Kristen Moore- Kristen Moore
Nashville Christmas Guide 2021
Updated: Nov 23
It's Christmas time in Tennessee! There are so many fun celebrations around Nashville this season. I will be updating the list throughout the season. Make sure to tag @NashvilleLittles on Instagram throughout the holidays!
Check out these gift guides:
Toddler Top 10
Infant Top 10
Montessori Ideas
Sensory Play
Favorite Books
Christmas Books
Fine Motor Ideas
So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Orpryland
November 19-Jan 2, Nightly
Gaylord Opryland's Christmas celebration is our family's favorite event of the year! They have SO much to offer this year for every age! First, walking the hotel is a must. It is decorated beautifully and is sure to impress the whole family. They have also added a pop-up Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf experience. In addition there is ice skating, ice bumper cars, ice tubing, Rudolph's Holly Jolly Breakfast, gingerbread decorating, kid train rides and more! Check their website to see all the experiences you can can have this year- bundle to save! If you are considering a staycation, this time of year is gorgeous!
North Pole Express Santa Excursion Train
November 2-December 18
Take a ride to the North Pole on a train from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. You can visit with Santa and his elves on this two hour round trip! There are refreshments and souvenirs on board!
Bass Pro Shop Santa
November 7-December 24
Bass Pro Shop is a fun and free way to visit Santa. There are also activities for the little to participate in after or before. Remember that you must reserve your time slot online.
Dancing Lights of Christmas
November 12-January 2
For the 12th consecutive season, Dancing Lights of Christmas returns to the James E. Ward Agricultural Center. Hop in your car and enjoy Tennessee's largest synchronized light and music show with 2.5 miles of lights and music! Saturday's are the busiest day of the week, but they are open 7 days if you want a shorter wait. Tickets are $30 per car.
The Mall at Green Hills Santa's Arrival Kickoff Party
November 13
Join The Mall at Green Hills and Nashville Soccer Club as we welcome Santa to Nashville! There will be games, crafts, snacks, live music, and jolly good fun for the whole family. A special appearance will even be made by Santa himself!
Cookie Decorating at American Girl Store
November 18
Celebrate the season with a sweet treat! Get creative by decorating fall holiday cookies with festive frosting and sprinkles. Then take them home in a to-go box that she can embellish with stickers.
Winterfest at the Fountains
November 19-January 3
What represents winter magic more than ice skating? The Fountains at Gateway is being transformed into a vibrant winter wonderland ice skating rink. Visit the shops, eat and skate for a night of family fun!
Holiday Market at Two Rivers Mansion
November 19-20
Join Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas and the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce for our annual Holiday Market at the Mansion. Located at the Historic Two Rivers Mansion, come shop with over 40+ vendors, enjoy food trucks, live music, kid's craft area, and pictures with Santa.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
November 20-January 9 (Nightly 5-10 PM)
Cheekwood's Holiday Lights is a family favorite tradition. Take in the beauty of the holiday season with their one mile walk of lights glowing throughout the garden. You can also view live Reindeer and visit their new Children's Wonderland that will be decorated with 17 towering colorful light displays. The classic smores station, poinsettia tree and train display will be available as well.
Franklin Maker's Market
November 20
Enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly holiday festivities at the Franklin Makers Market Holiday Market! Kick off the holiday season in our winter wonderland complete with over 50 craft and artisans vendors, tasty treats, kids activities, a photo booth, a cocktail bar and more!
Snow Sister Visits at Cool Springs Galleria
November 23
Character visits near the Santa set. Come meet Elsa for free!
Franktown Lights
November 25- December 26
Open every night of the week, enjoy a mile of beautiful holiday lights set to classic Christmas music! Admission is from 5-9 nightly and prices range depending on car size.
Chad's Winter Wonderland
November 25-December 31
One of the nation’s largest displays of Christmas lights with nearly 2 million lights in a variety of displays.
London's Lights
November 25-December 31
London’s Lights is a nonprofit organization that provides a beautiful Christmas Light display and facilitates toy donations to under resourced families and children’s hospitals. It was birthed out of the tragic loss of our daughter London Jade Henn.
Elves and the Shoemakers at Children's Theatre
November 26-December 18
How did a down on her luck shoemaker become the Queen of Clog Couture? You’ll have to experience Frieda Schuhwerk’s hilarious and heartwarming rags to riches “story within a story” for yourself. Follow a new trainee at Frieda’s Fantabulous Footwear as they learn about The Boss and the company’s mysterious, and potentially magical, secret.
Holiday Wonders at Bowie Park
November 26-January 9
Mark your calendars, gather a carload of friends and family and prepare to be amazed at the first ever drive-thru holiday light show at Bowie Park. Holiday Wonders at Bowie Park kicks off on Friday, November 26th and will run from 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday of the Holiday Season.
Marshmallow Hike
November 27, December 23, 28, 31
Are you looking for something to do with the family during the holidays or an excuse to get out of the house by yourself? How does a nice hike in the winter woods followed by hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows sound? Come by Owl’s Hill for our annual Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Hikes.
A Christmas Place
November 28-Decmber 24
Meet the Grinch every Sunday, visit Santa throughout the week and enjoy the Christmas scenery!
Loveless Café Photos with Santa
December 1
Hot chocolate and photos in the Harpeth Room with Santa from 4-8. More information to come soon!
Christmas Open House at Tennessee Agricultural Museum
December 2
A free family friendly event!
North Pole Express at Saddle Woods Farms
December 2
We are so excited to welcome back The North Pole Express event this Christmas. To make it even sweeter, we are joining together with The Special Kids organization and will be donating all proceeds to them. We will have crafts of all kinds, music, food, train rides, photos with Snta and TONS more!
Lighting the Square in Downtown Franklin
December 3
Come see Santa and light the square!
Murfreesboro Tree Lighting
December 3
Bring a toy for the toy drive, see Santa and more!
Kiwanis Club Annual Christmas Parade
December 4
The Kiwanis Club of Historic Downtown Franklin, will host their annual Christmas parade in Historic Downtown Franklin on December 4, 2021 from 2:00 – 3:30 and will feature over 100 entries, including floats, bands, community groups, and businesses, all celebrating the Christmas season and heralding the arrival of Santa Claus.
John P. Holt Brentwood Library Morning with Santa
December 4
Update your wish list and bring your kiddies because Santa Clause is coming to The Brentwood Library for the 30th edition of Morning with Santa! Kids will be able to meet Santa, enjoy games, and more. 9AM-12 PM
Clarksville Christmas Parade
December 4
Come check out the annual Christmas parade. Starts at 5 PM!
Old Fashioned Christmas in Bell Buckle
December 4, 11, 18
Enjoy sleigh rides with Santa, carolers, a s’mores pit and the look and feel of an Old Fashioned Christmas
Columbia Main Street Parade & Tree Lighting
December 4
The City of Columbia, in partnership with the Columbia Main Street Corporation, invites you to attend the annual Columbia Main Street Parade and Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM.
Personalized Holiday Art at Brilliant Sky Toy Store
December 4
We are so excited to be welcoming back the immensely talented local artist Lindsay Parriott for a unique event! Lindsay creates beautiful hand lettered and personalized Christmas tree art while you wait!
Annual Christmas Parade in College Grove
December 5
Join us again this year for the Annual College Grove Christmas Parade. Come celebrate with us and welcome in the holiday season.
Hendersonville Christmas Parade
December 5
Smile and wave as your whole family enjoy a parade of marching bands, horse-drawn floats, and of course, your favorite Christmas characters brought together with love by local families, businesses, and community organizations.
Brentwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6
Join us for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, Monday, December 6 at 5:30 pm. The evening will be filled with special music and holiday treats.
The Blue Barn & Garden Winter Festival
December 10-12
Inflatables, fashion, food, music, food trucks and more! Pancakes and pictures with Santa too!
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
December 10
The grounds of Eastern Flank Battlefield Park are sprinkled with candy canes ready to be eaten...grab your flashlight and help us hunt for the holiday treats! Kids will decorate treat bags for their candy canes before the hunt. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Participants must bring a flashlight, and all other supplies will be provided.
Gingerbread Decorating at American Girl
December 10
Take part in one of the season’s tastiest traditions in an event your family will love—decorate a gingerbread house! This festive activity will include everything your girl needs to make a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece with gingerbread pieces, frosting, and lots of candy decorations.