Discover the sparkling holiday magic of Tennessee | News
Tennessee glows brighter than ever this holiday season as warm spirits, dazzling displays and millions of twinkling lights transform the state into a true winter wonderland. Every year, families gather and set out in search of a festive kaleidoscope of color, tradition and cheer covering every corner of the state. From charming small towns to breathtaking light festivals, Tennessee dazzles with unforgettable ways to celebrate the season.
Here are 13 must-see destinations to experience the sparkling holiday magic of Tennessee:
1. Ruby Falls (Chattanooga) – The holiday wonder goes even deeper at Ruby Falls, where the historic castle and nature park are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, sweet seasonal treats and family-friendly activities. Visitors can make a Christmas wish in the Forest of Wishes before visiting the country’s highest underground waterfall that is open to the public.
2. Enchanted Garden of Lights (Chattanooga) – Celebrating 31 years of holiday magic, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights invites guests into a whimsical world of glowing paths, festive activities and seasonal charm. On select days through January 4, visitors can meet Santa Claus and the Toy Soldier, and decorate gingerbread while enjoying Rock City’s festive holiday enchantment all season long.
3. Smoky Night Lights (Knoxville) – Shine brightly in Zoo Knoxville’s new three-acre Timber Loop, where immersive lighting, sound and nature surround guests with the spirit of the Smokies. Smoky Night Lights offers a 360-degree music and light show, with different perspectives on the regional wildlife and a dazzling sun display. Sugarlands Distilling Company serves themed drinks and cocktails, with select evenings featuring live music from local musicians and authentic Appalachian storytelling.
4. Winterfest (Pigeon Forge) – A typical holiday celebration unfolds during Winterfest, which runs through February 15. The city bursts to life with holiday shows, festive events and millions of lights, including the free Wonders of Light Walking Trail with more than a million twinkling lights along the Little Pigeon River. Travelers can also enjoy more than five million lights during the dazzling Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights.
5. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Pigeon Forge) – Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park delivers timeless holiday fun during Smoky Mountain Christmas. More than six million twinkling lights, heartwarming Christmas displays and comforting seasonal flavors will wrap the park in holiday magic through January 4. For even more family-friendly fun, don’t miss the new Peppermint Valley at County Fair this year.
6. Christmas in the Village (Townsend) – Go back in time during Christmas in the Village at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, happening select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Stroll through a historic village decorated with Christmas lights, enjoy live music, and watch demonstrations of timeless Appalachian traditions such as sewing, cooking, wool spinning, and blacksmithing. Historians, storytellers and historical artists complete the immersive old-fashioned holiday experience.
7. Speedway in Lights (Bristol) – More than headlights illuminate ‘The Fastest Half Mile in the World’ as Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway light up the night with joyful magic and dazzling displays in this beloved 25-year tradition. After exploring four miles of over three million Christmas lights, visitors can also visit the Christmas Village inland at the ‘Last Great Colosseum’.
8.Let It Glow at Discovery Park of America (Union City) – Discovery Park of America comes alive with festive cheer with both drive and walk-thru tours filled with twinkling holiday lights and seasonal decorations. The celebration keeps the mind clear from November 14 to December 30.
9. Holiday Wonders in the Garden (Memphis) – Step into a winter dreamscape at the Memphis Botanical Garden. From November 28 through December 30, Holiday Wonders dazzles with glowing pathways, dazzling displays, festive activities and family-friendly fun on the lighted grounds.
10. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood (Nashville) – Cheekwood Gardens glow with a mile-long path of more than a million twinkling lights, a 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree and beautifully decorated grounds, including the historic mansion decorated by former White House Chief Florist Laura Dowling. Seasonal treats and drinks await at the Holiday Marketplace.
11. Zoolumination Festival of Lights at the Nashville Zoo (Nashville) – The nation’s largest Lantern Festival illuminates the Nashville Zoo with more than 1,000 custom silk lanterns. Every evening through February 8, the zoo transforms into a holiday paradise as life-size illuminated creatures greet guests along festive, glittering walkways and vibrant landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal favorites such as ice skating under the stars, live entertainment and a journey through the North Pole Village, complete with Santa’s workshop, as well as festive treats and the North Pole Express.
12. The Dancing Lights of Christmas (Lebanon) – Tennessee’s largest drive-thru light and music show dazzles in Lebanon, offering a beloved multi-generational tradition. Admission includes the Christmas light show, access to a petting zoo, Santa’s Village, and even a chance to spot Sinterklaas himself.
13. Christmas on the Cumberland (Clarksville) – Walk along the Cumberland River, surrounded by glittering lights, festive family fun and holiday cheer. On November 22, Christmas on the Cumberland kicks off with a holiday market featuring local vendors and handmade gifts, a grand opening celebration and a dazzling drone show.
