With a chill in the air and the warm glow of Christmas lights on display, it’s easy to feel the romantic spark of the season. 'Tis the season for Hallmark movies and hot chocolate, right? But those feel-good Christmas movies aren't the only way to experience the love in the air.
Nashville, known for its small-town vibes, is the perfect location for a real-life romantic comedy. Not only are the city’s usual local favorites open (coffee shops, restaurants, etc.), but the city hosts several seasonal date night options too. So, to add a little magic to the season, we have compiled a list of some great ways to spend a December date night in Nashville.
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
This iconic resort is much more than a site for out-of-town visitors. The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center features shops, restaurants, cascading waterfalls, beautiful greenery, a fountain show, etc. And at Christmas time, the resort adds a gorgeous display of Christmas lights throughout the hotel. It presents extraordinary Christmas decor, a beautiful outdoor nativity, and a few extra seasonal activities. Guests and local visitors can purchase tickets for ice tubing, ice skating, or even enjoy ice bumper cars. A romantic date night at this location could be as simple as sipping hot chocolate while seeing the Christmas lights. Or, it could include some exciting Christmas extras on the resort grounds. (Check out all the Christmas activities here and don’t forget to review the limited hours for 2021.)
Two Rivers Mansion
Nashville's historic sites are great places to enjoy things of Christmas past. This year, take a walk back in time with that special someone at Two Rivers Mansion. This beautiful mansion from the early 1800s hosts Christmas Tours, sharing stories from the McGavock families.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Take your sweetheart to an adults-only evening at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. During the Santa Sips event on December 11th, adults can enjoy festive drinks and musical performances. Santa, the Grinch, and four animal guests will also make appearances.
Carriage Rides
What is more romantic than a Christmas-themed ride in a horse-drawn carriage? The only thing that might top off this date-night idea is the setting of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Check out Sugar Creek Carriages to book a Christmas Lights Ride. This unique, narrated tour of the city offers views of popular destinations. The Ryman, The Hardrock Cafe, The Country Music Hall of Fame, and other tourist destinations are a few sites on the list. So book your carriage ride, pull your sweetheart close, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in downtown Nashville.
Nashville Christmas Concerts
Of course, December date nights in Nashville should include a concert or two. Nashville is full of live music on a nightly basis, but a few special Christmas-themed concerts will make December 2021 that much sweeter:
Sarah Brightman at the Ryman (December 11th)
For King and Country at the Grand Ole Opry (Sunday, December 19th)
Amy Grant and Vince Gill at the Ryman (Multiple Dates)
A Very Dave Barnes Christmas at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center (December 20th)
Music City Christmas with the Nashville Symphony at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center (Multiple Dates)
Nashville is a beautiful setting to celebrate the Christmas season with the ones we love. But it's also a fun city to explore year-round. Our greater Nashville community has date spots, family-friendly activities, and fun leisure activities. The Holloway Home Group team keeps up with local attractions and fun pastimes and shares our insights on our blog page. Check out our website to learn what Middle Tennessee has to offer area-wide residents: https://www.hollowayhomegroup.com/blog/.