Some places do subtle holidays. Middle Tennessee is not one of them.
Here, we turn historic streets into movie sets, build light displays bright enough to be seen from space, and carve entire rooms out of ice simply because we can. These are the holiday traditions that go all out every year and make December feel less like a season and more like a full-blown festival era.
Let's give credit to the overachievers.
Franklin's Dickens of a Christmas - Grade: A+ for Full Commitment
Franklin doesn't just decorate for Christmas, it transforms. The downtown streets become a Victorian village filled with costumed carolers, horse-drawn carriages, roasted chestnuts, and characters who look like they stepped straight out of A Christmas Carol. Grab a hot chocolate, wander through the festival, and prepare to question whether you should start wearing a cape or top hat.
Effort level: unmatched
Nostalgia level: dangerously high
Cheekwood Holiday Lights - Grade: A++ Because This Is Practically NASA-Engineered
Cheekwood doesn't do anything halfway, and its holiday lights are proof. More than a million lights glow across the gardens, winding through pathways and illuminating sculptures that make everyone stop and stare. The atmosphere is cozy and a little magical, especially when you end the night by the fire with something warm.
Effort level: extreme
"We should come back next year" factor: guaranteed
The Nashville Christmas Parade - Grade: A for Controlled Chaos
The Nashville parade is a yearly mix of holiday cheer, high-energy performances, impressive floats, loud marching bands, and the kind of crowd that confirms everyone in the city had the exact same idea for the day. Yes, traffic is chaotic. Yes, parking takes strategy. But once the drums start and Santa appears, the whole city feels like one big hometown.
Energy level: off the charts
Holiday spirit per square foot: unbeatable
Opryland's A Country Christmas -Grade: A+ for "More Is More"
Opryland has never been accused of being subtle. During the holidays, it becomes a world of massive light displays, glowing indoor gardens, ice sculptures carved into entire rooms, skating rinks, and festive performances around every corner. Walking through it feels like stepping into a Christmas-themed universe crafted by someone who refused to hear the word "enough."
Effort level: 15 out of 10
Photo ops: endless
Small-Town Parades & Neighborhood Light Tours - Grade: A for Unexpected Joy
Some of the most charming holiday moments happen far from the big stages. Small-town parades in Columbia, Gallatin, and Leiper's Fork overflow with warmth, kids waving from floats, classic cars wrapped in garland, families cheering along the sidewalks. And then there are the neighborhoods that go full Griswold with their lights. Grab a peppermint mocha, turn on your favorite playlist, and cruise with zero agenda.
Wholesomeness level: off the charts
Surprise-and-delight factor: consistently high
Final Grade: A+ for Holiday Spirit
Middle Tennessee doesn't just celebrate the holidays, it embraces them wholeheartedly. Every town, every event, every display brings something unique and memorable. If you want a holiday season that's festive, heartwarming, nostalgic, and just a little wild, Middle Tennessee delivers.
Sources: FranklinIs, TripSavvy, Cheekwood, The Tennessean, Gaylord Hotels, Visit Columbia TN
