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March 19, 2024

Where Every Family Matters

Family Fun: Holiday Light Tours

Tried-and-true editors' picks of brilliant holiday lights to enjoy with your family.

Pictured above: Chad’s Winter Wonderland in Lebanon.

Chad’s Winter Wonderland
791 Old Laguardo Road Lebanon
615-449-0099
chadswinterwonderland.com
Nov. 25 – Dec. 31

More than 2 million lights on eight acres illuminate the drive-through trail plus more than 350 pieces of scenery including Frosty’s house and Santa’s barn. Sun – Thu 6 – 10 p.m., Fri – Sat 6 – 11 p.m.; $15 per vehicle; limos and passenger buses/vans are $20.

The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Jellystone Park
2572 Music Valley Drive Nashville
615-889-4225
thedancinglightsofchristmas.com
Nov. 4 – Jan. 1

Hundreds of thousands of LED lights dance to holiday tunes you listen to on your car radio with new displays this year. You can make a pit stop at Santa’s Village featuring more activities for additional small fees like train rides, the bungee jump, inflatables, petting zoo and a new mobile zip line (Fri – Sat only). Jellystone Park, 2572 Music Valley Drive, Nashville; daily 5 – 10 p.m.; $25 per non-commercial vehicle.

Franklin’s Holly Trolley
Franklin Transit Authority
708 Columbia Ave., Franklin
615-920-4956
tmagroup.org
Dec. 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18

SOLD OUT FOR 2016!!!!

Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Holiday Lights Carriage Tours
2800 Blair Blvd., Nashville
hwen.org
Dec. 3 – 4

The Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Association presents this horse-drawn carriage tour in which guests can view vintage homes sporting light displays. Enjoy hot cider, refreshments and music. Tours start every 30 minutes from 5 – 8:30 p.m. Sat, 4:30 – 8 p.m. Sun. Tickets are $23 per person. Advance ticket purchase required.

Holiday Lights! at Cheekwood
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville
615-356-8000
cheekwood.org
Nov. 25 – Jan. 1

This year boasts more lights than 2015 — 1 million of ‘em adorn the grounds and gardens, creating an illuminated wonderland. There’s other activities as well like carolers, live reindeer, Santa visits and s’mores. Tue – Sun 5 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 ages 3 – 17 (members get a $5 discount).

Nashville Christmas Lights Tour
2416 Music Valley Drive Nashville
800-987-9852
vacationsmadeeasy.com
Dec. 1 – 31

This bus tour takes you to neighborhoods to see twinkling lights. Tours depart at 6:30 p.m. (no tours Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). $34 ages 12 and older, $24 ages 6 – 11, free ages 2 and younger.

Opryland’s Christmas Lights
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville
615-889-1000
christmastatgaylordopryland.com
Nov. 11 – Jan. 1

More than 2 million lights illuminate the grounds and inside of the Opryland Hotel during its “A Country Christmas” celebration. New additions this year feature custom Music City designs. Admission is free. Sun – Thu 4 – 11 p.m., Fri – Sat 4 p.m. – midnight.

Twinkling Tennessee Lights Tour
615-833-5555
graylinetn.com
Dec. 1 – 23, 26 – 30

This outing includes a guided tour of the Lotz House in Franklin, complete with hot cider and cookies. Plus, you’ll enjoy a ride through the town square along with a trip to one of the most decorated neighborhoods sparkling with millions of lights. Daily 6:30 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $39.

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