Deck the halls & grab a hot chocolate, learn how to make the perfect wreath, explore on a holiday hike, walk through twinkling lights, go caroling, ice skate, explore winter festivals, listen to live holiday tunes or gather with family and friends for Christmas classics on the big screen. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Dec. 6-7
Goodlettsville – Merry Mansker’s Christmas Week at Historic Mansker’s Station offers a week of fun-filled activities. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa, snacks and ornament-making. Each day consists of a different craft and treat.
Cookeville – The Quality Inn on Jefferson Avenue will be transformed with brightly decorated Christmas trees to be auctioned to the highest bidder following a wine & cheese party 6 p.m. Dec. 7 for the Festival of Trees. Proceeds benefit Camp Discovery.
Dec. 6-8
Lebanon – A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. The Capitol Theatre presents the Mary Poppins Broadway Musical. Tickets are $20. Children ages 3-11 get in for $15.
Dec. 6 -9
Nashville – Marvel fans can assemble for a live, action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil at Marvel Universe Live at Bridgestone Arena. Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection in this adventure.
Dec. 6-16
Nashville – Deck the halls with Christmas at the Mansion at Fontanel, share holiday laughs with performances of “A Tuna Christmas,” stroll among the decorated Christmas trees, have a festive beverage and enjoy live holiday music.
Knoxville – Relive Scrooge’s ghost-guided look into his past, present and future and his journey of redemption as Clarence Brown Theatre presents A Christmas Carol.
Jonesborough – Step back into the 1940s era with Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s 1940s USO Christmas Show. The radio cast will broadcast live radio sits and sing & dance to patriotic and familiar Christmas tunes. Tickets are $16.
Elizabethton – Kick off the holidays at Sycamore Shoals State Park with great opportunities for holiday shopping at the Winterfest Art Show. The Watauga Valley Art League exhibition and sale begins with a reception Dec. 2.
Dec. 7
Adamsville – Get in the holiday spirit at the “Follow the Star” Hometown Christmas on the Square 6-8 p.m. in downtown Adamsville. The Love & Truth choir will perform. Activities include crafts, shopping, food and visits with Santa.
Lexington – The First Friday Night on the Square is sure to get you into the holiday spirit 5 p.m. with the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree downtown. Shop local and mark everything off the list while enjoying the holiday lights.
Crossville – Born in Rockwood, Tennessee, Craig Rollins brings his invigorating and innovative sound to Grinders Switch Coffee House 6 p.m. during the “In the House” singer-songwriter show.
Franklin – Join Visit Franklin on the first Friday of each month to celebrate local artists. The Visitor Center features artwork from a local artist during the Franklin Art Scene 6-9 p.m. with artwork, food and music.
Murfreesboro – Come downtown to enjoy special Christmas music and entertainment, beautiful window displays, the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus and Lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree 6 p.m. on Public Square.
Knoxville – Explore galleries, studios and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local exhibits, enjoy performance art and live music in the streets during the free First Friday ArtWalk downtown.
Oak Ridge – The American Museum of Science and Energy hosts the Festival of Photons at 4 p.m. celebrating a tapestry of cultures. Month-long festivities include cultural displays, musical performances, scientific demonstrations, lectures, crafts & games, food shows, candlelight ceremonies, drum & dance performances and storytelling.
Gatlinburg- Join the more than 60,000 visitors who come to the award-winning Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade 7:30 p.m. with lighted floats, marching bands, balloons, dancers and Santa from Baskins Creek Bypass to traffic light #10 downtown.
Dec. 7-8
Shiloh – The Chateau at Shiloh celebrates Old Town Christmas with holiday lights, wagon rides, caroling, visits with Santa, candy, vendors, coffee shop and more. Events are 5-9 p.m. Friday and 2-9 p.m. Saturday.
Columbia – The Athenaeum hosts the annual Maury County Historic Christmas Home Tour to help foster the holiday spirit.
Knoxville – The Appalachian Ballet Company presents the annual holiday tradition, The Nutcracker live with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Dec. 1-2 at Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Dec. 7-8 at Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.
Dec. 7-8, 14-15
Savannah – Christmas on Main in downtown Savannah brings the cheer with lights in the historic district, carriage rides, movies, ice skating, reindeer and crafts.
Dec. 7-9
Memphis – More than 100 professional dancers and children make the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker an extraordinary experience at the Orpheum Theatre with magical sets that change before your eyes, snowflakes and beautiful dancing.
Jackson – Come experience holiday magic as Ballet Arts, Inc. returns to the Carl Perkins Civic Center with their sparkling production of the classic tale, The Nutcracker.
Dec. 8
Memphis – Wrap up in your favorite PJs and sip hot chocolate. All aboard Jammies & Jingles 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Children’s Museum of Memphis for train rides, holiday movies, cookies, crafts and photo booth.
Memphis – Pink Palace Mansion celebrates its Grand Re-Opening. Visitors can explore the exhibits in the renovated museum with their own personal tour guide via the new Pocket Tour Guide tour app.
Brownsville – Pete the Irate Pie-Rat children’s author and illustrator T. Alan Stanley will hold a book sale and signing 1 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The event includes a special guest appearance by Santa.
Selmer – T-Ray the Violinist will be in concert for an evening of holiday dinner, entertainment and dancing 6 p.m. at the Holiday Dinner Dance at the Latta Building. Tickets are $20 per plate.
Covington – Step back in time into a Victorian Christmas at Dickens on the Square. Covington’s shops are decorated, restaurants serve period fare and “A Christmas Carol” characters stroll the historic square.
Henning – Listen to a wonderful story while meeting new friends during Story Time at the Museum 11 a.m. at the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Clarksville – There’s a new villain in town and he’s stealing all the presents. Bring the whole family to Clarksville Zombie Hunters 5-10 p.m. to Hunt the Grinch. Enjoy hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, a paintball hayride, bonfire and maze.
Nashville – ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Join the Tennessee State Museum 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Carols, Cookies & Crafts Holiday Open House. Enjoy carols in the Grand Hall, create holiday cards and gifts and decorate your own holiday cookie.
Nashville – Put some sparkle in your holiday season for Noel Notes & Nibbles 9 a.m. at Belmont Mansion. Light breakfast treats will be served, along with musical entertainment and a specialized holiday tour of the mansion.
Hendersonville – Abstract artist Tim Yanke’s opening reception 6-9 p.m. at Monthaven Arts Cultural Center is a free opportunity to meet the artist. The exhibit runs through Feb. 10.
Franklin – The Franklin Improv All Stars brings short form improv games and long form scenes to Little Brick Theatre 7 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin.
Eagleville – The theme for the City of Eagleville’s 15th annual Christmas Parade is “A Tennessee Christmas.” The parade rolls out at 11 a.m. south on Main Street, then left onto Old Highway 99.
Cookeville – Enjoy an evening of cheer and festivities 6 p.m. at the Cookeville Christmas Parade. The parade will start at the corner of 6th Street & Washington Avenue, to the square, to Broad Street, and to the Cookeville Depot Museum.
McMinnville – Laced with bluegrass, country and folk, Mandolin Orange performs 3 p.m. in the famous Volcano Room at Cumberland Caverns Live 333 feet underground.
Linden – Thousands of twinkling Christmas lights make downtown feel like “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Experience Commodore Hotel’s Old Fashioned Stroll through Christmas with caroling, crafts, campfire s’mores and luminary-lined historic sidewalks.
Granville – Experience a traditional Christmas with musicals, an antique toy show, Story of Christmas Trees, Taste of Granville, storytelling and a parade during the all-day celebration, A 1950s Granville Country Christmas in historic Granville.
Knoxville – Learn how to make the perfect holiday wreath at the Wreath Making Workshop 12:30-3 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. Tickets are $35. Bring a small pair of handheld garden shears and gloves.
Monterey – Celebrate the quasquicentennial of the charming mountain town of Monterey with its 125th Birthday Party with events all day at Monterey City Hall.
Rugby – Watch historic Rugby come alive with holiday spirit and celebrate as if it were still 1880. Christmas at Historic Rugby features children’s activities, caroling, holiday shopping, music and pictures with Santa.
Rocky Top – Discover traditions of the 1930s during the Holiday Homecoming 5-9 p.m. at Norris Dam State Park. The rustic cabins will transform into a winter village of living history with an evening full of holiday treats, caroling and St. Nick.
Dec. 8-9
Nashville – Head to Centennial Park for holiday cheer at Music City Winterfest. Grab breakfast with Santa, drinks at the Onesie Brunch, shop at the holiday market, enjoy live music or visit the food trucks, s’mores station, pet portraits and more.
Nashville – The Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Association brings their sixth annual horse-drawn Holiday Lights Carriage Tours back to the historic neighborhood through the district known for its vintage homes and stunning holiday lights displays.
Franklin – Hundreds of musicians, dancers and characters from Charles Dickens’ stories for Dickens of a Christmas on Main Street in historic downtown. Dress in Victorian costume to capture the perfect family photo at the free festival.
Pulaski – It’s a fun Christmas tradition down on the farm. Santa comes to Milky Way Farms noon to 4 p.m. for Sundaes with Santa and candy cane hayrides. Tickets are $12 per guest over two-years-old.
Dec. 8-9, 15-16
Cornersville – Tour an antebellum mansion for Christmas at Lairdland Farmhouse and Civil War Museum. Tickets are $5.
Dec. 8-10
Hartsville – Hartsville kicks off its Christmas celebrations with a Candlelight Tour of Homes, Dickens on the Square, Christmas carols, breakfast with Santa, crafts and the annual Christmas Parade 10 a.m. Saturday.
Dec. 8, 15
Union City – “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!” The jolly man himself is headed to Discovery Park of America. Have your picture taken with Santa 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dinosaur Hall.
Gallatin – Tell Santa your Christmas wishes during Saturdays with Santa at Bledsoe Creek State Park. Little ones and dogs are welcome. Visits are $5. Families can also enjoy a free winter hike on the trails.
Dec. 9
Clarksville – Listen to live holiday music while you sip, shop and snack around the gift shop 1-5 p.m. for Beachaven Winery’s Holiday Open House. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Manna Café.
Clarksville – Jim Carrey stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the adaption of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol (The Movie)” 6 p.m. at Roxy Regional Theatre.
Murfreesboro – The Rutherford County Christmas Parade rolls out at 2 p.m. near the Middle Tennessee Boulevard/East Main Street intersection and heads toward the historic square. The theme this year is “A Christmas Story.”
McMinnville – Nashville-based a cappella group Street Corner Symphony performs their Christmas show 333 feet underground 3 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns.
Knoxville – Get your holiday started by enjoying holiday decorations by candlelight 6-8 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. Start your evening with Christmas music, cookies and punch and a visit with Santa during the free event.
Dec. 10, 13, 17
Jackson – All aboard the Polar Express at Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum 6-7:30 p.m. with a reading of the Polar Express with crafts, activities, cookies, hot chocolate and a special visit from Santa.
Dec. 13
Murfreesboro – The Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra performs one of the most popular concerts of the year, Christmas at the Movies 7-9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Knoxville – Enjoy Cookies with Santa on stage at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Doors open at 4 p.m. for cookie decorating, craft and coloring stations and photos with Santa.
Dec. 13-16
Jackson – A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control at The Ned with Christmas Belles, a southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa and reluctant Elvis impersonator.
Dec. 13-17
Adamsville – Discover the true meaning of the season as The Marty presents A Charlie Brown Christmas. Tickets are $5.
Dec. 14
Jackson – It’s time to gather round the ol’ Christmas tree for the fourth annual Our Jackson Home Holiday Show 6:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Center. A minimum donation of $10 is required and raises money for RIFA Jackson.
Dec. 14-15
Memphis – Graceland’s Holiday Concert Weekend features three festive shows: Christmas with Elvis at Graceland – with a live orchestra; An Elvis Gospel Christmas; and Elvis Live in Concert with an all-star band featuring legendary guitarist James Burton.
Southside – Stroll through the earliest Lewis House, Batson Dogtrot House, smoke house, church/schoolhouse and wildlife center along the Candlelight Christmas Tour at Historic Collinsville. Tours depart from the visitor center every half hour 4-8 p.m.
Dec. 15
Shiloh – Shiloh National Cemetery at Shiloh Battlefield will honor the fallen during Wreaths across America Day 11 a.m. with a patriotic ceremony, followed by everyone in attendance joining in to help lay wreaths on graves.
Dec. 16
Gallatin – John Berry returns with his crowd-pleasant Christmas concert, “Christmas Songs and Stories with John Berry” 7:30 p.m. at The Palace Theatre.
Ongoing
Memphis – Bring the whole family for an amazing holiday experience at Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo on select nights through Dec. 29 with a holiday lights display, live reindeer, Santa Claus and Memphis Zoo on Ice.
Memphis – Starry Nights transforms Shelby Park into a winter wonderland through Dec. 28. Drive through thousands of twinkling lights and holiday displays and spend time visiting Santa in the Mistletoe Village.
Memphis – S’mores? Hot Chocolate? Fire pits? Come down to River Garden 4:30-6:30 p.m. for Firepit Fridays. Haven’t started Christmas shopping? Shop local at the Dec. 21 event’s Holiday Night Market.
Jackson – Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland takes over the Jackson General Ballpark, spreading Christmas cheer with its magical drive through light show. This year’s theme will take guests through the “Twelve Days of Christmas” through Jan. 6.
Union City – Hop in the car and head to Discovery Park of America for the Let It Glow Light Show. See thousands of twinkling lights and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs and remixes with the custom radio station through New Year’s Eve.
Crossville – It’s Christmas Eve, 1941 and the unpredictable Sanders family gathers for one last holiday sing before son Dennis ships out for boot camp. A Sanders Family Christmas marks its final show through Dec. 23 at Cumberland County Playhouse.
Clarksville – The City of Clarksville’s 20th year of Christmas on the Cumberland creates lasting memories with more than 1 million lights, seasonal crafts, dances and activities through Jan. 1 at McGregor Park.
Clarksville – Start a new holiday tradition with your family while enjoying twinkling lights from the comfort of your car during the Drive-Thru Christmas Lights through Dec. 31 at Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds.
Nashville – Celebrate the holiday season with Deck the Halls at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in December. Stop by for a family photo with Santa, cookie decorating, ornament making and holiday programs. Historic RCA Studio B will also come to life with a special holiday tour, followed by a concert of Christmas classics.
Nashville –A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland features Cirque Dreams Holidaze Stage Spectacular, ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Trace Adkins Christmas, holiday lights and more through Jan 1.
Nashville – Delight in the joy of the holiday season during Holiday Lights at Cheekwood. The Nashville tradition returns with 1 million lights illuminating the gardens for one of the prettiest winter strolls of the season.
Nashville – Hang out with Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian in the kingdom beneath the sea as Disney’s Little Mermaid takes the stage through Dec. 23 at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
Nashville – Ralphie, the leg lamp and frozen flag pole are back. Reaching year nine of the Nashville holiday tradition, Nashville Repertory Theatre presents A Christmas Story through Dec. 23at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Clara takes audiences on a journey through a spectacular dreamland as Nashville’s Nutcracker returns to Music City through Dec. 23 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Murfreesboro – Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting Holiday Tour of Oaklands Mansion through Dec. 23. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for children & students.
Murfreesboro – Ice skate on the rink, enjoy beautiful holiday decorations and musical performances on the plaza during Winterfest through Jan. 21 at Fountains at Gateway.
Cookeville – The largest Christmas Light Spectacular in the Upper Cumberland continues your family tradition with a tour of the lights, bonfires on Saturday nights and visits with Santa & Frosty at Hidden Hollow Park.
Knoxville – Downtown restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and boutiques feature peppermint specials through Jan. 6 including peppermint coffees, hot chocolate, desserts, cocktails, cookie decorating and glass blowing on the Peppermint Trail.
Chattanooga – Holidays under the Peaks at the Tennessee Aquarium features special programs like romping river otters, toad-ly awesome amphibians and the bearded dragon, a lizard so fast it could be a walk-on for Santa’s sleigh through Dec. 31.
Rock City – The award-winning Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights returns for its 24th season with more than 1 million LED lights and the largest, first-of-its-kind walk-through Christmas tree, open through New Year’s Eve.
Jonesborough – Christmas in Olde Jonesborough features carols and storytelling through Dec. 15. Each Saturday features a different theme, including Whoville Christmas, Doggone Christmas, Fun with Frosty & Friends and Christmas Church Tour.
Pigeon Forge – Head to Patriot Park for the 29th annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Draped in more than 5 million holiday lights, Pigeon Forge creates a winter wonderland for guests and locals through the end of February.
Pigeon Forge – Travel back in time and experience Christmas on the Titanic with holiday light displays, towering Christmas trees, festive décor and souvenir photos with Santa’s reindeer at the Titanic Museum.
Kodak – See one of the world’s largest LED drive through light spectaculars. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium is an orchestra of light and music during Smoky Mountain Winterfest.