Nashville, often referred to as Music City, is a Southern mecca for country music and barbecue, among other things. This year for the holiday season, there are plenty of events sure to stir up Christmas cheer, ranging from Nashville Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" to a holiday extravaganza at renowned Gaylord Opryland. Just south of Nashville, Franklin, Tenn., is transformed to Christmas of a past, reimagined the way Charles Dickens would have experienced it. Celebrate Christmas in Nashville, whichever way you see fit.
"The Nutcracker" is a classic Christmas tradition — and this ballet has a Nashville twist. From Dec. 3 until Dec. 23, the two-hour show will have daily performances, with multiple shows on selected dates. All shows will be held at Andrew Jackson Hall. Ticket prices — $28 to $89. Nashville's Nutcracker. Andrew Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St., Nashville. 615-782-4040. nashvilleballet.com
Say goodbye to the ho-hum Christmas celebrations of yesteryear. At Gaylord Opryland, there's truly something for everyone — and different events to tickle many a fancy. "How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical" is for musical lovers. For the adventurous, thrill-seeker — arctic plunge snow tubing, Santa's snowball toss and glacier glide ice skating on the events center lawn. This year's "A Country Christmas" features an ice sculpture of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer carved into a mass totaling 2 million pounds. More things to do — cookie decorating, scavenger hunts and carriage rides. Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville. 615-889-1000. marriott.com
Step back into Christmas past — almost 30 miles south of Nashville in Franklin, Tenn. — and experience Christmas recreated in the era of Charles Dickens. For the past 32 years, the festival has taken to the streets of Franklin, capitalizing on the abundance of Victorian architecture and giving a vintage feel to celebrating the holiday season. Activities — sugar plums and roasted chestnuts for sale, musical and dance performances, Christmas caroling and live craft demonstrations. Dec. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dickens of a Christmas. Downtown Franklin, 112 Bridge St., Franklin. 615-591-8500. historicfranklin.com
Dancing lights at Jellystone Park
The largest display of lights in Middle Tennessee, for Christmas cheer from your car, visit Jellystone Park. The lights at this park are tuned to various Christmas songs. Dancing lights are open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. Dancing lights at Jellystone Park. Jellystone Park, 2572 Music Valley Drive, Nashville. thedancinglightsofchristmas.com
Cruises on The General Jackson are a Nashville institution and each year they get a bit of a Christmas spin. Beginning on Nov. 17 and running through New Year's Eve, two cruises per day — including midday and evening ones — will journey with those along the Cumberland River in the Christmas spirit. Midday cruises feature Nashville singers performing a medley of Christmas carols and evening cruises feature performances along with dinner, dessert and drinks. Holiday cruises on The General Jackson. The General Jackson Showboat, 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville. 615-458-3900. generaljackson.com
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