Nashville, Tennessee, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a plethora of festive activities for locals and visitors alike. From dazzling light displays to lively music events, here are the top 20 activities to make your Christmas in Nashville merry and bright:

1. Dancing Lights at Cheekwood:
   Marvel at the enchanting holiday lights at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, where a mile-long trail is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical experience for the whole family.
2. Nashville’s Nutcracker:
   Immerse yourself in the classic tale of The Nutcracker as performed by the Nashville Ballet. This annual production is a beloved tradition that captivates audiences with stunning choreography and festive flair.
3. Frist Art Museum’s Winter Wonderland:
   Explore the Frist Art Museum’s festive Winter Wonderland, featuring a holiday lights display, live music, and art-inspired activities for all ages.
4. Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas:
   Experience the grandeur of A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort, featuring millions of lights, ICE!—a spectacular ice sculpture exhibit—and other seasonal attractions.
5. GLOW Nashville:
   Head to First Horizon Park for GLOW Nashville, a radiant holiday experience with millions of lights, an ice skating rink, and festive activities for the whole family.
6. Holiday Lights at the Hermitage:
   Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage for a historical holiday celebration, complete with festive lights, live music, and candlelit mansion tours.
7. Christmas at the Ryman:
   Attend a holiday concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium, where festive performances and Christmas classics fill the air, creating a memorable musical experience.
8. Nashville Christmas Parade:
   Join the excitement of the Nashville Christmas Parade, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and special appearances that bring the holiday spirit to the streets of downtown Nashville.
9. Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas:
   Take a short trip to Franklin for Dickens of a Christmas, where the streets come alive with Victorian characters, carolers, and holiday festivities, creating a charming and nostalgic atmosphere.
10. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheatham County Safari Park:
    Enjoy a drive-through safari experience at Cheatham County Safari Park, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical and immersive holiday display.
11. A Christmas Carol at Nashville Repertory Theatre:
    Embrace the spirit of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a live performance at the Nashville Repertory Theatre, a heartwarming tradition for families and theater enthusiasts.
12. Nashville Symphony’s Messiah:
    Attend a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Nashville Symphony, a classical masterpiece that captures the essence of the Christmas season.
13. Live Nativity Scenes:
    Experience the true meaning of Christmas with live nativity scenes hosted at various locations throughout Nashville, providing a reflective and festive experience.
14. Gingerbread Decorating at the Omni Hotel:
    Get creative at the Omni Hotel’s annual gingerbread decorating event, where you can craft your own festive gingerbread house and enjoy holiday treats.
15. Holiday Movie Night at the Nashville Zoo:
    Bundle up and enjoy a holiday movie under the stars at the Nashville Zoo, surrounded by the festive ambiance of twinkling lights and seasonal decorations.
16. Historical Holiday Experiences at The Hermitage: Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage for a mansion tour and experience what Christmas was like in the 1800s. On Saturday, January 6, celebrate the season by attending The Hermitage’s Winter Frolic, an event that includes an artificial snowball fight, a historically-inspired Yule Log Ceremony and other festivities.
17. A Country Christmas at Fontanel:
    Explore Fontanel’s A Country Christmas, featuring a dazzling lights display, holiday movies, and festive activities for the entire family.
18. Tennessee Central Railway Museum’s North Pole Express:
    Embark on a magical train journey with the North Pole Express, hosted by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, complete with festive decorations and a visit from Santa Claus.
19. Holiday Concerts and Shows:
    Attend a variety of holiday concerts and shows hosted throughout Nashville, showcasing local talent and spreading the joyous sounds of the season.
20. Shopping at Christmas Village:
    Find unique gifts and festive treasures at the Nashville Christmas Village, an annual shopping event featuring over 260 vendors offering holiday goods and crafts.

In conclusion, Nashville offers a festive feast for the senses during the Christmas season, with a diverse range of activities to suit every taste. From dazzling light displays to enchanting performances, these 20 activities promise to make your Christmas in Music City truly special. Embrace the holiday spirit, create lasting memories, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee.