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The Nashville Mom

/ Opryland, Travel

Christmas Traditions at Opryland

Traditions are very important to me especially as my children are growing up so fast. Spending time at Opryland during Christmas tops the list of special traditions.

Everywhere you turn is full of holiday magic at Opryland-from millions of lights, decorations and experiences. This year, Owen and I planned a Mommy/Son staycation with our friends, The Cossars. Pleasing two tween boys isn’t always easy but they couldn’t resist the fun festivities at Opryland!

After checking in, we grabbed pizza at Paisanos and watched the fountains for a while! I could watch them for hours!

Next up, we went to the Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf interactive exhibit! This walk through experience is so fun and feels like you’ve been transported into the movie, Elf! The boys especially loved the snow ball throwing game and “baking cookies”.

After we traveled through the candy cane forest and enjoyed all things ELF, we hit the ice! Owen and Samuel had a blast racing down the ice tubes and trying not to fall on the ice rink! If you’re at Opryland during one of the ice shows, stop what you’re doing and watch! These performers are amazing!

After a busy night taking in all the activities, we snuggled in and watched a Christmas movie!

Everything is a competition with 11 year old boys…even gingerbread houses! It was really cute seeing them work hard on decorating their gingerbread houses! This is something that all ages can enjoy!

I do not take for granted how fast time is flying by! Gone are the days when he will wear matching Christmas pjs with me but making memories at one of our favorite places is timeless!

  • Opryland is open to the public during the weekdays if you’d like to stroll through and look at lights. Weekends are for hotel guests and ticket holders for So Much Christmas activities.
  • So Much Christmas features Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, Reindeer Games™ Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Misfit Toys, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Ice Skating, Ice Tubing, Ice Bumper cars, Delta Boat Ride, Pictures with Santa, Oak Ridge Boys Dinner Show and more!

/ Weekend Happenings

Holiday Happenings: Dec. 16th-19th

Plaza Mariachi Kid’s Christmas Party

  • Saturday, December 18th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Plaza Mariachi
  • Free Santa photos, princesses, petting zoo, story times, face painting and more!

WinterFest at Fountains at Gateway

  • November 19th through January 3rd
  • Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro
  • Winterfest is back for another fun season of ice skating! Skate rentals are available or you’re able to bring your own! Check hours of operation and rates here.

Nashville Nutcracker

  • December 14th through 24th
  • TPAC
  • Nashville’s beloved tradition is back! See the Nashville Ballet’s spectacular version of The Nutcracker come to life! Use code EMERSONROSED for 15% off

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

  • November 20th through January 9th, 2022 Timed-ticketed event
  • Cheekwood
  • Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood and make lasting holiday memories with fun activities for all ages. Our enchanting Holiday LIGHTS experience is Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, with one mile of lights glowing throughout the gardens. Santa will not be on-site during Holiday LIGHTS, but children can still get their wish lists to him. Visit the Frist Learning Center where kids can drop off their letters in a special mailbox for Jolly Ole St. Nick.

Studio Tenn Holiday Performances

  • Throughout December
  • It’s a Wonderful Life (Jamison Theater), A Christmas Carol (Franklin Theater)
  • Get in the holiday spirit with live performances of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

  • November 12th through January 2nd, 2022
  • James Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon)
  • Family owned The Dancing Lights returns for it’s 11th consective season with Tennessee’s largest synchronized light and music show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million lights dancing to upbeat Christmas music through your car stereo. Open rain or shine and on ALL holidays. $30 per family vehicle.

The Mall at Green Hills Santa Experience

  • November 12th through December 24th
  • Mall at Green Hills
  • *Reservations suggested! Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. Masks are optional during photos with Santa, but are recommended before and after your visit. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially-distanced Heightened cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer provided. Make your reservation here.

/ General Info

Holiday Happenings: Dec. 9-12

Nashville Nutcracker

  • December 14th through 24th
  • TPAC
  • Nashville’s beloved tradition is back! See the Nashville Ballet’s spectacular version of The Nutcracker come to life! Use code EMERSONROSED for 15% off

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

  • November 20th through January 9th, 2022 Timed-ticketed event
  • Cheekwood
  • Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood and make lasting holiday memories with fun activities for all ages. Our enchanting Holiday LIGHTS experience is Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, with one mile of lights glowing throughout the gardens. Santa will not be on-site during Holiday LIGHTS, but children can still get their wish lists to him. Visit the Frist Learning Center where kids can drop off their letters in a special mailbox for Jolly Ole St. Nick.

Studio Tenn Holiday Performances

  • Throughout December
  • It’s a Wonderful Life (Jamison Theater), A Christmas Carol (Franklin Theater)
  • Get in the holiday spirit with live performances of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.

Dickens of a Christmas

  • Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th
  • Historic Downtown Franklin
  • The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas is Middle Tennessee’s largest outdoor Christmas festival, returning this year from Saturday, December 11, 2021 – Sunday, December 12, 2021. The festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

Christmas at The Farm

  • Sunday, December 11th (Gates open at 5 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.)
  • Muletown Farm (6720 Old Zion Rd Columbia, TN 38401)
  • Free concert! Hot cocoa, cider, s’mores and pictures with Santa. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

Pancakes and Pictures with Santa

  • December 10th, 11th and 12th
  • Blue Barn 2710 Bristow Road, Columbia
  • Stop by the Blue Barn for a visit to Santa’s Snowshop with pancake or cookie decorating, children’s crafts, food trucks, bounce houses, a petting zoo and more. Purchase your tickets here. Benefits Kid’s Place

/ Weekend Happenings

Nashville Weekend Happenings: Dec. 2-5

Holiday Open House and Book Signing

  • Thursday, Dec. 2nd from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Plaid Rabbit Green Hills
  • Join me for a book signing and other local vendors to shop

Franklin Tree Lighting

  • Friday, December 3rd at 6:45 p.m.
  • Downtown Franklin
  • Tree lighting, live music with Matthew West and much more!

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

  • November 20th through January 9th, 2022 Timed-ticketed event
  • Cheekwood
  • Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood and make lasting holiday memories with fun activities for all ages. Our enchanting Holiday LIGHTS experience is Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, with one mile of lights glowing throughout the gardens. Santa will not be on-site during Holiday LIGHTS, but children can still get their wish lists to him. Visit the Frist Learning Center where kids can drop off their letters in a special mailbox for Jolly Ole St. Nick.

Photos with Santa

  • Sunday, Dec. 4th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Anzie Blue
  • Santa is coming to Anzie Blue on December 4 (9-10AM). Need a Holiday card photo?! Get your kids/friends/family/pets ready in their Holiday outfits and bring your camera. We will have hot chocolate and cookies for the kids.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

  • November 12th through January 2nd, 2022
  • James Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon)
  • Family owned The Dancing Lights returns for it’s 11th consective season with Tennessee’s largest synchronized light and music show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million lights dancing to upbeat Christmas music through your car stereo. Open rain or shine and on ALL holidays. $30 per family vehicle.

The Mall at Green Hills Santa Experience

  • November 12th through December 24th
  • Mall at Green Hills
  • *Reservations suggested! Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. Masks are optional during photos with Santa, but are recommended before and after your visit. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially-distanced Heightened cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer provided. Make your reservation here.

FrankTown Festival of Lights

  • Thanksgiving Night through December 26th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Williamson County Ag Expo
  • The 3rd Annual Festival of Lights opens Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy driving through this holiday tradition that benefits local at-risk children.

Santa at SugarDrop

  • Sunday, December 5th
  • Sugar Drop (574 Franklin Road, Suite 110 Brentwood, TN 37027)
  • Sugar Drop will be open Sunday, November 28th and Sunday, December 5th for this exclusive private, one-day-only event! Join Sugar Drop for a photograph and cookie decorating experience! Guests sign up for a 30-minute window. Guests will not be able to enter the store until 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time slot. Each family will have 5 minutes with Santa and Amy Connors Photography. Guests will receive digital images of their session after the event. While families are waiting, they can enjoy cookie decorating with Mrs. Clause, ornament decorating, sip on a holiday cotton candy drink, and fill out a Sugar Drop Wish List to hand to Santa! $100.00 includes the experience and photos for a family of up to 4 children. Sign up additional students for 20.00 each, a max of six people per family. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. A max of six people per family is allowed in at a time.

WinterFest at Fountains at Gateway

  • November 19th through January 3rd
  • Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro
  • Winterfest is back for another fun season of ice skating! Skate rentals are available or you’re able to bring your own! Check hours of operation and rates here.

Christmas in Brentwood

  • Sunday, December 5th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Brentwood Academy
  • Brentwood Academy is pleased to announce Christmas in Brentwood, Sunday, December 5, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This community-wide celebration featuring Christian recording artist Point of Grace will be a fun and festive way to ring in the Advent season. This free event, organized and hosted by Brentwood Academy, will feature family-friendly Christmas activities, culminating with the lighting of the Great Brentwood Academy Christmas Tree. Festivities include: Santa and Elves, Interactive Petting Zoo, Trackless Train, Bounce Houses, Christmas Arts and Crafts and Food Trucks and Coffee Bar.

/ Weekend Happenings

Nashville Weekend Happenings: Nov. 25-28

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

  • November 20th through January 9th, 2022 Timed-ticketed event
  • Cheekwood
  • Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood and make lasting holiday memories with fun activities for all ages. Our enchanting Holiday LIGHTS experience is Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, with one mile of lights glowing throughout the gardens. Santa will not be on-site during Holiday LIGHTS, but children can still get their wish lists to him. Visit the Frist Learning Center where kids can drop off their letters in a special mailbox for Jolly Ole St. Nick.

The Mall at Green Hills Santa Experience

  • November 12th through December 24th
  • Mall at Green Hills
  • *Reservations suggested! Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. Masks are optional during photos with Santa, but are recommended before and after your visit. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially-distanced Heightened cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer provided. Make your reservation here.

FrankTown Festival of Lights

  • Thanksgiving Night through December 26th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Williamson County Ag Expo
  • The 3rd Annual Festival of Lights opens Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy driving through this holiday tradition that benefits local at-risk children.

WinterFest at Fountains at Gateway

  • November 19th through January 3rd
  • Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro
  • Winterfest is back for another fun season of ice skating! Skate rentals are available or you’re able to bring your own! Check hours of operation and rates here.

Marshmallow Hikes

  • November 27th, December 23rd, 28th through 31st, January 8th and 15th
  • Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
  • Enjoy a hike in the winter woods followed by hot chocolate and marshmallows. Register here.

/ Holidays 2021

Shop Small Guide 2021

We have so many amazing small shops in Middle Tennessee and in online spaces! This holiday, support our local makers!

*Children’s Shops*

Magpies Girl and Magpies Baby– Magpies is more than a store, it’s a movement. Owner Maggie Tucker has created a culture for girls and their families! You can shop the Baby store with the most adorable baby items and gifts or head over to the Magpie Girls in Belle Meade or shop online for all things sparkly, rainbows and unicorn snot! 

Plaid Rabbit/Properly Plaid– Plaid Rabbit is a Children’s boutique offering clothing, gifts and accessories for babies and children. Properly Plaid is an extension offering exclusive and unique items for tweens in sizes 7 to 16. 

Phillip’s Toy Mart-has been an independent, family owned and operated business since 1946, in the Belle Meade neighborhood. They have a huge selection of toys for children of all ages. Arts and crafts, educational toys, electronics, puzzles, games, costumes and accessories and more! They also have an amazing train display in the store!

The Getalong-The Getalong is a retail and community event space in East Nashville. The mission of The Getalong is to bring together high quality goods and a place for families and friends to gather. The Getalong features a pop-up of vendors, kid-friendly activities and something for everyone. 

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books– is grounded in the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development. They carry over 10,000 high quality specialty products to ignite children’s imagination and play! They also offer Messy Art and events throughout the year. 

*Women’s Boutiques*

K. McCarthy– A women’s boutique that will make you feel right at home, K. McCarthy offers women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and gift items. Located in the Green Hills, this boutique is a treasure! 

Ella Shea-Local online boutique that also delivers locally and often hosts pop ups!

Willow Park– Cutest apparel, jewelry, gifts and more! 20% off site wide for Black Friday

Finnleys– A hometown favorite! Finnleys, located in downtown Franklin, 12th South and the Gulch offer women’s clothing, accessories and their jewelry is very cute and affordable! 

Draper James– clothing, accessories, gifts and more! 

Wilder– This boutique located in Downtown Franklin will perfect your party looks, help you find some comfy casuals or a thoughtful gift for your girlfriends. 

Posh Franklin- This stylish boutique in Downtown Franklin is the perfect place to find your next date night attire or something special for your wish list! 

Woo Cosmetics- Pamper yourself or friends on your Christmas list this year at Woo Cosmetics. Woo Skincare +Cosmetics was founded to give women a personal, pampering and fun shopping environment for their makeup and skincare choices. Woo Caroland founded the original store in Nashville in 1992 and now has expanded to Atlanta and Charlotte. Woo also offers skincare services for the ultimate relaxation. 

Vinnie Louise– is one of my favorite spots for apparel, accessories and gifts. 

*Gift Stores*

Hot Pink Gifts– This one stop shop will help you find something for everyone on your list with gift items, home decor, books, Scout bags and much more!

Moss and Embers-This adorable shop, located in Burns, TN has a beautiful selection of gifts, home items, kitchen, garden and more!

Made in TN-Made in TN, located in The Factory has a curates the best locally sourced items. They can also put together gift baskets.

White’s Merchantile– is The Nashville Dad’s favorite store! This old-fashioned mercantile store with a modern day twist offers local goods! I love gathering items from White’s for gift baskets! You can now find White’s in 12th South, Green Hills and Franklin.

You’re Invited– is your go-to shop for gifts, paper and home accessories. Let You’re Invited help you with your holiday invitations.

Tin Cottage– will make you HAPPY! You can even snap a selfie in front of the Happy wall at both their Downtown Franklin and Columbia locations. We cannot walk by Tin Cottage without my daughter wanting to go in and browse their gifts, apparel, local items and she loves their bath bombs selection! 

Rock Paper Scissors-Hosting a holiday party? Let Rock Paper Scissors create the ultimate balloon garland for your festivities! They can also help you with your holiday cards, wrapping and gift giving.

*Books*

Parnassus Books-one of Nashville’s favorites located in Green Hills. Parnassus Books is the independent bookstore for independent people located in Nashville, Tennessee. Our shop has been co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes, since it opened in 2011. 

Landmark Booksellers-A great bookstore in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Over 60,000 new and hard to find rare books including over 1500 signed first editions. Maps, prints, post cards and ephemera.

Bound Booksellers-Bound Booksellers is an independent book store in the Westhaven Town Center in Franklin, TN.  Bound features a selection of new books and gifts carefully curated by its owner, Kelly Gore. 

*Jewelry*

Mae Wearable Art– Colorful and unique bangles handmade in Atlanta! Code: TNM10 is good for 10% off all pieces with the exception of the Anna Collection. Valid thru Dec 6th

Able– ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. We’re deeply devoted to quality – both in the products we make and the quality of life we aim to provide. We invest in, train, and educate women so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive. They have beautiful jewelry, leather goods, clothing and more. 

*Christmas Cards*

Dogwood Hill –has a beautiful selection of cards, paper and holiday decor! 

*Specialty Gifts*

Honey + Hank: The cutest home and gift ideas! You’ll love these unique designs! I have pillows, tea towels and plates from honey + Hank that I love! Use code nashvillemom15 for 15% off Friday, Nov. 26th-Monday, Nov. 29th

Bauble Stockings-  These special stockings needle pointed in Haiti are a fun tradition that are meant to hold the final gift or clue of Christmas! Not only are they a sweet addition to Christmas but provide jobs to women in Haiti!

Southern Belle Coffee In Southern Belle Coffee, roasters Kimberly and Michael Slack have created an iconic coffee brand with Louisiana roots. It starts with a blend of gourmet coffees, freshly roasted every day at their roasting company, which has been operating in Louisiana for more than 120 years. They have some fun blends with the cutest names! 

Sunshine Bath Co. Specialty soaps and candles handmade in Fairhope, Al.

Dots and Gingham Shop-Personalized stationary including Christmas gift tags, notepads, invitations, kid’s placemats and more

Country Music Hall of Fame Gift Shop– The Hall of Fame Gift Shop and Hatch Show Print have a wide variety of gift items for the music fans in your life! 

Be Good Golf Co- Shop apparel for the golfer in your life! This happens to be my hubby’s and a friend’s venture! 

For Pete’s Sake Pottery- My friend Susan has the most beautiful hand-painted pottery! She’s even partnering with Draper James this year to sell the cutest custom ornaments! If you’re looking for a unique gift, check out her work!

Nashville Bloom- Flowers always make a beautiful gift! 

Erika Roberts Studio Erika Roberts Studio has fine art, prints, apparel, tea towels, gifts and more! 

*For the Home*

Smith & York Co.- is a modern home boutique on the charming square in Downtown Columbia, TN offering modern home goods, accessories, gifts and items for entertaining. Only 36 miles from Music City Center, a great day trip destination!

Spruce Spurce has a little bit of everything from home furnishing to fashion. I am inspired by the beauty every time I go! They also offer design services. 

The Linen Duck– is a retail boutique and design studio located in Downtown Columbia, TN. They have everything from furniture, home decor to women’s apparel, jewelry and shoes. 

Store House No. 9- From home furnishings to beautiful gift items, Store House No. 9 is one of my favorite shops! 

Riverside Franklin-Unique home decor and boutique items in the heart of Downtown Franklin.

The Tidy Home Nashville-Give the gift of organization! If your home needs decluttered or reorganization, the ladies at The Tidy Home do an amazing job! They’re the cutest sister duo!! 

Onyx + Alabaster-Onyx + Alabaster is a full service interior design studio and home interiors market that loves making life beautiful! 25% off entire purchase using code 

Vignette- This beautiful store is so unique and offers an eclectic variety of home goods, textiles, art, gifts, fashion, jewelry, gift items and more! 

*Sweet and Savory Treats*

Grab a gift card to one of these sweet spots for a fun gift or send a tasty treat! 

Anzie Blue

Sweethaven

Triple Crown Bakery

Tiny Little Donuts

Bang Candy Co

Sugar Drop

Tennessweet Food Co

Sips to Sugars

Callie’s Biscuits

Southern Baked Pie

Sip N Scoop

*Travel*

Consider booking a travel experience to one of my favorite locations 

The Hermitage Hotel

Germantown Inn

Gaylord Opryland

Guest House Charleston

The Greenbrier

Barnsley Resort 

Pot ‘N Kettle Cottage

Tennessee Glamping

*Experiences*

Country Music Hall of Fame: Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 31, the museum is offering discounts when purchasing annual gifts of membership—$5 off individual level memberships and $10 off family level memberships. Museum members enjoy free admission to the museum galleries, family and youth programs in the Taylor Swift Education Center and hundreds of other educational programs, including Songwriter Sessions.

Rabbit Hole VR: 3rd Annual Stocking Stuffer Gift Card Sale at The Rabbit Hole VR in case you are doing a Black Friday/Small Biz Saturday round-up. Black Friday-Cyber Monday, we will be offering 25% off VR gift cards in any amount on our website at www.therabbitholevr.com and in-store. 

#shopsmall