There’s something fun for everyone in middle Tennessee this holiday season, from traditional family-friendly outings to grown-up activities. The hardest part will be deciding which ones to choose.

IF YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES …

Image:  Chris Hardy on Unsplash

Come to St. Nicky’s Cookie Party and let the kids have all the fun of decorating fresh-baked Christmas cookies while you relax and enjoy a beverage—hot cocoa or a festive holiday cocktail. Bonus: somebody else cleans up all the mess! Sunday, December 17 from 12:30 – 2:30pm CST at Nicky’s Coal Fired, 5026 Centennial Boulevard Nashville, TN 37209. Kid’s Ticket includes cookies & decorating, gift bag decorating station, & complimentary hot cocoa. Adult Ticket includes complimentary hot cocoa & two drink tickets for beverages of your choice. Get your tickets.

IF YOU LOVE ELVIS…

Image:  Nashville Elvis Festival

You won’t have a Blue Christmas at the 6th annual Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis. A Franklin tradition, this special 2-hour show features world champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath, backed by the Infinit-E Tribute Band—the premiere Elvis tribute backing band and the official house band of Nashville Elvis Festival. Costume changes, a visit from Santa, and some Elvis Christmas classics…what’s not to love? December 16 & 17 at the Franklin Theatre. Tickets and info here.

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE…

Image:  TN.gov

You’re invited to experience the magic of the holiday season with a tour of the Tennessee Residence, all decorated for Christmas. “This year’s décor theme,” First Lady Maria Lee says, ‘Heaven and Nature Sing,’ will portray the larger-than-life magic we experience in the delight and merriment of the holiday season, the beauty of Tennessee’s natural landscapes, and the joy of the coming of Christ and the salvation of the world.” The Tennessee Residence will be open to the public for tours Thursday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 10. Tours are free of charge, and reservations are required. Make your reservation here.

IF YOU ENJOY CHRISTMAS-THEMED POP-UP BARS…

Image:  Candy Cane Jane’s at Jane’s Hideaway

And who doesn’t? With fun themes ranging from Elf to Harry Potter, A Christmas Story, and so much more, you can celebrate your favorite things about the season with entertainment, themed cocktails and a lot of fun. Choose from the 10 pop-up bars highlighted here or make plans to visit them all. Have a merry time but please drink responsibly.

See the The Tennessean’s list and plan your outing.

IF YOU WANT TO HAVE YOURSELF A SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS…

Image:  Nashville Nightmare Before Christmas

You better watch out. You better not cry. Nashville Nightmare Before Christmas has swapped pumpkins for Christmas lights and zombies for evil elves. Trade your Christmas cheers for Christmas fears and celebrate(?) the holiday in this Christmas-themed immersive haunted house. Don’t forget to take a photo with Krampus! Get your tickets (if you dare).

Speaking of Krampus, if you want to know more about the grimmer yuletide traditions, join Middle Tennessee State lecturer Cory Thomas Hutcheson for Profs & Pints Nashville:  They See You When You’re Sleeping on Wednesday, 12/20. Dr. Hutcheson will introduce you to the roving Christmas witch La Befana, Krampus (of course) as well as the grumpy Belsnickel of Pennsylvania and Iceland’s Christmas Cat, which grows chonk from the consumption of unlucky people. Learn more.

IF YOU PREFER TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS SHOWS AND EVENTS…

Image:  Mike Arney on Unsplash

Nashville Life has you covered. Check out their Upcoming Holiday Events Calendar for info on everything from where to meet Santa and see lights, to holiday festivals and bazaars, concerts, parties and parades. See? There really is something for everyone.

Happy holidays, y’all!