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Living in Nashville during the holidays means one thing – visiting Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS starting this Friday, November 21 – January 4, 2026. This is hands down a Nashville tradition to be enjoyed by all of the family. Expect to experience over a million lights on a one-mile walking path. Nashville’s only botanical garden is set to usher us into the holidays in a really magical way and we are excited to share some of the key moments you can expect to enjoy this year.
“For over a decade, Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS has been a cherished tradition, offering Nashville residents and visitors an elegant and timeless holiday experience,” said Jane MacLeod, President and CEO of Cheekwood. “We are delighted to welcome guests once again to enjoy the beauty and magic of over one million twinkling lights and festive decorations that define this beloved community event.”
Fun for the kids and young at heart
To celebrate the 10th annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, former Chief Floral Designer for the White House, Laura Dowling, will create elaborate custom decorations inside the Historic Mansion that will delight guests and spread holiday cheer. Dowling will also debut her new book on Christmas decorating, Designing Christmas.
A Holiday Marketplace
Cheekwood has three shopping destinations for the holiday season, each featuring different specialty merchandise. The Holiday Marketplace returns to the Frist Learning Center Great Hall with a 9-foot nature-themed ornament wall and a wide range of gifts, traditional holiday décor, and a children’s section.
Lights, s’mores, and more
A special surprise will also greet visitors at this year’s show. A dazzling Pixel Pine Tree will kick off the experience. While out exploring the luminous landscape, guests can stop by one of the kiosks to warm up with hot cocoa or festive holiday cocktails. S’mores kits will be available to purchase at the Holiday Marketplace to roast at the stations behind the Frist Learning Center.
Festive holiday-inspired afternoon tea will be served in Cheekwood’s Café 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from December 2 until January 2 except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Enjoy tableside service with seasonal holiday teas and delicious sweet and savory bites.
Holiday Décor in the Mansion
With the theme of “Sweet Dreams,” Laura Dowling will re-imagine the holidays at Cheekwood with new color schemes, special vignettes and charming features, including a woodlands-inspiredallée and harlequin trellis niche, cozy fireside table settings, and a breathtaking winter wonderland display, complete with glittery handmade snowflakes.
This year, Cheekwood is also offering a few special packages and rates:
- The ‘Merry & Bright’ package returns this year with two adult garden and mansion admission passes, two drink vouchers, two s’mores kits, and 10% off at the Holiday Marketplace, all in one convenient purchase. The package costs $125 for members and $150 for not-yet members.
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Late Night LIGHTS, where you can take in the Holiday LIGHTS at a discounted ticket price Monday – Thursday after 8:30 p.m for $20 per ticket.
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