Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns Saturday, November 19, and runs through January 8, 2023. In the setting of the timeless Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, elegant and creative light displays with over one million lights are featured along a one-mile walking path. Voted Best Event/Festival (local) in the Nashville Scene’s 2021 Best of Nashville Reader’s poll, Holiday Lights at Cheekwood is enjoyed by guests of all ages.
“Now in its eighth year, Holiday Lights at Cheekwood is a must-see tradition for families and visitors throughout Middle Tennessee. Each year, we offer a brilliant display of lights throughout the grounds, offering a truly quintessential holiday experience,” said Jane MacLeod, Cheekwood president/CEO.
With twinkling lights and dazzling delights to see throughout nine of Cheekwood’s 13 distinct gardens, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy. New installations this year include a Bejeweled Bridge, brightly lit playhouses and whimsical seven-foot Luminary Lanterns, accompanying beloved favorites such as Dancing Lights of Trains, Starfield, and Candy Cane Lane.
Inside the Cheekwood Mansion the historic period rooms will feature several trees bedecked with dried and silk florals, and festive holiday décor includes pampas grass, sun palms, pink poinsettias and exotic greenery. Highlights include the iconic 20-foot-tall pink Poinsettia tree on display in the Loggia and over 50 nutcrackers nestled throughout the rooms of the mansion. While indoors, visitors are welcome to view the art exhibitions ‘Inside the World of Charles Addams’ and ‘Glamour and Style: Portrait Photography from the Golden Age of Cinema.’
Inside the Frist Learning Center, the Holiday Marketplace rivals Santa’s workshop, featuring a nine-foot ornament wall filled with garden-themed ornaments, among many other holiday merchandise offerings. Highlights include holiday jewelry, winter accessories, nutcrackers inspired by those on display in the mansion, Christmas cardinal items, and much more. Shop in the daytime or evening for gifts for loved ones or for a memento of a holiday experience at Cheekwood.
While out exploring the luminous landscape, guests can stop by one of the many bar kiosks throughout the grounds for refreshments, with seasonal libations including spiked hot cocoa and apple cider. Nikki Darling’s Vanilla Bean S’mores kits will be available, in both milk and dark chocolate, for purchase at the s’mores stations behind the Holiday Marketplace in the Frist Learning Center.
Families can visit with St. Nicholas every Saturday and Sunday starting November 26 and 27 through December 24. The visits will be held in the Frist Learning Center Tack Room.
Special dog-themed Santa visits will take place on Saturday, December 4 and 18, outside of the stable at the Frist Learning Center.
Late Night Lights will offer a discounted ticket price for those who wish to experience Holiday Lights later in the evening. The $20 per person Gardens Only passes allow entry at 8:30 pm or later Monday through Thursday.
Cheekwood also offers Military Mondays throughout the season. Military personnel and first responders, along with up to five immediate family members, are offered 50% discount on Gardens Only admission on Monday evenings.
The ‘Merry & Bright’ package returns this year with two adult admission passes, two drink tickets and two s’mores kits all in one convenient purchase. The package costs $100 for members and $125 for non-members.
Cheekwood members are invited to view Holiday Lights before it officially opens to the public. A special member preview evening takes place Friday, November 18. Members receive discounted tickets throughout the season.
Cheekwood recognizes Holiday Lights Presenting Sponsors: Truist Bank and the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation. The seasonal festival will be open seven nights a week except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance. To learn more about Holiday Lights and to purchase tickets visit, cheekwood.org/calendar/holiday- lights-2022/.
