December in Nashville is full of exciting events and activities around every corner. A magical whirlwind of holiday lights and shopping adventures, there is lots of fun to be had for all ages! Below, I’ve featured some key events happening in Nashville this month.
Some things to pay attention to:
1. Special events are listed chronologically followed by ongoing December events.
2. All events/activities marked with a ❅ are FREE events.
3. If you’re just visiting for a weekend, make note of the events marked, “The New Girl’s MUST See!”.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RYMAN
When: December 1st, 7-8th, 14-15th, and 20-22nd
Where: Ryman Auditorium – 116 Fifth Avenue North
Enjoy cherished and contemporary Christmas songs from Grammy-winning Amy Grant and Vince Gill
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THE MOST PERFECT POP UP
When: Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 10:00am-5:30pm
Where: The Perfect Pair Nashville – 4103 Hillsboro Circle
A fun holiday shopping experience featuring shops from local female business babes. Bags, jewels, baby clothes, and home goods.
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❅ NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
When: Friday, December 2nd
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Where: 1 Public Square Nashville, TN 37201
Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies provided!
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❅ NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE
(Grand Marshall: Kelly Clarkson)
When: Saturday, December 3rd
Time: 9:00-11:30am
Where: Parade begins at 7th Avenue/Broadway and heads downtown. It will turn onto 2nd Avenue and end at the base of the Woodland Street Bridge.
New Girl Tip: Park for free in Lot R next to Nissan Stadium and walk across the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge to find a seat along the parade route.
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❅ PORTER FLEA HOLIDAY MARKET (The New Girl’s MUST See!)
When: Saturday, December 10th
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: Skyway Studios – 3201 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
Nashville’s one-stop holiday shopping destination for unique, local and handmade gifts.
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❅ MUSIC CITY WINTERFEST
When: Saturday, December 10th
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: Centennial Park – 2500 West End Ave
A free day of holiday cheer, activities, and entertainment for the whole family. Shop the Holiday Market, treat yourself at food trucks and the beer garden, enjoy live music, kids activities, horse-drawn carriage and train rides, pet portraits, and snowball fights.
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❅ DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS (The New Girl’s MUST See!)
When: Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm (Saturday); 11:00am-5:00pm (Sunday)
Where: Main Street Downtown Franklin, TN
A street festival that recreates the time of Charles Dickens. 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories. Each day concludes with a town sing of classic Christmas carols.
New Girl Tip: Park at Church of the City or Harlinsdale Farm and catch a $1 shuttle ride to and from the festival on Saturday, the 10th.
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❅ NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET
When: Friday, December 16th through Sunday, December 18th
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm (Friday); 7:00am-5:00pm (Saturday); 7:00am-4:00pm (Sunday)
Where: Nashville Fairgrounds – 625 Smith Avenue
One of the top ten flea markets in the country!
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❅ JACK DANIEL’S MUSIC CITY MIDNIGHT
When: Saturday, December 31st
Time: 4:00pm-after midnight
Where: Bicentennial Park – 600 James Robertson Pkwy
Enjoy a free concert (Keith Urban headlining) and watch the music note drop followed by a fireworks show.
New Girl Tip: Raising of the music note begins around 6:15pm.
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THE DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS
When: Open rain or shine until January 1st
Time: 5:00-10:00pm
Where: Jellystone Park – 2572 Music Valley Drive Nashville, TN 37214
Drive thru light show set to the music on your car radio!
New Girl Tip: $5 off your cost if you bring 3 non perishable items (until December 6th).
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❅ A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (The New Girl’s MUST See!)
When: Open daily until January 1st.
Time: 4:00pm-Midnight
Where: Gaylord Opryland Hotel – 2800 Opryland Drive
Experience more than 2 million dazzling Christmas lights around every bend of the Opryland hotel.
New Girl Tip: Park for free at Opry Mills Mall (near Dave and Busters) and take the walkway to the hotel.
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BRIDGESTONE WINTER PARK
When: Open daily until January 31st
Where: Bridgestone Arena – 501 Broadway
Time: M-F 4:00-10:00pm; Sat/Sun 12:00-10:00pm
Public outdoor ice skating.
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEEKWOOD (The New Girl’s MUST See!)
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday until January 1st.
Time: 5:00-10:00pm
Where: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens – 1200 Forrest Park Drive
Walk one mile through the beautiful gardens of Cheekwood illuminated by one million lights.
Be sure to stop by the Frist Learning Center to say hello to two of Santa’s reindeer, Holly and Jolly!
New Girl Tip: $3 off your ticket if you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday night
New Girl Parent Tip: Santa will be reading holiday favorites for kids of all ages with milk and cookies. Storytime with Santa takes place every Sunday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM with storytime every 20 minutes.
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❅ WINTER MARKET
When: Saturdays
Time: 8:00am-2:00pm
Where: Nashville Farmers Market (under the Farm Sheds) – 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Shop over 40 local merchant retailers! Hot cocoa and locally grown herb teas provided while you shop.
New Girl Tip: The Grilled Cheeserie food truck is normally at the Nashville Farmers Market and it’s worth a taste!
Have an enjoyable holiday season, everyone!
Did you enjoy The New Girl’s in Nashville’s Guide to Nashville in December? Don’t miss out on her January guide!