The holidays in Nashville are magical, especially for children. Over the years, more and more kid-friendly activities and events have been added to the Nashville line-up. See below for a list of the very best things to do with kids in Nashville this holiday season.
Kid-Friendly Holiday Activities
Glow Wild Holiday Light Show at Nashville Zoo
November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Glow Wild, Nashville Zoo’s new holiday light show, runs nightly from Friday, November 13, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Nashville Zoo. Attendees can expect a holiday light show featuring glowing wildlife, festive displays, and an 85-foot-tall synchronized Christmas tree. Food and beverages (including spiked hot cocoa) are available for purchase. Buying tickets in advance is required. Single-night tickets are $27 (members save $5 off single-night tickets). Platinum Passes (unlimited visits) are $39. Children under age 2 are free.
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
November 6, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Millions of lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination every holiday season. Guests can visit Opryland to see the interior and exterior lights for free any day between Friday, November 6, 2026, and Saturday, January 2, 2027, or pay a fee to experience additional family-friendly activities. Looking for the ultimate experience? Book a stay!
Highlights during Christmas at Gaylord Opryland include:Â
- ICE! featuring “Home Alone” (begins November 6, 2026)
- POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance (begins November 24, 2026)
- Outdoor ice tubing, ice skating, and ice bumper cars
- Millions of lights
- Nutmeg’s Holiday Kitchen Character Breakfast
- Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt
- Carriage rides
- Photos with Santa
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruises
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
November 7, 2026 – January 3, 2027
The Dancing Lights of Christmas is open nightly (including all holidays) from Saturday, November 7, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, at 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087 (map/directions). Hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. This attraction is a drive-thru light display synced to music. There’s also Santa’s Village, which includes a variety of add-on activities such as a petting zoo, photos with Santa, carnival rides, helicopter rides, drinks, and snacks. The main attraction is $35 per standard family vehicle.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is open seven nights a week from Friday, November 20, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Enjoy over one million twinkling lights as you stroll through the 55-acre grounds of Cheekwood. From s’mores stations to holiday drinks for grown-ups, this is a wonderful holiday outing for the whole family. Holiday LIGHTS is a timed-entry event held from 4:30pm to 10:00pm. Admission prices vary depending on membership status, time, and date.
The Rink Under the Giant Guitar
November 20, 2026 – January 18, 2027
The Rink Under the Giant Guitar is open daily from Friday, November 20, 2026, through Monday, January 18, 2027, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at The Outfield. This new outdoor ice-skating rink in Wedgewood-Houston will be located beneath the Giant Guitar sign. Skaters can also enjoy hot chocolate and winter treats from Perenn, the all-day bakery and cafe. Admission is free, and skate rentals are $10. All ages are welcome.
Note: This experience is closed Thursday, November 26, 2026, Friday, December 25, 2026, and Friday, January 1, 2027.
Franktown Festival of Lights
November 20, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Franktown Festival of Lights is a nightly light display running from Friday, November 20, 2026, through Thursday, December 31, 2026, at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin (map/directions). Relax in your vehicle as you wind through over 200 light displays and listen to synchronized Christmas tunes on your radio. Walkin’ Wednesdays return this year, offering tickets for those who would like to walk through the light display on select Wednesdays from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The display is open nightly from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Chad’s Winter Wonderland
November 26, 2026, through December 31, 2026
Get the family together and head over to Chad’s Winter Wonderland. This festive nightly drive-thru lighting event takes place from Thursday, November 26, 2026, through Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The cost is $25 (cash only) per car. The vehicle height limit is 8’8″. Be sure to stop by their concession stands (cash and card accepted) for food, drinks, and merchandise. The address is 791 Old Laguardo Road East, Lebanon, TN 37087 (map/directions).
Kid-Friendly Holiday Pop-ups
Winter Wonderland at Fogg Street Lawn Club
Begins November 16, 2026
The Winter Wonderland at Fogg Street Lawn Club kicks off on Monday, November 16, 2026. This family-friendly holiday experience will feature cozy cabins, ice curling, and festive decor. Guests can expect three different cabins that provide either dining or couch seating. A minimum spend is required depending on the day of the week. Ice curling lanes can be reserved for 1 hour. All ages are welcome. Bookings can be made here.
Saint Nicky’s
Begins November 24, 2026
Saint Nicky’s, the holiday-themed dining experience, is back for its sixth year and begins on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations. Guests can expect a “Now That’s What I Call St. Nicky’s” theme featuring iconic sights, sounds, and unmistakable nostalgia of the 1990s. Admission is free. All ages are welcome.
Note: Photo is from 2025 Saint Nicky’s.
Kid-friendly Holiday Events
- Christmas Village – November 13-15, 2026
- Nashville’s Nutcracker – November 27-28, 2026, & December 5-6, 11-13, 18-24, 26-27, 2026
- Opry Country Christmas – November 30, 2026, & December 2-3, 6, 9-10, 13-14, 20-22, 2026
- Disney’s Frozen at TPAC – December 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2026
- Jingle Bell Run – December 5, 2026
- Porter Flea Holiday Market Preview Market – December 11, 2026
- Porter Flea Holiday Market – December 12, 2026
- Dickens of a Christmas – December 12-13, 2026
- iHeartRadio 107.5 The River’s Jingle Ball 2026 – December 17, 2026
- Rudolph’s Red Nose Run 5K – December 19, 2026
- Made Market – Holiday 2026 – December 19, 2026
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