December Events in Middle Tennessee

The holiday season is in full swing and there are plenty of events around Middle Tennessee to keep you busy. Make plans to see a family-friendly play, step back in time at Dickensfest, or get ready for a fun evening out with one of our suggestions for December. 

November 24th-December 10: It’s a Wonderful Life
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company Theater
This classic holiday favorite is back, telling the tale of George Bailey and his visit from his guardian angel. It’s a heartwarming tale that celebrates the American philosophy of life.

November 24th-December 31: Holiday LIGHTS
Cheekwood | Nashville
One million lights will fill the trees and surround the gardens and ponds of the beautiful Cheewood Estate and Gardens. Kids will enjoy visiting with Santa’s reindeer and s’mores pits while adults can enjoy the beverage stations on the way to the mansion where carolers in period costume fill the home with holiday favorites.

December 1-17, Fridays – Sundays: A Christmas Carol
Center for the Arts | Murfreesboro
See the classic Dickens Christmas play about Ebenezer Scrooge’s night with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The play is great for getting the whole family in the holiday spirit.

December 1-23, select dates: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Jamison Theater in the Factory | Franklin
Enter a winter wonderland behind the wardrobe where animals talk, trees walk, and the White Witch rules the landscape as Studio Tenn retells the C.S. Lewis story, deemed one of the 100 greatest novels of all time.

December 2: Frosty Fun Run
Stones River Country Club Golf Course | Murfreesboro
Participants can choose a two or four and a half mile course for a chilly run through Stones River Golf Course. Warm up after with waffles, coffee and hot chocolate provided by Waffle House and get your picture taken with Santa. All proceeds benefit CASA and Parks Christmas for the Children.

December 2: St. Nicholas Ball
Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club | Hendersonville
This elegant affair benefits one of Parks’ favorite charities – Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. Featuring cocktails, a seated dinner, and dancing with a live band, it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season. Bring your checkbook to participate in the silent auction.

December 2: Hollyday Marketplace
Tennessee Miller Colisseum | Murfreesboro
Hosted by the Junior League of Murfreesboro, this holiday themed craft fair will feature over 100 vendors selling crafts, decor, clothing, and seasonal gifts. Get your Christmas shopping done early at this fun annual event!

December 9-10: A Dickens of a Christmas
Historic Franklin Main Street
Entering its 33rd year, this Christmas festival is the largest in Middle Tennessee! Two hundred musicians, dancers, and characters in period Dickensian costume will flood the streets and snow (yes!) will fill the air. Enjoy Victorian era treats and demonstrations and peruse the arts and craft vendors before ending the day with carols.

December 31: Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight
Bicentennial Mall | Nashville
This free New Years Eve celebration features a stellar musical lineup including Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Cheap Trick, Carly Pearce, Jonny P, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Watch the iconic music note drop as the clock ticks down to midnight and ring in the New Year with fireworks beneath the State Capitol building.