The holidays have arrived in Gallatin! Check out our guide for all the best events and activities. From Gallatin enthusiasts to curious travelers, this guide illuminates the city's seasonal treasures.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of thousands of twinkling lights at Cheekwood Holiday Lights, transforming the gardens into a festive wonderland. Marvel at the dazzling displays and vibrant lanterns that make up Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights, showcasing the artistry of traditional Chinese culture. And don't forget Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, an enchanting festivity featuring lavish decorations and seasonal activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Gallatin
- Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (Nashville)
- Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights (Nashville)
- Cheekwood Holiday Lights (Nashville)
- Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens (Nashville)
- Franktown Festival of Lights (Franklin)
- Fantasy of Trees (Knoxville)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure (Sevierville)
- Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park (Memphis)
- Polar Express
- Breakfast With Santa
See these and even more events listed below!
Gallatin Holiday Light Displays
Franktown Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with festive activities.
Description:
The Franktown Festival of Lights is an annual drive-thru holiday light display in Williamson County, featuring over 200 synchronized lights, holiday music, and festive activities like taking selfies by the Christmas tree and making s’mores by the fire pits. Select Wednesdays offer a walking route for guests to stroll along the illuminated path.
Where: Franklin | More Info: Franktown Festival of Lights
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Elaborate light displays and themed mansion decor.
Description:
Cheekwood Holiday Lights features a one-mile walking path through gardens illuminated by over one million lights, with special decorations by former White House florist Laura Dowling, s'mores stations, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace.
Where: Nashville | More Info: Cheekwood Holiday Lights
Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with thousands of colorful lanterns.
Description:
At Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights, explore over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns, featuring mythical creatures and wildlife in stunning scenes throughout the zoo. Enjoy live entertainment, festive food, and meet Santa at the North Pole Village.
Where: Nashville | More Info: Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
What to Expect:
Custom decorations by a former White House florist and a 28-foot RGB light installation.
Description:
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens presents a one-mile walk through its gardens illuminated by over a million lights, featuring s'mores stations, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace. The Historic Mansion is specially decorated by former White House florist Laura Dowling.
Where: Nashville | More Info: Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light show with interactive village activities.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure features a drive-through light show with synchronized lights and music, showcasing Santa and friends in the Great Smoky Mountains. After the show, visit Snowy Mountain Village for activities, photo spots, and festive treats.
Where: Sevierville | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays with over 3.5 million lights.
Description:
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park features dazzling light displays with over 3.5 million lights, creating a spectacular holiday experience for all ages.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
Gallatin Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gallatin Christmas Harvest Craft Show
What to Expect:
Local artisans showcase handmade crafts and seasonal items.
Description:
The Gallatin Christmas Harvest Craft Show is a long-time tradition where the community comes together to shop and mingle at this craft extravaganza, featuring homemade, boutique, vintage, and food sales.
Where: Gallatin | More Info: Gallatin Christmas Harvest Craft Show
Fantasy of Trees
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with over 350 decorated trees and local school children's Adopt-a-Tree forest.
Description:
Travel through a forest of more than 350 beautifully designed trees, holiday accessories, store front windows, door designs, and table centerpieces, all decorated by local school children and priced to sell. Enjoy kids' activities, entertainment, shopping, and gingerbread houses.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Fantasy of Trees
Gallatin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express
What to Expect:
Historic train ride with Santa's visit and festive treats.
Description:
Embark on a holiday journey with the North Pole Limited, where festive light displays and storytelling create a memorable experience. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a special visit from Santa as you travel to the North Pole.
Where: Gallatin | More Info: Polar Express
Breakfast With Santa
What to Expect:
Inclusive holiday celebration for families with special needs.
Description:
Join Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park for a special Breakfast with Santa event, where families with special needs can enjoy a festive morning together. The event features a delightful breakfast and quality time with Santa, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Where: Gallatin | More Info: Breakfast With Santa
The Santa Clause
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and festive floats.
Description:
The Gallatin Christmas Parade, themed "Music & Magic," is a festive event where participants and spectators alike can enjoy a lively procession through Gallatin's historic downtown area. The parade kicks off at 12:00 PM and concludes with Santa Claus marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Where: Gallatin | More Info: The Santa Clause
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland features ICE with Frosty the Snowman, holiday lights, gingerbread decorating, ice tubing, and live performances.
Where: Nashville | More Info: Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Gallatin Other Holiday Activities
Magical holiday Home Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of seasonally decorated homes.
Description:
Explore beautifully decorated homes in Gallatin, Tennessee, featuring holiday décor and festive atmosphere.
Where: Gallatin | More Info: Magical holiday Home Tour
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hendersonville (11 miles)
- Mount Juliet (14 miles)
- Lebanon (15 miles)
- Hermitage (17 miles)
- Nashville (24 miles)
- La Vergne (27 miles)
- Smyrna (28 miles)
- Brentwood (31 miles)
- Brentwood Estates (31 miles)
- Murfreesboro (38 miles)
- Franklin (40 miles)
- Bowling Green (42 miles)