WHO: Mom Reporter Samantha and daughter Sadie
WHAT: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
WHERE: Grand Ole Opry House (2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville)
WHEN: Thru Dec. 27 (days and times vary)
TICKETS: $24.99 – $109.99
PARKING: Free in the Opry Mills lot
INFO: 615-889-1000 | christmasatgaylordopryland.com
Nowhere else rings in the holidays like Music City! Between the small-town Christmas parades, twinkling tree-lighting ceremonies and spectacular shows, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed as you try to make this holiday season the most magical one yet for your family. If you’re worried about the weather outside turning frightful, the weather is always delightful in the Grand Ole Opry House, where the classic tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life onstage during Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 2019 “A Country Christmas” celebration.
The moment you step through the Opry House doors, you and your family emerge into a winter wonderland that even a Grinch can’t resist. I recommend getting to the show early to avoid the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic and parking. Getting there early also means you can enjoy the coziness of the Circle Room, a special space outfitted in holiday cheer from floor to ceiling. From the moment you walk in the Circle Room, you and your little one are greeted with cheer — and stickers! Grown-ups and kids alike can enjoy the Circle Room’s scrumptious holiday treats like marshmallow squares and bundles of cookies.
For those seeking meal options, chicken nuggets are available in case your little ones need something a little heavier before the show. We opted for the bundle of holiday cookies, making our experience just a little sweeter. In addition to concession offerings, there are activities for your kids to pass the time while waiting for the show to start, including coloring pages and photo props.
Once the Grand Ole Opry’s auditorium doors open, you are immediately transported to a Christmas village that is home to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. There, you are swept away on a 90-minute adventure with one intermission. The Opry’s iconic pew-style seating provides the perfect opportunity to cuddle up and relax with your kids.
I was nervous about my 2-year-old’s attention span with this show, since like many toddlers, she tends to get distracted easily. However, between the festive songs and the high energy of the performers — some of Nashville best and brightest — this show will stop even the most wiggliest worm in their tracks. My 2-year-old was fully entranced for the entire show and was even a little upset at intermission, thinking the show was over. This stage musical is literally a carbon copy of the classic TV special that’s been so beloved by kids of all ages for decades. Gaylord dazzled audience members of all ages with stunning special effects and a fast-paced show, leaving all of us on the edges of our seats with delight.
With winter wonderland magic, dreamy details and a splash of Southern hospitality, be sure to make Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort a new holiday tradition for your family, starting this season!
