As a parent, there’s nothing more magical than watching your child’s amazement and awe as the holiday season unfolds. Nashville offers many wonderful activities for your kids to enjoy this time of year. Here are some great ideas for children of all ages.
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opry
Gaylord Opryland hosts some of the most spectacular events of the season.
From November 8 to January 4, Gaylord Opry Marriott presents ‘Ice!’. An expansive exhibit made of two million pounds of ice, you and your family can walk through artistically carved tunnels or take a thrilling glide down a winding ice slide. Gaze upon countless ice sculptures of perfectly engineered structures to recognizable whimsy, including this year’s featured character ‘Frosty the Snowman.’ There’s so much detail to take in.
There are over a dozen holiday activities at the Gaylord Opryland, including breakfast with Mrs. Claus, a Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt, gingerbread decorating, and photos with Santa. Schedules and package deals can be found on their website.
Holiday Cookie Decorating at the Grand Hyatt Nashville
The holiday season wouldn’t feel complete without decorating Christmas cookies.
A Lebkuchen cookie, similar to gingerbread, was created in the thirteenth century by German monks. They were crafted into fancy shapes and decorated with sugar. It wasn’t until the seventeenth century before German and Dutch settlers introduced Christmas cookies to the Western world. To date, whether the outcome is Instagram-worthy or a hot mess, there are fewer joys than decorating a cookie with your child. The Grand Hyatt Nashville recognizes how important a tradition this annual event is. They’ve got you covered with their Holiday Cookie Decorating event.
Frosted: A Winter Spectacular is an awe-inspiring, free-entry Christmas pop-up event for children of all ages. It runs here in Nashville from November 20 to December 24. LittleTix creates a cloak of mystery but promises to deliver a fantastic experience for children that includes live circus performances, a fun inflatable snow land playground, a polar bear ball pit, an icy toboggan slide, a card-making center, themed sets, colorful characters, an elf village, and good eats for refueling. What a magical place. Sounds too good to be true? Check out other pop-up events created by LittleTix. Reserve your tickets today.
Listen and laugh at your favorite moments in Home Alone as you’ve never experienced. The Nashville Symphony will bring you to the edge of your seats while reliving Kevin McCallister’s antics as he defends his domain while his family is away.
A ‘90s pop culture film that will transcend as a classic for generations. Famed scenes scored under the direction of the symphony’s conductor Jason Seber make the performances come alive as if the characters stand before you.
You and your family can catch this timeless piece at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 6, 7, and 8.
Looking for just one boujee experience to do with your child during the holidays? The Lounge at Blue Aster has a table set just for you and your little one. This themed afternoon tea comes with green-colored macarons, buttercreams in the same hue, savory bites, and delicious pastries.
Immerse yourself and your child in the whimsy. Imagine their heart expanding when they eye a visit by the Grinch himself as he meanders through the room, eager to snatch some of your treats. Sittings are available most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. through December 29. Tickets are $95 per person.
Lowes Build & Grow Christmas Workshop
Love the crafts, but hate the mess! Let Lowes handle it for you. Lowes organized the Build & Grow Christmas Workshop this season, where your child can create a gorgeous spinning snowflake that they can be proud of. Your child will receive direction on the assembly. Lowes provides the materials and caring instructors to make the workshop a fun and positive experience. Reserve a spot today!
The Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination, presented by Anheuser-Busch, is the largest Chinese lantern festival in the U.S.A. The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every evening through to January 5 and boasts more than 1,000 illuminated lanterns in the shapes of unbelievable mythical creatures throughout the grounds. Your children will marvel at the size and detail of each lantern display.
While there, take in some live entertainment on the hour and catch a glimpse of some of the residents that might make an evening appearance like the flamingo or Sumatran tiger.
Before leaving, how about a family skate with a delicious cup of hot chocolate?
The fourteenth annual Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 5 p.m. The parade will start at LaVergne’s City Hall, concluding at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in time for the coveted tree lighting, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The excitement doesn’t end there. LaVergne’s fourth annual ‘Winter Festival’ will be waiting for you in the park, along with photo ops with Santa from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and free ice skating open from December 6 to January 3.