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

December 20, 2023 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

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.

Jump to:

Top Holiday Attractions


Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

November 10, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Over three million lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination. You can visit Opryland for free any day between November 10, 2023, to January 1, 2024, 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 The Polar Express™️ Presented By Pepsi (begins November 10, 2023)
  • Darryl Worley & Friends: Home for the Holidays Dinner Show
  • Outdoor fun including ice tubing, ice skating, and ice bumper cars
  • Millions of lights
  • Carriage rides
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread Decorating Corner
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop
  • Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruises
  • Snowball Build & Blast
  • Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt
  • Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends™

GET MORE DETAILS


Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood

November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is open seven nights a week from November 18, 2023, to January 7, 2024 (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 $31 depending on membership status, time, and date.

GET MORE DETAILS


Zoolumination

November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Photo Credit: Nashville Zoo / Zoolumination

Zoolumination will return to the Nashville Zoo nightly (5:00pm to 9:00pm) from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, and on Thursdays through Sundays (5:00pm to 9:00pm) from January 11, 2024, to February 4, 2024. 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 24th to December 24th.

Buying tickets in advance is required. Single-night tickets (Monday through Thursday) are $23 for adults and teens and $19 for kids (ages 2-12 years old), members save $2 off single-night tickets. Single-night tickets (Friday through Sunday) are $26 for adults and teens and $22 for kids (ages 2-12 years old), members save $2 off single-night tickets. Platinum Passes (unlimited visits) are $39 for adults and teens and $29 for kids (ages 2-12 years old). Children under age 2 are FREE.

GET MORE DETAILS


General Jackson Christmas Cruises

November 16, 2023 – December 25, 2023

Photo Credit: General Jackson

Float down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, one of Nashville’s long-time attractions, for a holiday-themed cruise from November 16, 2023, through December 25, 2023. 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 meal, and incredible views of Nashville! Prices vary from $44-$135.

Get more details


Franktown Festival of Lights

November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023

Photo Credit: Emily Smeykal

Franktown Festival of Lights is a nightly light display running from November 17, 2023, to December 31, 2023, 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 light display from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The display is open from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Ticket prices vary from $34.69-$106.79.

GET MORE DETAILS

⇑ Back to Top


HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

Après Ski at PROOF Rooftop Bar

November 20, 2023, through January 2024 

Photo Credit: W Nashville

Check out the Après Ski pop-up at PROOF Rooftop Bar this holiday season at W Nashville from Monday, November 20, 2023, through January 2024. Expect a winter village with two translucent cabins, cozy couches, chic décor, and a rustic fireplace. There will also be creative drinks, large-format cocktails, and tasty bites. Make your reservations here.

Après Ski at PROOF Rooftop Bar Hours

  • Monday through Thursday – 4:00pm to midnight
  • Friday – 2:00pm to 1:00am
  • Saturday – noon to 1:00am
  • Sunday – noon to midnight

GET MORE DETAILS


JW Starlight

November 18, 2023, through January 7, 2024

JW Starlight will take place Saturday, November 18, 2023, through Sunday, January 7, 2024, at JW Marriott Nashville. Guests can expect a “bar car” holiday experience right in the lobby with 3D animation and craft cocktails. Tickets can be purchased online for 2 to 15 passengers. Single seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis (cannot be purchased online). Large parties with 16 to 24 passengers must book a private event experience—contact Savannah Bennett at sbennett@turnberry.com or (615) 584-8762 to book. This experience is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

GET MORE DETAILS


9 Âľ, Holiday Pop-Up at The Union Station Nashville Yards

November 1, 2023, through December 29, 2023

Get into the holiday spirit with the family-friendly 9 ¾, Holiday Pop-Up at The Union Station Nashville Yards. This experience will take place daily (in the hotel lobby) from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, through Friday, December 29, 2023, from 1:00pm to 10:00pm on weekdays and from 1:00pm to 11:00pm on weekends. Expect enchanting wizard decor such as house banners, floating lanterns and candles, a hidden golden snitch, flying owls, and a luggage cart photo opportunity. There will also be themed cocktails and bar bites. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Get More Details


Camp Bobby: A Winter Pop-Up Experience

November 2, 2023, through February 18, 2024

Camp Bobby, a 1970s-inspired campsite with personal campfires, igloos, and a groovy lounge, is open daily from Thursday, November 2, 2023, through Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Bobby Hotel’s rooftop. See the most up-to-date hours on their website. 

  • Igloos (up to 6 guests): Reservations only with a $200 food and beverage minimum for 90 minutes + $25 reservation fee
  • 70s Holiday Lounge in the Scenicruiser (up to 12 guests): Reservations only with a $500 food and beverage minimum for 2 hours + $100 reservation fee
  • Fire Pits & Tented Bar: walk-in only; first-come, first-served

GET MORE DETAILS


Ralphie’s Christmas at Hidden Bar

November 8, 2023, through January 8, 2024

Hidden Bar’s Ralphie’s Christmas pop-up is spreading holiday cheer from Wednesday, November 8, 2023, through Monday, January 8, 2024. The bar at Noelle Hotel has been transformed into Ralphie’s ultimate holiday party with endless ‘Oval-Tinis’ and festive bites. This is a first-come, first-served experience—reservations are not accepted. Guests must be 21 or over to enter.

Hidden Bar’s Ralphie’s Christmas Hours: 

  • Sunday through Thursday5:00pm to Midnight
  • Friday and Saturday5:00pm to 1:00am

GET MORE DETAILS


Chalet 27

November 16, 2023, through February 20, 2024

Make your way to one of the highest rooftops in Nashville to experience Chalet 27. The winter experience is located at L27 Rooftop Lounge on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville and is open Thursday, November 16, 2023, through Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Guests can expect a Swiss Alps-inspired oasis, festive cocktails and bites, and a winter-white atmosphere. Reservations are encouraged.

GET MORE DETAILS


Tinsel at Teddy’s

Begins November 17, 2023, through January 14, 2024

Photo Credit: Teddy’s Tavern

Make sure to check out Tinsel at Teddy’s, an immersive holiday pop-up on the rooftop at Teddy’s Tavern! The pop-up will take place from Friday, November 17, 2023, through Sunday, January 14, 2024. Expect a heated outdoor space with specialty cocktails and a selfie/photo backdrop spot. Admission is free.

Get More Details


Rudy’s Rooftop Retreat at The Pool Club

November 17, 2023, through December 2023 

Rudy’s Rooftop Retreat at The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville will take place from Friday, November 17, 2023, through December 2023. Guests can expect enchanting decor reminiscent of Santa’s reindeer fleet, the hotel’s new heated pool, festive food and beverage offerings, campsite-inspired dinners, and more. This pop-up is open daily. Reservations are encouraged.

GET MORE DETAILS


The Rink Above Broadway at Grand Hyatt Nashville

November 18, 2023, through December 31, 2023

The Rink Above Broadway opens Saturday, November 18, 2023, and runs through Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Grand Hyatt Nashville. Escape to the 5th-floor rooftop to experience this magical winter wonderland with ice skating—the Glice eco-friendly synthetic ice rink offers affordable fun for the entire family! There will also be fun events including kids’ cookie decorating and breakfast with Santa on select dates. Reservations aren’t required but are recommended for skating. Complimentary valet parking is available for two hours and skates are provided. The cost is $10 per person Monday through Thursday and $15 per person Friday through Sunday. Food and beverages are also available for purchase.

GET MORE DETAILS


Saint Nicky’s

November 25, 2023, through December 23, 2023

Saint Nicky’s, a holiday-themed dining experience, is taking place from Saturday, November 25, 2023, to Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations. Guests can expect holiday cocktails, lights, garlands, Christmas trees, ornaments, and a new holiday bar experience, Tropical Tidings!

GET MORE DETAILS

⇑ Back to Top


Top Holiday Events

⇑ Back to Top

Also See:

Copyright Notice:
© Nashville Guru, Inc. All rights reserved.