Nashville's Winter Bucket List

Stay warm when the temperatures are low with things to do in Nashville in the winter.

Music City doesn’t stop when the thermometer drops. Stay warm when the temperatures are low with this Winter Bucket List in Nashville.

See Music City in Lights

Stages are not the only things that light up during the holidays in Music City. Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is a holiday tradition in Nashville, providing a magical holiday experience. Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood LIGHTS, with one mile of enchanting holiday lights throughout the gardens. Watch The Nashville Zoo shine bright during Zoolumination as more than 500 custom-made silk lanterns will be spread across 60 acres. See Music City in Lights.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland | Nashville Light Tour | Zoolumination

Pop in to a Holiday Pop-up

Music City loves to celebrate each season by decking the halls with temporary pop-ups that are decorated with unique themes and offer special menu items. From hotels and restaurants to dive bars, you will find the perfect pop-up that will have you singing with merriment.

Bobby Hotel | Dream Hotel | Fairlane Hotel | Holston HouseNoelle Hotel

Try a Festive Cocktail

It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Nashville’s creative spirit can be found throughout the city, and the craft cocktails are no exception. Spread Christmas ‘cheers’ and enjoy a seasonal cocktail in the crisp open air with outside dining surrounded by heaters or relax inside.

Fox Bar & Cocktail Club | Jane's Hideaway | L.A. Jackson | One More | The Patterson House | PROOF

Sing-along at a Concert

'Tis the season for spreading cheer and singing holiday songs for all to hear! Nashville has the perfect mix of genres with cuts of country, bluegrass, rock, pop, Americana, gospel, classical, and blues, all blending in perfect harmony. The music and entertainment scene is as diverse as the songwriters and musicians who make up the community. Find your holiday sound with must-see upcoming concerts happening in Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry | Ryman Auditorium | Schermerhorn Symphony Center

See a Show

Every winter, the spotlight in Nashville turns to center stage for shows you won’t soon forget. Be part of the audience as Broadway's hit musicals Shucked, Peter Pan, and Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker take the stage this winter season. Experience the unforgettable magic of the performing arts in Music City.

Nashville Ballet | Nashville Children’s Theater | Nashville Repertory Theatre | Nashville Opera | OZ Arts Nashville | Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Skate through Nashville

Nashville turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Glide through Music City with your whole family at a pop-up ice skating rink or a Nashville Sportsplex. Lace-up your skates and hit the ice.

Ford Ice Center | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention

Shop Local Gifts

A little retail therapy might be exactly what you need to keep warm during these winter months. Nashville shops offer something for everyone: records by local musicians, vintage items, jewelry, and more. Find a local treasure and take a piece of Nashville home with you.

Emerson Grace | Fifth + BroadwayImogene + Willie | L&L Market Place | Judith Bright | Music City Shop

Warm Up with Hot Chocolate

The best winter days in Music City start with a freshly made cup of hot chocolate! With an abundance of local coffee shops AND a delicious selection of pastries and breakfast options available, you won’t have any trouble finding this holiday favorite. Explore the charming, cozy, and hip coffee shops located all throughout Nashville’s captivating neighborhoods.

8th & Roast | Barista Parlor | D’Andrews | Frothy Monkey | Stompin’ Grounds

Pair Wine with Winter

Wine and winter tend to pair well together. Warm up with a glass of red wine or get festive with your favorite bubbly. Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or rosé, enjoy a glass from a Nashville winery at the end of a chilly day (or any day, really).

Arrington Vineyards & Winery | Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery | City Winery | Sixty Vines

Savor the Sips at Breweries & Distilleries

There's nothing like a shot of Tennessee whiskey to warm you up during the winter. Single-barrel bourbon, rye, gin, and white whiskey are just a few of the local spirits you can sip on a distillery tour. Nashville also appeals to the ice-cold draft beer and craft cider drinker. From smaller micro-breweries to larger taprooms complete with full food menus, Nashville has a variety of local beers, breweries, and cideries that are sure to satisfy any beer enthusiast.

6th & Peabody | Jack Daniel Distillery | Nelson's Green Brier Distillery | Tennessee Brew Works

Heat up with Hot Chicken

Can you handle the heat of some down-home cooking that has served Nashville locals and visitors alike for decades? A city of creators, Nashville is known for the creation of hot chicken – fried chicken doused in fiery spices and served on a bed of white bread with a pickle. You have not been to Music City until you have tried this Nashville original with heat levels ranging from mild to XXX Hot.

Hattie B’s | Party Fowl | Prince’s Hot Chicken

Experience a Music Museum

Come inside from the cold and into a Nashville music museum. Priceless artifacts including countless recordings and photographs, numerous stage costumes, musical instruments, and more can be found throughout music museums in Music City. Peek into the past lives of musicians from all genres that have helped shape Nashville into Music City.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum | National Museum of African American Music

Cheer on Nashville Sports

Nashville is home to multiple professional sports teams and sporting events, and loyal fans travel from near and far to experience the thrill of the games. We completely understand a fan’s need to cheer on their team so whether you are watching from the sidelines or joining the crowd in a sports bar, you can find an action-packed place in Nashville to tune into your favorite game.

Music City Bowl | Nashville Predators | SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament | Tennessee Titans

Dine Nashville

Each February, Nashville hosts a month-long celebration that features collaborative chef experiences, a restaurant week, and discount offerings from local food retail outlets across Music City. Check Dine Nashville off your bucket list by sampling some of the award-winning restaurants in Music City.

Dine Nashville