‘Tis the season to be jolly! There are so many ways to celebrate this time of year that it can be hard to choose which ones to do. Here are seven of our favorite categories, with info on when and where to enjoy them:

1. WATCH A PARADE

Image: Pixabay

Santa and his helpers will be parading all over Middle Tennessee this month, alongside marching bands, floats and more fun than you can wave at in a single day. Check out this handy list from Nashville Parent to find a parade near you.

2. SEE THE LIGHTS

Image: Nashville Parent

There’s something about colorful holiday lights that brings out the child in all of us. Give your inner child (and maybe an actual child or two, as well) a treat with a visit to one or more of the many spectacular light shows in the area. Options include FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin (pictured above), Christmas on the Cumberland and Clarksville Speedway’s Drive-Thru Christmas Lights in Clarksville, Dancing Lights of Christmas in Lebanon and Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. 

3. MEET SCROOGE & TINY TIM

Image: The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

Bring the whole family to meet the Cratchit family and friends at the 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas in historic Downtown Franklin. Stroll through the Victorian Village with holiday dancers, characters and carolers, shop arts & crafts vendors, watch live entertainment on the Main Street Festival Main Stage and Acoustic Stage, shop throughout the historic district, visit the whiskey lounge, beer garden, and more! December 14-15, 2024 in Franklin. Learn more.

4. SNAP HOLIDAY PHOTOS

Image: TNVacations.com

Middle Tennessee is always photogenic, but at Christmas it looks even more magical than usual. There are photo ops almost everywhere you look, but if you need ideas, TNVacations.com compiled a list of the Picturesque Holiday Card Photoshoot Locations in TN. Smile!

5. SHOP AT A MARKET

Image: Sam Headland on Unsplash

Does every Hallmark Christmas movie include a scene at a charming holiday market? It sure seems like it. Whether you’re on the hunt for presents or just there to soak up the atmosphere along with your hot cocoa, it’s a festive and fun outing. Fortunately, there are plenty of area markets to choose from. See Christmas Market Guides for a list of Tennessee Holiday, Winter & Christmas Markets.

6. FIND A TREE

Image: Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers

Sure, pre-lit artificial trees are beautiful and convenient, but there’s nothing quite like a fresh, farm-grown tree—and they don’t get fresher than the one you choose and cut yourself (or have cut for you). Besides, how often do you have the opportunity to stroll through a forest of Christmas trees? The Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers will help you find a tree farm near you.

7. SIP THE SPIRITS OF THE SEASON

Image: Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Leave the kids at home (but not Home Alone, because we all know how that turned out) and head out to Carols & Barrels, a seasonal trail of holiday pop-ups with unique stops across Middle Tennessee filled with cheer, delicious drinks, and holiday magic! Collect digital stamps by “checking in” at each unique stop to complete your passport and get a prize. Participants must be 21 or older to join in the TN Whiskey Trail Passport festivities. Nov 11, 2024-Jan 5, 2025. Learn more.

However you choose to celebrate this season, we wish you the happiest of holidays!