Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, with new decorations courtesy of a world-famous florist, an additional creative light display on the Mansion lawn and the familiar twinkling lights.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood.
Former Chief Floral Designer for the White House, Laura Dowling, returns to Cheekwood for the second year in a row to create elaborate custom decorations inside the Historic Mansion that will delight guests and spread holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “Sweet Dreams,” and is inspired by visions of sugarplums, candy-colored hues and chestnuts roasting over an open fire.
The festive scenery begins at the front gates with elegant and creative light displays. A 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree, which features eye-catching three-dimensional custom light designs, returns to the center of the Bradford Robertson Color Garden to welcome visitors on their journey through a winter wonderland.
A one-mile walking path throughout the gardens will be aglow with over one million lights. Each turn reveals a surprise, from the classic Peppermint Path with candy-cane trees, to the Bejeweled Bridge and Enchanted Esplanade. The new Sparkling Serpentine display will dance across the Mansion lawn with 600 linear feet of mesmerizing color. Cheekwood’s TRAINS! exhibit also sparkles with holiday magic that will delight the young and young at heart.
“For over a decade, Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS has been a cherished tradition, offering Nashville residents and visitors an elegant and timeless holiday experience,” said Jane MacLeod, President and CEO of Cheekwood. “We are delighted to welcome guests once again to enjoy the beauty and magic of over one million twinkling lights and festive decorations that define this beloved community event.”
Holiday LIGHTS Highlights for Families:
Daytime Visits with Santa
Saturdays & Sundays | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Families can visit with Santa in the Historic Stable and Tack Room located in the Frist Learning Center and bring letters to put in Santa’s mailbox.
Dog Visits with Santa
December 7 & 21 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bring your four-legged family member to join the merriment and pose for photos with Santa in the Frist Learning Center courtyard.
S’mores Stations and Seasonal Libations
While out exploring the luminous landscape, guests can stop by one of the kiosks to warm up with hot cocoa or festive holiday cocktails. S’mores kits will be available to purchase at the Holiday Marketplace to roast at the stations behind the Frist Learning Center. S’mores and bar kiosks are only open in the evenings during Holiday LIGHTS.
Winter TOTS!
November 25 and December 2, 9, 16, 30
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cheekwood’s popular program for toddlers and their guardians gets a new seasonal spin. Throughout Holiday LIGHTS, drop-in style hands-on activities will be featured indoors at the Crumbo Family Studios. Storytime will also be held at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each week’s theme will be inspired by the changing seasons and will ensure guests of all ages get into the holiday spirit.
Holiday LIGHTS Tickets
The seasonal festival is open from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., seven nights a week, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. A ticket pre-sale for Cheekwood members is already underway.
Late Night Lights offers a discounted ticket price for those who wish to experience the displays later in the evening. These discounted tickets are available on select Monday – Thursday nights for 8:30 p.m. Gardens Only entry. Price is $20 for non-members (adult or youth) and $17 for member adults and $13 for member youth.
To learn more about Holiday LIGHTS and to purchase tickets, visit cheekwood.org/calendar-events/holiday-lights.
