The Delta Court
Aesthetically, the indoor rivers and winding paths, waterfalls and foliage enclosed in the hotel's climate-controlled atriums are unsurpassed.
Just hear those sleigh bells ringing, and head to Music City for an unforgettable Southern holiday experience. This convenient guide will help steer you in the right direction for a Christmas in Nashville that includes all of the best entertainment, sightseeing, and shopping - and with our "insider's view," we'll set you up with all the secrets and tips to make your trip the best it can be. So while the turkey's in the oven this week - your very own Top 8 Must See Experiences for Christmas in Nashville.
1. Gaylord Opryland's Country Christmas
It's not quite the North Pole itself, but it's awfully close! During the holidays, Gaylord Opryland Resort transforms its tropical atriums into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million Christmas lights, special events, and attractions at the resort. The entire family can enjoy the lights, fountain shows, and outdoor nativity scene free of charge. Take the kids up to the Garden Conservatory Upper Walkway to send an e-mail directly to Santa's office at the North Pole - they'll even receive a response from Jolly Ol' Saint Nicholas to take home with them for no charge. The Gaylord Opryland Resort does have a parking fee for visitors, but if you're shopping at the nearby Opry Mills Mall, you can park there for free and follow the paved pathway over to the resort.
2. Shopping at Opry Mills Mall
If it's on your shopping list, it's more than likely to be found somewhere inside the Opry Mills Shopping Mall. The mall is home to literally hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and attractions, so you should have no trouble finding something for everything on the list. Plan on spending a whole day shopping and playing - and take the kids to Stingray Reef by the Aquarium Restaurant, where they can pet and feed live stingrays right there in the mall. And through December 23, Santa Claus himself will be located at Santa Land in the Food Court area for photos.
3. Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium
For a select time during the year - including the holidays - the Grand Ole Opry moves from its permanent home in the Opryland area back to its most famous home at the Ryman Auditorium in Downtown Nashville. The history of the Ryman is an experience in itself, and as you listen to stars & legends like Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, Lorrie Morgan, and dozens more perform favorite holiday favorites, you'll be sitting in the same seats that legendary stars like Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl, and Hank Williams once looked out on. Plus, if you're booking last-minute, you might consider ordering tickets to the late show on Saturday. You'll enjoy performances by the same great stars, but with smaller crowds, meaning you'll have a better chance of getting seats closer to the stage.
4. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The world-famous Rockettes are once again in Nashville for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Allstate. With a cast of nearly 100 performers, the show is, well, spectacular! Best of all, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular offers something for every member of the family, so it makes for a great to get even the most stubborn Scrooge into the holiday spirit.
5. ICE! presented by Coca-Cola
Step into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland at ICE!, presented by Coca-Cola. Nearly two million pounds of ice are used to create this glistening wonder, which features stunning ice sculptures, slides, and interactive fun. The temperature is kept at a constant 9 degrees, so you might forget that you're in the hills of Tennessee! While warm parkas are provided for your experience, be sure to bring along your own gloves and warm hats to stay warm and comfortable - after all, we think you're going to want to stay and experience ICE! for as long as possible.
6. Pam Tillis Christmas Party
Enjoy the sounds of the holiday along with a holiday feast at the Pam Tillis Christmas Party. Located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, this special limited-engagement holiday show will feature a personal concert from country music star Pam Tillis, as well as a full-course, traditional Southern holiday dinner. Fans of Pam are always pleased to hear the star's top hits performed, and even those less familiar with the artist's music will enjoy the festive holiday numbers featured during the show. Come hungry and ready for an incredible show!
7. Christmas at Belle Meade Plantation
Experience a glimpse of the holidays in the late 1800s with the Belle Meade Plantation. Decorations true to the era adorn this stunning plantation home, with attention paid to details as minor as the Christmas breakfast displayed in the dining room. This year's holiday tours of the plantation will focus on how the children of the privleged families who called Belle Meade home celebrated the holiday. Although the holiday tours run through the end of December, try to make it before December 16 to experience "Toys and Trees," a special exhibit dedicated to specially themed Christmas trees and Victorian dollhouses. There are also interactive exhibits available for your kids to enjoy.
8. Tennessee Titans Football at LP Field
It wouldn't be the holidays without the hard-hitting action of NFL football! Located just across the Cumberland River from Downtown Nashville, LP Field (formerly The Coliseum) serves as the home of the mighty Tennessee Titans. During the holiday season, the Titans will take on opponents like the New York Giants, the Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars in home-game matchups. Head across the river to experience the excitement of crisp winter air, screaming Titans fans, and the sounds of professional football!
