Best Christmas Lights in Nashville: Where to Go in 2026

There are several ways to spend an evening looking at Nashville Christmas lights. 

You might spend it beneath towering Christmas trees inside a glass-roofed resort, follow an illuminated path through botanical gardens, or keep the heater running while synchronized displays glow outside your car window.

Some of the best Christmas lights in Nashville are elaborate ticketed attractions, while others are free community celebrations. And with displays scattered across the city and nearby Franklin, choosing where to go deserves a little thought.

Gaylord Opryland, Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, Nashville Zoo Glow Wild, and FrankTown each offer a different experience. Whether you're traveling with children, planning a Christmas date night, or spending a festive weekend downtown, here's what to know about the 2026 dates, admission prices, parking, and experiences before setting out.

Best Nashville Christmas Lights at a Glance

Nashville's major Christmas light displays range from enormous indoor decorations to outdoor walking trails and drive-through shows. The table that follows points out the main differences, so you can choose an attraction that fits your plans.

Display	Best for	Experience	2026–27 dates
Gaylord Opryland	Grand Christmas spectacle	Indoor and outdoor resort decorations	Nov. 6–Jan. 2
Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS	Couples and scenic walks	Illuminated botanical gardens	Nov. 20–Jan. 3
Nashville Zoo Glow Wild	Families with children	Wildlife-themed outdoor light show	Nov. 13–Jan. 3
FrankTown Festival of Lights	Drive-through outing	Synchronized lights viewed from a vehicle	Nov. 20–Dec. 31
Public and neighborhood displays	Free or inexpensive outings	Tree lightings and residential decorations	Varies

Individual attractions may have holiday closures or restricted entry dates.

If you have time for only one major attraction, Opryland is an excellent introduction to Nashville's large-scale Christmas celebrations. Cheekwood offers a more atmospheric evening outdoors, while Glow Wild brings a playful energy that families with younger children may particularly appreciate.

FrankTown is the easier choice for anyone who prefers to enjoy the lights without spending hours walking in the cold.

1. Gaylord Opryland: The Biggest Christmas Light Spectacle in Nashville

Few Nashville Christmas attractions match the scale of Gaylord Opryland. 

Its enormous glass-covered atriums already contain winding pathways, tropical plants, waterfalls, and indoor gardens. During the holidays, these spaces become the setting for millions of Christmas lights, elaborate decorations, and towering trees.

The resort's 43rd annual A Country Christmas celebration runs from November 6, 2026, through January 2, 2027. The decorations include more than five million lights, a 48-foot Christmas tree, thousands of poinsettias, and extensive garlands throughout the property, as stated in Visit Music City's announcement of the 2026 celebration.

The attraction's appeal extends beyond its size. Much of the resort can be explored indoors, where the atriums remain bright and welcoming even when Nashville's December weather turns damp or cold. Visitors can admire the Christmas displays, wander between decorated spaces, and watch the complimentary light-and-fountain show in the Delta Atrium.

Outdoor decorations add another dimension, including illuminated trees and seasonal displays around the resort grounds.

What Else Can You Experience at Opryland?

The headline attraction for 2026 is ICE!, featuring scenes from the holiday movie Home Alone. More than two million pounds of carved ice recreate familiar locations and moments from the film, including the McCallister home and Kevin's elaborate traps.

The attraction is maintained at approximately 9°F, with insulated parkas provided for guests. It's a particularly memorable addition for families, although ICE! requires a separate paid ticket and isn't included simply because you're visiting the resort's decorations.

Other seasonal experiences include Christmas performances, skating, outdoor activities, and a festive riverboat cruise through the Delta Atrium. Each has its own schedule and admission requirements.

For visitors primarily interested in Christmas lights, the resort decorations themselves provide plenty to explore without committing to every additional activity.

Are the Opryland Christmas Lights Free?

You don't always need an attraction ticket to see the Christmas decorations at Opryland, but resort access isn't unrestricted throughout the season.

For 2026, entry after 3 PM is guaranteed only to overnight resort guests and holders of qualifying attraction reservations on Fridays and Saturdays beginning November 20, as well as November 23–26 and December 18–31.

Visitors without reservations may arrive before 3 PM on those restricted dates and stay into the evening. The resort also identifies other periods when visitors can enter without a room or attraction reservation, although additional restrictions may be introduced.

Parking is another expense. Listed charges are $37 for self-parking and $55 for valet, before taxes and possible additional fees.

It's also worth knowing that resort dining is reserved for overnight resort guests during the holiday season. If you're staying elsewhere, plan meals outside Opryland rather than depending on a sit-down restaurant there.

How Long Should You Spend at Opryland?

Allow approximately 1.5–2 hours if you want to explore the decorated atriums, watch the lights, and take photographs without rushing. A visit that includes ICE! or additional activities can easily occupy half a day.

Opryland is particularly rewarding for first-time visitors who want to experience the scale of Nashville's Christmas celebrations. Just remember that its size, parking arrangements, and holiday access rules require more planning than a simple neighborhood light display.

2. Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS: Best for a Romantic Christmas Evening

Cheekwood takes a different approach to Christmas. Instead of surrounding visitors with resort-wide decorations, Holiday LIGHTS uses the grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens to create an illuminated walking experience through landscaped gardens and historic surroundings.

More than a million lights fill the approximately one-mile route, with installations positioned among the trees, pathways, and garden features. The setting gives visitors room to appreciate the displays as they move between them, rather than taking everything in from one large viewing area.

For 2026, the experience includes the Peppermint Path, the Star Field, and a 28-foot Pixel Pine overlooking the Bradford Robertson Color Garden. The permanent TRAINS! exhibit also receives a seasonal makeover, with illuminated miniature railway scenes and festive details.

Firepits, s'mores, warm drinks, and the Holiday Marketplace offer opportunities to pause along the route. On a cool December evening, those stops become part of the pleasure of visiting rather than a distraction from the displays.

What Makes Cheekwood Christmas Lights Special?

Cheekwood's garden setting is particularly appealing for couples. The illuminated trees and winding paths provide a quieter atmosphere than Opryland's enormous atriums, making it an excellent destination for an evening spent walking, talking, and enjoying the Christmas scenery.

The Historic Mansion adds another experience for visitors with the appropriate admission. Its 2026 holiday installation, An Enchanted Noel, draws inspiration from French Christmas traditions and decorative design.

The rooms feature different interpretations of festive French settings, offering an indoor contrast to the illuminated gardens outside.

If you're arranging a Christmas date night, consider reserving an early-evening entry and planning dinner around your visit. Cheekwood is west of downtown Nashville, so dinner or cocktails back in the city center will require transportation, but the two experiences pair well for a special evening.

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS Tickets, Hours, and Parking

The 2026 event runs from November 20 through January 3, 2027, with timed entry available between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The grounds close at 10 PM.

According to Cheekwood's official Holiday LIGHTS ticket information, standard nonmember admission varies by date and whether Mansion entry is included.

Ticket	Non-peak	Peak
Adult, Gardens Only	$26	$29
Adult, Gardens + Mansion	$29	$32
Youth, Gardens Only (3–17)	$20	$23
Youth, Gardens + Mansion (3–17)	$23	$26

Children aged two and under enter free but still require a reservation. A $2 advance service fee applies per paid ticket, and nonmember parking costs $5 per vehicle.

Cheekwood also offers discounted Late Night LIGHTS admission on select Monday through Thursday evenings. At $20 for nonmembers, these Gardens Only tickets provide entry from 8:30 PM, leaving a shorter window before closing.

Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for your visit. Much of the experience takes place outdoors, and some garden paths have uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are sensible, particularly if you're exploring the full route.

For visitors who value atmosphere over sheer scale, Cheekwood is one of the most distinctive Christmas light experiences in the Nashville area.

3. Nashville Zoo Glow Wild: Best Christmas Lights for Families

Nashville Zoo's holiday light show has a character of its own. 

Where Cheekwood emphasizes gardens and Opryland focuses on extensive decorations, Glow Wild brings illuminated wildlife into the center of the experience.

The grounds become a nighttime scenery filled with colorful animal-themed installations, seasonal lighting, and an enormous Christmas tree. Children can encounter glowing representations of creatures from across the animal kingdom, turning a walk through the zoo into something closer to an illuminated wildlife adventure.

An 85-foot synchronized Christmas tree anchors the Holiday Square, where lights move in time with music. The combination of familiar animals, bright displays, and seasonal entertainment makes Glow Wild especially engaging for younger visitors.

Selected animal exhibits also remain open after dark, including areas featuring Sumatran tigers, Andean bears, and flamingos. Naturally, seeing live animals depends on their activity and exhibit conditions, so the illuminated displays remain the main attraction.

What Else Can Families Do at Glow Wild?

From November 27 through December 24, Santa visits the Holiday Square, giving families another reason to stop and spend time together. An outdoor ice rink offers optional skating, while food and other attractions are available at additional cost.

The rink's operation depends on weather conditions, including temperature. Visitors planning to skate should check its availability before purchasing tickets.

Families whose children enjoy animals may find Glow Wild more engaging than Cheekwood's traditional garden route. The lighting is brighter and more playful in character, while Santa and skating offer activities beyond looking at the displays.

Glow Wild Tickets and Visiting Tips

The 2026 season runs from November 13 through January 3, 2027, with opening hours from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Nashville Zoo's Glow Wild details list single-night admission at $27 per person, with free admission for children under two. Parking costs $10, while members and Platinum Pass holders receive complimentary parking.

For younger children, an earlier visit is often easier than trying to keep everyone entertained until closing. The zoo specifically recommends arriving around 5 PM on weekdays for families who prefer smaller crowds.

Visitors with sensory sensitivities can also request complimentary support packs containing items such as earplugs and fidget toys.

Glow Wild is primarily an outdoor experience, so plan for the weather and allow children to explore at a comfortable pace. A shorter visit that everyone enjoys is better than trying to complete every activity before leaving.

4. FrankTown Festival of Lights: Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights Near Nashville

For visitors who prefer their Christmas lights with the car heater on, FrankTown offers a welcome alternative to walking trails and crowded indoor attractions.

The festival takes place at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Center in Franklin, south of Nashville. Vehicles follow an approximately 1.5-mile route featuring more than 200 synchronized light elements, with holiday music played through the car radio.

Instead of moving from installation to installation on foot, visitors experience the displays from their own seats as the lights change with the soundtrack. It's a practical choice for families with toddlers, older relatives, or anyone who has spent the day exploring Nashville and would prefer a less physically demanding evening.

FrankTown also provides seasonal food, photo opportunities, and activities around the main show, so visitors who want to get out of the car can extend their outing.

FrankTown Festival of Lights 2026 Dates and Hours

The FrankTown Festival of Lights schedule confirms:

• Dates: November 20–December 31, 2026

• Hours: 5 PM–9 PM nightly

• Address: 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064

• Admission: Ticketed, with 2026 prices yet to be announced

A variation on the usual format returns in 2026 through Walkin' Wednesdays. On November 25 and December 2, 9, and 16, visitors can explore the illuminated route on foot between 5 PM and 6:30 PM. Vehicle entry begins at 7 PM on those evenings.

Leashed dogs are welcome during the designated walking sessions.

FrankTown is particularly useful for travelers looking for drive-through Christmas lights near Nashville rather than another outdoor walking attraction. Because it's located in Franklin, account for travel time and possible entry queues during busy holiday evenings.

5. Where to Find Free Christmas Lights in Nashville

Not every festive evening needs a major attraction ticket. 

Nashville and its surrounding communities host tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and residential decorations that can be enjoyed for little or no admission cost.

Free displays are especially appealing when you're spending several days in town. You might choose Cheekwood for your main Christmas outing, then enjoy public decorations while exploring downtown on another evening.

There are a few confirmed options for the season, alongside residential displays that require more individual checking.

Nashvillage Holiday Market and Downtown Tree Lighting

One of the free Christmas events in downtown Nashville is the Nashvillage Holiday Market at Walk of Fame Park.

The 2026 market runs December 3–6 and December 10–13, with a free community tree lighting at 6 PM on Thursday, December 3.

Alongside the decorated Christmas tree, visitors can browse local artisan stalls, enjoy seasonal food, listen to live entertainment, and spend time around the market's firepits. The event is free to attend, although food, beverages, and certain upgraded experiences cost extra.

The Nashvillage Holiday Market's official event announcement specifies the December schedule and free admission.

For travelers staying downtown, this is an appealing option because it doesn't demand the same time commitment as Cheekwood or Opryland. It can fit into an evening of walking, shopping, and dining without taking over the entire night.

If your trip includes more than light displays, The Countrypolitan's guide to Nashville's holiday lights, markets, and seasonal celebrations offers ideas for expanding your festive itinerary.

Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square

Historic downtown Franklin provides another opportunity to enjoy Christmas decorations without purchasing admission to a ticketed light show.

The city's annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. The celebration includes a public tree-lighting ceremony and seasonal entertainment around Franklin's historic downtown square.

Visitors can check the City of Franklin's event listing for the exact location and schedule.

This isn't an alternative to the enormous displays at Opryland or Cheekwood. It's a community celebration, with the illuminated tree and historic downtown surroundings providing the atmosphere.

What About Neighborhood Christmas Lights?

Residential decorations bring a more personal character to Nashville's holiday season. A house covered in lights or a street where several neighbors decorate together can be a pleasant surprise, especially during a relaxed evening drive.

Communities around Bellevue, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, and Franklin are places to investigate through local neighborhood groups and community announcements.

However, residential Christmas displays change from year to year. A home that attracted visitors in 2025 may not decorate in 2026, and some residents prefer not to have additional traffic outside their properties.

Before setting out, check that any specific display is operating and that the homeowner has publicly welcomed visitors. Follow posted hours, avoid blocking driveways, and respect requests to remain in your vehicle.

6. Opryland vs. Cheekwood: Which Christmas Lights Are Better?

Opryland and Cheekwood are both excellent choices, but they're designed around different experiences.

Opryland is the stronger choice for sheer scale and indoor comfort: the enormous atriums, extensive decorations, and optional seasonal attractions provide plenty to see, although crowds and restricted access can complicate visiting during peak dates.

Cheekwood is better for an atmospheric outdoor evening: its illuminated garden route encourages a slower pace, with the Historic Mansion, seasonal refreshments, and landscaped surroundings adding variety.

What matters most	Opryland	Cheekwood
Atmosphere	Grand, lively resort	Scenic gardens and historic estate
Walking	Extensive indoor areas	Approximately one-mile outdoor route
Bad-weather suitability	Better indoor options	Primarily outdoors
Best audience	First-time visitors and families	Couples and garden enthusiasts
Ticketing	Decorations subject to access rules; attractions ticketed	Timed, paid admission
Main appeal	Scale and variety	Dedicated light walk

If you're traveling with children who enjoy animals and activities, Glow Wild may be more appealing than either. For a relaxed evening without much walking, FrankTown offers a simpler alternative.

The experience you'll enjoy most depends less on which attraction is largest and more on the kind of evening you want.

7. Nashville Christmas Lights 2026: When Should You Visit?

Nashville's holiday light season gets underway in early November, but the largest selection of displays becomes available after November 20.

Gaylord Opryland opens first on November 6, followed by Glow Wild on November 13. Cheekwood and FrankTown begin November 20, making late November and December the most useful period for travelers who want several attractions to choose from.

For a festive weekend with some flexibility, late November through mid-December is a particularly attractive window. Most major displays are operating by then, while a midweek visit may be less crowded than the busiest dates closer to Christmas.

There are advantages to visiting later, too. Christmas week brings the full holiday atmosphere, but it often means greater demand for timed tickets, more traffic, and less flexibility for last-minute plans.

Individual closures are important. Cheekwood, for example, closes for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, although its evening lights operate on New Year's Day.

Travelers visiting after Christmas can still enjoy several attractions. Opryland continues through January 2, 2027, while Cheekwood and Glow Wild extend to January 3.

The easiest way to organize your dates is to reserve one major light display for each evening, leaving enough time for meals, travel, and the rest of Nashville.

8. How to Plan a Nashville Christmas Weekend Around the Lights

The best part of visiting Nashville during Christmas is that the lights don't have to be the whole trip. A morning exploring downtown, an afternoon enjoying local shops or music history, and an evening among illuminated gardens can fit comfortably into the same weekend.

Because the major attractions are spread around the Nashville area, a downtown hotel offers a useful balance. You can spend part of the day walking between restaurants and music venues, then arrange transportation to your chosen Christmas light display.

Here's how a three-day weekend could unfold.

Friday: Settle In and Enjoy Downtown Nashville

After arriving in town, keep the first evening relatively relaxed. Check in, get settled, and head out for dinner rather than immediately planning a long drive to a major attraction.

At 315 Union Street, The Countrypolitan Nashville sits beside Printer's Alley, placing guests close to downtown restaurants, music venues, and familiar Nashville landmarks.

You could begin with dinner at The Countrypolitan Bar & Kitchen, where Southern-inspired food, cocktails, and live music offer a convenient start to the weekend.

From there, spend some time exploring Printer's Alley's music and nightlife history. The neighborhood offers a different atmosphere from Lower Broadway, with historic surroundings and intimate music venues just a short walk from the hotel.

If your visit coincides with the Nashvillage Holiday Market or another downtown celebration, Christmas decorations can become part of the evening without requiring an additional excursion.

Saturday: Explore the City Before Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS

Saturday offers more room for sightseeing. Start with breakfast or brunch, then spend part of the morning exploring downtown Nashville.

First-time visitors might enjoy the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, or a walk toward the riverfront. A one-day downtown Nashville itinerary can help narrow down the options without filling every hour.

Leave the afternoon relatively open. Returning to the hotel for a break before your evening reservation is worthwhile, especially if you've spent several hours walking around the city.

Cheekwood makes an excellent Saturday attraction. Reserve a timed entry that suits your dinner plans, then allow enough time to enjoy the gardens rather than treating the illuminated trail as something to finish quickly.

For couples, the evening might continue with a late dinner or cocktails downtown. Families may prefer an earlier reservation, a warm drink at Cheekwood, and a comfortable return to the hotel.

If you still want to hear live music after the lights, downtown's Lower Broadway honky-tonks provide plenty of options. There's no need to commit to a long night, though. One good performance can be a satisfying finish.

Sunday: Enjoy Opryland Before Heading Home

For visitors with a later departure, Sunday can accommodate another Christmas attraction without overloading the weekend.

Opryland works well for this final outing because its decorations can be enjoyed at a flexible pace when visitor access permits. Allow time to explore the atriums, enjoy the festive surroundings, and take photographs before heading home.

If ICE! is part of the plan, reserve tickets in advance and account for the additional time required.

Anyone with an early flight or a long drive can simply enjoy breakfast downtown before leaving. Trying to fit another major excursion into a short departure morning often creates more stress than enjoyment.

Alternative Plans for Families and Couples

Families with younger children may prefer Glow Wild on Saturday evening, particularly when Santa visits or skating are part of the attraction. Its animal-themed displays offer a livelier experience than Cheekwood's traditional garden walk.

Couples can keep Cheekwood as the centerpiece and devote more of the weekend to downtown dining, cocktails, and music.

For travelers who dislike extended outdoor walks, FrankTown can replace one of the major attractions. Its drive-through format is especially convenient after a day spent sightseeing on foot.

9. Where to Stay for a Nashville Christmas Lights Weekend

The major Christmas displays aren't concentrated in a single part of Nashville. Opryland sits northeast of downtown, Cheekwood is west of the city center, Nashville Zoo is farther south, and FrankTown requires a trip to Franklin.

That geography makes the choice of accommodation less about being beside one attraction and more about what you want from the rest of the visit.

For travelers planning to enjoy Christmas lights alongside restaurants, music, and downtown sightseeing, The Countrypolitan offers a central base without requiring every evening to revolve around transportation.

Located beside Printer's Alley, the boutique hotel places guests close to Lower Broadway, dining, music venues, and many of Nashville's downtown attractions. Its guest rooms and suites provide somewhere to rest between outings, while the on-site restaurant, bar, and live music give the property its own character after dark.

The convenience becomes particularly noticeable after an evening at Cheekwood or Opryland. Rather than arranging another complicated itinerary, you can return downtown, settle in, and enjoy whatever part of Nashville's nightlife appeals to you.

Explore The Countrypolitan's rooms and suites when planning your Christmas getaway, and make room in the itinerary for more than one memorable evening.

10. Practical Tips Before Visiting Nashville's Christmas Light Displays

A little preparation goes a long way during Nashville's busiest holiday weeks. Before leaving for an attraction, keep these details in mind:

• Book ahead: Cheekwood requires timed reservations, Glow Wild recommends advance tickets, and paid Opryland attractions have their own booking requirements.

• Check the complete price: Parking, service fees, and optional activities may increase the total beyond the advertised admission.

• Dress for the setting: Cheekwood and Glow Wild are primarily outdoors, while Opryland offers substantial indoor areas.

• Plan transportation: Most major displays require a drive or rideshare from downtown Nashville.

• Allow for crowds: Entry queues, parking, and holiday traffic can add time to the evening.

• Confirm access rules: Opryland has restrictions on specified dates, while other attractions may close or limit availability during holidays.

• Check neighborhood displays individually: Never assume a residential light show is operating simply because it appeared on an older list.

Above all, resist the temptation to squeeze several large displays into one night. You'll enjoy Nashville far more when there's time to appreciate the attractions without constantly watching the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Christmas Lights

Where are the best Christmas lights in Nashville in 2026?

Gaylord Opryland, Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, and Nashville Zoo Glow Wild are among the strongest choices for 2026. Each offers a different experience, from extensive resort decorations to illuminated gardens and wildlife-themed displays. FrankTown in nearby Franklin is also worth considering for drive-through lights.

What are the best free Christmas lights in Nashville?

Free options include public tree-lighting events, seasonal decorations, and verified neighborhood displays. The Nashvillage Holiday Market has a free tree lighting at Walk of Fame Park on December 3, 2026. Opryland's decorations can also be viewed without an ICE! ticket when general visitor access is permitted, although parking charges and entry restrictions apply.

Is it free to see the Christmas lights at Opryland?

You don't always need a ticket to admire the resort's decorations, but free viewing isn't guaranteed at every time. Opryland restricts access on specified peak dates, and self-parking currently costs $37 before taxes. Attractions such as ICE! require separate admission.

How much do Cheekwood Christmas lights cost?

Adult Holiday LIGHTS tickets range from $26 to $32 in 2026, depending on the visit date and whether Historic Mansion admission is included. Additional service and parking fees apply. Select Late Night LIGHTS tickets are available for $20 per nonmember on eligible evenings.

Which is better for Christmas lights, Cheekwood or Opryland?

Choose Cheekwood for an atmospheric outdoor garden walk, particularly for a date night or photography. Opryland is better for visitors who enjoy enormous Christmas decorations, indoor surroundings, and additional holiday attractions. The better choice depends on the setting and activities you prefer.

Are there drive-through Christmas lights in Nashville?

FrankTown Festival of Lights in nearby Franklin is a dedicated drive-through attraction running November 20 through December 31, 2026. Visitors follow an approximately 1.5-mile route of synchronized holiday lights while listening to music through their car radios.

What Nashville neighborhoods have Christmas lights?

Residential decorations can be found throughout the greater Nashville area, with communities such as Bellevue, Brentwood, Hendersonville, and Mount Juliet worth checking through local announcements. Individual displays change each year, so make sure that a particular house or route is active in 2026 before visiting.

When do Nashville Christmas lights start in 2026?

Gaylord Opryland begins its holiday season on November 6, followed by Nashville Zoo Glow Wild on November 13. Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS and FrankTown Festival of Lights both open November 20. Most major displays continue into late December or early January.

What are the best Christmas lights in Nashville for kids?

Glow Wild is especially appealing for children because of its illuminated animal displays, Santa visits, and optional skating. Opryland is another family favorite, offering extensive decorations and separately ticketed seasonal attractions.

What are the best Nashville Christmas lights for a date night?

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS is particularly well suited to couples because of its illuminated gardens, scenic pathways, and seasonal refreshments. Pairing an evening visit with dinner or cocktails downtown creates a relaxed Christmas date night.

How long does it take to walk Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS?

The main route is approximately one mile long. Allow roughly 1.5–2.5 hours to enjoy the displays, stop for refreshments, take photographs, and visit the Historic Mansion if your ticket includes admission.

Do I need advance tickets for Nashville Christmas light displays?

Advance reservations are recommended for major paid attractions, especially on December weekends and around Christmas. Cheekwood uses timed tickets, Glow Wild recommends advance admission, and Opryland's individual paid attractions require their own reservations.

Enjoy Nashville's Christmas Lights and Make a Weekend of It

From Opryland's enormous decorated atriums to Cheekwood's illuminated gardens, Nashville offers several memorable ways to spend a Christmas evening. Glow Wild brings the excitement for families, while FrankTown provides an alternative for anyone who'd rather enjoy the lights from the car.

But the holiday season is also an opportunity to spend time in Nashville itself. Between the light displays, leave room for a good meal, a favorite song performed live, and an evening exploring the streets around Printer's Alley.

Make it a Nashville Christmas weekend worth lingering over.

Book your stay at The Countrypolitan and enjoy the city's holiday lights alongside the food, music, and downtown atmosphere that make a visit to Music City special.