The Ultimate Thanksgiving Lineup: Nashville's Best Events This Year!

As Thanksgiving rolls around, Nashville is buzzing with seasonal magic and tons of ways to dive into the holiday spirit! From awe-inspiring light displays to lively music shows, festive markets, and even a dose of humor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to start your holiday shopping, catch an incredible live performance, or savor seasonal treats, the city has you covered. So, gather your loved ones, bundle up, and get ready to explore the festive fun Nashville has to offer this Thanksgiving! 

Christmas Village

Location: P.O. Box 158826 Nashville, TN 37215-8826

For more information, go to: https://christmasvillage.org/

Christmas Village returns to The Fairgrounds Nashville from November 15-17, 2024! Shop from over 250 merchants offering toys, clothing, jewelry, and more—perfect for holiday gifts. Tickets are $15 online or at the door, or $12 at select TRUIST locations. Return tickets are available for $10, and kids 9 and under get in free.

The Cook-Off, featuring Bon Appétit!

Location: Noah Liff Center

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/4fGGQcC

Get ready for a musical feast! Join us for The Cook-Off, a world premiere opera where three contestants face off to make America’s favorite comfort food: mac & cheese! And as a tasty appetizer, Julia Child (yes, the Julia Child!) will show us her unique way to bake a chocolate cake in the delightful Bon Appétit! It’s comedy, competition, and cuisine served on a big blue plate by the Nashville Opera—don’t miss it!

Zoolumination

Location: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

For more information, go to: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination

Zoolumination, held at the Nashville Zoo, is the largest Chinese lantern festival in the U.S., featuring over 1,000 vibrant lanterns depicting mythical creatures and winter scenes. Running from November 17 to February 4, the event includes live acrobatic performances and a North Pole Village with Santa’s workshop

CMA Awards: A Spotlight on This Annual Music Event

Location: 500 11th Avenue N,Suite 650 Nashville, TN 37203

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/3YG6JT9

The CMA Awards is an annual celebration of the best in country music, honoring top artists, songwriters, and industry figures. Held in Nashville, the star-studded event features electrifying performances, celebrity presenters, and exciting award announcements, showcasing both the genre's rich history and its evolving future. With unforgettable musical moments and surprise collaborations, the CMA Awards is a can't-miss night that captures the heart and soul of country music.

Derek Hough

Location: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, Tennessee 37219

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/4hHxuzd

From the EMMY® award winning mind of Derek Hough, the live dance show is the first-ever solo tour for the dynamo.  The show features brand-new stage production, astounding versatility and, as always, Derek’s magnetic stage presence.  Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Derek explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hop-hop and everything in between.  Creative team and two-time EMMY® winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez: All I Have Residency; Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour; GRAMMYs® creative direction), will co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

Nate Bargatze's Nashville Christmas

Location: 600 Opry Mills Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37214

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/4fCdfRN

Tennessee comedian Nate Bargatze, inspired by his magician father, is known for his clean, relatable humor. His credits include Full Time Magic, Netflix's The Standups, and six appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Nate tours nationwide and is developing a TV show with 20th Century Fox.

10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS

Location: 1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville, TN 37205

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/3RcctjS

Experience Nashville’s classic holiday tradition as you embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens illuminated by more than a million lights. A delightful experience for all ages awaits, complete with s’mores, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace. Tour the Historic Mansion, specially decorated this year by former White House florist Laura Dowling.

NASHVILLE Reunion Tour

Location: Tenn Lakes Brewing Company, 300 N Maple St., Lebanon, TN 37087

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/3CkseS2

“NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will see Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio - the stars of the iconic, hit television series “NASHVILLE” - take to the stage to perform classic songs from the series as well as their own original material. “NASHVILLE” became a TV phenomenon when it first debuted in 2012 and its popularity grew, reaching over 225 territories worldwide before its final season in 2018. Since its debut, the show has inspired 22 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which collectively sold millions of album units and single-track downloads around the world. “NASHVILLE” was also critically lauded with multiple Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Critics Choice award nominations.

Scott Hamilton and Friends

Location: 501 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/40E1LsF

Legendary figure skater SCOTT HAMILTON returns to host the 8th Annual SCOTT HAMILTON & FRIENDS with special co-host MATT ISEMAN, promising a magical evening to celebrate the holiday season with world-class music and skating. This unforgettable event will take place LIVE on November 24th, beginning 5 pm, at Bridgestone Arena and promises a captivating fusion of award-winning music and breathtaking figure skating performances. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which funds innovative cancer research.

No Small Endeavor Live

Location: One Symphony PlaceNashville, TN 37201-2031

For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/3O1FtJM

No Small Endeavor Live returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for its Thanksgiving show, hosted by Lee C. Camp. Special guests include Amy Grant, Sheryl Crow, and David Brooks, offering a night of music and storytelling. The event builds on the podcast’s reputation as “hope for the future” with a Southern twist.

Wishing you a Nashville Thanksgiving filled with warmth, light, and a dash of holiday magic. Happy Thanksgiving!