Do the holidays bring about the jolly spirit of giving, receiving and just embracing the beauty of the season? If so, consider marking these best holiday-themed events in Nashville, TN on your calendar as “not-to-miss” occasions.

Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas

Welcome in the holiday festivities with more than three million sparkling lights as the Opryland Hotel & Resort transforms the premises into their famous ‘A Country Christmas' theme. Visitors can enjoy this magical destination for free anytime during the dates of Nov. 8—Jan. 1, 2020 to view the lighting on the interiors and exteriors. There are also an array of other ways to frolic, such as taking carriage rides, snow tubing, ice skating and children's activities, which are available at a nominal fee.

This year, ICE! returns with “A Christmas Story” theme, which comes to life through millions of pounds of hand-carved lighted interactive ice sculptures. Relive the holiday magic with Aunt Clara and Old Man Major with a self-guided experience also featuring four incredible cool two-story ice slides. Overnight stays and discount packages are available and encouraged.

• Date: November 8, 2019 - January 1, 2020
• Address: Gaylord Opryland Events Center, 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
• Phone: 615-889-1000

Drive-Thru Dancing Lights of Christmas

There's no bigger light show that draws in Nashville folks seeking holiday cheer than the Dancing Lights of Christmas, which takes over The James E. Ward Agricultural Center during the holidays. A fast-growing family tradition, viewers can stay warm in their vehicle while strolling through the park to the synchronized music on a special FM radio channel. The two-and-a-half mile route boasts millions of lights and numerous enthralling displays.

Visitors can stop into the News 4 Santa's Village and enjoy loads of extra activities, which will cost just a bit extra after the free light show. Youngsters can enjoy pony rides, train rides, ice skating, inflatables, and photo opportunities with Santa himself. The more adventurous spirits can take on the bungee trampoline or challenge themselves on the mechanical reindeer. It's a great evening of fun for everyone, so don't miss this treasured December Nashville event.

• Date: Nov. 16, 2019 – Jan. 4, 2020, from 5:00PM—Daylight
• Address: James E Ward Agricultural Center, 945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087

The Annual Nashville Christmas Parade

With the biggest and most incredible parade ever—which says a lot because it's been a tradition since 1927—the Nashville Christmas Parade is a win/win for every attendee. Locals and travelers like the streets surrounding 1st Avenue and the city center to cheer on awe-inspiring floats, strikingly large balloons, talented marching bands and performances by world-renown artists and musicians. If there's only space for one Nashville December event, make this one a priority.

• Date: Dec. 7, 2019 at 8:30AM
• Address: Parade Route Begins at the Corner of 1st Avenue and the Woodland Street Bridge

Nashville's Nutcracker Ballet

Join the community at the Nashville Ballet's performance of the Nashville Nutcracker, which has sparked the imagination and curiosity of attendees for more than a decade. Held at the beautiful Andrew Jackson Hall at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, buy tickets early and prepare to see beloved favorites like Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy take the stage daily for two consecutive weeks. The Nashville Symphony will play Tchaikovsky's composition to Vasterling's magical tale and is a delight for the entire family.

• Date: Dec. 7—23, 2019
• Address: Andrew Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243
• Phone: (615) 782-4086

Get ready to bundle up and head out into the wintery weather to warm the senses with these annual December events in Nashville, TN.