Published December 1, 2025
A Guide to the Best Christmas Light Displays in Nashville
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From garden strolls to drive-through spectacles, here are some of the top Christmas light displays around Music City that are worth visiting:
1. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
- This is perhaps Nashville’s most iconic holiday lights event — a one‑mile walking path through gardens adorned with over 1 million lights.
- The 2025 theme is “Sweet Dreams,” inspired by sugarplums, candy‑colored hues, and classic holiday nostalgia.
- Highlights include a 28-foot “Pixel Pine” tree, the “Peppermint Path” of candy-cane trees, and a “Sparkling Serpentine” display across the Mansion lawn.
- Other perks: s’mores pits, seasonal drinks, and a Holiday Marketplace.
- Runs from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026, nightly 4:30 p.m.‑10 p.m.
2. Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo
- A magical lantern festival where the zoo is transformed with silk lanterns that depict animals, mythical creatures, and oversized floral installations.
- Some lanterns are massive — for example, there’s a 214-foot-long Chinese dragon and glowing versions of mythical creatures.
- The event makes for a peaceful walk through illuminated paths, and it's not just “lights,” but an artistic experience.
3. GLOW Nashville at First Tennessee Park
- This newer, high-energy holiday light display boasts 4 million lights and creative light installations.
- Featured displays include a “Frozen Fortress” made of crystal-like lights, glowing gift boxes big enough to walk through, and a whimsical tentacle-like tunnel of fuchsia rope lights.
- There are also cottages, walking paths, and often family-friendly features like ice skating (check for current offerings).
- Note: Tickets can be on the pricier side, so check for discounts (e.g. weekday “value” nights).
4. A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort
- A classic Nashville holiday tradition — the resort fills its massive atriums with millions of lights and extravagant decorations.
- Inside, the themed sections truly transport you: sparkling river reflections, twinkling “rain” of lights, and big holiday trees.
- Outside the hotel, there’s typically a holiday village with snow tubing, ice skating, and the famous ICE! exhibit, where enormous ice sculptures tell a story.
- Even if you don’t stay at Opryland, walking through the public areas is a magical (and often free) experience.
5. FrankTown Festival of Lights (Williamson County)
- This is a drive-through experience with more than 200 synchronized light displays along a 1.5-mile route.
- There are “Walkin’ Wednesdays” (on select nights) where you can stroll the illuminated route rather than drive.
- You can roast s’mores by a fire and take family photos near the giant Christmas tree.
6. Neighborhood Light Displays
If you’d rather do a self-guided tour through residential areas, these neighborhoods are local favorites:
- East Nashville — especially areas like Lockeland Springs and Fatherland are known for their festive light setups.
- Brentwood / Fountainhead — many Redditors mention matching blow-up Santas, synchronized house decorations, and a real community holiday feel.
- Belle Meade / Belmont Blvd area — historic homes, big lawns, and classic holiday charm make this a very photogenic spot.
Tips for Visiting Light Displays
- Buy tickets in advance when required (Cheekwood, GLOW, etc.) so you don’t risk sold-out nights.
- Go midweek if possible — weekends can get crowded.
- Bundle up: Even though Nashville winters are mild compared to some places, night-time outdoor displays can still be chilly.
- Bring a camera or phone: These displays make for great photo ops — and don’t forget the hot chocolate.
Why These Displays Are Special
These light shows aren’t just “lights on a tree.” They’re experiences — from walking through enchanted gardens, watching silk lantern animals glow, to driving through festive synchronized displays. Together, they capture the warmth, shine, and magic that make Christmas in Nashville feel truly special.
