One of my favorite holiday events!! Vote for Cheekwood in USA Today’s Favorite Lights Contest here!
- When: November 17th (Members) through December 30th (Closed on Christmas Day) Timed-ticketed event
- Where: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
- What: Over one million lights, real reindeer, meet Santa , Have Breakfast with Santa (for members only), Carolers, S’mores Pits, and so much fun! They also have Gingerbread Workshops on Dec. 1 and 15. Read my Cheekwood Holiday Guide here
Franklin Lighting on the Square
- When: Sunday, December 2nd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ***THIS IS THE RESCHEDULED DATE
- Where: Downtown Franklin Square
- What: Live music and performances, an appearance from Santa and lighting of the tree
Nashville Lighting of the Tree
- When: Friday, November 30th at 6 p.m.
- Where: Public Square Park, Nashville
- What: Join Mayor David Briley for the 2018 Metro Christmas Tree Lighting on Public Square. This family friendly event includes a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the Nashville Classical Pop Choir, and the Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts Choir. Food trucks will be on site. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy (for children ages newborn to eighteen) to donate to the Last Minute Toy Store. The event will feature a live broadcast from Mix 92.9, along with appearances by Santa, Gnash, T-Rac and Booster. Nissan Parking Lots E and F will be available for FREE parking starting at 4 p.m.
Franklin Visitor’s Center Story Time
- When: December 1st, December 8th and December 15th from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Where: Franklin Visitor’s Center
- What: The Visitor’s Center will welcome many special guests to read to children throughout the first few Saturdays in December. Santa will be there on December 1st, The Conductor from The Polar Express on the 8th, and Buddy the Elf on December 15th. These guests also coordinate with the holiday movie that will be playing at The Franklin Theater at 10 a.m. right after story time.
- When: December 1st through December 23rd
- Where: Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- What: Celebrate this magical production of the Nutcracker, this show will put you in the ultimate holiday spirit
- When: Saturday, December 1st at 11 a.m.
- Where: Schermerhorn Symphony
- What: Take a trip to Whoville at this holiday music extravaganza with the Nashville Symphony. Perfect for the whole family, this concert will celebrate the season with a musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, along with other holiday favorites, including a sing-along bonanza!Starting at 10 am, show up early for fun, family-friendly, holiday-themed pre-concert activities, including our Instrument Petting Zoo, crafts, a book nook, and much more. NOTE: This sensory-friendly concert offers a relaxed atmosphere for patrons of all ages, including accommodations for people on the autism spectrum and people with sensory sensitivities.
Tractor Supply Grand Opening
- When: Saturday, December 1st
- Where: Tractor Supply in Grassland
- What: Tractor Supply kicks off its Grassland opening with a family-friend celebration! Visitors will have the opportunity to take home a Tractor Supply hat and register to win gift cards, while supplies last. The grand opening will include food trucks, raffle prizes, photos with Santa, face painting, ornament decorating, miniature ponies and live music by local bands.
Christmas Movies at The Franklin Theater
- When: Throughout December but this Saturday they have an all-star line up!
- Where: Franklin Theater
- What: The theater will show The Polar Express, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and Christmas Vacation this Saturday! Go grab a ticket at this iconic theater and see a Christmas movie class! Make sure to grab one of their custom candy bars too!
- When: Sunday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: The Factory at Franklin
- What: Shop handmade vendors, enjoy live music, Christmas photo booth, Chef Demo by Edible Nashville. A $10 donation is suggested to benefit GraceWorks Manger. Those who donate will receive a $5 off purchase of $25 with selected vendors.
The Little Mermaid at Nashville Children’s Theater
- When: Through December 3rd
- Where: Nashville Children’s Theater
- A musical tale that will make you believe in the power of ingenuity and determination
- When: November 22nd through December 29th
- Where: Williamson County AG Expo Center
- What: Beginning Thanksgiving night, FrankTown Open Hearts, a local nonprofit in Franklin, will host a drive-through holiday lights experience with synchronized music that stretches for a mile at the Williamson County AG Expo Center. $25 per car
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
- When: November 17- Dec. 31st
- Where: James Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon)
- What: The Dancing Lights of Christmas returns for it’s 8th consecutive season. Light displays, Christmas tunes and Santa’s village.