It’s been said that looking at Christmas lights is the best way to get into the holiday spirit. Colorful lights can be found on almost every corner at this time of year, but the events listed below provide an extra helping of sparkle per square foot. They’re bound to make you feel merry and bright. Enjoy!
1. FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Image: Facebook
At the 2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights you’ll drive through more than 200 dazzling light displays—or walk through on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30! (Dogs on leashes welcome.) After your one-and-a-half-mile drive or walk, snap a pic under the giant lighted Christmas trees or a FREE photo with Santa (or both). Warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit and grab a bite from the onsite food truck. Open nightly through Dec. 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, rain or shine. All profits support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts. Get your tickets.
2. DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS
Image: Dancing Lights of Christmas
Head to the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon for this family-and-budget-friendly outing. Just $35 per car covers the light show, entrance to Santa’s Village, visiting with Santa and petting the animals in the petting zoo! The lights run every night (rain or shine) through Jan. 4, 2026. Santa’s Village will be open the whole time, but Santa has to head back to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas, so his last day is Dec. 23. Plan your outing.
3. HOLLY JOLLY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Image: Facebook
A magical Christmas festival featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday scenes, and festive music awaits at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, TN. You’ll find plenty of festive photo ops and the kids can burn off their energy on the mega slide, corn box, swings and tricycle track. No need to eat dinner before you go; the Barnyard Grill is open until 8:30 pm. You’ll also find scratch-made treats and drinks at the Big Red Barn’s Bakery and Coffee Bars. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM through Dec. 21, plus Monday-Tuesday Dec. 22-23, 2025. Get details.
4. CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND
Image: VisitClarksvilleTN.com
Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville, TN. Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and beloved holiday traditions come alive. This event is FREE, ADA-friendly, and open daily (weather permitting) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM through Jan. 2, 2026. Directions and info.
5. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEEKWOOD
Image: Howard Ezell, courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Start your journey at the 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree that welcomes you through Cheekwood’s winter wonderland. Celebrating its 10th year, Holiday LIGHTS features a one-mile twinkling trail featuring more than a million lights. But there’s more: you can also warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal libations and roast s’mores by a fire, then explore the Holiday Marketplace or tour the Historic Mansion, festively decorated by former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling. Nightly through Jan. 4, 2026, from 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Learn more and reserve tickets.
6. ZOOLUMINATION FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Image: Nashville Zoo
Visit the Nashville Zoo for the country’s largest lantern festival, featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns—some of them 100 feet long and 50 feet high! Plus, you can say “Hi” to any animals who like to stay up late, then go on to enjoy live entertainment, visit North Pole Village and see Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol in the Chick-fil-A Adventure 4D Theater. You can even go ice skating at the Smashville Ice Rink. (Note: some activities require separate tickets.) Nightly from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM through Jan. 4, then Thursday-Sunday Jan. 8-Feb. 8, 2026. Secure your spot.
7. A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND
When the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Gaylord Opryland offers So Much Christmas that we can’t begin to list it all here. You can see 2 million pounds of ice handcrafted into scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or take in POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a new musical, magic and cirque holiday show for the entire family. Plus, there’s holiday shopping, seasonal food and beverages, and much more. Now through Jan. 3, 2026. Come for the day or book an overnight stay. Explore your options.
Whether you get out and about this holiday season or enjoy the comforts of staying home, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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