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12 Unmissable Things To Do In Nashville In Winter (2024)

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Let’s take a look at some of the most fun and unmissable things to do in Nashville in winter.

Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is the city of music. Being popular in the state it is also placed on the list of the most visited cities in the entire country. There are many places to visit in Nashville. From the Country Music Hall of Fame to the gorgeous Parthenon, people visit the most admired sites in the city throughout the year.

There is something special about the winters in the city that doubles the joy of festivity and brings the people of the city together to celebrate. There are many incredible things to do in Nashville in winter. This makes it one of the best cities to visit in Tennessee in winter.

If you are also planning a getaway to Nashville during winter, then you must check the following list of the things that you can expect during the cold season. There is something for everyone in this musical city of Tennessee.

Bridgestone Arena - Nashville In Winter
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville In Winter

Things To Do In Nashville In Winter

1. Attend The Nashville Christmas Parade

Being a part of the Nashville Christmas Parade is definitely the most unmissable things to do in Nashville in winter for an amazing day. The true spirit of holiday and community can be witnessed here at the Nashville Christmas Parade. The energy and vibrancy of the festival make the dullest tourists celebrate it with joy and energy.

Nashville has its own Christmas tree planted at National Square Park. You will see Santa distributing gifts here and choirs singing melodies one after the other. This happens only at night or after 6 pm.

Before that, during the day you will see Santa roam around the city waving to everyone. The performance by the troops, flash mobs, giant balloons in different forms and shapes and a perfect bouquet of colors are brought up to this place in one zealous day.

2. Be Mesmerized By The Dancing Lights Of Christmas

The Dancing lights of Christmas is another flamboyant event held near Nashville in the Wilson County Fairground. It is a 2.5-mile Christmas drive through light show which any vehicle can enter. The entire path is illuminated by the Christmas lights and you would love the experience once you get on this journey.

It is a perfect amalgamation of light and music dancing at one beat. It is also known as the largest dance and music show in Tennessee. The entrance fee for the arena simply costs $30 and you can take as many numbers of people as you want. You can also book the tickets for the same on their website.

3. Be A Part Of The Most Happening Christmas Celebrations At Gaylord Opryland Christmas

The Gaylord Opryland Convention Center becomes a one-stop destination for many people who want to have a lot of fun during the festive season. The only reason could be the colorful decorations at the center as well as the range of activities that they offer to all kinds of visitors.

They announce a different range of activities every year for winters and there are a variety of fun activities that are always listed on their menu. These include ice skating, Holiday Fountain shows, Photoshoots with Santa, Gingerbread House Decorating, Christmas Lights, Christmas Caroling and much more.

Whether you are visiting the place with your partner or your family, you are going to have a lot of fun at the convention center. Like most events, the celebration at the convention starts in November and ends in January’s first week. The entry to the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center is free of cost. You can also book your stay there for a fully immersive and joyful time during the festive season.

4. Be A Part Of The Annual Dickens Christmas Festival In Downtown Franklin

If you are a bookworm, you are going to love this one. Charles Dickens is the most famous name for many book lovers. You might have learned that name during your childhood and have yet not forgotten all those stories that can take you to the most magical places ever.

Located at a 30 minutes drive from Nashville, in downtown Franklin, the author and writer is celebrated in the most beautiful way possible. Every year, the city organizes an event, on Christmas, called the Annual Dickens Christmas festival.

You would meet a lot of people dressed as the characters from Dickens’ world and all in the spirit of Christmas. And you will know several ways to celebrate Christmas in Dickens style. You can make a lot of friends here and can share the spirit of festivity with them. Another vital part of the festival is food and drinks. And I am sure, you are not going to get enough of it.

5. Have A Laughter Night At The Comedy Club

So far, you might have understood that celebrating Christmas and all the festivals that take place in the city during winter is special. It is not only a festive season for locals but also a festive season for all the people throughout the country. Hence, the visitors make sure to join the Nashville locals in this celebration. Therefore, it also becomes a hub for all the talent shows, artists and entertainers.

One of the local places for the same is the Zanies Comedy Club, where comedians from all around the world perform some of their most successful and houseful shows.

This can be your chance to grab your freshly brewed beer at the event and indulge in laughter sessions again and again. As there is no medicine like a good heartfelt laugh, you are not going to forget this experience.

6. Movie Time At Belcourt Theatre

Belcourt Theater is Nashville’s non-profit theatre. The building of the theatre is an architectural wonder in itself and you would love to take some pictures here. Apart from the old buildings, the hospitality of the theatre has not changed ever. It still serves the menu that has been deemed as the tastiest snack in Nashville.

And when it comes to the content of the movies screened here, you would find a majority of the movies ranging from the big-budget latest flicks to independent critically acclaimed movies.

And on certain special nights, you can catch up to some oldies that can bring in some memories for you. You can check the show timings and ticket prices for the movies on their website.

7. Revive Your Childhood With The Nutcracker’s Tale

Winters are the festive season for Nashville and thus offer the time for the most notable performances on all platforms. Few of those performances include theatrical shows with big cast ensembles and dramas. You can catch some shows like the Nutcracker’s tale and Swan Lake and many more.

So, if you are interested in the theatrical performances and want to be entertained by them in the city of music, then you must book yourself a show in one of the theaters. These performances are magical and magnificent. You would love to watch them and give some rest to Netflix for a while.

8. Shop At The Holiday Flea Market

In the city where holidays are celebrated with great pomp and show, it becomes mandatory that the shopping in the city will be notches higher. Porter Flea Holiday Market gets organized especially during winters and specifically during December. Though the dates can vary. You can find more information on their website.

In this flea market, you will find everything vintage and chic. It has small outlets with paintings and home décor material. You will find vintage dresses and coats here. Jewelry sets and other materials are common products at the flea market. But above all the warmth of the people selling these items is the USP of the market.

9. Go To A Sporting Event

The holiday season is also the season for sports. So you need to check the events calendar for sporting events happening in Nashville. If you follow the ice hockey team, Nashville Predators, then you must book your tickets for the game. As the tickets are short in number and are mostly exclusive, make sure that you get an early hand on them. And the winter holiday season in the city brings up the spirit of sportsmanship.

The clubs and bars get filled with spectators, cheering on every score with a beer in their hands. You can have the color of your favorite team painted on your face to cheer in the best way possible.

10. Go To A Concert

As Nashville becomes the hub for entertainment during winters, it also becomes a temporary home for your favorite singers and bands. There is no place like the music city itself, which can become more happening during the winter seasons. These concerts take place in venues like the Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena and Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

You can check out all the details and stay updated with events in Nashville here, before booking your tickets to the city and the stars that would be performing at the concerts.

11. Spend Your Day Sightseeing

Nashville becomes most beautiful when a blanket of snow covers the city at once. The parks, lakes and brooks surrounding the city get covered with a layer of lovely snowflakes during winters that enhances the beauty of the city ten fold. Hence, sightseeing these days has become more beautiful and captivating.

You can join a sightseeing group or simply step out on your own while you admire the beauty on your way. A Downtown helicopter tour is also possible during winters. Whichever sightseeing tour you choose, it would all be worth it.

12. Visit The Arrington Vineyards

Try a variety of award winning wines at the Arrington Vineyards. It is located 25 miles south of Nashville and your drive is going to be so much worth it. This is one of the largest wineries with 16 acres of vineyards to enjoy. They offer a $15 Wine Tasting Flight experience where they serve you with a selection of four of their best wines. Sweet rose wine and the classic Chardonnay are our favorite picks.

You can also plan a vineyard picnic with your family or friends and soak in the gorgeous views. There is live music played during the weekends.

Where To Stay In Nashville

The best place to stay in Nashville during any time of the year is the Downtown neighborhood. All the best attractions, landmarks, musical venues, bars and eateries are very accessible to tourists staying in the downtown area. Here are some of our top hotel suggestions that offer comfortable accommodations in Downtown Nashville;

Budget (Upto $100) : Sleep Inn Hotel is a steal deal for budget travelers in Nashville. With facilities like swimming pool access, free Wifi, free parking, a well equipped fitness center and complimentary continental breakfast, the hotel has become a favorite amongst vacationers looking for pocket friendly accommodation located near the Nashville International Airport. Click here to book your stay at Sleep Inn Hotel or to check its availability.

Boutique Hotel : Fairlane Hotel is hands down the best boutique hotel in Nashville. The modern interiors, plush facilities and beautiful rooms provide you with an amazing hospitality experience. You can also enjoy your evenings at its lovely rooftop bar gazing towards stunning views of the city. Click here to book your stay at Fairlane Hotel or to check its availability.

Luxury : The Hermitage Hotel is located in the heart of Nashville city. Its also very close to attractions like Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Walk of Fame Park and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Luxury knows no bounds at this extravagant looking hotel. Click here to book your stay at The Hermitage Hotel or to check its availability.

So, these were all the best things to do in Nashville in winter. Let us know how you would be spending winters in Nashville in the comment section below.

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cheerfultrails

Anjali Wadhwa (cheerfultrails) is a travel consultant and enthusiast who has traveled to 15+ countries. She shares about her explorations through her writings. You will find detailed itineraries, best travel tips and well experienced recommendations for food, transportation and hotels on her blog.

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