Christmas Lights and Sights in Tennessee!
It’s that magical time of year when twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and holiday cheer fill the air. Whether you’re on a mission to create unforgettable family memories or simply trying to distract the kiddos long enough to sneak a few cookie bites, there’s nothing better than a family trip to see Christmas lights. A simple drive around the neighborhood is always fun, but there are some lighting spectacles all across Tennessee that are worth a special visit. Here are 10 on our list!
1. Cheekwood Holiday Lights – Nashville, TN
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: Over a million lights illuminate the beautiful botanical gardens.
- Activities: Holiday train ride, visits with Santa, and festive snacks.
- Prices: $20 for adults, $15 for kids (under 3 free).
- Open/Close Times: Open 7 days a week, November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm, be sure to check for special event and holiday closures
- Light Show Duration: Planfor 1-2 hours of wandering through the mile long walk.
2. Wonderland at the Zoo – Memphis Zoo
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: Whimsical animal-themed displays throughout the zoo.
- Activities: Visit Santa, enjoy holiday treats, ice rink (available for extra fee), ferris wheel (available for extra fee), and of course check out the animals.
- Prices: $16 per person for Members / $20 per person for Non-members (FREE for kids under 2 years old)
- Open/Close Times: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Light Show Duration: 1-1.5 hours of festive fun.
3. Festival of Lights – Across Pigeon Forge AND Gatlinburg Winter Magic- Across Gatlinburg
Things to Know Before You GLOW to Pigeon Forge
- What Makes It Special: A town-wide celebration with millions of lights. The entire area comes to life with holiday cheer
- Activities: Live music, holiday shopping, and yummy treats. For a free driving map head over to https://www.pigeonforge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/WF2024.pdf
- Prices: Free to walk and drive around; attraction prices may vary.
- Open/Close Times: Dusk to 11 PM.
- Light Show Duration: Plan for at least 2 hours for the best experience.
- Things to Know Before You GLOW to Gatlinburg
- What Makes It Special: The entire town lights up with millions of festive decorations. Follow this free map to see some of the best! https://pigeonforgewinterfest.com/wp-content/GB2023-GSACC.pdf
- Activities: Explore local shops and enjoy seasonal treats.
- Prices: Free to explore
- Open/Close Times: Dusk to 11 PM.
- Light Show Duration: Meander at your own pace—1-2 hours is great.
4. Enchanted Garden of Lights – Rock City
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: Stunning lights integrated into the garden’s landscape.
- Activities: Holiday crafts and visits with Santa on select nights.
- Prices: Prices vary beginning at $31 per person
- Open/Close Times: November 15-January 4, 4-10:30 PM
- Light Show Duration: About 1-1.5 hours
5. Holiday Wonders at The Garden – Memphis Botanic Garden
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: Beautiful lights illuminating the gardens and a variety of themed nights. Something for everyone! https://membg.org/wonders/
- Activities: Daily activities rotate and tickets are required for some events.
- Prices: Vary depending on the theme and event
- Open/Close Times: November 29- December 28 5 PM to 9 PM.
6. Shadrack’s Light Show – Johnson City Appalachian Fairgrounds
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: A drive-through display with over 1 million lights dancing to holiday songs.
- Activities: Drive through scenes, while singing your favorite carols.
- Prices: Starting at $29.95 per vehicle.
- Open/Close Times: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 M-F: 6-10pm, Sat-Sun: 6-10pm or later
- Light Show Duration: About 30-45 minutes.
7. Food City Speedway in Lights- Bristol, TN
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: A 4-mile trek through 3 million lights and the chance to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”
- Activities: After driving through the festive scenes, enjoy rides, games and foods at Santa’s Village (additional fees required)
- Prices: Starting at $20 per vehicle depending on date and time
- Open/Close Times: Friday, November 15, 2024 – Saturday, January 4, 2025 6:00 PM 10:00 PM
- Light Show Duration: About 1.5-2 hours
8. Chad’s Winter Wonderland- Lebanon, TN
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: 3 million light drive through for the whole family!
- Activities: After driving through the festive scenes enjoy snacks and shops. The cinnamon bread is NOT to be skipped!
- Prices: $25 per car
- Open/Close Times: Open nightly Thanksgiving 2024 through New Year’s 2025, 5-10 PM
- Light Show Duration: About 45 minutes
9. Hoover Lights- Chapel Hill, TN
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: 80,000 lights around a family home!
- Activities: A 20 minute synchronized light show outside of a local family home! Enjoy the music on 87.9 FM as the lights dance along.
- Prices: The show is absolutely free! This is The hoover Family’s way of spreading Christmas cheer.
- Open/Close Times: Open nightly, Black Friday- New Years Eve
- Light Show Duration: 20 minutes
10. Hidden Hollow Christmas Light Spectacular- Cookeville, TN
Things to Know Before You GLOW
- What Makes It Special: The Largest Christmas Light display in the Upper Cumberlands
- Activities: Some dates offer pony rides, gift shop, bon fires, photo ops and more! Check the Facebook page to find out what is available each day.
- Prices: $7 per person (3 and under are free)
- Open/Close Times: November 29- New Years Eve, 5-9 PM
- Light Show Duration: 45 min
