For many of us in Middle Tennessee, driving around searching for the most gorgeous holiday light displays is one of the season’s traditions. This year, you can save time and gas by heading straight for one of these destinations!
We’ve selected ten award-winning displays from throughout the region. From incredible, world-famous commercial displays to the top independent experiences, whether you’re looking for a synchronized, musical dancing light experience or a long walk down a romantic lane of classic lights, we have the perfect destination for you and yours listed below.
Gather your loved ones and experience the joy of the holiday displays that twinkle and shimmer brightly, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Zoolumination
3777 Nolensville Pike | Nashville
The Nashville Zoo has once again metamorphized into our country’s largest Chinese Festival of Lights! Chinese artists have hand-crafted mythical creatures and breathtaking scenes, so come out to the zoo after sundown. Zoolumination is open daily from now until January 5th, then Thursdays through Sundays until February 9th.
Every evening, Zoolumination entertainers will wow you with performances at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00. Hot cocoa, coffee, soda, spiked hot cocoa, margaritas, beer, and craft cocktails for you to purchase until 8:00, and Chinese takeout-themed eats can be purchased at Quill’s Cafe and Grill.
Does your little one long to meet Santa? Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, he will be at the barn behind the Historic Home beginning at 5:30 pm, so make sure your kiddo brings that wish list!
Franktown Festival of Lights
4215 Long Ln | Franklin
Franktown Festival of Lights is Williamson County’s only drive-through light spectacular, and it has been a smashing success since year one. Family Radio Nashville, 93.7-FM, is proud to be this year’s sponsor, presenting this year’s 1.5-mile festival of over 200 lights synchronized to holiday music broadcasted to your car’s radio.
After you drive through the light displays, stop by the Christmas tree to take photos, enjoy snacks from the food truck, and make s’mores at the fire pits.
Open nightly from November 22 – December 31, 5 – 9 PM. Franktown Festival of Lights visitors must bring a smart device that is capable of displaying a QR code.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
1200 Forrest Park Dr | Nashville
Cheekwood Estate, one of our nation’s most famous historical mansions, will be holding the beloved Holiday LIGHTS event once again this year. Beginning November 22nd and ending January 5th, visitors will be invited to tour a mile-long walk along more than one million lights winding throughout the estate’s astounding botanical gardens.
Additionally, the path passes by dozens of beautiful photo opportunities. Complete your night with seasonal beverages, a shopping trip through the Holiday Marketplace, and a tour of the mansion. This year, the White House’s former florist, Laura Dowling, has decorated the mansion’s interior, and the stunning results are not to be missed.
More than 60,000 visitors attend Holiday LIGHTS annually, so we recommend purchasing your tickets as far in advance as possible. LIGHTS at Cheekwood is a timed event, so you must arrive before 5 p.m., even if you have your tickets in advance. Once you’ve gained admittance, your party will be welcome to linger until Cheekwood Estates closes at 10 p.m.
Please note: Cheekwood recommends that you bring flashlights (even if just on your phone), because you will pass along dark paths in select areas. Unless necessary for your safety, please keep your flashlights off.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
1033 Sparta Pike | Lebanon
The famous Dancing Lights of Christmas will be open until January 4th at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center (perhaps most well-known as the location of the Wilson County Fair). The team behind the Dancing Lights has been working tirelessly for months arranging more than two million lights along the 2.5-mile route. This programmed light display will “dance” along to the tunes you’ll hear once you have tuned in to the specified FM channel, so sit back and enjoy the show!
At the end of the drive, you are invited to visit the petting zoo and shop for concessions.
Please note: as one of the area’s most popular drive-through light displays, Dancing Lights is inevitably crowded on the weekends as the holidays approach. If you prefer not to idle in the car for upwards of two hours while you wait for your turn to view the lights, we recommend attending early in the season, early in the evening, or on a mid-week day.
Your purchase of a ticket to the Dancing Lights of Christmas allows them to support several charities, including Lebanon’s Historic Fiddlers Grove, Ronald McDonald House, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Tennessee Kidney Foundation.
Hoover Lights
1390 Neil Rd | Chapel Hill
Inspired by Chuck Smith, the father of computerized light displays, the 2024 Hoover Lights show will feature more than 80,000 computer-programmed lights on either side of the street. Tune into the designated channel on your vehicle’s radio, and the lights will “dance” in perfect time to the music.
The show opens the day after Thanksgiving, and remains open until New Year’s Eve.
While the experience is completely free, the creator of Hoover Lights, Chad Hoover, gifts all donations to beloved local Nashville nonprofit Graceworks Ministries. Chad asks that visitors either add to the lighted donation box or donate to the charity of their choice.
Cannonsburgh Village Christmas Lights
312 South Front St | Murfreesboro
Cannonsburgh Village is holding their Drive-Through Christmas Lights event so beloved by the community. Load the family up in your vehicle and enjoy this festive addition to your coziest holiday memories. Cannonsburgh Village will be ready to dazzle you with a Christmas light display over the first three weekends in December on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays December 6th – 22nd from 5:00 – 8:00.
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
2800 Opryland Dr | Nashville
Gaylord Opryland is synonymous with pulling out all the stops at Christmas, and their light display is the prime example of this ethos! You will marvel at over 3 million holiday lights meticulously arranged over acres of stunning decorations, all of which are ideal for capturing shareable family photos. ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman is open from November 8 to January 4, 2024.
The resort offers free admission to the public, and the holiday light display is included. While the resort does charge a hefty parking fee, if you dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, you will be given a voucher that waives the parking fee in either the self-park or valet parking lots.
Chad’s Winter Wonderland
791 Old Laguardo Rd E | Lebanon
In 1982, a child began to dedicate his holidays to creating the biggest light displays he could. From then until now, Wilson County Commissioner Chad Barnard has remained dedicated to this mission, so of course, Chad’s Winter Wonderland has expanded year upon year, and it is now one of the largest independent Christmas light displays anywhere in the country!
Chad’s eight-acre display is now up to 3 million lights winding through and all around more than 350 scenery pieces. This year, visit the beloved drive-through Nativity, 90-arch illuminated tunnel, and synchronized light display. See Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch, then be sure to visit Santa at his home! Children can hand-deliver Dear Santa letters, wave hello to the dancing snowman, and visit live animals.
Stop by Chad’s Winter Wonderland for the lights, then stay for their famous cinnamon bread! They will be open nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year, 2025.
Cash donations for charities supporting local children and volunteers are accepted on-site.
Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
Pickup Location Varies | Franklin
The Franklin Trolley is waiting to play you your favorite holiday tunes, offer you a water and a candy cane, then do the driving for you as you enjoy the lovely holiday lights of Franklin and Williamson County. This year, your route will include the Festival of Lights (availability varies.) All routes tour Franklin’s most-decorated neighborhoods and Historic Downtown Franklin.
Christmas on the Cumberland
640 N Riverside Dr | Clarksville
The City of Clarksville invites you to experience more than one million holiday lights along the Cumberland Riverwalk and McGregor Park! Admission is free, leaving you with a bit more budget for the Holiday Market. Shop with local artisans and independent businesses, ensuring that your hard-earned funds remain in our community.
For the first time, Christmas on the Cumberland will include an entrancing lighted drone show by Firefly Drone Shows. At approximately 6:00, 200 synchronized drones will dazzle the night sky, creating holiday images like Santa, a Christmas tree, and unique tributes to Clarksville’s most well-known landmarks. Due to its size of 300 feet in height and 600 feet in width, this drone display will be visible from miles away! Tune in on your radio dial or listen to holiday music on-site as you enjoy this brand-new, stunning display.
Christmas on the Cumberland is open November 23rd – January 2nd, 2025.
The Takeaway
This season, keep your family’s traditions thriving in this most relaxing way: simply whip up some of your favorite hot chocolate, turn up some holiday tunes, and drive out to visit Middle Tennessee’s most enchanting light displays!
If you have the 411 on a top-notch light display, please leave us a comment below. We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!
Posted by Parks Compass on
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