Experience 12 Days of a Tennessee Christmas

Speedway in Lights is the largest holiday light show in the region Nov. 21, 2025 through Jan. 3,2026 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.

The Great Smoky Mountains are your background for the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest now through Feb. 15, 2026 that includes Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. 

• More than 15 million lights and displays line the Parkway for a magical experience. Create a new family tradition by experiencing Christmas Never Ends' Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show open every night in Newport, Tennessee. 
   
• In Sevierville, Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain Waterpark illuminates your drive with lights dancing in perfect rhythm to Christmas music played over your radio. 
   
• SkyLand's Festival of Lights at the Ranch has over half a million lights now through Jan. 3, 2026 including light-up cowboy scenes, life-sized nativity scene, a 25-foot LED Christmas tree, light tunnel and more. 
   
• In Pigeon Forge, enjoy the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail with 45 holiday displays, a 52-foot-long caterpillar, larger-than-life flowers, an enchanted forest with seven-foot-tall mushrooms, shooting stars and more. 
   
• On Dec. 5, 2025, Gatlinburg hosts the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, an award-winning celebration that has delighted over 20 million people from around the world. Grab a spot along the route as floats, dancers, marching bands and balloons make their way through downtown Gatlinburg.

Experience America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in a whole new way now through Jan. 31, 2026 as Gatlinburg SkyPark is decked out for the holidays with thousands of lights coordinated to classic Christmas music. Photo opportunities abound like at the 32-foot tree. Marvel at the lights that span the entire length of the SkyBridge and thousands of new Christmas lights around the property. The "Lights Across Gatlinburg" gives you access to the SkyBridge during the day where you can experience the Tulip Tower, take a hike on the SkyTrail and other hiking trails. Then, you can return at night to see the park twinkle with holiday cheer at no additional cost.

Your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is made even more magical at Enchanted Christmas now through Jan. 4, 2026 at Anakeesta. Celebrate the season with over a million twinkling Christmas lights throughout the mountaintop Firefly Village. Music from the stage at Black Bear Village, glimmering lights in the forest along the TreeTop SkyWalk and tens of thousands of lights programmed to music in the Arctic Alley will make your Christmas season merry and bright.

Dollywood, Tennessee's No. 1 attraction, lights up like a Christmas tree now through Jan. 4, 2026. With more than 6 million dazzling lights, Smoky Mountain Christmas is a family favorite in the Great Smoky Mountains. After a day full of holiday cheer, enjoy the celebratory Merry & Bright, Holiday Light! fireworks display. Enjoy Snow In the Grove at Wildwood Grove and the kaleidoscope of light, music and snow at The Wildwood Tree each night. Christmas stories unfold onstage, celebrating family, song and tradition. Enhance your holiday at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

Celebrate the holiday season as pioneers would at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center's "Christmas in the Village" 5:30-8 p.m. EST Fridays and Saturdays now through Jan. 6, 2026. Step back in time to an Appalachian village full of living history interpreters, hand-crafting demonstrations, craft stations for families and kids, and treats like hot apple cider, hot chocolate and snacks. Take an evening tour through the historic structures and hear stories of the people who lived in Townsend, Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees sparks the joy of the holidays with inspiring holiday decorations like lavishly decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and home decor Nov. 25-30, 2025 in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Enjoy the kickoff event, Candy Canes & Cocktails 2025, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. Enjoy an evening of light appetizers and signature drinks as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $52.25

Knoxville is stuffed with holiday activities that'll delights kids and kids at heart during the annual Christmas in the City. Spend a day (or three) following the Peppermint Trail Nov. 28, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 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. 28, 2025 which includes the lighting of the 42-foot Christmas tree on Market Square; ice skating on Knoxville's open air ice skating rink Nov. 28, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026; Tour de Lights 3:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 2025 at Mary Costa Plaza; and the WIVK Christmas Parade Dec. 5, 2025 starting on Gay Street and ending past Covenant Health Stadium, featuring lighted floats, dancers, characters and Santa Claus.

Holiday dreams come true with over one million lights featuring never-before-seen views, themes and activities during the Enchanted Garden of Lights Nov. 14, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 at Rock City. Explore the gardens by night as your pathway is illuminated with holiday light displays and ambient live music. See a design reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis in The Arctic Kingdom, illuminated trees in the Magic Forest, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet the Toy Soldier, do some holiday shopping in The Christmas Shoppes and so much more.

Celebrate the season at Holidays Under the Peaks Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025 at Tennessee Aquarium. 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. 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 The Polar Express 3D with daily showings Nov. 28-Dec. 28, the annual PJs and Polar event the morning of Dec. 20 and more.

The annual Asian Lantern Festival lights up Chattanooga Zoo Wednesdays through Sundays and extra holiday dates 5:30-9:30 p.m. EST Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 17, 2026. The beautiful event features nearly 50 distinct scenes around the Zoo and an all-new collection of hand-crafted silk lanterns like fire-breathing dragons, unicorns, forest creatures and Santa in his workshop. Snap a free photo with Santa Claus Dec. 12,13,19 and 20, 2025.

Holidays at Ruby Falls is full of magical views, twinkling Christmas lights on the Village Plaza and festive cheer around every corner of the historic Ruby Falls Castle Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2025. Visit Santa, add your wish to the Forest of Wishes, enjoy cave adventures and savor a meal with local craft beer. Christmas treats and hot chocolate can be enjoyed by the fireplace at Castle Cafe for the ultimate holiday aesthetic.

Love Christmas pop-up bars? Get ready for lots of holiday cheer along Tennessee Whiskey Trail's statewide Carols and Barrels Christmas pop-up bars trail across the Smokies, Memphis and Middle Tennessee now through Jan. 4, 2026. You'll love each of the 12 stops. Enjoy each uniquely designed bar and indulge in seasonal sips crafted with local spirits. Add to the fun by downloading the digital passport, collect stamps by "checking in" at each location and, when your merry journey has 6 stops or more completed, submit it for a special prize.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort is packed with holiday fun now through Jan. 3, 2026. This year's larger-than-life sculptures of ICE! features "A Charlie Brown Christmas" presented by Pepsi with more than 2 million pounds of ice hand-crafted into the beloved characters. Zoom down frozen slides and stroll through scenes from the classic movie. Be dazzled by the new musical, magic and cirque holiday show, "Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance" filled with acrobatics, stunning costumes and music. Ice tubing, ice skating, ice bumper cars, photos with Santa and a special Merry Snoopy Chirstmas Scavenger Hunt are some of the other activities you can enjoy this holiday season.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is lit up with more than 1 million Christmas lights for Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. Stroll through the mansion to marvel at the special decorations by former White House florist Laura Dowling. Holiday Marketplace, special holiday afternoon tea service and dyatime visits with Santa add to the holiday cheer. Purchase the 'Merry & Bright' package that includes two adult Garden and Mansion admission passes, two drink tickets and two s'mores kits. 

Gather the family together to see the "Nashville's Nutcracker" presented by the Nashville Ballet Nov. 29-Dec. 28, 2025 in Jackson Hall at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. 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.

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, 2025 - Jan. 3, 2026. The grand opening celebration Nov. 22, 2025 features a holiday market 2-8 p.m. and a dazzling drone show at 6 p.m. 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 Nov. 25, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. For even more Christmas events, check out Visit Clarksville's website.

The pages of Charles Dickens' classic tale, "A Christmas Carol" come to life at Dickens of a Christmas Dec. 13-14, 2025 in downtown Franklin. Here, the time of Dickens is recreated with musicians, dancing, delicious food and more. Meet characters like Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley as well as Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The annual event attracts more than 100,000 visitors over the weekend.

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. 22-23, 2025 at the Factory at Columbia. You'll find more than 40 vendors with Tennessee made goods and crafts for sale at the market. Tour stunning historic homes as part of the annual Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour Dec. 5-6 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Herald in the holiday season at the annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade 5-8 p.m. CST Dec. 6, 2025. Get ready for a night of fun that includes festive music from DJ Rio, craft vendors, food trucks and holiday-inspired family-friendly activities. Enjoy an exciting new event, a progressive play of "A Christmas Carol" Dec. 13, 2025 moving around the James. K. Polk Home property. 

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights are set to music in Dancing Lights of Christmas now through Jan. 4, 2026 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. It's Tennessee's largest drive-thru holiday light and music shows. Millions of lights along a 2.5-mile route are programmed to music and new, colorful displays. Admission also includes entry to Santa's Village, visiting with Santa and the petting zoo. The attraction is open nightly at 5 p.m. rain or shine and on all holidays.

Christmas is heralded in with a variety of events including Christmas on the Square Nov. 29, 2025. The celebration includes photos with Santa, Christmas train rides, ornament making, hot cocoa and snacks, and the lighting of the grand tree at 5 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. The annual Grinch Festival, where you can meet everyone's favorite curmudgeon and Santa, takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST Dec. 6-7, 2025 and includes more than 125 unique vendors from around the U.S., Grinch treats, axe throwing, hot cocoa, bungee rides, pony rides and goat cuddles, permanent jewelry and more. Tickets are $3 for adults and kids enter free.

Surround yourself with Christmas cheer in Historic Granville as the town celebrate Christmas with the theme "A Storybook Christmas." There are so many events celebrating the holiday season now through Dec. 31, 2025 such as Festival of Trees, a Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show, gift shopping and more. Enjoy the Christmas Dinner Theatre "Ellie Comes to Town" and "Citizens Arrest" Dec. 4-5, 10-12, 2025. Catch the Christmas Parade Dec. 13, 2025 full of floats inspired by this year's theme as well as kid-friendly activities and Breakfast with Santa 8:30-10:30 a.m. CST.

Walk among beautifully decorated Christmas trees during the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, benefiting Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, at the Museum of Science & History - Pink Palace now through Dec. 28, 2025. Kick off the holiday season with your family by marveling at the trees, check out the model trains and gingerbread village. Listen to holiday carols and take photos with Santa. Catch a showing of favorite holiday movies and Planetarium shows. Before heading home, shop for unique gifts at the museum's gift shop.

See how the King of Rock 'n Roll decorated for Christmas, one of Elvis' favorite times of the year. Christmas at Graceland continues his tradition of decorating the famous home, decorating both inside and outside the Graceland Mansion. Take a special Graceland Christmas Tour Nov. 20-Dec. 23, 2025. New this year, snap your family's holiday photo at Elvis Presley's decorated Graceland Nov. 24-25, 2025. See "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" In Concert as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performs the film score live Nov. 29.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world the new Lantern Festival presented by Truist at Memphis Zoo. Enjoy more than 60 larger-than-life illuminated fixtures that transform the Zoo into a magical wonderland of glowing pathways, animal-shaped lanterns and more. Enjoy visits with Santa in China Theatre Dec. 4-23, 2025, free tram rides, a ride on the new zip line for $10 or the free China Carousel. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy all the photo opportunities and interactive displays this Christmas season.

Create cherished family memories at Holiday Wonders at Memphis Botanic Garden Nov. 28-Dec. 30, 2025. Enjoy an outdoor holiday experience with themed evenings, more holiday fun than ever before with the inclusion of Polar Passage, an immersive new experience in The Woodland where glowing trails lead you to a holiday realm. Cozy up by glowing firetables, sip hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks and explore added interactive play areas. Food trucks are on-site nightly.

Light up your holiday season at Discovery Park of America's "Let It Glow" Nov. 14-Dec. 30, 2025, bigger and brighter than ever. The walk-thru and drive-thru light show occurs on the 50 acres of the heritage park. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be at the walk-thru and available for photos Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 14-Dec. 23, 2025. The drive-thru has more than 1 million twinkling lights set to popular Christmas songs throughout the property. New this year, guests can bring their four-legged friends to enjoy the walk-thru experience during Dog Nights at Let It Glow. Dogs are $5 each and must remain on a leash.

The Town of Collierville decks the town with bows, garland and lights for the Christmas season. Christmas in Collierville creates a magical, holiday season for you and your loved ones with special events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting 5:30-8 p.m. CST Nov. 25, 2025 on the Collierville Town Square and the Christmas Parade featuring festive floats decked out in Christmas cheer and lights 7 p.m. CST Dec. 5, 2025. Christmas in Collierville is every Saturday Nov. 29-Dec. 20, 2025. Enjoy thousands of Christmas lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, letter writing to Santa, evening music in the gazebo, local shopping and more.

Time travel to a Victorian era Christmas during A Very Vintage Christmas where nostalgia and the warmth of the season beckon you to celebrate. More details are being finalized. Be sure to follow A Very Vintage Christmas on the Covington Square for event details announced closer to the event.

Take your family to Christmas on Main 5-8:30 p.m. CST each night Dec. 5-20, 2025 in charming Savannah, Tennessee. Main Street businesses will be lined in starry white lights and a canopy of lights will be strung across the Courthouse Plaza. Catch a performances, appearances by holiday characters and kid-friendly activities. Take a spin on the open-air ice skating rink at the Savannah Market, hop on a kiddie train ride or horse-drawn carriage ride and meander through downtown Main Street. Explore Elf Land, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and drop your letter into the North Pole Mailbox. 

Brownsville becomes a North Pole small town with festive events and cheer Nov. 21-Dec. 20, 2025. Kick off your holiday season with Santa, Snow & Cocoa Nov. 21, 2025 at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Enjoy free cocoa and visits with Santa among swirling snowflakes and a forest of twinkling lights. Write a letter to Santa, enjoy face painting, cookie decorating, music and more. Don't miss the Markowski Drive-Thru Christmas Lights, part of the larger Holiday Trails of Lights through Brownsville, Stanton and Haywood County, happening all season-long with over 1 million Christmas lights and dazzling displays. Enjoy "A Haywood Christmas Carol," a fun, local take on the classic Charles Dickens story Dec. 4, 2025. The annual Christmas Parade with fun activities like shopping, Santa visits, live music and more is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6.