Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville in December 2025
Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville in December 2025
Nashville in December twinkles with holiday magic—from festive lights and carols to seasonal shows and iconic tours. Whether you’re here for holiday cheer or winter warmth, Music City delivers unforgettable seasonal experiences wrapped in local flair.
1. Step into Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
When: November 7 – January 3
Wander glowing atriums within Opryland, meet Santa, glide down ice slides, and explore ICE!—a display carved from two million pounds of ice inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas .
Tourbase Tip: Combine with a cozy night out or family tour for the ultimate wintry experience.
2. Wander Through Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
When: Starting late November through January
Stroll 55 acres of botanical beauty lit by over a million twinkling lights, plus s’mores and festive drinks.
Tourbase Tip: Wrap your Cheekwood visit with a private golf cart ride through city lights for double the sparkle.
3. Enjoy Holiday Concerts & Nutcracker Performances
When: Throughout December
From Candlelight Carols at the Parthenon to The Nutcracker ballet, plus seasonal concerts at Ryman, Schermerhorn, and Opry House featuring Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and more .
4. Cheer at the Music City Bowl
When: Late December
Catch college football action under festive lights at the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium—complete with bands and pre-game festivities .
Tourbase Tip: Begin the day with a Pedal Tavern ride—fun, festive, and built for gameday vibes.
5. Skate, Sip, & Shop at Holiday Pop-Up Markets
When: Throughout December
From Art Deco charm at the Arcade to festive holiday markets across downtown and Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas Festival.
Tourbase Tip: Warm up afterward on the Nashville Tractor—music, drinks, and Broadway on wheels.
6. Experience Zoolumination Winter Magic
When: Mid-November through January
See the Nashville Zoo come alive with glowing silk lanterns—giant animals, winding displays, and winter excitement for all ages .
Tourbase Tip: Great for families—start or end with a carousel ride or guided kids’ tour.
7. Visit Historic Holiday Landmarks
When: Anytime in December
Enjoy indoor elegance like the Hermitage Hotel’s legendary holiday decor, traditional Christmas Day brunches, and themed events such as Nutcracker Tea.
Tourbase Tip: Add a private photoshoot experience to capture the glow and grandeur.
8. Revel in Live Music at the Grand Ole Opry
When: Evenings in December
Experience the Opry’s holiday lineup including Christmas and Country Classics—at the iconic Opry House.
Tourbase Tip: Pair it with a cozy downtown food tour to ease into an authentic Music City evening.
9. Browse Nashville’s Music Museums in Winter
When: Anytime
Warm up with visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, or Patsy Cline Museum—indoor nirvanas for music lovers.
Tourbase Tip: Mix in a walking tour to cover more ground and more history comfortably.
10. Ring in the New Year at Nashville’s Big Bash
When: December 31
Celebrate NYE with live music, fireworks, and the iconic Music Note Drop at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Tourbase Tip: Toast to the new year illuminated by Nashville’s skyline on a rooftop bar!
Tips for Visiting Nashville in December
-
Bundle Up: Expect daytime temps in the 40s–50s and chilly evenings—pack warm coats, sweaters, and comfy scarves.
-
Book Early: Seasonal events and holiday tours sell out quickly—reserve early to secure your spot.
-
Gear Up with Tours: Avoid holiday traffic—use the Nashville Tractor, Golf Cart Tours, Pedal Tavern, or Wine Shuttle for joyful, stress-free travel around town.
From sparkling light shows to holiday concerts, football games, and festive markets, December in Nashville blends Southern charm with holiday magic. Whether you’re sipping wine at Arrington Vineyards, skating under the lights at Cheekwood, or ringing in the New Year at Big Bash, Music City offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
Pete Kootsikas has spent the last decade helping travelers have unforgettable experiences through thoughtfully curated tours and group adventures. With years of experience running tours across multiple cities—including right here in Nashville—Pete knows exactly what makes a day out in Music City go from good to legendary. From honky-tonk hopping to bachelor party planning, he’s helped thousands of guests find the perfect fit for their group.
Pete splits his time between operating tours on the ground and scouting new ways to show off the best of Nashville’s culture, food, and live music. His writing reflects a deep knowledge of the city and a passion for helping visitors make the most of their time—whether it’s a first trip to Broadway or a return visit looking for something new.
Angie Gleason is a pillar in Nashville’s tourism scene, best known for leading one of the city’s most iconic experiences—Nashville Pedal Tavern. She’s also the co-founder of Beve Boutiques, a luxury experience company that curates one-of-a-kind adventures across the city, from boutique shopping and designer styling to private cocktail lounges and art galleries. With over a decade of hands-on experience in Nashville’s tour and hospitality industry, Angie knows how to craft moments that are effortlessly unforgettable.
Beyond her work creating standout guest experiences, Angie is a passionate supporter of women entrepreneurs through Braintrust, and a proud mom who brings heart, creativity, and hustle to everything she does. Whether she’s leading the charge on Broadway or behind the scenes building experiences from scratch, Angie’s deep local knowledge and visionary approach make her one of Nashville’s most trusted voices in travel.
All of our content at Nashville Tourbase is written by experienced travel writers who have visited all of the locations we recommend. And our review board of local tourism experts ensure that all the information we provide is accurate, current and helpful
2h 30min
