2023 Nashville Christmas Events – For Families

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And a wonderful time to live in Nashville! I’ve rounded up over 3 dozen activities for my December 2023 Nashville Christmas events for families guide. It’s was impossible to include everything from each surrounding town, but I focused on Franklin and a few other spots and the the highlights are here.

I’m hoping you enjoy attending some of your favorite events and maybe even find some new ones this year.

Photo by the very talented J Bird Agency.

2023 Nashville Christmas Events: For Free!!

December 1-3 and 7-10, 2023 – Tour the Tennessee Residence The Tennessee Residence is fully decorated and open for tours these dates in December. This would be a fun day out or a great homeschool field trip.

December 1, 2023 – Metro Christmas Tree Watch the Christmas tree lighting and bring an unwrapped toy for the Nashville Police Department toy drive. You can visit the tree at any time during the month of December.

December 1, 2023 – Franklin Tree Lighting One of our favorite events of the year! Matthew West will be performing and this little town goes all out for Christmas.

December 2, 2023 – Columbia Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade Visit Columbia for the tree lighting and parade. Don’t miss Muletown Coffee and Bradley Mountain, two of our favorite Columbia spots.

December 2, 2023 – Holiday Open House at Historic Rock Castle

December 2, 2023 – East Nash Bash Hang out with the cool kids in East Nashville for their Christmas festivities.

December 2, 2023 – Morning with Santa at Brentwood Library

December 4, 2023 – Brentwood Library Tree Lighting

December 9, 2023 – Leipers Fork Parade I have never attended, but have always heard such great things about this parade. See the note about driving in and parking and show up early!

December 9-10, 2023 – Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin

December 10, 2023 – Candy Cane Lane at Fifth + Broadway This event looks amazing!

December 13-16, 2023 – Journey through Bethlehem in Joelton

December 16, 2023 – Made Market at The Factory

December 16, 2023 – It’s A Wonderful Life, A live radio show presented by StudioTENN, the classic story brought to stage.

December 17, 2023 – Lowe’s Kids DIY Workshop They are making the cutest little delivery truck!

2023 Nashville Christmas Events: All Month Long

Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Cheekwood House and Gardens is one of the most magical spots in town and through Jan 7 they have a massive holiday light installation. Tickets are $28/adult $22/child

Christmas Photo at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s: If you need to do a little shopping at Bass Pro or Cabela’s (those trucker hats have a hold on the younger generations) you can also reserve a time to get a free photo with Santa. We have spent many Saturday hours with little boys exploring the pro shops.

Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland: There is just too much to list! The Gaylord has approx. 1 million things going on this season. You can also book overnight rooms for travel or a station and do ALL the things.

Franktown Lights: A local drive through light show. Perfect for grabbing cups of hot chocolate and driving got kiddos through before bed. Tickets start at $35 for a car (up to 8 passengers)

Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo: We have never done this, but I have only heart the best things about Zoolumination. It is beautiful! Tickets are $26/adults $22/child

The Rink above Broadway: I thought this was the best idea and perfect for kids or a romantic date night. Tickets are $10/Monday through Thursday, $15/Friday through Sunday. Skate rental is included and free 2 hour parking.

Caring Santa at Opry Mills Mall: This is the perfect Santa photo experience if you are looking for something calming and less overwhelming. Packages start at $19.99.

Angel Tree at Green Hills Mall: If you are near Green Hills Mall, stop by the Angel Tree and spread some cheer around town.

Dancing Lights of Christmas in Lebanon: Another drive through lights experience! Tickets are $30 per car.

Franklin Theater Christmas Movies: We are the biggest fans of Franklin Theater! They are playing old and new classics this year, Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Home Alone and more. For movies and showtimes click the link.

Cookie & Cocoa with Santa at Lucky Ladd Farms: $15/per person

Marshmallow Hike at Owl’s Hill: December 21, 22, 23 and 27, 28, 29, 30 and January 6, 13, 20. This is the most fun idea! $11 per person with pre-registration.

Christmas Market at Westhaven every Wednesday: There is a popup holiday market happening in Westhaven every Wednesday.

FairyTails Farm Christmas Tours – Christmas farm tours in Columbia! Tickets start at $25/adults $15/kids and include hot chocolate, cookies and a bounce house.

Nutcracker Tea at the Hermitage Hotel: This is pure Nashville luxury, tea at the Hermitage hotel is an experience and this year they are offering their nutcracker afternoon tea. $95/adult $45/child

Holiday Tea at Cheekwood: Another beautiful Christmas afternoon tea will be hosted by Cheekwood. $50/per person.

Grinchmas Afternoon Tea at Blue Astor: Afternoon tea with the Grinch, how silly is that? I have not been to tea at Blue Astor, but the offer it regularly and I would love to experience it. $85/adults $45/child

TPAC Nashville Nutcracker: I grew up going to the Nutcracker ballet at Christmas time and it was one of my favorite traditions I doubt that I could get Josh to attend with me, but wishful thinking! Tickets start at $55.

2023 Nashville Christmas Events: Special Mentions

December 1-3, 2023 – Home Alone in concert at the Schermerhorn The Nashville symphony will perform John Williams’ score while the movie plays on the screen. The Schermerhorn is a glorious venue and this will be a night to remember.

December 3, 17, 22, 2023 – Candlelight Nutcracker at the Parthenon tickets start at $30

December 8, 2023 – Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt Hunt for candy canes after dark at Eastern Flank Battlefield Park in Franklin. Registration is limited and $5 per person.

And that concludes my 2023 family Christmas events in Nashville & Franklin, Tennessee! I hope this is helpful to you and a resource during the holiday season. Should I post all of the Christmas concerts this month too?!?