Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Tennessee
Just a short drive northeast of Nashville, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland every season. This historic estate, once the home of the Cheek family, now hosts a magical display of holiday lights that intertwine with its formal gardens and stately architecture. Visitors can stroll along winding paths illuminated by thousands of twinkling bulbs, exploring vivid themed gardens like the Japanese Garden, all aglow beneath the winter sky. What sets Cheekwood apart is its blend of art and nature, with sculptures and botanical installations enhanced by festive lighting. Evening visits during the crisp December nights bring a serene yet festive atmosphere, perfect for families and couples seeking a sophisticated holiday outing just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Further east, Knoxville offers its own spectacular seasonal show at Zoo Knoxville, located about five miles north of downtown. The Zoo’s annual Zoolight Safari invites guests to wander through animal habitats and trails lined with creative light sculptures shaped like wildlife, from glowing elephants to neon butterflies. This immersive experience feels like stepping into a luminous forest, making it especially enchanting for children. Unlike traditional light shows, Zoolight Safari combines education with festivity, spotlighting endangered species and conservation efforts illuminated by bright, colorful displays. Visiting on a clear, chilly evening heightens the magic, as the crisp air contrasts with the warm, vibrant light surrounding the animal exhibits.
In the eastern part of the state, Gatlinburg’s Ober Gatlinburg ski area, about a mile from downtown Gatlinburg, offers a unique holiday illumination experience amid the Smoky Mountains. After enjoying winter sports or tubing, visitors can take a scenic chairlift ride up the slopes at twilight to witness the forest lit by strings of festive lights. On the slopes, the light displays twist around trees and buildings, creating a cozy alpine village vibe. Ober Gatlinburg’s location at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park adds to its charm, as the wooded hillsides provide a natural backdrop that distinguishes it from urban displays. Evening visits on clear winter nights, with snow on the ground, make the scene truly picturesque and inviting.
About 25 minutes southwest of Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer offers a refreshing holiday experience along the Tennessee River waterfront. While the Aquarium itself dazzles with seasonal decorations, the nearby Walnut Street Bridge and Ross’s Landing Park are transformed into glowing walkways. The gently illuminated path along the water offers views of reflections from holiday light installations that ripple on the river’s surface. This setting stands out because it combines urban charm with natural elements, offering peaceful riverside strolls enriched by festive colors. Early evening, when the sky shifts from twilight to night, is ideal for capturing the interplay of water and light in this scenic riverside district.
In East Tennessee, the town of Jonesborough, about 45 minutes northeast of Knoxville, reveals a different kind of holiday glow steeped in history. Known as Tennessee’s oldest town, its Main Street is lined with preserved 18th-century buildings aglow with traditional white lights and wreaths during the holiday season. The historic district’s quaint shops and cafes join in the celebration with candlelit windows and period decorations. Visitors can participate in candlelight tours and storytelling events, where the warm illumination brings to life the town’s colonial past and Appalachian heritage. Twilight or early evening in December is the perfect time to wander Jonesborough’s charming streets, as the soft glow blends with the crisp mountain air for a nostalgic winter evening.
Heading to Middle Tennessee’s Franklin, just 20 minutes south of Nashville, the historic downtown square becomes a hub of holiday cheer and light artistry. The Victorian architecture of the courthouse and surrounding buildings is adorned with festive lights, while local shops and eateries contribute to the glowing scene with window displays and garlands. Franklin’s local flair shines through in its elaborate holiday market and community events, where the warmth of small-town charm meets the sparkle of creative lighting. The square’s blend of historic ambiance and lively festivities makes evening visits in early December especially inviting for visitors seeking a cozy yet vibrant celebration close to a major city.
Lastly, in Memphis, about two hours southwest of Nashville, the Memphis Botanic Garden offers an enchanting holiday experience that combines horticulture and illumination. The garden’s expansive grounds include themed areas such as the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, each decorated with thousands of lights woven through trees, arbors, and water features. The signature event here features a stroll along winding paths with seasonal music, creating a sensory holiday journey amid floral beauty. This display stands out for its botanical artistry and serene setting within the city limits, providing a peaceful contrast to Memphis’s bustling urban energy. Evening visits on crisp winter nights, when the stars are out, enhance the magical atmosphere at this unique southern garden retreat.
Together, these destinations across Tennessee showcase the state’s diverse ways of celebrating the winter holidays, from historic towns to natural landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Whether wandering through illuminated gardens, historic streets, or waterfront parks, visitors can experience a rich tapestry of light displays that reflect Tennessee’s culture and scenery. Each place offers its own special glow, inviting travelers to create lasting memories beneath the shimmering holiday skies.