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As a lifelong Christmas fanatic, Chad Barnard certainly knows how to capture the beauty and fun 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-through display, which Barnard changes every year, visitors are transported to a world of holiday joy with nearly three million lights, a nativity scene, Santa’s workshop, and more. Don’t miss out on the amazing cinnamon bread, and be sure to wave hello to Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. The holiday journey costs $25 per car and runs from Thanksgiving night until New Year’s Eve. (791 Old Laguardo Rd. E., Lebanon)
One of Nashville’s favorite holiday traditions, Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is wowing the city now through January 4. Featuring more than a million lights twinkling throughout the stunning botanical gardens, holiday lovers of all ages will enjoy a whimsical one-mile walk through this real life winter wonderland. Be sure to tour the historic mansion expertly decorated by former White House Florist Laura Dowling. Cheekwood also offers festive favorites such as s’mores stations, seasonal libations, a holiday marketplace, and more. (1200 Forrest Park Dr.)
Soak in those special holiday nights from the comfort of your car at Franklin’s annual drivethrough holiday light display. The mile-and-ahalf spectacular features more than 200 lights synchronized with festive music, free photos with Santa and Christmas tree photo ops, s’mores over firepits, food truck snacks, and more. On select Wednesdays, guests can participate in Walkin’ Wednesdays in which they can park their cars and partake in a delightful stroll along the illuminated path from 5 – 6:30 p.m. All proceeds support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts, a nonprofit ministry serving at-risk youths in Franklin. (4215 Long Ln., Franklin)
Experience the Nashville Zoo in a different light at the largest lantern festival in the country, Zoolumination. Be amazed by over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns (some 100 feet long and 50 feet high!) and radiant displays of wildlife and wonder. Glide into holiday fun under lantern-lit skies on The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by Nobody Trashes Tennessee, and built in honor of Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater and Nashville Zoo board member, Scott Hamilton. Plus, enjoy nightly live entertainment along with tasty food and beverage options while you stroll. In the spirit of the season, there’s also a North Pole Village full of lights, trees, and visits from Santa Claus each night through December 24. Zoolumination runs nightly through January 4, and Thursday to Sunday from January 8 to February 8. (3777 Nolensville Pike)
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Gaylord Opryland, where the magic of Christmas is on full display throughout the massive resort. Running through January 3, experience So Much Christmas with 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 return, bringing the nostalgic world of A Charlie Brown Christmas to life through breathtaking, colossal sculptures hand-carved by a team of expert ice artisans. Additionally, Gaylord Opryland is excited to share POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a new musical holiday show for the entire family. Enjoy world-class acts, music, and costumes in an immersive universe from the acclaimed book and TV special. The resort also features seasonal dining and drinks, thrilling outdoor activities, and so much more holiday fun. (2800 Opryland Dr.)
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Tennessee’s largest drive-through light and music show is back every night through January 4 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. Open rain or shine, tickets are $35 per vehicle and weekend wait times can get lengthy, so stop by on weeknights to beat the rush. (1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon)