1. Overview of the Holiday Extravaganza
Experience all-out holiday cheer at this seasonal extravaganza held at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. More than 3 million twinkle lights cast a warm glow on A Country Christmas, a festive celebration stretching from mid-November through the New Year. This Nashville icon enchants families with a variety of activities, including storybook character appearances, Build-a-Bear workshops, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, snow tubing, and gingerbread houses. Adults can revel in the holiday spirit by visiting an outdoor Nativity, enjoying holiday cruises on the Cumberland River, and indulging in non-stop fun. Various hotel packages are available, encompassing accommodations and event passes.
2. Opryland Christmas Lights
Each year, Opryland attracts visitors with its enchanting display of over 3 million Christmas lights and an outdoor Nativity scene. Visitors can embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride from Magnolia Lawn to take in the beautifully decorated resort grounds from a nostalgic perspective.
3. ICE!
The ICE! experience requires 2 million pounds of ice and 40 skilled artisans from Harbin, China, to bring forth a whimsical winter wonderland filled with interactive ice sculptures and displays. Each year features a different theme; in 2018, visitors can look for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” complete with four towering ice slides and a frozen Nativity scene.
4. Cirque Dreams Holidaze
A mesmerizing array of acrobatics, music, and dance is showcased in the variety show-style performance of Cirque Dreams Holidaze, held at the Grand Ole Opry House.
5. Feast With the Grinch
Enjoy a delightful buffet-style brunch featuring whimsical Who-ville inspired dishes while meeting the iconic Grinch. Tableside visits by the Grinch himself bring an extra festive touch to this dining experience, available from November 17 to December 30.
6. Opryland’s Nativity Displays
Step into the Nativity at Opryland and experience the reenactment of the biblical story of Christ’s birth. The displays include the dazzling ICE! Nativity and the charming Outdoor Nativity on Magnolia Lawn.
7. Delta River Christmas Cruise
Experience the magic of the season on the A Country Christmas Delta River Cruise, which offers a scenic indoor river cruise aboard a Mississippi-style flatboat. Enjoy the stunning lights and sights within Gaylord Opryland Resort’s beautifully decorated Delta Atrium.
8. Christmas on the General Jackson
Indulge in the holiday spirit with a leisurely cruise on the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, one of the largest showboats in the United States. Enjoy an entertaining experience filled with live holiday music and a special festive feast.
9. A Trace Adkins Christmas
Grammy Award-winner Trace Adkins will delight audiences with performances of Christmas classics and Celtic songs, showcasing selections from his album “A King’s Gift.” Savor a three-course meal crafted by the talented chefs at Gaylord Opryland while enjoying the entertainment.
10. SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
Discover SoundWaves, an indoor/outdoor waterpark that seamlessly merges music and water for a unique escape. Spanning over 200,000 square feet, this destination offers both thrilling rides and relaxing experiences tailored for all ages. The thoughtfully designed areas ensure an unforgettable experience with perfectly warm water.
11. Non-Stop Fun
Engage in a variety of fun activities such as visiting Santa, riding on the Santa Spinners teacups, creating a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, participating in a scavenger hunt, decorating gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, and hopping on the Opryland Express for a scenic miniature train ride through Holiday Hall. The Brightest Star Fountain Show artfully narrates the story of the first Christmas through synchronized music, water, and lights.
