December in Nashville is all about the holiday season, and the city leans into it hard. The Grand Ole Opry runs Christmas specials through the month, Gaylord Opryland Resort fills 2 million square feet of indoor gardens with lights and ice sculptures, and Lower Broadway's honky-tonks string up decorations over the neon. Daytime highs sit around 12°C (54°F) with overnight lows near 3°C (37°F), so you'll want layers. It's not the kind of cold that keeps you indoors, but it'll catch you off guard if you packed for the Nashville you saw on Instagram in July.
To be fair, December is not when Nashville looks its best outdoors. The trees along the Cumberland River are bare, the days are short, and rain shows up about 10 times over the month. That said, there's an argument that the indoor city, the one built around stages and studios and restaurants, is at its most appealing right now. The crowds thin out compared to the CMA Fest crush in June, and the live music calendar stays packed. You might catch a songwriter round at the Bluebird Cafe with 30 people in the room instead of a 2-month waitlist.
The trade-off is price. Hotel rates climb from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, especially around Opryland and downtown. The New Year's Eve concert on Broadway draws tens of thousands, and that final week of December tends to sell out well in advance. If you're coming for the holiday atmosphere and live music, December delivers. If you want to explore outdoors, hike Percy Warner Park, or sit on a rooftop bar without a heater, wait for April.
Why visit in December
- The Grand Ole Opry's Christmas shows run nearly every night in December, with lineups that regularly include Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, and rotating guest performers at the Opry House
- Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas features 3 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures in a walk-through exhibit kept at -9°C (16°F), plus indoor light displays across the resort's 9-acre atrium
- Lower Broadway honky-tonks like Tootsies, Robert's Western World, and Legends Corner play free live music from about 10 a.m. until 3 a.m., and December crowds are smaller than the summer peak
- The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens runs Holiday LIGHTS, a 1-million-bulb outdoor trail across 55 acres in the Belle Meade neighborhood, typically from late November through early January
Worth knowing
- Sunset comes before 4:45 p.m. for most of December, cutting outdoor sightseeing short and making the 3°C (37°F) evenings feel colder
- Hotel rates in downtown Nashville run 30-50% above the annual average during December, with the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve hitting peak pricing
- Rain falls on roughly 10 days of the month, averaging 113mm total. Not heavy downpours typically, but enough gray, drizzly afternoons to keep you checking forecasts
- Some outdoor attractions operate on reduced winter hours or close entirely. The Nashville Farmers' Market runs a limited indoor schedule, and river activities along the Cumberland largely shut down
Best for
Think twice if
December in Nashville tends to feel like a mild but damp winter. Daytime highs hover around 12°C (54°F), comfortable enough for walking if you have a jacket, but mornings and evenings typically drop to 3°C (37°F) or below. The air carries a wet chill, partly from the 75% average humidity, and it can feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Rain arrives on roughly 10 days through the month, usually as steady drizzle rather than heavy storms, totaling about 113mm. Snow is possible but unlikely. Nashville might see one or two dustings in a typical December, rarely enough to stick. The skies tend toward overcast, with that flat gray light that settles over the Cumberland Valley for days at a stretch.
Seasonal caution
- Occasional overnight freezes below 0°C (32°F) happen several times in a typical December, with the coldest mornings sometimes reaching -5°C (23°F). Black ice forms on bridges and overpasses before road surfaces, which catches drivers unfamiliar with Nashville's hilly terrain
- Freezing rain, while infrequent, shuts down the city when it hits. Nashville lacks the salt trucks and infrastructure of northern cities, so even a light ice event can close roads and cancel events for 1-2 days
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 | -1 | 127 |
| Feb | 12 | 2 | 138 |
| Mar | 17 | 6 | 141 |
| Apr | 21 | 10 | 133 |
| May | 26 | 15 | 157 |
| Jun | 31 | 20 | 157 |
| Jul | 32 | 22 | 198 |
| Aug | 31 | 21 | 180 |
| Sep | 28 | 18 | 195 |
| Oct | 23 | 12 | 86 |
| Nov | 16 | 6 | 106 |
| Dec | 12 | 3 | 113 |
Headline events
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
Mid-November through January 1
The Opryland resort's annual holiday takeover fills its 9-acre indoor atrium with over 3 million lights, the ICE! walk-through ice sculpture exhibit carved by 40 artisans from Harbin, China, a full-size indoor ice skating rink, and holiday dining packages. It runs from mid-November through early January and draws visitors from across the Southeast. The ICE! exhibit alone takes about 30 minutes to walk through at -9°C (16°F), with parkas provided at the entrance.
Nashville New Year's Eve on Broadway
December 31
Nashville's free outdoor New Year's Eve concert takes over 6 blocks of Lower Broadway with a live music stage headlined by national acts, a midnight music note drop from a 150-foot tower, and fireworks over the Cumberland River. The event has grown into one of the 5 largest free NYE celebrations in the United States, regularly drawing over 100,000 people. Country, rock, and pop acts rotate the lineup each year.
Best things to do in December
Grand Ole Opry Christmas shows
live musicThe Opry House on Briley Parkway hosts Christmas-themed shows nearly every night in December, mixing holiday songs with classic country sets. The lineup typically includes Vince Gill, who has played the Opry Christmas show for over 30 years, alongside rotating performers like Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.
The Christmas show format only runs in December, with special arrangements and holiday material you won't hear the rest of the yearBooking tipBook through the Opry's website as soon as the December schedule posts, usually in early October. Weekend shows and Christmas week sell out first.
ICE! at Gaylord Opryland
attractionA walk-through exhibit of ice sculptures hand-carved by 40 artisans from Harbin, China, housed in a tent kept at -9°C (16°F). The display changes theme each year and takes about 30 minutes to walk through. Parkas are provided at the entrance, but the cold is still bracing, especially for kids.
ICE! runs from mid-November through early January, with December as its peak attendance month and the most elaborate display periodBooking tipTimed-entry tickets sell out for weekend evenings and the week between Christmas and New Year's. Weekday mornings tend to have shorter waits.
Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS
attractionThe 55-acre Cheekwood Estate in the Belle Meade neighborhood sets up over 1 million lights along its garden trails, with themed sections including a tunnel of lights and illuminated botanical displays. The trail takes about 45 minutes at a casual pace.
The holiday light trail runs from late November through early January and is designed around the early December sunsets, opening at 5 p.m. most eveningsBooking tipCheekwood caps nightly attendance and sells timed tickets online. Weekend slots in the second and third weeks of December fill first.
Songwriter rounds at the Bluebird Cafe
live musicThe Bluebird Cafe on Hillsboro Pike seats about 90 people for its intimate songwriter-in-the-round format, where 3-4 Nashville songwriters trade stories and perform their compositions. December's thinner tourist crowds mean better odds of getting a seat compared to the summer waitlist.
December's lower tourist volume makes reservations more accessible than the peak June-August period, when the Bluebird regularly has a 6-8 week waitBooking tipReservations open online on the first of the month at 8 a.m. Central. Set a reminder, because even December spots fill within hours for weekend shows.
Ryman Auditorium holiday concerts
live musicThe Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, hosts a run of holiday concerts through December. The 2,362-seat venue's stained glass windows and wooden church pews give the performances a particular warmth. Amy Grant and Vince Gill's annual Christmas residency has run for over 20 years.
The Amy Grant and Vince Gill Christmas shows are a December-only tradition at the Ryman, typically running 10-12 nights through the monthBooking tipThe Amy Grant and Vince Gill shows tend to announce dates in September and sell out quickly. Check the Ryman's calendar early.
Honky-tonk crawl on Lower Broadway
nightlifeThe stretch of Broadway between 1st and 5th Avenue holds about 30 bars and honky-tonks, most with live music from morning until 3 a.m. Robert's Western World, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and Legends Corner are the anchors. December adds holiday decorations over the neon signs, and the energy on the street picks up noticeably after dark.
December crowds are lighter than summer, meaning shorter waits to get into the more popular spots, and the holiday decorations add a layer to the Broadway atmosphereBooking tipNo reservations needed for most honky-tonks. Arrive before 8 p.m. on weekends to avoid lines at the most popular spots like Tootsies.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
cultureThe museum on Demonbreun Street covers 350,000 square feet and houses exhibits on country music's full history, from Jimmie Rodgers' 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings through current artists. Rotating exhibits change 2-3 times per year. December's cooler weather makes it a natural indoor afternoon.
December rain and short days make indoor attractions more appealing, and the museum's attendance is lower than summer months, meaning less crowding around popular exhibitsPercy Warner Park winter hiking
outdoorPercy Warner Park covers 2,684 acres in the hills southwest of downtown, with 12 miles of hiking trails. The 4.5-mile Warner Woods Trail offers views of the bare winter canopy and the Nashville skyline. December's bare trees open up sightlines that are hidden behind foliage the rest of the year.
Leafless trees in December reveal views of the Nashville basin that are invisible from May through October, and the cooler temperatures make the steeper trails more comfortableWhat to eat in December
On menus now
Hot chicken
Nashville's signature dish hits different in December. The cayenne-and-paprika heat from places like Prince's Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B's on Charlotte Pike feels restorative when you've been walking Broadway in 3°C weather. The pepper oil warms you from the inside out.
Meat-and-three holiday plates
Meat-and-three restaurants like Arnold's Country Kitchen and Monell's in Germantown add seasonal sides in December. Cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and smoked ham rotate onto the steam tables alongside the year-round staples.
Goo Goo Clusters
Nashville's homegrown candy bar, made at the Goo Goo Shop on 3rd Avenue South since 1912, releases holiday gift boxes in December. The original combines caramel, marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate.
Biscuits and gravy
A Tennessee breakfast staple that peaks in comfort appeal during cold December mornings. The Loveless Cafe on Highway 100 has served their scratch-made version since 1951, and the line tends to be shorter in December than summer weekends.
What to drink
Tennessee whiskey cocktails
Distilleries along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, including Nelson's Green Brier in Marathon Village, pour seasonal warm cocktails through December. Hot toddies and spiked cider made with local spirits appear on menus across Germantown and East Nashville.
Regular events in December
Nashville Christmas ParadeFree
An annual parade through downtown Nashville on the first Saturday of December, running about 1.5 miles down Broadway. Marching bands, floats, and local celebrity appearances draw crowds to the sidewalks along the route.
First Saturday of DecemberVanderbilt Commodores basketball
Vanderbilt University's men's and women's basketball teams play home games at Memorial Gymnasium on campus throughout December. The gym seats about 14,300 and has an unusual floor layout where the benches are on the baselines.
Multiple dates throughout DecemberTennessee Titans NFL games
The Tennessee Titans play 2-3 home games at Nissan Stadium in December. The stadium sits on the east bank of the Cumberland River, a short walk across the pedestrian bridge from Broadway.
Sundays in DecemberNashville Predators hockey
The NHL's Nashville Predators play 6-8 home games at Bridgestone Arena on Broadway during December. The arena sits at the foot of Lower Broadway, and Predators game nights add a noticeable buzz to the downtown bar scene.
Multiple dates throughout DecemberBest places this December
Gaylord Opryland Resort
attractionA 2,888-room resort with 9 acres of indoor gardens, waterfalls, and a quarter-mile-long indoor river under glass atriums. In December, the resort adds over 3 million lights and the ICE! exhibit. You don't need to be a guest to walk the gardens or visit the holiday displays.
DonelsonThe Ryman Auditorium
live musicThe 2,362-seat former church that housed the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The wooden pews and stained glass windows make December holiday concerts feel like attending a service. Daytime self-guided tours run when no show is scheduled.
DowntownCheekwood Estate and Gardens
attractionA 55-acre botanical garden and art museum built on the former Cheek family estate in Belle Meade. The mansion dates to 1932, and the grounds include 12 distinct garden areas. The Holiday LIGHTS trail transforms the property after dark from late November through early January.
Belle Meade12South neighborhood
neighborhoodA walkable stretch of 12th Avenue South between Wedgewood and Kirkwood avenues with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Draper James, Reese Witherspoon's retail store, anchors the shopping end. December brings holiday window displays and a neighborhood tree lighting.
12SouthMarathon Village
shoppingA converted 1881 Marathon automobile factory complex on Clinton Street that now houses Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Corsair Distillery, Antique Archaeology (from the TV show American Pickers), and about a dozen small shops and studios. December events include holiday markets and distillery tastings.
Marathon VillageThe Gulch
neighborhoodA former rail yard turned walkable dining and shopping district between Broadway and 12th Avenue South. The neighborhood holds the Instagram-famous 'What Lifts You' angel wings mural by Kelsey Montague and a concentration of Nashville's higher-end restaurants.
The GulchCentennial Park and the Parthenon
parkA 132-acre park in Midtown anchored by a full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon, built in 1897 for Tennessee's centennial exposition. Inside stands a 42-foot statue of Athena. The park's walking paths and lake are quieter in December than summer months.
MidtownGermantown
neighborhoodNashville's oldest neighborhood, north of the Capitol, with brick Victorian-era architecture and a growing restaurant scene. Monell's serves communal Southern meals in a 19th-century house, and 5th & Taylor and Rolf & Daughters anchor the fine-dining side. December keeps the patios empty but the dining rooms full.
Germantown
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Insider tips
The Bluebird Cafe releases December reservations on the 1st of the month at 8 a.m. Central. The window closes fast, usually within hours for weekend songwriter rounds, so set a phone alarm.
Robert's Western World on Lower Broadway serves a fried bologna sandwich at its small kitchen counter, and it's become something of a Nashville institution. The honky-tonk has free live music all day, and the food counter stays open late.
The pedestrian bridge from the east bank of the Cumberland River to downtown gives one of the better skyline views, especially after dark when the AT&T Building's twin spires (locals call it the 'Batman Building') light up against the sky.
Early December, between the 1st and the 15th, tends to be noticeably less crowded and less expensive than the Christmas-to-New-Year's stretch, while nearly all holiday attractions are already open and running.
The Nashville MTA runs bus routes that connect most tourist areas, including a route from downtown to Opryland. It's a practical alternative to rideshare pricing, which tends to rise during holiday weeks and especially on New Year's Eve.
If you're visiting the Ryman Auditorium for a daytime self-guided tour, the morning hours tend to be quieter. The venue's acoustics and stained glass windows are worth experiencing even without a concert.
Avoid these mistakes
- Underestimating the evening cold. Nashville at 3°C (37°F) with 75% humidity feels colder than the same temperature in a dry climate. Visitors from the West often arrive underdressed for the damp chill.
- Booking hotels for the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve without checking rates first. That final week is the priciest stretch of the year in Nashville, and you can save considerably by shifting your trip to early December.
- Trying to drive and park downtown on New Year's Eve. The Broadway NYE event closes surrounding streets, parking fills hours early, and post-midnight traffic barely moves. Rideshare or the hotel shuttle is the better call.
- Skipping breakfast reservations. Popular brunch spots like the Loveless Cafe and Biscuit Love in the Gulch draw lines year-round, and December weekends are no exception. Show up early or book a table.
- Assuming all attractions are walkable from Broadway. Opryland, Cheekwood, and Percy Warner Park are each 15-30 minutes by car from downtown. You'll need rideshare or a rental car for anything beyond the immediate downtown core.
Practical tips for December
Book holiday-show tickets (Opry Christmas, Ryman concerts, ICE! at Opryland, Cheekwood LIGHTS) as early as possible. October is not too soon for December dates. Weekend slots and the Christmas-through-New-Year's-Eve week sell out first. For hotels, early December (1st through 15th) offers more availability and lower rates than the final 2 weeks. Pack layers for the 9°C temperature swing between morning and afternoon. If you're driving, watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses during overnight freezes. Download the Nashville MTA app for bus routes connecting downtown to Opryland and other outlying attractions, particularly useful when rideshare prices rise during holiday weeks. Restaurant reservations in Germantown and the Gulch fill faster in December than most months, so book dining at least a few days ahead.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Nashville?
December is a good time if you're drawn to holiday events and live music. The Grand Ole Opry Christmas shows, ICE! at Opryland, and Cheekwood's Holiday LIGHTS give the city a strong holiday calendar. Crowds are lighter than summer, and the live music scene runs at full speed. The trade-off is colder, shorter days and elevated hotel pricing, especially during the final 2 weeks of the month.
What should I wear in Nashville in December?
Layer for temperatures between 3°C (37°F) and 12°C (54°F). A water-resistant jacket handles the frequent drizzle, and a fleece or sweater underneath keeps you comfortable on colder mornings. Waterproof shoes matter on Nashville's wet downtown sidewalks. Gloves and a hat are worth packing for evening outings, especially if you're visiting the ICE! exhibit or walking outdoor light trails.
How crowded is Nashville in December?
Medium by Nashville standards. Early December (1st through 15th) feels noticeably quieter than the summer peak, with shorter waits at restaurants and honky-tonks. The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve brings a significant uptick in visitors, particularly around Lower Broadway. New Year's Eve itself draws over 100,000 people to the outdoor concert on Broadway.
Does it snow in Nashville in December?
Rarely. Nashville might see 1-2 light dustings in a typical December, but accumulation is uncommon. The bigger weather concern is freezing rain, which can shut down roads and cancel events for 1-2 days when it hits. The city's limited ice-management infrastructure means even minor ice events have an outsized impact on travel.
What are the best holiday events in Nashville in December?
The 3 biggest draws are A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (ice sculptures, 3 million lights, indoor gardens), Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate (1 million lights across 55 acres), and the Grand Ole Opry Christmas shows at the Opry House. The Ryman Auditorium also hosts a run of holiday concerts, including Amy Grant and Vince Gill's annual Christmas residency that has run for over 20 years.
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