Deck the halls, y’all.
Christmas is fast-approaching – your touring band member friends are rolling back in to town, your parents have been listening to Michael Buble on a loop (or, you know…you have), you’re dodging mall Santas and buying cleaning supplies in preparation for your holiday guests. It’s a similar routine every year. Break out of that Christmas prep rut and have some yuletide fun this year! There’s so much to do in Nashville to celebrate. We got you. Whether you’re visiting or local, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to be in Nashville.
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Knock Out Your Holiday Shopping Without The Headache
Window Shopping, Christmas Tree Farms, & Yummy Tacos!
Window Shopping in Downtown Franklin: Just LOOK at that Noel sign. You’ll be avoiding the crazed Christmas mall shoppers in the quaintest place on earth (a young Justin Bieber – though is there any other kind – filmed his Christmas music video here). Awesome window shopping – home goods, boutiques, even an Anthropologie!
Boutique-hopping in 12 South: 12 South is a trendy local Nashville neighborhood with excellent shopping. Imogene + Willie is the place to buy something for your most casually fabulous friend. After you grab a gift, head to Bar Taco for some delicious eats, walk through the picturesque Christmas tree farm, and stop by Frothy Monkey for some seasonal coffee treats.
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Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Do Holiday Date Night Right
Opryland Christmas Lights: ‘Tis the season to fall in love, whether it’s all over again or for the first time. The annual Christmas lights display at Opryland Hotel should do the trick.
It’s A Wonderful Life at Belcourt: Buffalo Gals, won’t you come out tonight? Frank Capra’s ultra romantic (who didn’t fall in love with Jimmy Stewart in that movie?) and classic holiday film is screening at the Belcourt December 20th-25th.
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For Kids From 1 to 92
Christmas Fun For The Whole Family
Dickens of a Christmas: Get ready to party like it’s 1899. The ultimate quaint Christmas activity, Dickens Christmas has it all: horse-drawn carriage rides, a kid dressed as Tiny Tim (though Jebediah Atkinson had some harsh words for good ol’ TT), cider and chestnuts, kids who like to river-dance…you can’t go wrong! (December 9 & 10)
Sparkle: A Country Christmas Carol: For this holiday season, include in your plans a visit to Fontanel and immerse yourself in the story of A Christmas Carol like you never have before. It’s a strolling walk through illuminated lanterns that guide you through Dickens Village. While you’re there, check out the Christmas Mansion! (Now through December 23)
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood: This is specifically great if your family has a few more grown-ups. The lights at Cheekwood are stunning, there are plenty of activities for the kids, and the location is magical. Hot toddies, reindeer, Christmas carolers, and so much more. (Now through December 31)
Nashville Christmas Parade: This parade has been a family tradition in Nashville for SIXTY TWO years. That’s a long time. This year, the grand marshal is none other than country starlet Jana Kramer. Get in the spirit! It’s happening this Saturday, December 2nd!
Snow Tubing & Ice Skating at Gaylord Opryland: Can’t make the family ski trip this year? This might be more fun. Head to the famous hotel for the ICE! exhibit and a ton of fun snow sports for you and your little ones.
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Drink In The Holiday Spirit(s)
Hot Toddies For Dayz
Sing Your Favorite Christmas Song To Santa: Forget sitting in Santa’s lap – sing him a Mariah Carey song. Head to Santa’s pub, the bar where it’s Christmas all year round. The owner looks just like Santa, the company is top-notch, the beer is ice cold (and cash only). Cheers to the person drunkenly singing “Little Drummer Boy”. We salute you.
Get Seasonal With Your Drinkin’: Burger Up, 308, & Holland House have some of the best seasonal drink menus in town. Hot toddies, spiced cider, egg nog cocktails.
Honky Tonkin’: If you want to warm up after some of your downtown Christmas activities, check out one of the the best ones: Robert’s Western World. Use the back entrance and get to honky tonkin’!
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Listen To Christmas Music
Block Out The Haters – It’s After Thanksgiving, Y’all
As Nashville musician/resident holiday cheermeister would say: “Merry Chrithmuth you guyth.” Music City does a lot of things right, but music is definitely one of them. It’s kind of in the name. Here are some holiday concerts to have on your radar!
Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas At The Ryman: The royal couple of Nashville (sorry, Wills and Kate) are playing their annual holiday dates at the historic Ryman Auditorium. So festive!
Handel’s Messiah: The Nashville Symphony is bringing this classical piece to the stage for several nights. HALLELUJAH.
Casting Crowns + For King & Country: A Glorious Christmas Tour: Check out two of the biggest names in Christian music for a Christmas celebration at Bridgestone Arena
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There you have it, y’all – we think YULE have an awesome Christmas season in Nashville.
