Spectacular Holiday Lighting Displays in Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville, Tennessee and Gatlinburg area is sparkling with holiday lighting displays this year. You can visit one of several breath taking light displays that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. From the Smoky Mountains to Opryland, the Christmas season is alive with the beautiful light displays put on in Tennessee. You don't want to miss them.

Gatlinburg, which is often called the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is sparkling with lights until February with giant 20 to 60 foot high displays, many of which are animated, and all custom made. There isn't another holiday light display in the southern United States quite like the one in Gatlinburg.

Drive into the city on the north end and you will pass through a 200-foot long tunnel of lights. You can then park your car and pay a mere 25 cent free to take a trolley tour of the light displays. The city boasts such attractions as chandelier archways across the streets, a 28-foot bell tower of light, and the city's lighting festival mascot, Gatlinbear, who pops up on the river fishing, waving, and making hot cider at a mountain still. Even the local residents never tire of this holiday tradition. Adults and children will enjoy this amazing holiday lighting display and remember it for years to come.

Enjoy Christmas on the Cumberland where more than 3 million lights make up the city's festival of lights at McGregor Park. The park's River Walk is decorated with numerous holiday light displays, including giant toy soldiers, animated toys and a tunnel of lights. This holiday lighting event attracts over 10,000 people every year. There is no admission charge to see the lights. The even is open every night through December 28th, from 5 pm to 10 pm. For more information, please phone 931-645-7476.

You can't go to Tennessee during Christmas without visiting Opryland's Christmas Light Display at the Opryland Hotel. Nearly 2 million Christmas lights make up this annual spectacular site. There is no admission charge. You can also view the "World's Largest Nativity Display" at the Opryland Hotel. This holiday event is adorned with special lighting as the biblical story of Christ's birth is displayed. There is no admission charge to this holiday lighting event and it would make a great accompanying activity for your Christmas Eve church service.

The Festival of Lights at the James E Ward Agriculture Center in Lebanon is another great lighting display to visit. It is a driving tour through the James E. Ward Agricultural Center that hosts numerous lighted displays of the holiday season. This event runs through December 25th, Christmas Day, but on weekends only. For more information, please phone 615-449-9077.

Pack up the family and drive out to see some of these fantastic holiday light displays. Make a memory that will last for years, for both young and old alike. Even if you make the trip on your own, you will come away with a twinkle in your eyes that is much more than the lights.