santa’s Workshop for visits, a photo op with Santa himself, adorable furry friends at the petting farm, and tasty snacks, sweets, and drink options. Tickets are $30 per vehicle and weekend wait times can get lengthy, so stop by on weeknights to beat the rush. (1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon; thedancinglightsofchristmas.com)
Chad’s Winter Wonderland
As a lifelong Christmas lights fanatic, Chad Barnard certainly knows how to capture the beauty of the season. Since he was 12 years old, he has been crafting magical displays with handmade wood cutouts, loads of lights, and even more heart, soul, and creativity. In this annual 12-acre Lebanon drive-thru display, which Chad changes every year, visitors are transported into a true winter wonderland with nearly three million lights, a nativity scene, Santa’s workshop, and more. The joyous holiday journey costs $25 per car and runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. (791 Old Laguardo Rd. E., Lebanon; facebook.com/chadswinterwonderland)
FrankTown Festival of Lights
Franklin’s annual drive-thru holiday light display returns with festive fun the whole family can enjoy, right from the comfort of your very own car. Running through December 31, the light spectacular transforms the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park with over 200 displays synchronized to Christmas classics to be listened to over the radio as you drive along this magnificent, newly expanded, mile- and-a-half-long route. And every Wednesday guests can partake in Walking Wednesdays in which they can park their cars and walk the lighted route from 5 – 6:30 p.m. After taking in the sights, cap off the night by snapping a picture with the giant sparkling Christmas tree, toasting s’mores over the fire pit, and cozying up with your crew as the lights dance before your eyes. All proceeds support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts, a nonprofit ministry servicing at-risk youths in Franklin. (4215 Long Ln., Franklin; franktownfestivaloflights.com)