Best Christmas Lights in Nashville (2026)
Garden walks, glowing atriums, drive-through shows and small-town Christmas stops in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
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Nashville gives you several very different ways to spend a December evening. You can walk through Cheekwood's illuminated gardens, disappear into Opryland's decorated atriums, turn up the car radio at a drive-through show or keep things simple with a Christmas tree and dinner downtown.
For one big outing, start with Cheekwood, Gaylord Opryland or Glow Wild, the Nashville Zoo's new show for 2026. For a car full of family or friends, The Dancing Lights of Christmas and FrankTown make a strong case. And if you'd rather skip the ticket bill altogether, the free displays in Springfield and along Clarksville's riverfront are worth the drive. The picks below cover Nashville itself and the best trips around Middle Tennessee, with the town and type of outing made clear for each.
Nashville Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Where | Dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheekwood | West Nashville | Nov. 20–Jan. 3 | $26–$32 |
| Opryland | Music Valley | Nov. 6–Jan. 2 | Free + $37 parking |
| Glow Wild at the Zoo | South Nashville | Nov. 13–Jan. 3 | $27; parking $10 |
| Nashville Yards | Downtown | Nov. 21–Jan. 3 | Free |
| Nashvillage | Downtown | Dec. 3–6, 10–13 | Free |
| Dancing Lights | Lebanon | Nov. 7–Jan. 3 | $35/car |
| FrankTown | Franklin | Nov. 20–Dec. 31 | Per car |
| Chad's | Lebanon | Nov. 26–Dec. 31 | $25/car, cash |
| Clarksville Speedway | Clarksville | Nov. 24–Jan. 2 | About $30/car |
| Springfield | Springfield | Nov. 28–Dec. 27 | Free |
| Vivid Lightscapes | Murfreesboro | Nov. 27–Dec. 27 | Free |
| Hoover Lights | Chapel Hill | Late Nov.–Dec. 31 | Free |
| Lucky Ladd Farms | Eagleville | Select nights | $12–$16 |
| Cannonsburgh | Murfreesboro | 6 Dec. nights | $5 |
| The Hideaway | Gallatin | Weekends to Dec. 20 | $40/car |
| Cumberland Riverwalk | Clarksville | Nov. 21–Jan. 2 | Free |
| Downtown Franklin | Franklin | December | Free |
| Candy Cane Village | Goodlettsville | From Dec. 4 | Free |
Christmas Lights in Nashville
Five picks inside the city: three that fill an evening on their own and two free downtown stops that fit around dinner.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, USA
The mile-long garden route makes the setting as much a part of the night as the lights, past the Peppermint Path, the Star Field and a 28-foot Pixel Pine. Add the Gardens + Mansion ticket for An Enchanted Noel inside the house. Details: timed entry 4:30–8:30 p.m.; closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 25. Reserve for everyone, free kids included. The paved route is barrier free.
Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas
2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
When everyone's had enough of the cold, Opryland keeps the night going indoors: huge decorated atriums, more than five million lights and free light-and-fountain shows in the Delta Atrium. ICE! featuring Home Alone and skating are ticketed extras. Details: fountain shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., plus 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. On peak dates, arrive before 3 p.m. or hold an overnight or attraction reservation.
Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
The zoo's new holiday show is built around illuminated wildlife and an 85-foot tree synchronized to music. Do the lights first, then decide whether anyone has the energy for a skate or the carousel. Details: nightly 5–9 p.m.; Santa through Dec. 24. Under 2 free but need a ticket. A weekday 5 p.m. entry is the quietest.
Holiday Central at Nashville Yards
901 Church St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
A 40-foot tree above the Broadway Bridge with the Rink Under Broad below, the simplest Christmas photo stop downtown. Go on or after Nov. 28, when the tree is lit. Details: free tree lighting Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. West Garage parking is $15 for three hours with validation; take the 10th Avenue walkway to avoid stairs.
Nashvillage at Walk of Fame Park
121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
A tree, market stalls and food and drink give the middle of downtown a little Christmas-village feel, an easy stroll around dinner. It runs on just two long weekends. Details: Thu. 4–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; tree lighting Dec. 3.
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Drive-Through Christmas Lights Around Middle Tennessee
These keep the main show in the car, which suits young kids, mixed-age groups and cold nights. One drive-through per evening is plenty; entrance lines can eat into the time on busy weekends.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA
Lights that move with the music on your car radio, then Santa's Village to stretch your legs: the region's best-known drive-through, priced per car. Make it the evening's only stop on busy weekends. Details: 5–10 p.m., 11 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; open on holidays. Enter across from Dollar General on Sparta Pike. Santa's last day is Dec. 23.
FrankTown Festival of Lights
4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
A mile-and-a-half drive with a car-radio soundtrack, plus firepits and s'mores at the end, an easy finish to a day in Franklin. On Walkin' Wednesdays you can do the route on foot before cars go in. Details: generally 5–9 p.m.; walking nights Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 5–6:30 p.m., with cars from 7 p.m. Leashed dogs welcome on walking nights.
Chad's Winter Wonderland
791 Old Laguardo Rd E, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA
A Christmas yard display that outgrew the yard: holiday scenes, a light tunnel and a Santa house, all from the back seat. Don't try to pair it with Dancing Lights in one night. Details: 5–10 p.m.; bring cash. Check the latest announcement first if you're in a large or tall vehicle.
Clarksville Speedway Christmas Lights
1600 Needmore Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040, USA
More than a mile of displays you drive through at the speedway, the seated alternative to Clarksville's free riverfront walk and a tidy last stop after a day in town. Details: dusk–9 p.m.; 10 p.m. Fri., Sat. and holidays; 8 p.m. Dec. 27–30. Larger vehicles have separate rates.
Winter Wonderland in Springfield
4155 Wilkes Rd, Springfield, TN 37172, USA
A free park full of illuminated scenes, handy if you're staying on Nashville's north side. Three Saturdays turn it into a walk-through with Santa and food trucks. Details: 5:30–9 p.m.; closed Dec. 24–25. Walking nights are Dec. 5, 12 and 19; follow the event's parking instructions.
Vivid Lightscapes Light Show
1184 Ithaca St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA
More than 40,000 lights synced to music on your car radio, plus a 75-foot light tunnel worth getting out for. Donations go to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Details: 5:30–9 p.m.; 10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. and nightly Dec. 20–27. Tune to 88.5 FM, park legally and keep driveways clear.
Hoover Lights
1390 Neil Rd, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, USA
About 80,000 lights synced to a 20-minute soundtrack, watched from your car on a quiet road south of the city. A food-bank donation makes a nice thank-you. Details: check nightly hours before a special trip. Tune to 87.9 FM and watch only from permitted roadside spots.
Walk-Through Lights and Christmas Towns Around Middle Tennessee
Out-of-town picks that get everyone out of the car: farm and village walks, a riverfront display and two decorated town centers. Dress for an outdoor evening.
Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farms
4306 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060, USA
A mile-long farm lights walk through themed scenes, then a campfire, snacks and whichever play areas the kids still have energy for. Details: pick an operating night from the ticket calendar and buy online at least an hour ahead. Parking is free and Santa visits 6–8 p.m.
A Charming Christmas at Cannonsburgh
312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Candlelit rooms and historic buildings give this village walk a quieter, old-fashioned feel, with music and demonstrations along the way. At $5 it's an easy yes with young kids. Details: 4–8 p.m. on six evenings only; free parking in the gravel lot off Front Street.
Christmas at The Hideaway
199 Terrapin Private Run, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
New for 2026: a lighted arrival into a farm Christmas village with a tree, Santa's Barnyard, a nativity scene and a market, built for spending the whole evening. One pass covers the car. Details: Fri.–Sun., 4–9 p.m.; reserve ahead since capacity is limited. Santa photos and crafts are extra; no dogs.
Christmas on the Cumberland
640 N Riverside Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, USA
A big, free lights walk along the Clarksville riverwalk. Pair it with an afternoon downtown and it's a full day out without an attraction bill. Details: nightly after dark; opening-day market Nov. 21. The lights switch off in rain or high winds, so check the city's update before driving.
Downtown Franklin's Christmas Lights
301 Public Square, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Garland, white lights, holiday windows and the tree on the square make Main Street an easy Christmas stroll. Walk toward Five Points for the NOEL sign, then settle in for dinner. Details: tree ceremony Dec. 4, 6–8:30 p.m. Book dinner ahead on December weekends.
Candy Cane Village in Goodlettsville
105 S Main St, Goodlettsville, TN 37072, USA
A giant tree and tiny decorated houses on the City Hall lawn, a quick stop with kids around an early dinner. Details: the Dec. 4 reveal at 6 p.m. is followed by Santa's Holiday Party at the Delmas Long Community Center.
Tree Lightings and One-Night Events
Nov. 21: Christmas on the Cumberland opening and market, noon–8 p.m.; lights after dark
Nov. 28: Nashville Yards tree lighting, 5 p.m.
Dec. 3: Nashvillage tree lighting
Dec. 4: Franklin tree ceremony, 6–8:30 p.m.; Goodlettsville village reveal, 6 p.m.; Murfreesboro square festivities from 6 p.m., stage program from 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Deck the Hulls Christmas Boat Parade, Hendersonville, 5:30–8 p.m.; check the organizer's viewing spots
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Springfield walk-through and activity nights, 5:30–9 p.m.
These dates add extra programming; the decorations stay up well beyond them.
Before You Go
Count the full cost. Add parking, ticket fees and the extras you'll actually buy. A per-car drive-through is often the better deal for a full vehicle.
Check your exact date. A season range doesn't mean every night runs, walking nights can delay car entry, and several displays close on Christmas Day.
Be a good neighbor at residential shows. Watch only from invited viewing spots, park legally, keep driveways clear and keep the radio low.
Making a night of it? Our Nashville Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups guide covers where to go for a drink afterward, and the best first-date bars in Nashville pair well with a Cheekwood evening. Opryland and Glow Wild both have rinks, covered in our holiday ice skating guide, and Santa is at Cheekwood and Glow Wild on set dates; see where to see Santa in Nashville. For dinner in a decorated room, try our festive Christmas restaurants guide.
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