Pictured above: Hotel Dixieland | Waverly, Tennessee, 1950s. See more historic photos on The Heritage Collection.
There’s something special about Tennessee during the holidays. Historic downtown squares glow with Christmas lights, storefronts dress their windows for the season, and communities gather to celebrate traditions passed down through generations.
Whether you’re planning a festive evening out, a weekend getaway, or simply looking for ways to embrace the season, here are 16 ways to make the holidays memorable.
Things to Do this Christmas in Tennessee
1. Attend a Christmas Church Service or Living Nativity
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by attending a candlelight church service, Christmas Eve worship, or a special holiday program. Many Tennessee churches host seasonal concerts and programs throughout December.
You might also discover a living nativity or drive-through nativity experience in your community, where the story of Christmas is brought to life through traditional scenes, costumes, and performances.
2. Experience Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
One of Tennessee’s most elaborate holiday displays can be found at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. Wander through the resort’s spectacular atriums, admire the dazzling Christmas lights, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. With seasonal attractions, elaborate decorations, and holiday entertainment, it’s an experience worth making an annual tradition.
3. Dress Up for an Elegant Holiday Dinner
Make reservations at a beautiful restaurant, put on something special, and enjoy a leisurely evening out. Restaurants and historic hotels often decorate for the season, making December an especially lovely time for dinner in downtown Nashville, Franklin, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. Choose somewhere with beautiful interiors, candlelit tables, and a festive atmosphere.
4. Shop Local for Thoughtful Gifts
Skip the big-box stores for an afternoon and explore Tennessee’s independent boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, and artisan markets. Historic downtown districts are particularly charming during the holidays, with decorated storefronts and unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
5. Give Back to Your Community
Make generosity part of your holiday traditions. Donate toys to a local Christmas drive, contribute to a food pantry, support an animal shelter, or volunteer with a community organization. You could even give anonymously or to strangers. Giving always makes a difference.
6. Take a Scenic Drive to See Christmas Lights
Turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and explore neighborhoods and communities known for their Christmas decorations. From elaborate residential displays to illuminated town squares and drive-through light shows, sometimes the simplest outings become the most memorable.
7. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Spend an afternoon at a Tennessee Christmas tree farm, even if you’re not planning to bring home a tree. The scent of fresh evergreens, crisp winter air, and rows of Christmas trees create an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Many farms offer seasonal activities, photo opportunities, and locally made holiday goods.
8. Attend a Holiday Concert or Performance
Celebrate the season with live music or theater. Look for performances of The Nutcracker (Nashville Ballet is lovely!), traditional Christmas concerts, holiday productions, and performances by local choirs or symphony orchestras. Whether it’s an elaborate production in Nashville or a community performance in a small-town theater, live entertainment adds something special.
9. Explore a Historic Home Decorated for Christmas
Tennessee’s historic homes and estates offer a beautiful glimpse into holiday traditions of the past. Properties such as Belle Meade and Cheekwood in the Nashville area are worth checking for seasonal tours and special programming. Admire historic architecture, traditional decorations, and the timeless elegance of Christmas celebrations from another era.
10. Experience Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains for a cozy winter getaway. Rent a cabin with a fireplace, enjoy the mountain air, and explore the festive attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
From the dazzling holiday lights and seasonal entertainment at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas to the illuminated streets and charming shops of downtown Gatlinburg, the area transforms into a winter wonderland.
11. Visit a Holiday Market
Explore seasonal markets featuring handmade ornaments, artisan gifts, baked goods, and locally produced items. Holiday markets are a wonderful way to discover Tennessee makers and small businesses while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Look for Christmas markets, craft fairs, and special shopping events hosted in historic downtown districts.
12. Spend an Afternoon Baking
Set aside an afternoon to bake Christmas cookies, make homemade candy, or prepare a favorite family recipe. Package a few treats in decorative boxes and share them with neighbors, friends, or coworkers. Better yet, invite someone over and make an afternoon of baking together.
13. Take a Holiday Day Trip to Franklin
Historic downtown Franklin is especially picturesque during the Christmas season. Explore its boutiques, restaurants, and decorated Main Street, and check the calendar for seasonal celebrations, including the town’s popular Dickens of a Christmas festival. With its historic architecture and charming atmosphere, Franklin is an ideal destination for a festive afternoon.
14. Explore Holiday Pop-Up Experiences
Throughout the season, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues transform their spaces into festive holiday destinations. Look for Christmas-themed cocktail bars, seasonal cafés, and immersive experiences featuring elaborate decorations and specialty menus. These limited-time attractions offer a fun excuse to dress up, gather with friends, and celebrate the season somewhere special.
15.
Attend a Small-Town Christmas Parade
There’s nothing quite like a hometown Christmas parade. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and head downtown to watch decorated floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus make their way through town.
16. Start a New Holiday Tradition
Create a tradition of your own. Visit the same decorated town square each year, plan an annual holiday dinner, host a Christmas gathering, exchange handmade gifts, or take a winter walk somewhere beautiful.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the simplest traditions become the memories we treasure most.
