Tennessee lights up for Christmas
The state of Tennessee will be glowing brighter than ever this holiday season.
The state lays on dazzling displays and millions of twinkling lights which transform its towns every winter season.
It’s all about a kaleidoscope of color, family friendly traditions and festive cheer in every corner of the state.
Here are 13 can’t-miss destinations to experience Tennessee’s holiday magic:
Ruby Falls (Chattanooga) – Holiday wonder runs deeper at Ruby Falls, where the historic castle and nature park are decked with festive decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal treats and family-friendly activities. Visitors can make a Christmas wish in the Forest of Wishes before visiting the nation’s tallest underground waterfall open to the public.
Enchanted Garden of Lights (Chattanooga) – Celebrating 31 years of holiday magic, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights invites guests into a whimsical world of glowing trails, festive activities and seasonal charm. On select days through January 4, visitors can meet Santa and the Toy Soldier, as well as decorate gingerbread.
Smoky Night Lights (Knoxville) – Shine bright at Zoo Knoxville’s new three-acre Timber Loop, where immersive lighting, sound and nature surrounds guests with the spirit of the Smokies. Smoky Night Lights offers a 360-degree music and light show, featuring different perspectives of regional wildlife and a dazzling sun display. Sugarlands Distilling Company serves themed beverages and cocktails, with select evenings featuring live music from local musicians and Appalachian storytelling.
Winterfest (Pigeon Forge) – A hallmark holiday celebration unfolds during Winterfest, running through February 15. The city bursts to life with holiday shows, festive events and millions of lights, including the free Wonders of Light Walking Trail featuring over one million twinkling lights along the Little Pigeon River. Travelers can also enjoy the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Pigeon Forge) – Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park delivers timeless holiday joy during Smoky Mountain Christmas. More than six million twinkling lights, heartwarming holiday shows and comforting seasonal flavors blanket the park in holiday magic through January 4. This year, don’t miss the new Peppermint Valley in County Fair.
Christmas in the Village (Townsend) – Step back in time during Christmas in the Village at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, happening select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Stroll the historic village adorned with holiday lights, enjoy live music and watch demonstrations of Appalachian traditions like sewing, cooking, wool-spinning and blacksmithing. Historians, storytellers and period performers complete the immersive old-fashioned holiday experience.
Speedway in Lights (Bristol) – More than headlights illuminate “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” as Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway lights up the night with dazzling displays during this 25-year tradition. After exploring four miles of over three million holiday lights, visitors can also enjoy Christmas Village in the infield of the “Last Great Colosseum.”
Let It Glow at Discovery Park of America (Union City) – Discovery Park of America comes alive with festive cheer with both drive or walk-thru tours filled with twinkling holiday lights and seasonal decorations. The celebration keeps spirits bright through December 30.
Holiday Wonders at the Garden (Memphis) – Step into a winter dreamscape at Memphis Botanical Garden. From November 28 through December 30, Holiday Wonders sparkles with glowing trails, dazzling displays, festive activities and family-friendly fun.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood (Nashville) – The gardens at Cheekwood glow with a one-mile trail featuring over one million twinkling lights, a 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree and beautifully-decorated grounds, including the historic mansion adorned by former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling. Seasonal treats and beverages await at the Holiday Marketplace.
Zoolumination Festival of Lights at the Nashville Zoo (Nashville) – The country’s largest Lantern Festival lights up the Nashville Zoo with more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. Each evening through February 8, the zoo transforms into a holiday haven as larger-than-life illuminated creatures greet guests along festive, glittering walkways. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal favorites, including skating under the stars, live entertainment, and a trip through the North Pole Village complete with Santa’s workshop.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas (Lebanon) – Tennessee’s largest drive-thru light and music show shines in Lebanon, offering a multi-generation tradition. Admission includes the holiday light show, access to a petting zoo and Santa’s Village.
Christmas on the Cumberland (Clarksville) – Walk along the Cumberland River surrounded by shimmering lights, festive family fun and holiday cheer. On November 22, Christmas on the Cumberland kicked off with a Holiday Market featuring local vendors and hand-crafted gifts, a Grand Opening Celebration and Dazzling Drone Show.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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