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Best Holiday Events, Activities, & Pop-Up Bars in Nashville

November 11, 2026 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? There are numerous fun holiday events, activities, and pop-up bars in Nashville to get you in the mood for hot chocolate, candy canes, and cozy fires. Here are some of the top holiday happenings this year in Music City.

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Holiday Attractions
Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Festive Spots for Cocktails
Holiday Events

Top Holiday Attractions

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

November 6, 2026 – January 2, 2027

Over three million lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination. You can visit Opryland for free any day between Friday, November 6, 2026, and Saturday, January 2, 2027, just to see the interior and exterior lights, or you can pay to do other fun activities. And, of course, you could stay the night for the ultimate experience!

Highlights during Christmas at Gaylord Opryland include:

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

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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 8:00pm at The Outfield, with extended hours of noon to 10:00pm from Monday, December 21, 2026, through Wednesday, December 30, 2026, and noon to 4:00pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. This new outdoor ice-skating rink in Wedgewood Houston sits beneath the Giant Guitar sign, with 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.

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Holiday Central at Nashville Yards

November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027

Holiday Central at Nashville Yards is taking place Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, at the Ascension Saint Thomas Landing (map/directions). Attendees can expect skating at the Rink Under Broad, festive drinks and beverages, holiday movies, free photos with Santa, and more. See the website for a full list of events and details.

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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.

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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.

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Chad’s Winter Wonderland

November 26, 2026, through December 31, 2026

Chad’s Winter Wonderland is a nightly drive-thru lighting event taking 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).

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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.

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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.

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HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS and Festive spots for cocktails

JW Marriott’s Whiskey Wonderland

Monday, November 2, 2026, through Friday, January 8, 2027

JW Marriott’s Whiskey Wonderland is open from Monday, November 2, 2026, through Friday, January 8, 2027. Guests can expect an immersive holiday experience filled with festive decor, twinkling lights, seasonal flavors, and holiday-inspired libations. This pop-up will be situated in the hotel lobby. Admission is $25 per person.

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Destination North Pole at BNA Sky Pavilion

Friday, November 13, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027

Destination North Pole is open daily from Friday, November 13, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, from 4:00pm to midnight at BNA Sky Pavilion, the 10th-floor restaurant and bar at Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal. Guests can expect festive decor, specialty holiday menus, and views overlooking Nashville International Airport. Special events include Tea with Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 6, 2026, and Cookies with Santa on Sunday, December 13, 2026. No reservations are required.

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An All-American Christmas on Broadway

Friday, November 20, 2026, through early January 2027

An All-American Christmas on Broadway kicks off on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar. This one-of-a-kind Christmas pop-up experience is decorated with twinkling lights, garland, and ornaments. Guests can expect special acoustic Christmas musical performances, festive cocktails, and holiday food. Admission is free and open to all ages until 6:00pm, then it’s 21 and over only.

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Santa Baby Pop-Up at Hidden Bar

Thursday, November 5, 2026, through Saturday, January 2, 2027

The Santa Baby Pop-Up at Hidden Bar is open from Thursday, November 5, 2026, through Saturday, January 2, 2027. Guests can expect a red-drenched holiday cocktail pop-up bar with festive drinks, seasonal bites, and a glamorous atmosphere. Admission is 21 and over only.

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Elf’d Up at The Pool Club

Begins Friday, November 13, 2026

Elf’d Up is coming to Nashville! This beloved Chicago Christmas pop-up bar opens at The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville on Friday, November 13, 2026. Guests can expect a larger-than-life holiday experience.

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Snow Globe Bungalow at Bacco

Begins Saturday, November 14, 2026

Snow Globe Bungalow at Bacco opens Saturday, November 14, 2026. Guests can expect a winter wonderland-inspired holiday pop-up with seasonal decor, magical moments, and a specially curated cocktail menu. This pop-up will take place outdoors on the terrace. Bacco is located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville in Downtown Nashville.

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Life at the Lodge at Alligator Bar

Begins Friday, November 20, 2026

Life at the Lodge at Alligator Bar opens Friday, November 20, 2026. Guests can expect a luxe, winter-inspired holiday pop-up where alpine charm meets festive indulgence. Alligator Bar is located beneath the Broadway Bridge at The Union Station Nashville Yards in Downtown Nashville.

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The Christmas You Remember Pop-Up at COA Nashville

Friday, November 20, 2026, through Saturday, December 26, 2026

The Christmas You Remember Pop-Up at COA Nashville is open Friday, November 20, 2026, through Saturday, December 26, 2026. This immersive holiday experience captures the magic and nostalgia of childhood Christmases. Guests can expect snowy rooftop terraces, tasty bites, festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and nostalgic decor.

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Grand & Gilded at lou/na

Friday, November 20, 2026, through Wednesday, December 30, 2026

Grand & Gilded at lou/na is open nightly from Friday, November 20, 2026, through Wednesday, December 30, 2026. Guests can expect an eye-catching escape adorned in shades of green and gold. There will also be a specialty menu of holiday-inspired cocktails and elevated comfort food.

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Saint Nicky’s

Begins Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Saint Nicky’s, the annual holiday pop-up dining experience at Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations, returns Tuesday, November 24, 2026, marking its sixth year of festive fun. This year’s theme, “Now That’s What I Call St. Nicky’s,” celebrates the iconic sights, sounds, and unmistakable nostalgia of the 1990s. Admission is free, and guests of all ages are welcome.

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