10 must-do holiday activities in Nashville
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Scotty McCreery. Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
It's the best time of year. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of the holiday season in Nashville.
1. Take a photo with Santa
It's never too early to plan a visit to meet Santa and his elves. Green Hills Mall is hosting Santa's Flight Academy, an immersive holiday photo exhibit.
- Walk-ups are welcome, but you get a free call from Santa if you book a reservation.
Of note: Pets are welcome for photos with Santa from 6:30–8pm on select dates.
- Address: Green Hills Mall, 2126 Abbott Martin Rd.
- Reserve your spot here.
Other places to visit Santa include:
2. Attend a show
Enjoy some of the best country music Nashville has to offer at the Opry Country Christmas Show, which runs until Dec. 22.
Details: This year's lineup includes performances by Scotty McCreery, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders in the Sky and others.
- See the remaining show dates here.
If you're in the mood for one of the classics, check out "Nashville's Nutcracker" presented by the Nashville Ballet at TPAC.
- Dates: Dec. 9–24
- Location: Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- Cost: Starting at $38, tickets are available here.
3. See holiday lights
Here are a few places to check out lights during this holiday season:
Take a stroll along Cheekwood's one-mile walking path to view holiday lights throughout the gardens. There are also s'mores and bar stations and a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree.
- Hours: 5–10pm, until Jan. 8, 2023
- Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr.
- Tickets are on sale here.
You don't have to be a guest to view the grand holiday lights both inside and outside the resort. However, Opryland is offering sales on several holiday activities and overnight stays.
- Hours: 5pm to midnight, until Jan. 1, 2023
- Address: 2800 Opryland Dr.
- More information about holiday activities is here.
Other places to see holiday lights:
4. Grab a festive drink
Sip on a Holiday Spiked Chai or Jingle Balls Nog at Miracle, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar serving holiday cocktails.
- Location: Pearl Diver
- Address: 1008 Gallatin Ave.
- Read Miracle's drinks menu here.
5. Pick out your tree
Still in the market for a Christmas tree? Here are a few local spots to check.
6. Party for Hanukkah
The Gordon Jewish Community Center is hosting its ninth annual Hanukkah party. There will be games, entertainment and food, including Bernie's Famous Latkes.
- Details: The party is 3–6pm on Dec. 11.
- Tickets are available here, and check the JCC's Facebook page for updates.
Can't make this one? Here's another Hanukkah party.
7. Shop local
There's no shortage of Middle Tennessee businesses with the perfect gifts for your loved ones. We picked out a few ideas for you.
For the bougie one: Luxury consignment apparel at Leisure & Labels
For a secret Santa gift: Flavored popcorn, holiday popcorn tins and candy at Marigold Gourmet Popcorn
For the cozy one: Books, games, mugs and totes at Parnassus Books
For the trendsetter: Clothes, sunglasses, shoes, jewelry and handbags at Anaconda Vintage
For the college kid: HBCU-themed clothing and gear at College Crib
8. Go ice skating
Grab your skates and check out these Nashville-area rinks:
9. Camp out on a rooftop
Mix a warm drink and huddle up by the fire 10 stories above downtown Nashville. "Camp Bobby" is a '70s-themed rooftop campsite featuring snacks, alcoholic beverages, igloos and a 1956 Scenicruiser-turned-lounge.
- The Camp Bobby igloos can be reserved for up to an hour and a half, while the holiday lounge can be reserved for two hours. More details are here.
- Location: Bobby Hotel, 230 4th Ave. N.
10. Sing holiday tunes
Sing your favorite holiday song at Santa's Pub. The beloved karaoke bar is actually holiday-themed year-round. More details are here.
More karaoke spots: