Best Holiday Events, Activities, & Pop-Up Bars in Nashville

December 22, 2024 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? There are a lot of fun holiday events, activities, and pop-up bars in Nashville to get you in the mood for hot chocolate, candy canes, and cozy fires. Here are some of the top holiday happenings this year in Music City.

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Top Holiday Attractions

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

November 8, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Over three million lights turn the Opryland Hotel and Resort into a magical destination. You can visit Opryland for free any day between November 8, 2024, to January 4, 2025, just to see the interior and exterior lights, or you can pay to do other fun activities. And, of course, you could stay the night for the ultimate experience!

Highlights during Christmas at Gaylord Opryland include: 

  • Ice! Featuring Frosty the Snowman (begins November 8, 2024)
  • A Country Christmas Dinner Show 
  • Outdoor fun including ice tubing, ice skating, and ice bumper cars
  • Millions of lights
  • Carriage rides
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread Decorating Corner
  • Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruises
  • Snowball Build & Blast
  • Merry & Bright Skating Spectacular live show
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop
  • Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
  • Mrs. Claus’ North Pole Breakfast

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Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood

November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is open seven nights a week from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Enjoy over one million twinkling lights while you walk the 55-acre grounds of Cheekwood. From s’mores stations to holiday drinks for grown-ups, this is a wonderful holiday outing for the whole family. Holiday LIGHTS is a timed-ticketed event from 4:30pm to 10:00pm. The exhibit admission prices range depending on membership status, time, and date.

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Zoolumination

November 14, 2024 – February 9, 2025

Photo Credit: Nashville Zoo / Zoolumination

Zoolumination will return to the Nashville Zoo nightly (5:00pm to 9:00pm) from November 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and on Thursdays through Sundays (5:00pm to 9:00pm) from January 9, 2025, to February 9, 2025. This event features over 1,000 large-than-life, custom-made silk lanterns. In addition to mythical creatures and fantastical beasts, Santa will visit nightly from November 24th to December 24th.

Buying tickets in advance is required. Single-night tickets are $25 for adults and teens and $21 for kids (ages 2-12 years old), members save $5 off single-night tickets. Platinum Passes (unlimited visits) are $39 for adults and teens and $29 for kids (ages 2-12 years old). Children under age 2 are FREE.

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Franktown Festival of Lights

November 22, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Photo Credit: Emily Smeykal

Franktown Festival of Lights is a nightly light display running from November 22, 2024, to December 31, 2024, at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin. Relax in your vehicle and wind through over 200 light displays and listen to synchronized Christmas tunes on your radio. Walkin’ Wednesdays will return this year with tickets reserved for people who would like to walk through the light display on select Wednesdays from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The display is open from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Ticket prices vary from $34.69-$106.79.

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The Dancing Lights of Christmas

November 8, 2024 – January 4, 2025

The Dancing Lights of Christmas is open DAILY (including all holidays) from November 8, 2024, through January 4, 2025, at 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087 (map/directions). Hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and 5:00pm to 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. This attraction is a drive-thru light display synced to music. There’s also Santa’s Village, which includes a variety of add-on activities like a petting zoo, pictures with Santa, carnival rides, helicopter rides, drinks, and snacks. The main attraction is $35 for a standard family vehicle. 

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HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar

Begins November 15, 2024

Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar is now open on select nights through December 27, 2024, at the Funny Library at Virgin Hotels Nashville. This elevated pop-up experience is celebrating the 30th anniversary of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” with Black Irish festive cocktails, photo opportunities, letters to Mariah, holiday hits, twinkling lights, seasonal decor, and winter bites. This is a 21 and over experience.

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A Very Merry Bar Car at The Union Station Nashville Yards

Begins November 15, 2024

All aboard A Very Merry Bar Car at The Union Station Nashville Yards! The historic hotel’s lobby has been transformed into a magical pop-up bringing the spirit of The North Pole to Broadway. This experience is open daily starting Friday, November 15, 2024. Expect whimsical decor, themed cocktails, huge Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and tasty bites. Be sure to try one of the signature holiday cocktails like Not So Hot Cocoa or a Mistletoe Tipsy Mule. Admission is free and open to all ages.

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Thistle & Rye Presents: Disco Chalet

Begins November 15, 2024

Thistle & Rye Presents: Disco Chalet beginning Friday, November 15, 2024. Expect a winter disco wonderland with private igloos, reserved group seating, a fire pit, and cozy cocktails. Igloos can fit up to six people and there is a $200 food and beverage minimum. This pop-up will be open daily and will be open through January 2025.

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Winter Break at Playdate

November 20, 2024, through January 31, 2025

Winter Break officially kicked off at Playdate in the 12 South neighborhood on November 20, 2024! Rent one of the cozy igloos or enjoy the festive magic inside the beautifully-decorated house. This is a fun destination to sip specialty craft cocktails and enjoy their new winter-inspired menu. The backyard and patio will also be fully covered and heated by early December, so there will be ample space for holiday hangs. All ages are welcome until 8:00pm, then it’s 21+ only. Visit their website to reserve a table or igloo. 

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The Cabin Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville

Begins November 22, 2024

The Cabin Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville will begin on Friday, November 22, 2024. This winter wonderland pop-up experience will be situated on the rooftop at The Pool Club. Expect enchanting decor, festive food and beverage offerings, flickering fireside seating, and more. This pop-up is open daily. Reservations are encouraged.

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The Rink Above Broadway at Grand Hyatt Nashville

Begins November 22, 2024

The Rink Above Broadway opens Friday, November 22, 2024, at Grand Hyatt Nashville. Escape to the 5th-floor rooftop to experience this magical winter wonderland with ice skating—the “glice” eco-friendly synthetic ice rink offers affordable fun for the entire family. Complimentary valet parking is available for two hours and skates are provided. The cost is $10 per person Monday through Thursday and $15 per person Friday through Sunday. Reservations aren’t required but are recommended for skating.

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Camp Bobby: A Winter Pop-Up Experience

November 2, 2024, through February 16, 2025

Camp Bobby, a 1970s-inspired campsite with personal campfires, igloos, and a groovy lounge, is open daily from Saturday, November 2, 2024, through Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Bobby Hotel’s rooftop. Book a reservation here.

  • Igloos (up to 6 guests): Reservations only with a $250 food and beverage minimum for 90 minutes
  • 70s Holiday Lounge in the Scenicruiser (up to 18 guests): Reservations only with a $500 food and beverage minimum for 2 hours + $50 reservation fee
  • Fire Pits & Tented Bar: walk-in only; first-come, first-served

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Hidden-ville at Hidden Bar

November 7, 2024, through January 1, 2025

Get ready to spread holiday cheer at the Hidden-ville at Hidden Bar pop-up! This festive experience is taking place from Thursday, November 7, 2024, through Monday, January 1, 2025. The bar at Noelle Hotel has been transformed into the beloved Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas film. Expect cocktails, treats, and decor. Guests must be 21 or over to enter.

Hidden-ville at Hidden Bar Hours: 

  • Sunday through Thursday – 5:00pm to midnight
  • Friday and Saturday – 4:00pm to midnight

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Saint Nicky’s

November 30, 2024, through December 23, 2024

Saint Nicky’s, a holiday-themed dining experience, will occur Saturday, November 30, 2024, through Monday, December 23, 2024, at Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations. This is the fourth year of Saint Nicky’s! Guests can expect a North Pole-themed wonderland, arctic decor, themed cocktails, seasonal dishes, and a variety of special events throughout December.

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Who’s Tavern at Pancake Pantry

November 7, 2024, through December 28, 2024

Who’s Tavern at Pancake Pantry will take place Thursdays through Saturdays from Thursday, November 7, 2024, through Saturday, December 28, 2024. The hours will be from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. This fun and festive experience will be situated at Pancake Pantry’s location in the SoBro/Downtown neighborhood. Stop by for themed cocktails and delicious festive food. All ages are welcome.

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Geist’s Christmas Pop-up

Begins November 16, 2024

Geist always goes all out for their annual Holiday pop-up decor. This year’s theme is The Nutcracker with a Veuve Cliquot mistletoe kissing booth. You can expect every room decked out in festive decor. Reservations are highly recommended.

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Lodge 27

November 16, 2024, through January 8, 2025

Lodge 27 is a winter experience located at L27 Rooftop Lounge on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville. This festive pop-up is open Saturday, November 16, 2024, through Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Guests can expect a wintery-inspired oasis, tasty cocktails and bites, and an enchanting atmosphere. Cabanas are available at a $500 food and beverage minimum. Reservations are encouraged.

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Misfits Bar at Fairlane Hotel

Begins November 17, 2024

Misfits Bar at Fairlane Hotel will open on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Fairlane Hotel’s penthouse. Stop by for nostalgic decor, a variety of photo opportunities, snacks, and themed cocktails. Admission is 21 and over only.

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Sippin’ Santa at Pearl Diver

November 19, 2024, through December 29, 2024

Jeff “Beachbum” Berry presents Sippin’ Santa at Pearl Diver from Tuesday, November 19, 2024, through Sunday, December 29, 2024. Guests can expect a festive tiki Christmas pop-up bar featuring tasty cocktails. Admission is 21 and over only.

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Island X-Mas

Begins November 13, 2024

Island X-Mas is back for another year beginning on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Chopper Tiki. Stop in for festive robots, tiki drinks, fun decor, and holiday music.

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Miracle Pop-Up at Tiger Bar

November 20, 2024, through December 29, 2024

The Miracle Pop-Up at Tiger Bar will be from Wednesday, November 20, 2024, through Sunday, December 29, 2024. The space will be transformed into a 1930s-inspired winter wonderland featuring festive mugs, tasty cocktails, and delicious holiday food. Reservations are encouraged.

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Top Holiday Events

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