Thanksgiving has passed, finals are looming and the winter chill is here to stay. Luckily Nashville has several great holiday events that also double as reasons to take a study break.
A Country Christmas at Opryland Hotel
There is nothing more “classic Nashville” than visiting Opryland Hotel in December. Drink in the millions of Christmas lights, gaze at the life-size Nativity scene or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the front lawn.
Local’s Tip: Parking at the hotel is expensive, but you can park at the mall next door and walk over.
Lights at Jellystone Park
Middle Tennessee’s largest lights and music show, Jellystone is where podunk takes a classy turn. Drive up and down the park watching lights dance to rockin’ tunes. It costs $25 a car, so carpool for the best deal. The lights are open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night with extended weekend hours.
Local’s Tip: Hit up Jellystone after going to Opryland Hotel – it’s only five minutes away!
The Franklin Theater
If your favorite Christmas traditions include Charlie Brown and Will Ferrell, then you need to head to Franklin. They will be showing many classic Christmas films on the big screen, and most are just $5.
http://www.franklintheatre.com/tickets/movies/
Nashville Christmas Parade (December 5)
Before the parade, Mayor Karl Dean will light up the Christmas tree in the Public Square Plaza at 6:30 p.m. The parade starts at 7 p.m. on the Woodland Street Bridge at Public Square, then travels down Second Ave. and up Broadway.
Local’s Tip: Come early and stay late! Parking is a mess before and after the parade.
A Christmas Story at TPAC
Watch the classic movie come to life, complete with the pink bunny suit and the leg lamp. The play has received rave reviews the past couple of years and will run through Dec. 21. Tickets are $50.
https://patron.tpac.org/events/detail/christmas-story-2014-rep
A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Hendersonville Performing Arts Company
If you don’t have $50 but you still want a great show, HPAC is the place for you. Student tickets are only $10 with ID and the musical is running through Dec. 15.
http://www.hpactn.com/boxoffice.html
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry
Rockettes, Southern charm and the nativity story complete with live animals give this show a reason to be called “spectacular.” Catch it while you can because it’s the last year it will be in Nashville! The show is running through Dec. 24 and tickets are $30-$100.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Grand-Ole-Opry-House-tickets-Nashville/venue/221339#focus_event_table
Local’s Tip: Go on an afternoon or a weekday for cheaper tickets.
Holiday at Cheekwood
Live reindeer and elaborately decorated trees at Cheekwood are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Visit the art studio to make decorations or design your own holiday cookie. On the weekends, take a picture with Santa or listen to the live Christmas music in the afternoons. Tickets are $10 with a student ID.