Deck the halls with boughs of Dolly!

Nashville is gearing up for a wonderful week of Christmas (complete with Dolly Parton’s Christmas album, of course). We’re trimmin’ the tree, watching Chevy Chase get in Christmas shenanigans whilst drinking hot chocolate, and trying to make awkward conversation with visiting relatives in airport traffic. Wanna get some last-minute Christmas activities in, Nashville? We thought so. Here are 10 festive things to do this week!

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Two Million Lights In A Christmas Wonderland

See The Lights At Opryland

WHAT IT IS:

Everyone stops to take pictures of the beautiful Opryland Christmas lights strung from pillar to pillar. It’s Nashville’s version of the foot traffic in Times Square, but it is 100% worth it. If you don’t have an Instagram account already – GET ONE. This is Nashville’s most grammable Christmas spot! There’s also a ton of activities – you’ll see Elvis impersonators crooning on balconies, an ICE exhibit, and some fancy Italian restaurants. Get that selfie pose ready, y’all!

GOOD FOR:

Your parents. They’ll feel like it is your high school prom all over again (meaning they will be enthusiastically snapping pictures of you and telling you how good your hair looks while you try to pose as naturally as possible).

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

When you head back to central Nashville, stop by The Pharmacy on the east side. Those burgers & milkshakes will fill you up to the brim with Christmas spirit, and you won’t have to suck in your food baby for any more family pictures.

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Country Royalty Does Christmas

Lorrie Morgan Acoustic Trio Christmas

WHAT IT IS:

The daughter of country star George Morgan, Lorrie has made a name for herself in the country world. She has sold over 6 million records and made her Opry debut at THIRTEEN years old, so she’s pretty much a seasoned veteran of the Nashville stage. Come see her unplugged set as she serenades us with some Christmas tunes!

GOOD FOR:

Your visiting, country-lovin’ aunts. They will eat this up.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Get your pre-concert fuel from downtown-adjacent Whiskey Kitchen! The burger, the beer cheese soup, the whiskey sour pitcher: it’s ALL good stuff. Bonus: country stars like to saddle up to the bar here. You know your aunt wants to catch a glimpse of Brett Eldredge. Give the people what they want.

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A Conway Twitty-Owned Mansion With A Griswold-Worthy Lights Display

Trinity Christmas City

WHAT IT IS:

A mansion formerly owned by country legend Conway Twitty, Trinity Christmas City is a gaudy and straight up magical Nashville Christmas tradition. The lights display is a Clark Griswold daydream, and there is constant music, food, and drink available inside the mansion. Take a walk around the grounds & check out the horse-drawn carriage rides!

GOOD FOR:

The kiddos – adults can appreciate the magic, too, but you’ll be living vicariously through the wide-eyed wonderment of your little ones.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

On your way back into Nashville, stop at Treehouse in East Nashville. The whimsical theme will keep the festivities going, and you’ll get your fill of some delicious food!

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Every Time You Go To Belcourt, An Angels Gets Its Wings

It’s A Wonderful Life (& More Films!)

WHAT IT IS:

Nashville gals, won’t you come out tonight? The beloved Frank Capra classic starring the lovable Jimmy Stewart is at Belcourt twice a day, every day. What a gift! The film is even showing on Christmas day – a great Christmas tradition to start after you’ve had your fill of holiday ham and pumpkin pie. Black & white films not your cup of tea (we will try not to judge)? The theatre is also showing ELF on Saturday & Gremlins at midnight over the weekend. There’s something for everyone!

GOOD FOR:

The whole family. You’ll walk away with those holiday warm fuzzies.

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Grab a cup of coffee from Fido and do some last minute Christmas window shopping! Hillsboro Village is a great place to pick up gifts. If you’re hungry for lunch, check out McDougal’s for a no-frills fried chicken meal. You need to stretch your stomach before Christmas dinner!

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Rawkin’ Around The Christmas Tree

3rd And Lindsley Christmas Party

WHAT IT IS: 

A Christmas shindig at one of the hottest venues in town. Expect plenty of holiday spirit(s) – yeah, we’re talkin’ booze, y’all – and Christmas tunes to go around. Recently the venue has hosted the cast of Nashville, Reggie Wooten, Jay Demarcus, and more. Get ready to rawk!

GOOD FOR:

Your visitors who have a hard time making group decisions (picking a genre, for instance) but want to hear live music.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Take your talent to the masses after you get inspired by the performers (and get some liquid courage from your whiskey and coke). Hit the downtown strip, and specifically try out Lonnie’s Karaoke in Printer’s Alley. The historic area is tiny, walkable, and packs a punch. Get your drank on, superstar.

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Treat Yo-Self (And Your Loved Ones)

Window Shopping In Downtown Franklin

WHAT IT IS:

We’re convinced downtown Franklin is the most picturesque spot in all of Tennessee. Bonus? It is also a GREAT place to window shop! Get in the holiday spirit with the downtown Main Street strip. It will be decked out with Christmas lights and one-of-a-kind boutiques you’ll just HAVE to duck into. We suggest the bathos spot for some last minute holiday gifts!

GOOD FOR:

A group that is hard-to-please. Your visiting relatives probably all have different tastes, but it is easy to divide and conquer in this enclosed spot. You won’t lose each other and can meet back up for lunch!

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Catch a flick at the historic Franklin Theatre and grab a southern-fried dinner at Puckett’s. That fried chicken will soothe your soul, champ.

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The Tinsel & Bells Make The Holidays Swell

Holiday Hangout

WHAT IT IS:

The Stone Fox is festive year-round! They’ve got around-the-clock tinsel decorations, chicken & waffles, festive cocktails, and rockin’ tunes. This holiday is no exception! The unofficial Christmas party is two days before Christmas – bring your party pants.

GOOD FOR:

Sneaking out of the house and getting out your non-family time energy before you settle in for Christmas Eve.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Since this is a west side party, start your night off with some hot chocolate and Christmas lights. The residential neighborhoods (specifically the ones that Woodmont runs through) have gorgeous displays this time of year!

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Sample Some Post-Christmas Holiday Spirits

Holiday Hangover

WHAT IT IS:

Whether your hangover is a result of eating an entire pumpkin pie by yourself or finishing a whole bottle of pumpkin pie-flavored liquor by yourself (we don’t suggest you do that), you’re probably going to need a hangover cure post-Christmas. City Winery has got you! Come sample 40 wines, 15 of Tennessee’s finest whiskeys, and 20 craft beers. Tis (still) the season!

GOOD FOR:

You and your local friends who haven’t seen each other since the families have been in town. Blow off some steam!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Sober up with some eats, y’all! Take a Lyft to Chago’s Cantina with your big group and order a vat of queso. You deserve it.

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The Fanciest, Most Festive Cup Of Tea In Town

Afternoon Tea At The Hermitage Hotel

WHAT IT IS:

The Hermitage has been named one of the top historic hotels in America, and for good reason. The charming lobby turns into a Christmas postcard around the holidays, complete with a huge Christmas tree, plenty of bright and cheery grand staircases, and a central fireplace that warms you all the way down to your boot-clad toes. The best part? You can indulge in some high-class afternoon tea that will make you feel like you’re celebrating the season in London. Pastries, a cup of earl grey, and some time by the fire? Paradise.

GOOD FOR:

Your brand-new family. If you’ve recently married, this is a great way to start a lasting family tradition!

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Walk around the art galleries and check out the historic Arcade. The old-timey shops and historic plaques will keep the history buffs in your groups (and pretty much any dad) busy for the night!

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Provide A Hot Meal For Those In Need

Loaves & Fishes

WHAT IT IS:

Nothing says “Christmas” more than giving back. Join Hands On Nashville for a wonderful opportunity to volunteer with your community and make sure some people get a hot meal! Loaves & Fishes serves three hot meals a week to Nashville’s homeless population, and volunteers will be serving lunch to over 100 people. What a great way to spend an afternoon!

GOOD FOR:

A reminder of what is important after the dust settles. Bring your most stressed-out friend along, and they’ll chill out and be reminded of what’s important this holiday season!

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Share a meal with your fellow volunteers at Thistle Stop Cafe! The restaurant is a socially conscious, mission-oriented spot that provides women in recovery from domestic abuse a place to work. Great menu! Try out the Red Pepper & Gouda Soup, and then take a walk around the Sylvan Park area to get some fresh air.

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Wrap those gifts, bundle up, and head outside for some Nashville Christmas fun! This city shines pretty bright during the holidays. Wanna know what’s happening all year (especially for NYE)? Wannado has got you covered.