It’s hard to believe Christmas is only a few days away! While so much of the holiday experience looks different this year, because of the ongoing pandemic, we found five affordable ways to still celebrate the holiday, right here in Nashville.
1. Jingle Beat
Jingle Beat is a two-mile, drive-thru light, sound and sensory experience, suitable for adults and children of all ages. Held at the Nashville Speedway, be mesmerized by the choreographed light and music display. Jingle Beat includes lasers, a 50-foot pyramid with cascading images created from more than 2,000 video panels and a 400-foot-wide projection mapped surfaces.
Created by a Nashville-based production team, whose numerous credits include Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, Lizzo and more, Jingle Beat was created in part to help employ those in the touring industry, who saw their incomes stop due to COVID-19. Donations are also being made to The Ronald McDonald House, WO Smith Music School, The Oasis Center, The Boys and Girls Club, Soles4Soles, the Martha O’Bryan Center, Hospitality House Nashville and more.
Tickets have a timed entry to allow a smooth and safe driving experience. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early due to potential long lines. Get a discounted ticket price, exclusive for Everything Nash readers, via this link. Find more information at eamotion.com.
2. Christmas Lights at Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Year after year, we continue to be mesmerized by Gaylord Opryland‘s Christmas lights. In addition to the numerous activities as part of the hotel’s holiday celebration, including the I Love Christmas Movies, and the Oak Ridge Boys’ A Country Christmas event, it is worth a visit just to see the resort’s impressive lights display, both inside and outside. More than five million lights are used to decorate for the season, and it’s FREE! Park at Opry Mills and walk on the pathway to the hotel to enjoy the entire experience without paying a penny. Paid parking is also available at the Opryland Hotel.
3. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
The holiday experience at Cheekwood really has to be seen to be believed. One of the most extravagant light displays in all of Nashville, the Holiday LIGHTS offers miles of lights and seasonal sounds to make it one unforgettable holiday experience. A timed-entry ticket must be purchased online prior to admission. Holiday LIGHTS is open until January 10. Find more information at Cheekwood.org.
4. The Dancing Lights of Christmas
The Dancing Lights of Christmas, dubbed Tennessee’s largest drive-thru lights and music show, is only $25 per vehicle. Held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, the show is synchronized with a specific FM radio channel. The Drive-Thru Dancing Lights open at 5:00 PM each night through January 3. Find more details, including arrival and ticket information, at TheDancingLightsofChristmas.com.
5. Candy Cane Jane’s
This one is for those 21 and over. Jane’s Hideway has morphed into Candy Cane Jane’s for the holiday season. Located on the rooftop in Printer’s Alley, think over-the-top Christmas lights, complete with holiday-themed cocktails and unique menu options. Enjoy before Christmas, since Jane’s Hideaway will be closed December 25 to 29, or ring in the New Year before the decorations disappear. More information is available at JanesHideway.com.