Where to See Santa in Nashville (2026)
Free photos, festive breakfasts and holiday outings in Nashville and around Middle Tennessee.
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A good Santa visit can be a free photo before lunch, a ride on a vintage train or the centerpiece of a whole Christmas evening. Nashville has all three, plus library mornings, festive breakfasts and neighborhood celebrations that make the tradition easy to fit into a busy December.
We'd start with Bass Pro for a free printed photo, Cheekwood for a daytime outing, Glow Wild for an evening of lights and the Ryman for a picture with an unmistakably Nashville backdrop. The right pick depends on your kids, your budget and how much of the day you want to give it.
We picked 29 Santa visits across Nashville and nearby Middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Nolensville, Eagleville, Lebanon, Murfreesboro and Whites Creek. Some are quick stops; others deserve their own afternoon. Go by Santa's dates in each listing, since lights and decorations often stay up after his visits end.
Find your Santa visit on the map
Use the map to find a Santa stop near you, compare free photos with bigger holiday outings and save your favorites to RoamRecs. Open a pin for the dates and details.
Santa in Nashville at a glance
| Santa visit | Area | 2026 Santa dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Pro Shops | Opry Mills | Nov. 8–Dec. 24 | Free, with a 4x6 print |
| Nashville Yards | Downtown | Select dates, Nov. 28–Dec. 20 | Free photos |
| Nashville Farmers' Market | Germantown | Dec. 5 | Free, including photos and parking |
| NMAAM (Black Santa) | Downtown | Dec. 1 and 19 | Free |
| Brentwood Library | Brentwood | Dec. 5 | Free |
| Santa's Holiday Bash | Hendersonville | Dec. 5 | Free; registration required |
| Merry Monthaven Christmas | Hendersonville | Nov. 28 | Free admission |
| Storytime with Santa | Nolensville | Dec. 4 | Community event |
| Santa's Sensory Wonderland | Franklin | Dec. 12 | Free; RSVP |
| Opry Mills mall | Opry Mills | Through Dec. 24 | Free visit; photos extra |
| The Mall at Green Hills | Green Hills | Nov. 13–Dec. 24 | Free visit; photos extra |
| CoolSprings Galleria | Franklin | Booking calendar; GingerSnapped Dec. 12 | Paid photo packages |
| Stones River Town Centre | Murfreesboro | Through Dec. 24 | Free events; photos extra |
| Christmas Village | The Fairgrounds | Nov. 13–15 | $15; ages 9 and under free |
| Nashvillage Holiday Market | Downtown | Dec. 5 and 12 | $10 photo; $25 family |
| Gaylord Opryland | Music Valley | Through Dec. 24 | Photos from $44.99 + tax |
| Cheekwood | West Nashville | Dec. 12–24; no Mondays | Daytime admission |
| Glow Wild at Nashville Zoo | South Nashville | Nov. 27–Dec. 24 | $27; parking $10 |
| Santa at the Ryman | Downtown | Dec. 5 | Tour ticket; photo included |
| Santa Express train | Willow Street | Nov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19 | $38 child / $70 adult + fees |
| Lucky Ladd Farms | Eagleville | Dec. 11–13 and 18–20 | Cookies & Cocoa $20 per person |
| The Dancing Lights of Christmas | Lebanon | Through Dec. 23 | $35 per vehicle |
| FrankTown Festival of Lights | Franklin | Check Santa's last night | Vehicle admission |
| Dickens of a Christmas | Downtown Franklin | Dec. 4; Dec. 12–13 | Free |
| Aquarium Restaurant | Opry Mills | Dec. 5, 13, 19 | $29.98 adult / $21.11 child |
| The Hermitage Hotel | Downtown | Dec. 23 | Price at booking |
| Four Seasons Hotel | SoBro | Dec. 25 | $110 adult / $55 child + tax and service |
| Ember & Oak | Whites Creek | Nov. 28 | Tickets not yet released |
| Hilton BNA | Airport | Dec. 13 | Price at booking |
Free Santa Visits in Nashville
Start here for an easy photo or a community celebration that costs nothing to walk into.
A free visit and a free photo aren't the same thing. Bass Pro includes a printed photo. The Opry Mills and Green Hills mall visits are free, but their professional photos cost extra and you can't use your own phone at the set. A Santa visit inside a ticketed attraction still needs admission.
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
323 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Bass Pro is where we'd start if you want the Santa tradition without a big photo bill. The visit comes with a printed 4x6 and a shareable video, and extra packages are there if you want more. Do the photo first, then see how much shopping everyone has patience for. Details: November 8–December 24. Free visit, one 4x6 print and a shareable video. Free reservations open seven days ahead; walk-ins join the queue.
Free Santa Photos at Nashville Yards
131 10th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Nashville Yards works well if you want a Santa photo and a little time outside afterward. The tree and Holiday Central give you somewhere to hang around, and the rink can stretch it into a longer outing. The photo's free; budget separately for skating, food or garage parking. Details: November 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; December 5, 12 and 19, 3–6 p.m.; December 6, 13 and 20, noon–3 p.m. Free photos at Holiday Central.
Nashville Farmers' Market Holiday Market
900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
See Santa, browse local gifts and then decide what looks good for lunch. The adults get something out of it too, and the daytime hours suit kids who'll be done before evening events start. Entry, photos and parking are all free, which makes this one of the easiest budget picks in town. Details: Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission, Santa photos and parking.
Black Santa at NMAAM
510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
NMAAM pairs Black Santa photos with two very different events. Musical Gifts is an evening of music and a tree lighting; The Holiday Drop is a daytime party with games and a DJ. Both are community celebrations, so expect a festive crowd rather than a private portrait appointment. Details: Musical Gifts, Tuesday, December 1, 6–8:30 p.m.; The Holiday Drop, Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free; RSVP for The Holiday Drop.
Morning with Santa at Brentwood Library
8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027, USA
A library morning suits kids who want to hand Santa their wish list and then get busy making something. Brentwood adds crafts, treats and activities around the visit, plus free magic shows if you want to stay longer. Details: Saturday, December 5. Santa 9–11 a.m. Free; magic shows need separate free tickets.
Santa's Holiday Bash in Hendersonville
140 Scotch St, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA
If you like having a session on the calendar, this is the one. Cookies, milk and a digital Santa photo are all free, and the three short morning sessions leave the rest of your Saturday open. Details: Saturday, December 5, at George Whitten Elementary: 8:30, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. sessions. Free; register every child by December 4.
Merry Monthaven Christmas
1017 Antebellum Cir, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA
Monthaven makes an easy late-afternoon outing for a mixed-age group: see Santa, browse the artisan market and stay for the tree lighting and carols. The galleries and food trucks fill in any gaps. Details: Saturday, November 28. Santa photos 4–7 p.m.; event noon–7 p.m. Free admission.
Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Nolensville
7218 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135, USA
Nolensville offers a different kind of visit: settle in for stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then stay for the town's tree lighting. It's a sweet fit for kids who are more excited to hear from Santa than to sit for a portrait. Details: Friday, December 4. Storytime 6 p.m.; tree lighting 7 p.m. First come, first served, one parent per family.
Santa's Sensory Wonderland
700 Cool Springs Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, USA
This one is built for families who need something gentler than a standard photo line. Kids meet Santa at their own pace, explore sensory toys and try hands-on activities, while local providers and resources are on hand for caregivers. Details: Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. Free; RSVP requested.
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Mall and Market Santa Photos
The classic portrait visit, plus a couple of markets where Santa is part of a shopping day. Caring Santa and pet-photo sessions are listed under Sensory-Friendly and Pet Santa Sessions below. For the shopping itself, see our Christmas markets and holiday shopping guides.
Opry Mills Santa Photo Experience
433 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
The mall's Santa is a convenient pick if you're already headed to Opry Mills. Book a time, do the photo first and save the shopping for after. This is a separate set from Bass Pro's free-print visit in the same complex, so double-check which one you've booked. Details: Through December 24; closed Thanksgiving. Free visit; photo packages extra; no personal photography. Set near Entry 2.
Santa at The Mall at Green Hills
2126 Abbott Martin Rd, Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Green Hills gives you the familiar mall Santa without crossing town. The set's on the lower level near Dillard's, so park in the Emerald Parking Deck to keep the walk short. A reserved time leaves room for lunch or a bit of holiday shopping. Details: November 13–December 24; closed Thanksgiving. Free visit; photo packages optional; no personal photography.
Santa's Workshop at CoolSprings Galleria
1800 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, USA
CoolSprings is the practical portrait stop south of Nashville. Book a regular visit to keep it simple, or pick GingerSnapped for a morning of gingerbread decorating, light breakfast bites and cocoa alongside the photo. Details: Regular visits in the booking calendar; GingerSnapped Saturday, December 12, 9–11 a.m. Paid photo packages.
Santa at Stones River Town Centre
1720 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Stones River keeps Santa close to home for Murfreesboro families. The two activity days add crafts, music and entertainment around the photo stop, so they're worth planning around if your kids like having something to do while they wait. Details: Arrival celebration November 28 and Fun with Santa December 19, both 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; photos through December 24. Events free; photos extra.
Santa at Christmas Village
625 Benton Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Christmas Village is the early-season pick for families who are ready to get going. Bring your own camera, see Santa and knock a few names off the gift list. It's a shopping event with a Santa stop, so it works best when the adults want to browse too. Details: November 13–15 at The Fairgrounds Nashville. $15 entry; children 9 and under free; free parking.
Santa at Nashvillage Holiday Market
121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Nashvillage is a handy plan if you're staying downtown and want one cheerful afternoon. Browse the stalls, let the kids do the activities and build the visit around Santa. His two-hour window is much shorter than the market day, so do the photo before you settle into shopping. Details: Saturdays, December 5 and 12. Santa 1–3 p.m. Free entry; $10 photo, $25 family session.
Make a Day or Evening of It
These are the Santa visits to plan around, where the setting matters as much as the picture. Several are outside Nashville proper, so check Santa's window before you drive. Planning a grown-ups' night out once the kids are in bed? Our Nashville Christmas bars guide has the city's festive pop-ups. Several of these double as light shows and skating rinks; see our Christmas lights and holiday ice skating guides.
Photos with Santa at Gaylord Opryland
2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Gaylord is the pick when the photo is part of an occasion. Meet Santa in the Delta Atrium, then leave time to take in the resort's Christmas decorations. It's easy to keep adding attractions here, so decide what matters before you book; the Santa portrait, ICE! and everything else are priced separately. Details: Through December 24. Print packages from $44.99 plus tax; parking extra; no personal photography.
Daytime Visits with Santa at Cheekwood
1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Cheekwood is our pick for kids who'd enjoy a whole holiday outing but do better before dark. Drop a letter in Santa's mailbox and collect a visit time in the Frist courtyard when you arrive, then enjoy the holiday activities while you wait. Details: December 12–24, Tuesday–Sunday (no Mondays). Included with daytime Gardens admission, not the Holiday LIGHTS ticket.
Santa at Glow Wild, Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
Glow Wild replaces Zoolumination this year, and Santa is there every night through Christmas Eve. Find him at Holiday Square on Festival Field, then take in the illuminated wildlife displays at your own pace. Details: Santa nightly November 27–December 24; Glow Wild 5–9 p.m. $27 admission; parking $10.
Santa at the Ryman
116 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
A picture with Santa on the Ryman stage is one of the most distinctive in the city. The self-guided tour gives the grown-ups something to look forward to as well, and carolers, a letter-writing station and reindeer on the plaza keep the day festive. Details: Saturday, December 5. Santa photos 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Regular tour admission with a printed Santa photo included; kids tour free with a paid adult.
Santa Express at Tennessee Central Railway Museum
220 Willow St, Nashville, TN 37210, USA
For a train-loving kid, the ride is half the present. Santa and his elves come along on a vintage passenger train, and the roughly 90-minute round trip feels like an adventure without taking the whole day. Details: November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19; departures 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Ages 2–11 $38; adults $70; plus fees. Reserved seats.
Santa at Lucky Ladd Farms
4306 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060, USA
Lucky Ladd gives you two ways to do Santa. Cookies & Cocoa is the hands-on version, with decorating, reindeer food, an ornament and time with Santa. Holly Jolly is the evening option: walk the lights and stop for a Santa snapshot along the way. Details: Cookies & Cocoa December 11–13 and 18–20, $20 per person 2 and up. Holly Jolly select nights through December 23, Santa 6–8 p.m.
Santa at The Dancing Lights of Christmas
1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA
Dancing Lights makes the budget work for a whole carload. Do the drive-through show, then stop at Santa's Village for the visit and the petting zoo. It takes longer than a portrait appointment, so go with time to spare and aim for a weeknight if you can. Details: Santa through December 23. $35 per family vehicle, including the show, Santa's Village and petting zoo. Enter opposite Dollar General on Sparta Pike.
Santa at FrankTown Festival of Lights
4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
FrankTown pairs a drive-through light show with a stop for Santa photos, giving families south of Nashville another way to make an evening of it. The walking nights are worth a look if you'd rather stretch your legs and take the route slowly. Details: Festival November 20–December 31, 5–9 p.m.; confirm Santa's last night before booking near Christmas. Vehicle admission; Santa photos included.
Dickens of a Christmas and the Franklin Tree Lighting
301 Public Square, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Franklin is the pick for families who'd rather wander through Christmas than stop for a single photo. At Dickens of a Christmas, Victorian Father and Mother Christmas join costumed characters, musicians and dancers on Main Street. Details: Tree lighting Friday, December 4; Dickens of a Christmas December 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and December 13, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
Breakfast, Brunch and Cookies with Santa
Book the named Santa experience at each of these. A regular restaurant reservation usually won't include him.
Breakfast with Santa at Aquarium Restaurant
516 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
The aquarium setting gives this breakfast an extra draw before anyone picks up a pancake. Along with the buffet and photos, the morning includes diving elves and a Christmas craft to take home. Details: December 5, 13 and 19, 9–11 a.m. Adults $29.98; ages 3–10 $21.11, including gratuity and fees. Book the event ticket, not a regular reservation.
Breakfast with Santa at The Hermitage Hotel
231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
The Hermitage Hotel is the dressy version of a Santa breakfast. Santa and Mrs. Claus join a morning of holiday treats, a story, photos and an activity, and the kids go home with a gift. We'd save it for a family occasion close to Christmas. Details: Wednesday, December 23. Paid reservation; book Breakfast with Santa specifically.
Christmas Day Brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
100 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Four Seasons is the one to look at when Christmas Day brunch is the celebration. The Grand Ballroom spread comes with river and skyline views, live music and visits from Santa. Details: Friday, December 25. $110 adults; $55 children 12 and under; plus tax and service charge.
Brunch with Santa at Ember & Oak
4127 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189, USA
Ember & Oak has announced a Santa brunch at The Grove at Whites Creek, with a family breakfast, photos and kids' activities before regular brunch service. A holiday market follows on the property. Details: Saturday, November 28, 9–10:30 a.m. Tickets not yet released.
Cookies with Santa at Hilton BNA
2 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
The BNA Sky Pavilion turns a cookie-decorating afternoon into a small Christmas occasion. Kids can write to Santa, hear a holiday story and have hot chocolate around their visit, and the airport setting is a fun change from another mall line. Details: Sunday, December 13, at noon or 2 p.m. Paid event; book Cookies with Santa.
Sensory-Friendly and Pet Santa Sessions
Book the named session rather than a general photo slot. The Caring Santa sessions are designed for children with special needs and their families; for any particular access need, contact the organizer before you book. For Black Santa, see the National Museum of African American Music above.
| Session | Type | 2026 date | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caring Santa, Opry Mills | Sensory-friendly | Sunday, Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. | Reservation required; photos to buy |
| Caring Santa, Green Hills | Sensory-friendly | Sunday, Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. | Reservation required; photos to buy |
| Santa's Sensory Wonderland, Franklin | Sensory-friendly | Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Free RSVP |
| The Mall at Green Hills | Pet photos | Mondays, Nov. 23 and 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Paid photo packages |
| Opry Mills | Pet photos | Sunday, Dec. 13, 7–8 p.m. | Paid photo packages |
| CoolSprings Galleria | Pet photos | Mondays through Dec. 14 | Pet-photo booking calendar |
| Cheekwood | Pet photos | Dec. 13 and 22 | Daytime admission; outdoor Santa |
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