The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a Nashville Country Christmas? Music City is transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a plethora of festive activities, events, and experiences that will make your holiday season merry and bright. From country music performances to holiday markets, ice skating rinks, and twinkling lights displays, Nashville has something for everyone. Here are eight ways to experience a Nashville Country Christmas.
1. Country Music Performances and Holiday Concerts
Nashville is renowned for its country music scene, and during the holiday season, the city comes alive with festive performances and concerts. The Grand Ole Opry, the iconic country music venue, hosts special holiday shows featuring some of the biggest names in country music. The Ryman Auditorium, known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," also hosts holiday concerts, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Some popular country music holiday performances include:
- The Grand Ole Opry's "A Country Christmas" show
- The Ryman Auditorium's "Amy Grant and Vince Gill Christmas Show"
- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's "Deck the Hall" concert series
Holiday Concerts Schedule
Check the schedule for these venues to catch your favorite country artists performing holiday classics and original songs. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as these shows tend to sell out quickly.
2. Ice Skating Rinks and Winter Activities
Nashville has several outdoor ice skating rinks during the holiday season, offering a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Some popular ice skating rinks include:
- The Bridgestone Winter Park at the Bridgestone Arena
- The Centennial Park Ice Rink
- The Ford Ice Center
In addition to ice skating, many of these locations offer other winter activities, such as:
- Sledding and tubing
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Holiday markets and vendors
Ice Skating Rinks Schedule
Check the schedule for each ice skating rink to plan your visit. Some rinks may offer special holiday events and activities, such as skate-with-Santa events or holiday-themed ice shows.
3. Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nashville's holiday markets offer a unique shopping experience, featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses. Some popular holiday markets include:
- The Nashville Christmas Market at the Nashville Fairgrounds
- The Holiday Market at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- The 12 South Winter Market
These markets offer a wide range of products, including:
- Handmade crafts and jewelry
- Local artwork and pottery
- Specialty foods and drinks
Holiday Markets Schedule
Check the schedule for each holiday market to plan your visit. Many markets offer special events and activities, such as meet-the-artist events or holiday-themed workshops.
4. Twinkling Lights Displays
Nashville's twinkling lights displays are a holiday tradition, featuring millions of lights and festive decorations. Some popular displays include:
- The Nashville Zoo's "ZooLights" display
- The Opryland Hotel's "A Country Christmas" display
- The Cheekwood Estate and Gardens' "Holiday Lights" display
These displays offer a magical and festive atmosphere, perfect for a holiday outing with family or friends.
Twinkling Lights Displays Schedule
Check the schedule for each lights display to plan your visit. Some displays may offer special events and activities, such as holiday-themed workshops or meet-Santa events.
5. Holiday Tours and Attractions
Nashville offers a range of holiday tours and attractions, including:
- The "A Country Christmas" tour at the Opryland Hotel
- The "Holiday Lights" tour at the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
- The "Nashville Holiday Homes" tour
These tours offer a unique and festive experience, featuring decorated homes, historic mansions, and other holiday-themed attractions.
Holiday Tours Schedule
Check the schedule for each tour to plan your visit. Some tours may offer special events and activities, such as holiday-themed workshops or meet-Santa events.
6. Holiday Food and Drink
Nashville is renowned for its food and drink scene, and during the holiday season, the city offers a range of festive treats and drinks. Some popular holiday food and drink options include:
- Hot chocolate and coffee at the Nashville Farmers' Market
- Holiday-themed cocktails at the Patterson House
- Gingerbread and sugar cookies at the Loveless Cafe
Holiday Food and Drink Schedule
Check the schedule for each restaurant and bar to plan your visit. Some locations may offer special holiday events and activities, such as holiday-themed cooking classes or mixology workshops.
7. Ice Hockey and Sports Events
Nashville is home to several sports teams, including the Nashville Predators (NHL) and the Tennessee Titans (NFL). During the holiday season, these teams offer special holiday-themed events and games.
- The Nashville Predators' "Holiday Hockey" games
- The Tennessee Titans' "Christmas Eve" game
These events offer a fun and festive atmosphere, perfect for sports fans and families.
Ice Hockey and Sports Events Schedule
Check the schedule for each team to plan your visit. Some events may offer special holiday activities, such as meet-the-player events or holiday-themed giveaways.
8. Community Events and Parades
Nashville's community events and parades are a holiday tradition, featuring festive music, decorations, and activities. Some popular events include:
- The Nashville Christmas Parade
- The Franklin Christmas Parade
- The Hendersonville Christmas Festival
These events offer a fun and festive atmosphere, perfect for families and community members.
Community Events Schedule
Check the schedule for each event to plan your visit. Some events may offer special holiday activities, such as meet-Santa events or holiday-themed workshops.
Now that you've explored the eight ways to experience a Nashville Country Christmas, it's time to start planning your holiday trip to Music City. Whether you're a country music fan, a foodie, or a sports enthusiast, Nashville has something for everyone. So why not come and experience the magic of a Nashville Country Christmas for yourself?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite Nashville Country Christmas experiences and tips in the comments below. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family to spread the holiday cheer!
What are the best country music performances to attend during the holiday season in Nashville?
+The Grand Ole Opry's "A Country Christmas" show, the Ryman Auditorium's "Amy Grant and Vince Gill Christmas Show," and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's "Deck the Hall" concert series are some of the best country music performances to attend during the holiday season in Nashville.
What are the best ice skating rinks to visit in Nashville during the holiday season?
+The Bridgestone Winter Park at the Bridgestone Arena, the Centennial Park Ice Rink, and the Ford Ice Center are some of the best ice skating rinks to visit in Nashville during the holiday season.
What are the best holiday markets to visit in Nashville?
+The Nashville Christmas Market at the Nashville Fairgrounds, the Holiday Market at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the 12 South Winter Market are some of the best holiday markets to visit in Nashville.