Experience 12 Days of a Tennessee Christmas

Featured in this Article:

Christmas events near Bristol, TN/VA
Holiday events in the Smokies
Holiday events in Knoxville and surrounding areas
Holiday events in Chattanooga
Christmas events in Nashville and surrounding areas
Christmas events in Memphis and surrounding areas
 

Speedway in Lights is the largest holiday light show in the region Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 7, 2022 at Bristol Motor Speedway's Bristol Dragway Entrance on Highway 394 (not on Volunteer Parkway). Approximately four miles and 2 million lights captivate visitors. Other activities include the Christmas Village and The Ice Rink, the only ice skating rink with a 90-minute driving radius of Bristol Motor Speedway. 

Candy Land Christmas - Johnson City

The Great Smoky Mountains are your background for the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Nov. 10, 2022 through Feb. 20, 2023 that includes Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. More than 15 million lights and displays line the Parkway for a magical experience. In Sevierville, Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland illuminates your drive with lights dancing in perfect rhythm to Christmas music played over your radio. New custom built, all-LED displays will surround you with holiday cheer. In Pigeon Forge, enjoy the new Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail with 20 new light displays along the city's Riverwalk nature trail. Set to music, the displays include walk-thru arches, a 52-foot-long caterpillar, larger-than-life flowers, an enchanted forest with seven-foot-tall mushrooms, shooting stars and more. In Gatlinburg, you can do a self-guided Trolley Ride of Lights to see all the holiday decorations around town from the comfort of your car. Check out the stops from the app. Each Dec. 3, Gatlinburg hosts the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, hailed as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. Grab a spot along the route as floats, dancers, marching bands and balloons make their way through downtown Gatlinburg.

Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg Skylift Park - Gatlinburg

Experience America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in a whole new way Nov. 14, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2023 as Gatlinburg Skylift Park is decked out for the holidays with more than 60,000 lights coordinated to classic Christmas music. Photo opportunities at the 30-foot tree and lighted trees along the new SkyTrail make for a fun night. The "Lights Across Gatlinburg" gives you access to the SkyBridge during the day where you can experience the Tulip Tower which offers mountain views on each level while telling an inspiring story of renewal and rebuilding after the 2016 wildfires. Then, you can return at night to see the park twinkle with holiday cheer at no additional cost.

Anakeesta's Enchanted Winter - Gatlinburg

Your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is made even more magical at Anakeesta's Enchanted Winter event. New this year, Astra Lumina brings the popular Enchanted Night Walk Series to Anakeesta, the first in the U.S. Immerse yourself in the lights, projections and sounds Oct. 21, 2022 to Dec. 23, 2022. Starting Nov. 13, 2022, you can see winter decorations including a 40-foot tall Christmas tree at the Anakeesta plaza on the Parkway. Ride a Chondola up to Anakeesta Mountain where you'll be met with enchanting holiday decor, firepits, seasonal shopping, the Arctic Alley of lights and a new lighting experience in the Vista Gardens. Enjoy a sweet treat from the new Hot Chocolate Trail. 

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas - Pigeon Forge 

Dollywood, Tennessee's No. 1 attraction, lights up like a Christmas tree Nov. 6, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023. With more than 6 million dazzling lights, Smoky Mountain Christmas is a family favorite in the Great Smoky Mountains. New this year is the Dollywood Express Light Experience. The classic train ride takes you and your family from land to land, watching the twinkling lights and hearing classic Christmas tunes. Meander to Glacier Ridge to see the Christmas Light Show set to symphonic music, a unique walk-through of the Aurora Borealis, and lots of illuminated displays and colorful lights. Christmas stories unfold onstage, celebrating family, song and tradition. And, every Friday and Saturday, weather permitting, the "Merry & Bright" fireworks will fill the sky synchronized to new Christmas tunes.

Santa Haus at The Incredible Christmas Place - Pigeon Forge

Knoxville is stuffed with holiday activities that'll delights kids and kids at heart. Santa's Scout Elves land in Knoxville to begin the The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Nov. 25, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023. Pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Visit Knoxville to help guide your scavenger hunt. See the downloadable version here. Spend a day (or three) following the Peppermint Trail to discover peppermint specials at downtown bakeries, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques, illuminated with peppermint-themed lighting displays. Additional events in the city include the Regal Celebration of Lights Nov. 25, 2022 which includes the lighting of the 42-foot Christmas tree on Market Square; ice skating on Knoxville's open air ice skating rink Nov. 25, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023; and the WIVK Christmas Parade starting on Church Avenue near the Coliseum, turning right onto Gay Street and ending at Magnolia Avenue. The parade will feature lighted floats, dancers, characters and Santa Claus.

Museum of Appalachia - Clinton

Experience the winter celebration at Museum of Appalachia that showcases the holiday traditions of an Appalachian Christmas 4-9 p.m. EST Dec. 9-10, 2022. The popular event, Candlelight Christmas includes old-fashioned decorations in authentic log cabins, an evening tour of the Museum's pioneer village, family-friendly activities, local artisans and craftspeople, traditional musicians, wagon rides, popcorn stringing, storytelling and much more. See demonstrations from spinners, weavers, blacksmiths and more. At the Children's Craft Station, kids of all ages can make ornaments and decorate cookies. Advance tickets are now on sale.

Ghosts of the Past at Christmas - Huntsville

Holiday dreams come true with over one million lights  featuring never-before-seen views, themes and activities during the Enchanted Garden of Lights Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023 at Rock City. All activities open at 5 p.m. EST (guests must reserve an entry time in advance online). Explore the gardens by night as your pathway is illuminated with holiday light displays and ambient live music. Rock City's newest artful installation reimagines the folklore and art that inspired Frieda Utermoehlen Carter, co-founder of Rock City. Journey into the new Heart of the Mountain realm to see Ibsen the sculpted troll offer safe passage with glow steps, a new waterfall feature and enhanced Rainbow Hall lighting the way to the observation deck where you can get photos of the waterfall and Christmas star. See North Pole Highway and the Nativity Light Story along with five other themed realms including Magic Forest, Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village, Yule Town and Fairyland Caverns.

Holidays Under the Peaks at Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga

Celebrate the season at Holidays Under the Peaks at Tennessee Aquarium now through Dec. 31, 2022. Spot SCUBA Claus in the River Journey building. He'll float among enormous fish in the River Giants exhibit in the Tennessee River gallery, waving hello and listening to Christmas requests at 2 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Social media c-EEL-ebrity Miguel Wattson is the aquarium's designated tree lighter, illuminating the tree made possible by yuletide tech in the Rivers of the World gallery. Catch a screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Polar Express 3D during the annual PJs and Polar event and more.

NoogaLights - Chattanooga

NoogaLights is Chattanooga's newest Christmas lighting event. Drive-thru the lighting experience at Dallas Island in Chester Frost Park, featuring lights and displays synchronized to Christmas music now through Dec. 31 (open on Thanksgiving, closed on Christmas Day). The drive-thru is open 5:30 p.m. every day, rain or snow.

Christmas is heralded in with the lighting of a 40-foot tree in the center of Dogwood Park in Cookeville. The holiday weeks are filled with Christmas-inspired activities ranging from downtown carriage rides, meet and greets with Santa, concerts, Christmas Movies in the Park and the Christmas Forest exhibit at the Cookeville History Museum. While in the area, check out Monterey, Tennessee's Christmas Home & Hearth Celebration; the more-than-50-year-old evening Christmas Parade through downtown Cookeville; and the drive-through light attraction Hidden Hollow Lights that is open Thanksgiving evening through New Year's Day. 

Dancing Lights of Christmas - Lebanon

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights are set to music in the Dancing Lights of Christmas event, held this year Nov. 12, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. It's Tennessee's largest drive-thru holiday light and music shows. More than 2 million lights along a 2.5-mile route are programmed to music and new, colorful displays. The attraction is open nightly at 5 p.m. rain or shine and on all holidays.  

A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland - Nashville

A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center takes place Nov. 11, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023 and includes 3 million lights strung throughout the property inside and out. More than 17 hours of holiday fun can be had at the resort. ICE! returns featuring two million pounds of colorful ice sculpted into characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Follow the story featuring the larger-than-life sculptures and even take a ride down ice slides. Enjoy the new Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph and the Misfit Toys, Rudolph's Holly Jolly Breakfast, ice tubing, ice skating, bumper cars on ice, the Celebration on Ice Live Skating Show and much more.

Holiday in Lights at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Nashville

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is lit up with more than 1 million Christmas lights for Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan.8, 2023. Stroll through the mansion to see the 20-foot-tall pink Poinsettia tree on display as well as more than 50 nutcrackers. Inside the Frist Learning Center, you'll find a nine-foot ornament wall filed with garden-themed ornaments, holiday merchandise and Santa's workshop as part of the Holiday Marketplace. Stop at one of the many s'mores stations and kiosks serving seasonal libations. Weekend visits with Santa occur Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 24 in the Frist Learning Center Tack Room. Dog-themed Santa visits take place Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 outside of the stable at the Frist Learning Center.

Enchant - Nashville

Walk through Nashville's illuminated winter wonderland at Enchant, presented by Hallmark Channel. It's the world's largest Christmas light maze and village open for you to explore Nov. 25-Dec. 30 2022. Start your adventure by helping Santa find his missing reindeer in the Christmas Light Maze with larger-than-life displays, a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree as well as other surprises along the way. Enjoy ice skating, browse for artisan gifts in The Village and enjoy holiday treats and beverages, meet Santa and enjoy live music. Small children can enjoy the Little Elves Play Place where they can join in the reindeer games, make an ornament and have story time with Mrs. Claus.

The Nutcracker - Nashville

Gather the family together to see the "Nashville's Nutcracker" presented by the Nashville Ballet Dec. 9-24, 2022. Take a sparkling journey through the Land of Sweets with nods to Nashville's history and new, surprise elements. Feel the magic of beloved characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy, Drosselmeyer, Madam Bonbon and, of course, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker. Glittering sets, beautiful costumes and more make this show a Nashville family tradition. 

Have even more Nutcracker fun at Lighthouse Artspace Nashville with "The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle" running now through Jan 2, 2023. Be captivated by the sweeping music of Tchaikovsky's music while seeing the ballet performed on a majestic scale. Meet a life-sized nutcracker and take magical holiday photos at the photo ops throughout the space.

Clarksville, Tennessee

Make lifelong memories at the many holiday events and activities in Clarksville. Christmas on the Cumberland is the most popular holiday activity as it features over 1 million lights in displays along over a half-mile Riverwalk at McGregor Park Nov. 22, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023. If you prefer to drive, head to the Clarksville Speedway's Drive-Thru Christmas Lights which features more than 3 million light displays along the one-mile track. See a holiday classic at The Roxy Regional Theatre like "White Christmas," "Elf" and "The Polar Express" among others. For even more Christmas events, check out Visit Clarksville TN's website.

Maury Christmas - Columbia

Columbia has a full calendar of community events this holiday season. Get an early start on your holiday shopping at A Very Maury Christmas Nov. 19, 2022 at the Factory at Columbia. You'll find more than 40 vendors with Tennessee made goods and crafts for sale at the market. Herald in the holiday season at the annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Dec. 3, 2022. Marvel at the 40-foot Christmas tree and enjoy illuminated floats and entertainment. Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful historic architecture of Columbia at the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour Dec. 2-3, 2022. Tour some privately owned homes and historic landmarks at your own pace, taking in the beautiful holiday decor and history.

Christkindlmarkt - Tullahoma

Spend the day in Tullahoma's town square to experience a classic Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas market reminiscent of the markets you'll find in Germany, full of open-air stalls, singing, dancing and holiday treats. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and shop local vendors for unique gifts from makers and creators.

See new lights and displays synchronized to Christmas songs at Discovery Park of America's "Let It Glow" light show Nov. 11, 2022 - Dec. 30, 2022. The walk-thru and drive-thru light show occurs on the 50 acres of the heritage park. Santa Claus will be at the walk-thru and available for photos every Friday and Saturday night in the Gristmill. The drive-thru features an all-new route for guests to experience filled with never-before-seen light displays and experiences. More than one million lights will light the way, giving you a unique look at the Titan Missile, the 199-foot-tall Discovery Center, the settlement of log cabins and more. Food and beverages like hot chocolate will be for sale in the walk-thru, transformed into the North Pole. Stroll through the Japanese Garden, European Garden and Mill Ridge as they glow like a winter wonderland. Shop local, handmade gifts, write letters to Santa and see more than 150 nutcrackers on display.

Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend - Memphis 

Graceland will gear up a full schedule of music and Christmas tradition during the inaugural Holiday Lighting Weekend Nov. 17-19, 2022. You're invited to experience the lighting of Graceland in holiday cheer, concerts and unique tours of the Graceland mansion. Gold ticket packages are available that includes front section seating at Soundstage concerts, afternoon Christmas tours, a pre-concert reception and a Christmas brunch.

Museum of Science & History - Memphis

Walk among beautifully decorated Christmas trees during the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Museum Science & History Nov. 19-Dec. 24, 2022. Kick off the holiday season with your family by marveling at the trees, check out the model trains and Gingerbread Village and take photos with Santa in his snow globe. Catch a showing of favorite holiday movies and Planetarium shows. Before heading home, shop for unique gifts at the museum's gift shop.

Collierville, Tennessee

The Town of Collierville decks the town with bows, garland and lights for the Christmas season. Christmas in Collierville kicks off with the lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree and nearly a quarter of a million lights in the Collierville Town Square 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 2022. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy the live entertainment. The Christmas parade will take place Dec. 2, 2022. You can visit Santa in the Gazebo, take horse-drawn carriage rides, snap photos along the Holiday Photo Stroll and more on Saturdays Nov. 26-Dec. 17, 2022. Other events include performances of "Elf, The Musical" Dec. 3-11, 2022; the Christmas in Collierville Home Tour & Holiday Market Dec. 10, 2022; and the Holiday Light Tour Dec. 8-23, 2022 featuring more than 100 locations of decorated homes and businesses.

Dickens Christmas - Covington

Time travel to a Victorian era Christmas during Dickens Christmas in Covington, Tennessee. The historic court square will be transformed into Charles Dickens' world filled with Victorian characters, horse drawn carriages, carolers and more Dec. 10-11, 2022. Make your way downtown to enjoy refreshments, local boutique shopping and more. Victorian era costumes are encouraged. 

Savannah, Tennessee

Take your family to Christmas on Main in charming Savannah, Tennessee. Enjoy main street businesses decked out in starry white lights, children's activities, visits from Santa, an open air ice skating rink at the Savannah Market, seasonally themed Christmas trees inside the Tennessee River Museum, train rides, Christmas performances, holiday movies, arts and crafts, carriage rides and so much more. The Christmas tree lighting takes place Dec. 2, 2022. Christmas on Main takes place December 2-3, December 9-10, and December 16-17, 2022.

Make this holiday season one to remember by filling your calendar with some or all of these Tennessee celebrations. For more holiday events, browse the event calendar.