It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas literally makes me giddy. I cannot wait to spend every single day in December doing all of the festive things, especially now that we have kiddos in the mix. An absolute December must do for my crew is viewing Christmas lights and not just one time. Our family visits multiple Christmas light shows every year. We like to experience a mix of people’s homes and organized businesses, so I have been able to keep quite the list! I cannot wait to share with you! So load up your family and friends, wear a Christmas sweater and head out to celebrate Christmas with all the lights.
Middle Tennessee Lights
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
My absolute favorite Christmas stop is Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. I truly believe it’s not December without a stop in Opryland. More than just lights, this stop has ice displays, carriage rides, ice skating, tubing and so much more. If you want to make a day of it, there is plenty to keep you busy. Everything outside of viewing the lights has a price but if you want to spend the night, you can do it as a package. I highly recommend staying a night and getting immersed in the Christmas cheer. Check out more information here about planning your trip! Make the holiday season extra cheerful and reach out to me so that I plan your trip to Gaylord Opryland Resort!
This year’s Ice theme is the Polar Express—is there anything better? Pricing ranges from $20.99-$25.99 for kids and $28.99-$36.99 for adults depending on the day of the week, week days being cheaper. When you are purchasing your tickets, you may notice some times are limited to access codes only. Access codes are only available to hotel guests. Purchase your ICE! tickets here!
Tips on the Lo: It is free to see the lights at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center if you arrive before noon. Parking is free and you are able to walk around the hotel.
Picture Pit Stop: Any spot in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center atrium is great but the giant Christmas tree is iconic.
Dinner at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
It’s hard to get in the restaurants inside the hotel during this time of year. Some of the restaurants that do not take reservations have 2 hour waits, if not longer. The restaurants that take reservations tend to stay booked throughout the holiday season.
Old Hickory Steakhouse is my top choice and the restaurant takes reservations! A few other favorites are Jack Daniels, Ravello and Solario Cantina. Often times, you can also catch food trucks outside to skip any wait times!
In the event you do not eat at the hotel, there are several restaurants near Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center or the Opry Mills Mall. If you are taking kiddos, the Aquarium Restaurant in Opry Mills is a neat experience and I enjoy the food!
Franktown Festival of the Lights
If you are traveling north on I-65 from Southern Tennessee towards Franklin, Tennessee, a great stop for lights is on exit 61. Exit 61 is often times called the Peytonsville Road exit and is home to the Williamson County Agricultural Center. The Franktown Festival of Lights is a quick drive through of lights and my kiddos love it. You can stop, get out and take pictures as you are on the way through. Tune into a radio station and watch the lights dance to the music as you drive on.
Ticket prices: $25-$100, your standard family group car is $25
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Christmas lights are a forever "must see". The ground are open from 5 - 10pm and it is gorgeous!! You can choose to tour the garden only, or add on the mansion. It’s a popular attraction so I highly recommend buying tickets online. However, tickets are available to purchase upon arrival. If you are planning to propose to your sweetie over the holiday season, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens have a proposal package and offer corporate parties as well.
Prices: $26-$29 adults and $20-$23 children (3-17) for Garden View only
$28-$31 adults and $22-$25 for children to view the Cheekwood Estate as well
Hoover Lights in Chapel Hill, TN
If you live in Pulaski, you can stay somewhat local and visit Hoover Lights in Chapel Hill, TN. It’s top of my to do list this year. It’s a 20 minute ride to Chapel Hill from Pulaski, TN. The Hoover Lights are a budget friendly way to spend your Friday night.
Tips on the Lo: Hoover Lights in Chapel Hill are FREE
Northern Alabama Lights
Huntsville Botanical Garden: Galaxy of Lights
Huntsville Botanical Garden: Galaxy of Lights has different options on whether you walk, drive or bring your dog along so pay attention to the dates and details! The event also offers hot chocolate to enjoy! Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids.
Huntsville Museum of Art Skating in the Park
Maybe not your traditional lights, but Huntsville Museum of Art Skating in the Park is lit up at night and is so much fun! You can purchase tickets at the entrance for $15 ages 10+ and $10 ages 9 and under.
Christmas Tour of Homes
I love a tour of homes, especially around Christmas! I have never been to Decatur’s but the reviews look spectacular. If you want a little excitement, outside of just viewing lights, I would add this to the list! The Christmas Tour of Homes is on December 9th. This event is a self guided tour where you can view 14 homes from 3 -8pm for $30!
Parade of Lights at Joe Wheeler
Christmas lights but on the water! During the Parade of Lights at Joe Wheeler, yachts and pontoons float down the river on December 9th!
Tips on the Lo: The Parade of Lights at Joe Wheeler is free! Grab dinner beforehand and bring a coffee or hot chocolate for an inexpensive family night out or unique date night!
Santa Land
One of my must do Christmas items this year is definitely Santa Land. Located conveniently a little south of Pulaski, Tn in Rogersville, Al, this looks to be a true Christmas treat. I haven't had the chance to go yet but based on my readings, it looks like this half a million light display, a castle with 50 Christmas trees, complete with Christmas scenes and even reindeer will truly bring out your Christmas spirit and inner child! Even better your admission helps out those in need! Santa Land is open from 5:30 -8:00pm and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and those under 2 are free. You can find more details by searching for Santa Land on Facebook.
Pigeon Forge:
If you are looking for something a little more special this year, head up to Pigeon Forge! A great weekend trip and is absolutely STUNNING at Christmas. Gatlinburg is all lit up, where you can walk the strip and enjoy the views for free or ride on of the two gondola rides up the mountain. In addition, stop by Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Dollywood for their very special Christmas events. Dollywood has more than 6 million lights along with special holiday shows for Christmas in the Smokies. Tickets are $92 for 1 day and $119 for 2 days. Take a long weekend and explore all that Gatlinburg has to offer in my most recent Gatlinburg itinerary.
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No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, I truly hope your season is warm, cozy, and full of love.
Merry Christmas to all!
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