Experience 12 Days of a Tennessee Christmas

Featured in this Article:

Christmas events near Bristol, TN/VA
Holiday events in the Smokies
Holiday events in Knoxville and surrounding areas
Holiday events in Chattanooga
Christmas events in Nashville and surrounding areas
Christmas events in Memphis and surrounding areas
 

Speedway in Lights is the largest holiday light show in the region now through Jan. 4, 2025 at Bristol Motor Speedway's Bristol Dragway Entrance on Highway 394 (not on Volunteer Parkway). Approximately four miles and 2 million lights captivate visitors. Other activities include the Christmas Village and The Ice Rink, the only ice skating rink with a 90-minute driving radius of Bristol Motor Speedway. 

Candy Land Christmas - Johnson City

Explore the free, family-friendly Candy Land Christmas display in downtown Johnson City. The winter wonderland features more than 180 brightly lit, 12-foot Christmas trees Nov. 30, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025. Special events include the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30, 2024 at King Commons Park, the Sip, Shop and Stroll featuring local boutiques and businesses, the Christmas Parade, the Holiday Market and the Jingle 5K.

Historical Christmas at Rocky Mount - Piney Flats

Sign up for a Candlelight Christmas Tour at Rocky Mount State Historic Site in Piney Flats. See the historic Cobb House and other historic structures adorned in traditional 18th-century holiday decor. Learn how Tennessee's first frontier families celebrated the holidays through decorations, ambiance and scents of the era. Make your way to the Christmas Village where you can shop for local crafts, have a tasty snack and meet Santa Claus.

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough

Jonesborough, Tennessee's Oldest Town, transforms into a winter wonderland full of holiday cheer and festive events. Christmas in Olde Jonesborough is stuffed with activities and special events each Saturday Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 2024. Santa will be onsite in his sleigh for pictures and visits with kids. Bring letters to Santa and drop them off in the mailbox by Dec. 18, 2024 and receive a reply all the way from the North Pole. Catch the lighting of the tree 6 p.m. EST Nov. 29, 2024 and the nighttime Christmas Parade 6 p.m. EST Dec. 14. The quirky and fun Christmas tradition, Whoville takes place Nov. 30, 2024. Come in your Whoville holiday best and take photos with the Grinch, get a "grinch treat" and shop small 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. Bring your pooch to Doggone Christmas for dog treat stops and a pet costume contest Dec. 7, 2024. 

Niswonger Performing Arts Center - Greeneville

The holidays are merry and bright at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Start your holiday season with the acclaimed vocal country music group, A Girl Named Tom: The Joy of Christmas Tour Dec. 1, 2024. Bring the family along for classic holiday plays like A Christmas Carol Dec. 16, 2024 and The Nutcracker, performed by the Chattanooga Ballet company Dec. 21, 2024.

The Great Smoky Mountains are your background for the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest now through through Feb. 18, 2024 that includes Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. More than 15 million lights and displays line the Parkway for a magical experience. Create a new family tradition by experiencing Christmas Never Ends' Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show open every night until Jan. 6, 2025 in Newport, Tennessee. In Sevierville, Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland illuminates your drive with lights dancing in perfect rhythm to Christmas music played over your radio. SkyLand's Festival of Lights at the Ranch has over half a million lights now through Jan. 20, 2025 including light-up cowboy scenes, life-sized nativity scene, a 25-foot LED Christmas tree, light tunnel and more. In Pigeon Forge, enjoy the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail with more than 20 light displays along the city's Riverwalk nature trail. Set to music, the displays include walk-thru arches, a 52-foot-long caterpillar, larger-than-life flowers, an enchanted forest with seven-foot-tall mushrooms, shooting stars and more. In Gatlinburg, you can do a self-guided Trolley Ride of Lights to see all the holiday decorations around town from the comfort of your car. Check out the stops on the app. On Dec. 6, 2024, Gatlinburg hosts the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, an award-winning celebration that has delighted over 20 million people from around the world. Grab a spot along the route as floats, dancers, marching bands and balloons make their way through downtown Gatlinburg.

Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyPark - Gatlinburg

Experience America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in a whole new way now through Dec. 31, 2024 as Gatlinburg SkyPark is decked out for the holidays with thousands of lights coordinated to classic Christmas music. Photo opportunities abound like at the 32-foot tree. Marvel at the lights that span the entire length of the SkyBridge and thousands of new Christmas lights around the property. The "Lights Across Gatlinburg" gives you access to the SkyBridge during the day where you can experience the Tulip Tower, take a hike on the SkyTrail and other hiking trails. Then, you can return at night to see the park twinkle with holiday cheer at no additional cost.

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta - Gatlinburg

Your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is made even more magical at Enchanted Christmas now through Jan. 5, 2025 at Anakeesta. Celebrate the season with tens of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights throughout the mountaintop Firefly Village. Music from the stage at Black Bear Village, glimmering lights in the forest along the TreeTop SkyWalk and tens of thousands of lights programmed to music in the Arctic Alley will make your Christmas season merry and bright.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas - Pigeon Forge 

Dollywood, Tennessee's No. 1 attraction, lights up like a Christmas tree now through Jan. 5, 2025. With more than 6 million dazzling lights, Smoky Mountain Christmas is a family favorite in the Great Smoky Mountains. A new addition for 2023 is the Joyful! drone show which adds more holiday fun with a larger-than-life display of festive formations via hundreds of drones soaring in the air. Meander to Glacier Ridge to see the Christmas Light Show set to symphonic music, a unique walk-through of the Aurora Borealis, and lots of illuminated displays and colorful lights. Christmas stories unfold onstage, celebrating family, song and tradition. Enhance your holiday at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

Cereal with Santa at Ober Mountain - Gatlinburg

Start your day in a jolly way at Cereal with Santa 9-10:30 a.m. EST Dec. 14, 2024 and Dec. 21, 2024 at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg. Make cherished memories over a bowl of yummy breakfast cereals, pastries and other breakfast items. Children can meet and get their picture taken with Santa. Festive holiday decorations, a surprise gift, Christmas movies and a holiday sing-a-long will make spirits bright. Purchase tickets with an activity wristband to enjoy ice skating, ice bumper cars, the carousel, Family Snow Zone Play Area, Wildlife Encounter, the mountain coaster, Smoky Mountain Bobsled and the scenic chairlift. Add to your day a snow tubing session to round out the fun.

Christmas in the Village - Gatlinburg

Celebrate the holiday season as pioneers would at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center's "Christmas in the Village" 5:30-7 p.m. EST Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 2024. Step back in time to an Appalachian village full of living history interpreters, hand-crafting demonstrations, craft stations for families and kids, and treats like hot apple cider, hot chocolate and snacks. Take an evening tour through the historic structures and hear stories of the people who lived in Townsend, Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg Festival of Trees - Gatlinburg

Knoxville is stuffed with holiday activities that'll delights kids and kids at heart during the annual Christmas in the City. Spend a day (or three) following the Peppermint Trail Nov. 29, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 to discover peppermint specials at downtown bakeries, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques, illuminated with peppermint-themed lighting displays. Additional events in the city include the REGAL Celebration of Lights Nov. 29, 2024 which includes the lighting of the 42-foot Christmas tree on Market Square; ice skating on Knoxville's open air ice skating rink Nov. 29, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025; Tour de Lights and the WIVK Christmas Parade Dec. 6, 2024 starting on Gay Street and ending at Magnolia Avenue. The parade will feature lighted floats, dancers, characters and Santa Claus.

Museum of Appalachia - Clinton

Experience the winter celebration, Candlelight Christmas at Museum of Appalachia that showcases pioneer holiday traditions Dec. 20-21, 2024. The popular event, Candlelight Christmas includes old-fashioned decorations in authentic log cabins, an evening tour of the Museum's pioneer village, family-friendly activities, local artisans and craftspeople, storytelling, a live nativity, wagon rides, and music. See demonstrations from spinners, weavers, blacksmiths and more. 

Ghosts of the Past at Christmas - Huntsville

Holiday dreams come true with over one million lights featuring never-before-seen views, themes and activities during the Enchanted Garden of Lights now through Jan. 4, 2025 at Rock City. Explore the gardens by night as your pathway is illuminated with holiday light displays and ambient live music. See a design reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis in The Arctic Kingdom, illuminated trees in the Magic Forest, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet the Toy Soldier, do some holiday shopping in The Christmas Shoppes and so much more.

Holidays Under the Peaks at Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga

Celebrate the season at Holidays Under the Peaks Nov. 29-Dec. 29, 2024 at Tennessee Aquarium. Spot SCUBA Claus in the River Journey building. He'll float among enormous fish in the River Giants exhibit in the Tennessee River gallery, waving hello and listening to Christmas requests. Social media c-EEL-ebrity Miguel Wattson is the aquarium's designated tree lighter, illuminating the tree made possible by yuletide tech in the Rivers of the World gallery. Catch a screening of The Polar Express 3D during the annual PJs and Polar event and more.

Asian Lantern Festival at Chattanooga Zoo - Chattanooga

The annual Asian Lantern Festival kicks off Nov. 26, 2024 and running Wednesdays through Sundays 5:30-9:30 p.m. EST until Jan. 19, 2025 at Chattanooga Zoo. The beautiful event features hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns displaying a variety of wildlife from the Amazon Rainforest and dinosaurs. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy 40 unique lantern displays that move, change color, emit fog, play music and more as you tour the zoo at night. Snap a free photo with Santa Claus Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2024.

Holidays at Ruby Falls - Chattanooga

Holidays at Ruby Falls is full of magical views, twinkling Christmas lights on the Village Plaza and festive cheer around every corner of the historic Ruby Falls Castle Nov. 29-Dec. 24. Visit Santa, add your wish to the Forest of Wishes, enjoy cave adventures and savor a meal with local craft beer. Christmas treats and hot chocolate can be enjoyed by the fireplace at Castle Cafe for the ultimate holiday aesthetic.

Love Christmas pop-up bars? Get ready for lots of holiday cheer along Tennessee Whiskey Trail's Carols and Barrels, a seasonal trail stuffed with holiday pop-up bars across Middle Tennessee running now through Jan. 5, 2025. You'll love each of the 12 stops sprinkled throughout Nashville and in surrounding small towns like Franklin, Shelbyville, Tullahoma and Leiper's Fork. Enjoy each uniquely designed bar and indulge in seasonal sips crafted with local spirits. Add to the fun by downloading the digital passport, collect stamps by "checking in" at each location and, when your merry journey is complete, submit it for a special prize.

Christmas in Cookeville

Christmas is heralded in with a variety of events including the new Christmas on the Square Nov. 30, 2024 2-5 p.m. CST. The celebration includes ornament-making stations, hot chocolate and festive snacks, carolers, Christmas train rides and bounce houses, face painting, photos with Santa and the lighting of the grand tree at 5 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. The annual Grinch Festival, where you can meet everyone's favorite curmudgeon and Santa, takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST Dec. 7-8, 2024 and includes more than 150 unique vendors from around the U.S., axe throwing, hair tinsel and permanent jewelry, kids' games, helicopter rides and more. Tickets are $2 for adults and kids enter free.

Dancing Lights of Christmas - Lebanon

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights are set to music in Dancing Lights of Christmas now through Jan. 4, 2025 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. It's Tennessee's largest drive-thru holiday light and music shows. More than 2 million lights along a 2.5-mile route are programmed to music and new, colorful displays. Admission also includes entry to Santa's Village, visiting with Santa and the petting zoo. The attraction is open nightly at 5 p.m. rain or shine and on all holidays.  

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland - Nashville

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is packed with holiday fun now through Jan. 4, 2025. This year's larger-than-life sculptures of ICE! features Frosty the Snowman presented by Pepsi with more than two-million pounds of ice hand-crafted into the beloved characters. Zoom down frozen slides, stroll through scenes from the classic movie and journey through awe-inspiring tunnels. Marvel at 3 million lights strung throughout the property inside and out and 9 acres of extravagant decor. Festive events include Mrs. Claus' North Pole Breakfast, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Merry & Bright Skating Spectacular featuring champion skaters, big jumps, fast spins and more. Get your tickets to A Country Christmas Dinner Show starring Terri Clark's "It's Christmas...Cheers!" Nov. 23-24 and 27-30; Dec. 1, 4-6 and 17-22, 2024 and The Frontmen's "Holidays & Hits" Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 2-3, 14-16 and 23-25, 2024. 

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Nashville

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is lit up with more than 1 million Christmas lights for Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025. Stroll through the mansion to marvel at the special decorations by former White House florist Laura Dowling. Purchase the 'Merry & Bright' package that includes two adult Garden and Mansion admission passes, two drink tickets and two s'mores kits. Lat Night LIGHTS is back with discounted tickets on select Monday - Thursday nights for 8:30 p.m. garden tickets only. 

The Nutcracker - Nashville

Gather the family together to see the "Nashville's Nutcracker" presented by the Nashville Ballet Dec. 6-26, 2024 in Jackson Hall at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Take a sparkling journey through the Land of Sweets with nods to Nashville's history and new, surprise elements. Feel the magic of beloved characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy, Drosselmeyer, Madam Bonbon and, of course, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker. Glittering sets, beautiful costumes and more make this show a Nashville family tradition. 

Clarksville, Tennessee

Make lifelong memories at the many holiday events and activities in Clarksville. Christmas on the Cumberland is the most popular holiday activity as it features over 1 million lights in displays along over a half-mile Riverwalk at McGregor Park Nov. 23, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025. If you prefer to drive, head to the Clarksville Speedway's Drive-Thru Christmas Lights which features more than 3 million light displays along the one-mile track Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2024.  For even more Christmas events, check out Visit Clarksville TN's website.

Maury Christmas - Columbia

Columbia has a full calendar of community events this holiday season. Get an early start on your holiday shopping at A Very Maury Christmas Nov. 23-24, 2024 at the Factory at Columbia. You'll find more than 40 vendors with Tennessee made goods and crafts for sale at the market. Herald in the holiday season at the annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 5-8 p.m. CST Dec. 6, 2024. Get ready for a night of fun that includes festive music from DJ Rio, craft vendors, food trucks and holiday-inspired family-friendly activities. Smile at joy-filled paintings of Jolly Old St. Nick by Tennessee artist Ralph McDonald at Pryor Art Gallery now through Dec. 13, 2024. Enjoy a masterful musical adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 2024 at Packard Playhouse. Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful historic architecture of Columbia at the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST Dec. 6-7, 2024. Tour some privately owned homes and historic landmarks at your own pace, taking in the beautiful holiday decor and history.

Dickens of a Christmas - Franklin

The pages of Charles Dickens' classic tale, "A Christmas Carol" come to life at Dickens of a Christmas Dec. 14-15, 2024 in downtown Franklin. Here, the time of Dickens is recreated with musicians, dancing, delicious food and more. Meet characters like Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley as well as Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The annual event attracts more than 100,000 visitors over the weekend.

"Christmas in a Hallmark Movie Town" - Granville

Surround yourself with Christmas cheer in the small, charming town of Historic Granville as they celebrate Christmas with the theme "I Believe in Santa Claus." There are so many events celebrating the holiday season now through Dec. 28, 2024 such as Festival of Trees, a Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show, gift shopping and more. Enjoy the Christmas Dinner Theatre "The Fun Girls & I Love Lucy Christmas" Nov. 30, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 11-13, 2024 and Christmas Bluegrass Shows Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2024. Catch the Country Christmas & Christmas Parade Dec. 14, 2024 full of floats inspired by this year's theme as well as kid-friendly activities and Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. CST.  

Light up your holiday season at Discovery Park of America's "Let It Glow" light show now through Dec. 30, 2024, bigger and brighter than ever. The walk-thru and drive-thru light show occurs on the 50 acres of the heritage park. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be at the walk-thru and available for photos Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 22-Dec. 21, 2024. The drive-thru has more than 1 million twinkling lights set to popular Christmas songs throughout the property. The walk-thru transports you to the North Pole, doubling in size and festive cheer creating a glowing winter wonderland in the Settlement, European Garden, Japanese Garden and Mill Ridge along with a shop full of local handmade gifts for sale, a letter writing station where children can pen their wish list to Santa and, new this year, more than 150 large nutcrackers on display from Edith Adcock of Martin, Tennessee.

Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend - Memphis 

Graceland will gear up a full schedule of music and Christmas tradition during the Holiday Lighting Weekend that kicks off the season Nov. 21-23, 2024. You're invited to experience the lighting of Graceland in holiday cheer, concerts and unique Christmas tours of the Graceland mansion Nov. 21-Dec. 23, 2024. Christmas UVIP tours are the ultimate holiday experience at Graceland which include a Graceland Mansion & Grounds Evening Christmas Tour with an expert guide, self-guided tour of Elvis' custom jets, full access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex, holiday photo ops both inside and outside Graceland Mansion, $20 food voucher at one of the Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurants and a keepsake backstage pass. Choose the Christmas at Graceland Hotel Package which includes a two-night stay at The Guest House at Graceland, 2 adult tickets to the Graceland Afternoon Christmas Tour and a Graceland Christmas ornament.

Zoo Lights at Memphis Zoo

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Zoo Lights, presented by Truist, Nov. 29, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025 at Memphis Zoo. Beautiful light displays including the popular Light Tunnel. Enjoy ice skating, magical views from the Ferris Wheel, meet Santa at Santa's Workshop and take a ride on the Holiday Express Train and the China Carousel - both included with your ticket. Sip hot chocolate and create the best s'more at the S'mores Station. Capture memories at festive Selfie Stops and visit the Arctic Outpost to learn about your favorite animals.

Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees  - Memphis

Walk among beautifully decorated Christmas trees during the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, benefiting Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, at the Museum Science & History now through Dec. 19, 2024. Kick off the holiday season with your family by marveling at the trees, check out the model trains and gingerbread village. Listen to holiday carols and take photos with Santa. Catch a showing of favorite holiday movies and Planetarium shows. Before heading home, shop for unique gifts at the museum's gift shop.

Holiday Wonders at Memphis Botanic Garden - Memphis

Create cherished family memories at Holiday Wonders at Memphis Botanic Garden Nov. 29-Dec. 28. Enjoy an outdoor holiday experience with themed evenings, more holiday fun than ever before with the inclusion of a dazzling light show in the new Youth Education and Tropical Plant House, Under the Stars Lounge and expanded stomp lights area that's perfect for children and parents. Visits with Santa, the dog-friendly Paw-lidy Wonders Dec. 12 and the new 901 Night Dec. 18 featuring all things local in a winter 901-derland and characters from Playhouse on the Square's Wizard of Oz make the holidays extra merry. Sip signature cocktails and other libations, hot chocolate and apple cider while exploring. Enjoy the warmth of a fire table in the Under the Stars Outdoor Lounge. Twirl beneath falling snow at Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard, snap photos at Merry Memories and marvel at the Northern Lights.

Christmas in Collierville

The Town of Collierville decks the town with bows, garland and lights for the Christmas season. Christmas in Collierville creates a magical, holiday season for you and your loved ones with special events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting 5:30-8 p.m. CST Nov. 26, 2024 on the Collierville Town Square and the Christmas Parade featuring festive floats decked out in Christmas cheer and lights 7 p.m. CST Dec. 6, 2024. Christmas in Collierville is every Saturday Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2024. Enjoy 250,000 Christmas lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, letter writing to Santa, evening music in the gazebo, local shopping and more.

A Very Vintage Christmas - Covington

Time travel to a Victorian era Christmas during A Very Vintage Christmas Dec. 14-15, 2024 where nostalgia and the warmth of the season beckon you to celebrate. More details are being finalized. Be sure to follow A Very Vintage Christmas on the Covington Square for event details announced closer to the event.

Savannah, Tennessee

Take your family to Christmas on Main weekends in December 5-8:30 p.m. CST each night in charming Savannah, Tennessee. Main Street businesses will be lined in starry white lights and a canopy of lights will be strung across the Courthouse Plaza. Catch a performances, appearances by holiday characters and kid-friendly activities. Take a spin on the open-air ice skating rink, hop on a train ride and meander through downtown Main Street, see a free Christmas movie in the historic Savannah Theater each night, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, meet Santa and drop your letter in the North Pole Mail Express. The annual Christmas parade takes place Dec. 2, 2024 and the Christmas Tree lighting is 5 p.m. Dec. 6, 2024.

Christmas in Brownsville

Brownsville becomes a North Pole small town with festive events and cheer Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 2024. Kick off your holiday season with Santa, Snow and Cocoa Nov. 22 at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Enjoy free cocoa and visits with Santa among swirling snowflakes and a forest of twinkling lights. Write a letter to Santa, enjoy face painting, cookie decorating, music and more. Don't miss the Markowski Drive-Thru Christmas Lights happening all season-long with over 1 million Christmas lights and dazzling displays, Santa's Workshop Nov. 30, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21, 2024, caroling Dec. 5, carriage rides and the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Brownsville Dec. 7, and the Holiday Trail of Lights around the city, dazzling you and your family Dec. 1-30, 2024.

Make this holiday season one to remember by filling your calendar with some or all of these Tennessee celebrations. For more holiday events, browse the event calendar.