December in Nashville is pure magic. I’m not just saying that because I love this city – I mean it transforms into something special when the holiday lights go up, and the Christmas spirit fills the air.
The Nashville in December weather might be chilly, but that’s exactly what makes the experience so memorable. And as I explore the city for WavyNashville each December, I’m always reminded why Nashville feels completely new the moment the lights turn on.
Let me share everything I’ve learned about experiencing Music City during the most wonderful time of the year in this Nashville Guide.
Understanding Nashville in December Weather
Let me be honest about Nashville ‘s December temperature – it’s cold, but not unbearable. During my December visits, I’ve experienced highs ranging from 48°F to 54°F, with mornings dipping into the low 30s. It’s that perfect Southern winter weather where you need layers but won’t freeze.
The Nashville in December weather typically features about 14 sunny or partly sunny days. Rain falls on roughly 11 days throughout the month, though only three days usually see significant rainfall.
I’ve learned to always carry an umbrella. Snow is rare – maybe one day if we’re lucky – but when it does snow, Nashville becomes absolutely breathtaking.
What I love about what to do in Nashville in December is that the cold weather actually enhances the experience.
Those twinkling holiday lights look better in the crisp air. Hot chocolate tastes better after walking through Christmas markets. The cozy indoor venues feel more inviting when you’re escaping the chill.
Planning Your Nashville in December Outfits
After spending multiple Decembers here, I’ve perfected my packing strategy. The Nashville in December outfits require layering – it’s the secret to comfort. I pack lightweight sweaters, a warm coat, comfortable boots, and always bring a rain jacket. Scarves and gloves are essential for evening events.
For daytime exploring, I wear jeans with boots and a sweater under my coat. Evening concerts call for slightly dressier outfits with warm tights or thicker pants.
Broadway gets packed, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way during my first December visit when I wore cute but impractical boots and regretted it by hour three.
Nashville in December Events & Things to Do
1. Cheekwood Holiday Lights
- Location: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Drive
- Timing: November 22 – January 5, nightly 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price: $26 adults, $20 children
Cheekwood Holiday Lights is where Nashville in December events truly begin for me. Over one million lights spread across 55 acres create an absolutely magical experience.
I walk the one-mile path through botanical gardens transformed into a winter wonderland. The mansion glows against the night sky. Interactive features surprise you around every turn.
I’ve been three times, and it never gets old. The gardens are beautiful year-round, but December elevates them to something extraordinary. Arrive early for parking and dress warmly.
2. Gaylord Opryland Christmas
- Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort, 2800 Opryland Drive
- Timing: Throughout December, hours vary by activity
- Price: Individual activities range from $20-$60
This resort goes absolutely crazy for Christmas. I’m talking about three million lights, ice tubing, ice skating, Christmas fountain shows, and breakfast with Santa.
The ICE! The exhibit features massive ice sculptures you walk through in provided parkas. The riverboat Christmas cruise floats through decorated atriums. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
I recommend dedicating a full afternoon or evening here. It’s perfect for Nashville in December with kids, but adults love it too. The sheer scale is impressive.
3. Music City New Year’s Eve
- Location: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Downtown Nashville
- Timing: December 31, 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Price: Free admission
Nashville’s Big Bash rivals Times Square for New Year’s celebrations. I’ve attended twice, and the energy is incredible. Multiple stages feature live music throughout the evening.
The midnight countdown happens with fireworks over the Cumberland River. It’s televised on CBS, so you might end up on national TV.
Broadway Street becomes one massive party. I suggest arriving by 8:00 PM for good viewing spots. Downtown hotels fill up months in advance for this event.
4. Nashville Christmas Parade
- Location: Downtown Nashville, North 1st Avenue
- Timing: December (date varies annually), morning through evening
- Price: Free street viewing, VIP tickets around $30
Known as Rudolph’s Red-Nose Parade, this tradition spans nearly 100 years. Over 100 floats process down North 1st Avenue led by a giant Rudolph structure.
I watched last year from a coffee shop window, and it was perfect. The parade includes live music performances, marching bands, and Santa himself.
VIP tickets get you close-up views and reserved seating. Kids absolutely love it. It’s one of those events in Nashville in December that feels truly special and community-oriented.
5. GLOW Festival
- Location: Fontanel Scenic Trail, Whites Creek
- Timing: Mid-December, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price: $20-$35 depending on date
This Glow light festival in Whites Creek showcases over 5,000 lanterns, creating Christmas scenes along woodland trails. The giant Christmas tree centerpiece is stunning.
I loved the ice skating rink and meeting Santa. Food trucks serve hot chocolate and winter treats. The photo opportunities are endless – I filled my Instagram that night.
It’s about 20 minutes from downtown but absolutely worth the drive. The trail takes roughly an hour to walk at a leisurely pace.
6. FrankTown Festival of Lights
- Location: Williamson County Ag Expo Center, Franklin
- Timing: November 22 – December 31, nightly 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price: $25 per vehicle
A half-mile drive through over 200 synchronized light displays from the comfort of your heated car. Perfect for cold December nights. Walkin’ Wednesdays let you get out for s’mores and photos.
I went with friends, and we made it a whole evening experience. Franklin is only 30 minutes south of Nashville.
The displays are creative and impressive. It’s become one of my favorite Nashville in December things to do traditions.
7. Zoolumination
- Location: Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pike
- Timing: Select dates November 14 – January 5, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Price: $25-$30 per person
America’s largest Chinese lantern festival takes over the zoo with 500+ custom silk lanterns. The 200-foot dragon is absolutely breathtaking.
I walked through with my nephew and his eyes were huge the whole time. The lanterns are intricate works of art. It covers 60 acres, so wear comfortable shoes.
The zoo setting adds something special – animal-themed lanterns blend with traditional Chinese designs. It’s perfect for families but romantic for couples too.
8. Ryman Auditorium Christmas Concerts
- Location: Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Avenue North
- Timing: Various December dates, typically 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Price: Starting at $31, varies by performer
The Mother Church of Country Music hosts incredible Christmas concerts. I saw Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s Christmas show, and it was phenomenal.
The historic venue’s acoustics are legendary. Every seat offers good views. Shows sell out quickly, so book early.
The Ryman itself is decorated beautifully for the season. It’s one of those concerts in Nashville in December that defines the city’s musical heritage.
9. Opry Country Christmas
- Location: Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Drive
- Timing: Multiple December dates, evenings
- Price: $30-$75 depending on seating
The Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas show brings together Nashville’s best country artists. I’ve attended twice, and each show was different and amazing.
The production values are impressive. Traditional Christmas songs get country twists. The Opry never disappoints.
It’s in Opryland, so you can combine it with the resort’s Christmas activities. This show represents everything special about Nashville during the holidays.
10. The Nutcracker
- Location: TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center), 505 Deaderick Street
- Timing: Mid-December, multiple performances
- Price: $15-$45
The Nashville Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s classic beautifully. I took my niece for her first ballet experience, and she was mesmerized. The production is professional and polished.
TPAC is downtown, making it easy to combine with dinner. The matinee performances work well for families.
It’s traditional holiday entertainment done right. Even if you’ve seen it before, Nashville’s production brings something special.
11. Dickens of a Christmas
- Location: Historic Downtown Franklin, Main Street
- Timing: Early December weekend, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Free admission, some activities have small fees
Franklin transforms into Victorian England for this nearly 40-year tradition. Characters from Dickens’ stories walk the streets. I saw Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and carolers in period costumes.
Carriage rides, craft demonstrations, and era-appropriate food create immersive experiences. Most activities are free. It’s charming and family-friendly.
The historic downtown setting makes it feel authentic. I recommend arriving by 10:30 AM for parking.
12. Home Alone in Concert
- Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Place
- Timing: Early December, 7:30 PM
- Price: $35-$75
The Nashville Symphony performs John Williams’ score live while the movie plays on a big screen. I went with friends expecting nostalgia and got that plus incredible musicianship.
The synchronization is perfect. It’s hilarious and heartwarming. The Schermerhorn is acoustically stunning.
This concert sells out quickly every year. It’s become a Nashville holiday tradition for millennials like me who grew up with this movie.
13. A Christmas Carol
- Location: Various Nashville theaters
- Timing: December 6-22, multiple showtimes
- Price: $20-$40
This Dickens classic gets performed beautifully in Nashville. I saw it at the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and the acting was incredible. It’s a traditional holiday theater that never gets old.
Different theaters produce different versions, so check which one appeals to you. It’s perfect for what to do in Nashville in December when you want classic seasonal entertainment. The message resonates every year.
14. Nashville Zoo Daytime Visit
- Location: Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pike
- Timing: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Price: $18 adults, $13 children
Even without Zoolumination, the zoo is excellent in December. Smaller crowds mean better animal viewing. I love visiting on crisp December mornings.
The animals are often more active in cooler weather. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line offers unique views. It’s great for Nashville in December with kids when you need daytime activities.
The Croft Community Park section has a fantastic playground. Bundle up and enjoy seeing giraffes, elephants, and more in peaceful winter conditions.
15. Cumberland River Cruise
- Location: Downtown Nashville Riverfront, various departure points
- Timing: Multiple daily departures, typically 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Price: $30-$75 depending on meal options
Seeing Nashville from the Cumberland River offers unique perspectives. December cruises include holiday decorations and sometimes Christmas music.
I took the dinner cruise and loved watching the city lights reflect on the water. The narration shares Nashville’s history. It’s relaxing and scenic.
Indoor heated spaces make December cruises comfortable. Lunch cruises work well for sunny afternoons. Dinner cruises provide romantic evening experiences.
Nashville in December with Kids: Essential Tips
I’ve taken my nieces and nephews to Nashville multiple times in December. Here’s what works: Start mornings at museums like the Adventure Science Center when kids are fresh.
Break for hot chocolate at local cafes. Gaylord Opryland keeps kids entertained for hours. The Parthenon fascinates children who love mythology. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus. Broadway can be overwhelming with kids, so stick to daytime visits.
The Nashville in December events calendar is packed with family options. Santa appearances happen at Opryland, Christmas Village, and various locations.
The Children’s Theatre of Nashville performs holiday shows. Ice skating at Gaylord provides memorable experiences. Parks like Centennial Park offer free play spaces when kids need to burn energy.
Where to Stay and Eat In Nashville in December?
I’ve stayed all over Nashville during December. Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of Broadway and most events. The Gulch offers trendy options near restaurants.
East Nashville provides local vibes and unique eateries. The Opryland area works if you’re spending lots of time at Gaylord’s Christmas events.
For food, I hit Hattie B’s for hot chicken even in December. Arnold’s Country Kitchen serves perfect meat-and-three comfort food. The Pharmacy Burger in East Nashville never disappoints.
For upscale dining, The Catbird Seat impresses. Germantown’s restaurants offer excellent options near downtown. Don’t miss biscuits at Biscuit Love – the wait is worth it.
Practical December Tips
After multiple December trips, I’ve learned important lessons. Book accommodations three months early – December fills up fast.
Purchase event tickets in advance, especially for Cheekwood and Ryman shows. Plan for traffic around Opryland during peak times. Downtown parking gets expensive, so use rideshare or walk when possible.
The Nashville in December temperature means layering is key. I keep a backpack with an extra layer for when temperatures drop after sunset.
Hand warmers are lifesavers during outdoor events. Most venues blast heat inside, so wear something you can shed. Comfortable waterproof boots handle potential rain or snow.
Weather apps help with daily planning. If rain is forecast, schedule indoor museums and shopping. Save outdoor light displays for clear evenings. Tennessee’s weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility helps. I always have backup plans ready.
Why December is Special
Despite the cold, December might be my favorite time in Nashville. The city embraces Christmas with genuine Southern hospitality. Music venues glow with lights.
The Cumberland River reflects holiday decorations. Hot chocolate tastes better after walking Broadway. The energy is festive without feeling forced.
What I love most about Nashville in December things to do is the variety. You can see world-class symphonies, country Christmas shows, light festivals, and New Year’s Eve celebrations all in one trip. The blend of traditional Southern culture with modern entertainment creates unique experiences.
The crowds thin slightly compared to summer, yet the city stays vibrant. Hotel rates drop mid-week. Restaurants welcome guests warmly. It feels like experiencing Nashville at its most authentic while still enjoying peak entertainment options.
Making Your Nashville December Unforgettable
My advice after years of December visits: embrace the cold. The chill makes everything cozier. Bundle up and experience outdoor light displays. Warm up with hot drinks at local cafes. Balance indoor concerts with outdoor festivals.
Don’t try cramming everything into one trip. I spread activities across mornings, afternoons, and evenings for sustainable pacing. Leave room for spontaneity – Nashville surprises you with street performers and pop-up events. Talk to locals for current recommendations.
Nashville in December offers something magical that summer visits can’t replicate. The holiday spirit, the weather, the events – everything combines into memorable experiences.
Whether you’re watching a million lights at Cheekwood, celebrating New Year’s on Broadway, or singing along at the Ryman, December in Music City creates moments you’ll treasure forever.
So pack those layers, book your tickets early, and get ready to experience Nashville transformed by holiday magic. The Nashville in December weather might be cold, but the welcome is always warm.
