Nashville Holiday Events for the Perfect Getaway

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Last December, I had the opportunity to visit Nashville with a group of travel writers. The city absolutely blew me away with the magic that transforms Music City during the holiday season.

You step into a winter wonderland when you stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort around the holidays. Nashville is the perfect Christmas destination for girlfriends seeking a magical December getaway. From holiday concerts and dazzling light displays to festive wine tasting and the unique experience of learning to create cocktails, Nashville comes alive with Christmas spirit.

The writer was hosted.

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Gaylord Opryland Resort: A Winter Wonderland

View of courtyard at the Gaylord Opryland Resort from the balcony of my room. — View of the courtyard at the Gaylord Opryland Resort from the balcony of my room. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Three million twinkling lights transform the Gaylord Opryland Resort into a holiday paradise. Walking through the resort feels like discovering a secret garden where Christmas has taken permanent residence.

Unwrap the Magic: Experience Nashville’s most iconic Christmas destination, featuring jaw-dropping decorations, millions of sparkling lights and an array of endless holiday activities.
Festive Highlights: Explore the entire resort and take in all the decorations.
Perfect Holiday Match: Girlfriends, couples and families seeking Instagram-worthy moments and that quintessential Nashville Christmas experience.
Holiday Wisdom: Upon arrival, you will receive a map with your keycard. Keep it handy, you will probably need it. Be sure you know how to get from your room to the main entrance. The place is vast and it is easy to get lost. (Ask me how I know!)

SheBuys Travel Tip: To ensure you don’t miss out on Nashville’s most popular holiday destination, it’s crucial to book accommodations well in advance. Leave space in your schedule to enjoy the decorations, carolers and festive happenings at the resort.

Enjoy ICE!

Some of the sculptures at ICE, located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Don’t miss ICE! Featuring scenes from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ in 2025. It is an incredibly detailed frozen wonderland, carved from two million pounds of ice. It brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before.

Unwrap the Magic: A different theme every year, so ICE! never gets old. “Frosty the Snowman” was last year’s theme. It’s a festive, chilly and fun activity in the music city.
Festive Highlights: Go down the ice slides, it is great fun for the kid in all of us.
Perfect Holiday Match: It’s a must-see for fans of the Peanuts gang, anyone who loves a good holiday spectacle or feels young at heart.
Holiday Wisdom: ICE! Is freezing! They provide heavy-duty long parkas to wear during the experience. Bring a hat, gloves and warm socks. I wore long johns under my fleece leggings and boots.

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Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

Cheekwood Lights. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Over one million lights illuminate the stunning 55-acre botanical gardens, creating a mile-long walking path through winter wonderland magic that’s perfect for girlfriend photo sessions.

Unwrap the Magic: Experience Nashville’s most elegant and sophisticated holiday light display.
Festive Highlights: Stop by the lavishly decorated museum.

Decorations inside Cheekwood Museum. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Perfect Holiday Match: Girlfriends seeking beautiful photo opportunities and a more refined holiday experience.
Holiday Wisdom: This is a timed-entry event requiring advance tickets, especially on weekends. Visit during the week for fewer crowds.

Holiday Concerts and Shows

Grand Ole Opry Country Christmas Show. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Music City truly shines during the Christmas season with an incredible lineup of holiday performances that showcase Tennessee’s musical heritage alongside beloved seasonal classics.

Unwrap the Magic: Immerse yourself in Nashville’s legendary music scene with a festive holiday twist.
Festive Highlights: Catch the Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry for a musical Nashville holiday experience.
Perfect Holiday Match: Music lovers and anyone wanting to experience Nashville’s cultural heart during the holidays.
Holiday Wisdom: Arrive early with time to explore the venues, many of which are historic Nashville landmarks with plenty of photo opportunities. You might even meet a star. I was fortunate to meet Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers during my visit.

Liquor Lab Creating Holiday Cocktails

Our group at the Liquor Lab with our freshly made cocktails. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

One of my favorite experiences in Nashville was learning to create cocktails at the Liquor Lab. We made two different cocktails. It is a jolly atmosphere with knowledgeable instructors who walk you through creating festive drinks during the holiday season.

Unwrap the Magic: Who doesn’t want to learn how to create festive cocktails or mocktails complete with candy canes?
Festive Highlights: Take photos of your masterpiece beverages to impress your friends with your new mixology knowledge.
Perfect Holiday Match: Girlfriends and couples who enjoy craft cocktails.
Holiday Wisdom: Do your best to keep up with the instructor. If you get behind, it becomes confusing and is hard to catch up.

SheBuys Travel Tip: Use an Uber or Lyft if you don’t have a designated driver.

Broadway’s Honky-Tonks with Holiday Spirit

At the Listening Room Cafe to hear up-and-coming artists. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith Use as Featured Image

The neon-lit heart of Nashville’s entertainment district gets a festive makeover during the holidays, where live music spills from every doorway alongside seasonal cheer.

Unwrap the Magic: Experience Nashville’s buzzing entertainment district with added holiday magic and live music.
Festive Highlights: Enjoy live holiday music at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge while sipping seasonal cocktails.
Perfect Holiday Match: Music lovers, party-goers and girlfriends ready to experience Nashville’s legendary nightlife.
Holiday Wisdom: Most venues offer free admission, but be sure to tip the musicians generously.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Take a deep dive into country music history while exploring special holiday exhibits. These exhibits feature rare artifacts, interactive displays and special performances that bring the holiday spirit to life in a uniquely musical way.

Unwrap the Magic: Explore the rich and inspiring history of country music with special holiday programming and exhibits..
Festive Highlights: Don’t miss the Hall of Fame rotunda and the costumes of country music’s biggest stars. I especially enjoyed finding the plaque for Tom T. Hall, as I had graced the stage with him at a local fair when I was a teenager.
Perfect Holiday Match: Music enthusiasts and anyone curious about Nashville’s cultural heritage.
Holiday Wisdom: Allow at least three hours to experience the museum.

Ryman Auditorium Holiday Experiences

The stage of the Ryman Auditorium. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Step inside the “Mother Church of Country Music” for special holiday performances and tours that showcase this historic venue’s incredible acoustics and storied past.

Unwrap the Magic: Visit Nashville’s most sacred musical venue during its most magical season.
Festive Highlights: Take the backstage tour to learn about its history and the legends who’ve graced this historic stage.
Perfect Holiday Match: Country music enthusiasts and history buffs.
Holiday Wisdom: Take a tour and attend a live performance for the whole Ryman experience – the acoustics are truly incredible in this venue.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Holiday Tours

Stables decorated for Christmas at Belle Meade. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Step back in time at this stunning antebellum mansion decorated for the holidays, complete with wine tastings and tours that blend history with holiday elegance. I loved seeing the former horse stables decorated for the holidays.

Unwrap the Magic: Experience Nashville’s antebellum history while enjoying wine tastings in a beautifully decorated historic setting.
Festive Highlights: Visiting Tennessee’s oldest winery.
Perfect Holiday Match: Girlfriends and couples who appreciate history, wine and elegant holiday traditions.
Holiday Wisdom: Combine the mansion tour with a wine tasting with special holiday programming throughout December for the complete Belle Meade holiday experience.

The Nutcracker by Nashville Ballet

Nashville’s premier ballet company presents its beloved annual production of this holiday classic, featuring live music by the Nashville Symphony in an intimate theater setting.

Unwrap the Magic: Experience this timeless holiday tradition performed by Nashville’s professional ballet company.
Festive Highlights: Arrive early to enjoy pre-show dining at nearby restaurants in the arts district.
Perfect Holiday Match For: Girlfriends who love classical arts, holiday traditions and elegant evening entertainment.
Holiday Wisdom: Dress up for the occasion and make dinner reservations nearby for a complete evening of Nashville culture.