Ready to get in the holiday spirit? There are a lot of 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.
Top Holiday Attractions
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Over three million lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination. You can visit Opryland for free any day between November 11, 2022, to January 1, 2023, 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:Â
- ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ™ (starts November 11th)
- The Oak Ridge Boys “Christmas in Tennessee” Dinner Show
- Outdoor fun including ice tubing, ice skating, ice bumper cars, and live performances
- Millions of lights
- Carriage rides
- Photos with Santa
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruises
- Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Breakfast
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is open seven nights a week from November 19, 2022, to January 8, 2023 (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). Enjoy over one million twinkling lights while you walk 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-ticketed event from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The exhibit admission ranges from free to $28 depending on membership status, time, and date.
Zoolumination
November 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Zoolumination will return to the Nashville Zoo nightly (5pm to 9pm) from November 18, 2022, to January 8, 2023 and from Thursday through Sunday (5pm to 9pm) January 12, 2023, to February 4, 2023. This event features over 1,000 large-than-life, custom-made silk lanterns. In addition to mythical creatures and fantastical beasts, there will be a festive North Pole Village full of holiday lights and fun where Santa will visit nightly from November 25th to December 24th.
Buying tickets in advance is required. Single-night tickets are $19 for adults and teens and $15 for kids (ages 2-12 years old), members save $2 off single-night tickets. Platinum Passes (unlimited visits) are $29 for adults and teens and $21 for kids (ages 2-12 years old). Parking is $8 for non-members and free for members.
Enchant at First Horizon Park
November 25, 2022 – December 30, 2022
Enchant will be at First Horizon Park from November 25, 2022, to December 30, 2022 featuring a story-themed holiday lights maze, an ice skating forest, a village of artisans and boutiques, Santa’s Landing with photo opportunities, an elves play place, and live entertainment. Entry is $34 per adult and $20 per child with ice skating being an additional $18 per person. On select Wednesdays, kids received free admission with purchase of an adult ticket. Check their calendar for this special offer.
Drive-Thru Dancing Lights of Christmas
November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023
The annual Dancing Lights of Christmas will take place at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. The light show will run from November 11, 2022, to January 1, 2023. This has quickly become a Nashville tradition where attendees pile in a car and drive through an incredible dancing light show, which synchronizes with a special FM radio channel. Tickets are $30 per family vehicle with prices increasing for limousines and party buses. The show opens nightly at 5:00pm, even on holidays.
General Jackson Christmas Cruises
November 25, 2022 – December 30, 2022
Float down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, one of Nashville’s long-time attractions, for a holiday-themed cruise through December 25, 2022. Choose between the Tennessee Christmas Midday Cruise or the Music City Christmas Evening Cruise. During each cruise, guests can expect live musical performances, an elegant three-course meal, and incredible views of Nashville. All ages are welcome.
Franktown Festival of Lights
November 18, 2022 – December 31, 2022
Franktown Festival of Lights is a nightly light display running from November 18, 2022, to December 31, 2022, at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin. Relax in your vehicle and wind through over 200 light displays and listen to synchronized Christmas tunes on your radio. Walkin’ Wednesdays will return this year with tickets reserved for people who would like to walk through the lights display from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The display is open from 5:00pm to 9:00pm nightly. Tickets are $30-$100 depending on the size of your vehicle.
HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS
Camp Bobby: A Winter Pop-Up Experience
Begins November 12, 2022
Camp Bobby, a 1970s-inspired campsite with personal campfires, igloos, and a groovy lounge, opens on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Bobby Hotel’s rooftop. Camp Bobby is open daily! See the most up-to-date hours on their website.Â
- Igloos (up to 6 guests): Reservations only with a $200 food and beverage minimum for 90 minutes + $25 reservation fee + 18% gratuity
- 70s Holiday Lounge in the Scenicruiser (up to 12 guests): Reservations only with a $500 food and beverage minimum for 2 hours + $25 reservation fee + 18% gratuity
- Fire Pits & Tented Bar: walk-in only; first-come, first-served
- There will not be an ice skating rink this year
Hidden Bar’s Holiday Vacation
November 2, 2022 through January 7, 2023
Hidden Bar’s Holiday Vacation pop-up is spreading holiday cheer from November 2, 2022 to January 7, 2023. The bar at Noelle Hotel has been transformed into the Griswold’s holiday gathering with nostalgic moments from the film and Christmas Vacation-inspired cocktails and snacks. This is a first-come, first-served experience—reservations are not accepted. Guests must be 21 or over to enter.
Hidden Bar Hours:Â
- Monday – Closed for private events
- Tuesday – 5:00pm to Midnight
- Wednesday – 5:00pm to Midnight
- Thursday – 5:00pm to Midnight
- Friday – 5:00pm to 1:00am
- Saturday – 5:00pm to 1:00am
- Sunday – 5:00pm to Midnight
The Grinch-Themed Bar at Moxy Downtown
Monday, November 21, 2022, through Sunday, January 8, 2023
The Grinch-Themed Bar at Moxy Downtown is open now through Sunday, January 8, 2023. Guests can expect Grinch-themed cocktails and menu items. This bar is open daily and can be found on the fifth floor of the Moxy Downtown Hotel. When weather permits, hang out on the rooftop patio overlooking Broadway.
Saint Nicky’s
November 26, 2022, through December 28, 2022
Saint Nicky’s, a holiday-themed dining experience, is taking place from November 26, 2022, to December 28, 2022, at Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations. Guests can expect holiday cocktails, lights, garlands, Christmas trees, ornaments, and a picturesque winter wonderland.
Whiskey Wonderland
Friday, November 25, 2022, through Saturday, December 31, 2022
Whiskey Wonderland will take place Friday, November 25, 2022, through Saturday, December 31, 2022, at JW Marriott Nashville. Guests can expect an 18-foot-tall life-sized gingerbread whiskey distillery and delicious holiday-themed cocktails. This cozy pop-up bar will pay tribe to the whimsical whiskey character “Gen. Hooch Poteen.” The Whiskey Wonderland and Around The Campfire cocktails are a must-try! Reservations are strongly recommended—a $10 deposit is required to reserve your seat and will be applied toward your bill. Complimentary valet parking is included with each visit. This pop-up will be open daily but closed on Christmas Day.
Penguin Express
Friday, November 25, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023
Penguin Express, an Antarctic escape, is open from Friday, November 25, 2022, to Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Grand Hyatt Nashville’s 5th-floor rooftop pool deck. Expect seasonal cocktails and special events throughout the month, including Breakfast with Santa, Movie Night, Kids Cookie Decorating Class, Dueling Pianos, Silent Disco NYE, and Penguin Plunge. Penguin Express pledges to help save penguins by supporting Oceana and its mission to protect the world’s oceans. Regular hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm Thursday through Sunday. Two hours of valet parking are complimentary.
Chalet 27
November 16, 2022, through February 20, 2023
Make your way to the highest rooftop in Nashville to experience Chalet 27. The winter experience is located at L27 Rooftop Lounge on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville, now open through February 20, 2023. Guests can expect a Swiss Alps-inspired oasis, festive cocktails and bites, live music, and a winter-white atmosphere. Reservations are encouraged.
Buddy’s Bar
Begins Mid-November through Early JanuaryÂ
Dream Nashville is transforming its Parlour Bar into an elf-themed holiday pop-up called Buddy’s Bar, which opens in mid-November and will continue on through the first week of January 2023. Guest can expect an elf-themed menu featuring creative cocktails and bites. This pop-up will be open daily at 4:00pm.Â
Misfit Bar
November 19, 2022, through January 2, 2023
Misfit Bar will take place Saturday, November 19, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023, at Fairlane Hotel’s penthouse. The holiday-themed pop-up is open daily featuring festive decor, a variety of photo opportunities, snacks, cocktails, fire pits, and more. Click here to see the menu.Â
Island X-Mas
Monday, November 21, 2022, through Saturday, December 31, 2022
Island X-Mas will be open Monday, November 21, 2022, through Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Chopper Tiki in East Nashville. Expect frothy eggnog, hot drinks, festive robots, tiki drinks, fun decor, and holiday music.
Reindeer Games: A Christmas Pop-Up Bar
December 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022
The annual Reindeer Games, an immersive holiday pop-up bar, is taking over Headquarters Beercade in SoBro again this December starting on December 1, 2022. Guests can expect an experiential winter wonderland, including 3D Christmas tree displays, thousands of ornaments, 2,000 feet of twinkling lights, a life-size Santa’s sleigh, and festive food and cocktails. Expect creative riffs on classic Christmas drinks and holiday flavors, too.
Candy Cane Jane’s
Begins Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Candy Cane Jane’s, a Christmas-themed cocktail bar, is located at Jane’s Hideaway in East Nashville. This holiday pop-up bar is open daily at 5:00pm. Expect Christmas trees, lights, and holiday-themed cocktails. Availability is first come first serve!
Miracle Bar at Pearl Diver
Begins Monday, November 21, 2022Â
Miracle Cocktail Bar is popping up at Pearl Diver starting November 21, 2022. Follow along on Instagram for the latest details!
Babes in Toyland Pop-Up at The Pool Club
Tuesday, November 22, 2022, through January 2023
The Babes in Toyland Pop-Up at The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville will take place from Tuesday, November 22, 2022, through January 2023. Guests can expect toy-store-themed decor, festive cocktails, comfort dishes, arcade games, a massive ball pit, larger-than-life toys, and more. This pop-up is open daily. Reservations are encouraged.
The Lodge at PROOF
Saturday, December 3, 2022, through February 2023
The Lodge at PROOF is open now through February 2023 at W Nashville. This rooftop winter pop-up will feature a winter village with snow, pine trees, and lamp posts. The main focus of this experience will be two translucent cabins including cozy seating and chic decor. The cabins can accommodate up to 8 guests. This pop-up is open daily.
The Hampton Social Holiday Pop-Up
Open through Monday, January 2, 2023
The Hampton Social Holiday Pop-Up is open now through Monday, January 2, 2023. This pop-up will include seasonal cocktails, festive decor, and more. There will be a $1 donation to Meals on Wheels America from every cocktail. Reservations are recommended.
A Very Vintage Christmas Pop-Up
December 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022
A Very Vintage Christmas Pop-up is open the entire month of December Thursday through Saturday in the Rainbow Lounge at 5 Points Diner and Bar. Expect festive drinks like “Deck the Balls”, vintage decorations, music, and cozy vibes. Click here for the latest pop-up hours!Â
An Old Fashioned Christmas
November 10, 2022, through December 24, 2022
An Old Fashioned Christmas pop-up bar is taking place at Bar TENN located inside Holston House Nashville. This pop-up experience will take place from November 10, 2022, through December 24, 2022. Guests can expect holiday cocktails, festive bites, and live entertainment every Thursday through Saturday. This pop-up is by reservation only and the cost is $30 per person.
Snow Globe 360
December 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2022
The Snow Globe 360 pop-up will take place December 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2022, at Nightscape. Guests can expect a curated holiday experience with four animated scenes projected throughout the venue, festive food, DJ sets, and more. Entry times begin at 5:00pm and each reservation is 60-90 minutes. Tickets are $25 and include one holiday-themed cocktail. All guests must be 21 and over only.
Top Holiday Events
- The Ethos Market – November 18-19, 2022
- Shop Small Holiday Market – November 26, 2022
- East Nash Holiday Bash – December 1-3, 2022
- Hot Mess Holiday Party – December 2, 2022
- Home Alone in Concert with the Nashville Symphony – December 2-4, 2022
- Holiday Cocktail Bash – December 2, 2022
- Hot Mess Holiday Party – December 2, 2022
- Jingle Bell Run – December 3, 2022
- Diskin Cider & Love Local Holiday Market – December 3, 2022
- Nashville SantaCon Bar Crawl – December 3, 2022
- Winter Wonder at Fifth & Broadway – December 3, 2022
- Brunch and Pictures with Santa at Tee Line Nashville – December 3, 2022, and December 10, 2022
- Holiday Pop-Up presented by 12 South Farmers Market – December 4, 2022
- Thistle Farms Holiday Sip & Shop – December 4, 2022
- Holiday Goddess Craft Market – December 8, 2022
- Nisolo Holiday Pop-Up Shop – December 8, 2022
- Porter Flea Holiday Market – December 9-10, 2022
- Nashville’s Nutcracker – December 9-11, 16-18, 21-24, 2022
- Rudolph’s Red Nose Run – December 10, 2022
- Dickens of a Christmas – December 10-11, 2022
- Nashville Santa Rampage – December 10, 2022
- Jackalope’s 9th Annual Christmas Vacation – December 11-12, 2022
- Saint Nicky’s Photos with Santa – December 12, 2022
- Mickey Guyton in Music City Christmas with the Nashville Symphony – December 15-18, 2022
- Gulch Holiday Night Market – December 16, 2022
- Drag in the Holidays at Stateside Kitchen – December 17, 2022
- Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus – December 18, 2022
- Elf The Musical – December 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 2022, and January 1, 2023
- Ugly Sweater Karaoke Night – December 22, 2022
- Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas – December 22, 2022
- Nathan Thomas Christmas Special – December 22, 2022
Also See:
Visiting Nashville from May 25th, 2023 until May 28th, 2023. Looking for events that might be happening during that time. Thanks