Nashville's Winter Bucket List

There's nothing like a shot of Tennessee whiskey to warm you up during the winter. Single-barrel bourbon, rye, gin, and white whiskey are just a few of the local spirits you can sip on a distillery tour. Nashville also appeals to the ice-cold draft beer and craft cider drinker. From smaller micro-breweries to larger taprooms complete with full food menus, Nashville has a variety of local beers, breweries, and cideries that will satisfy any beer enthusiast.

It's the most wonderful time of the year when Nashville's creative spirit can be found throughout the city, and the craft cocktails are no exception. Spread Christmas' cheers' and enjoy a seasonal cocktail in the crisp open air with outside dining surrounded by heaters or relax inside.

Can you handle the heat of some down-home cooking that has served Nashville locals and visitors for decades? A city of creators, Nashville is known for the creation of hot chicken – fried chicken doused in fiery spices and served on a bed of white bread with a pickle. You have not been to Music City until you have tried this Nashville original with heat levels ranging from mild to XXX Hot.

The best winter days in Music City start with a freshly made cup of hot chocolate! With an abundance of local coffee shops AND a delicious selection of pastries and breakfast options, you won’t have trouble finding this holiday favorite. Explore the charming, cozy, hip coffee shops in Nashville’s captivating neighborhoods.

Music City loves to celebrate each season by decking the halls with temporary pop-ups decorated with unique themes and offering special menu items. From hotels and restaurants to dive bars, you will find the perfect pop-up that will have you singing with merriment.

Stages are not the only things that light up during the holidays in Music City. Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is a holiday tradition in Nashville, providing a magical holiday experience. Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood LIGHTS, with one mile of enchanting holiday lights throughout the gardens. Watch The Nashville Zoo shine bright during Zoolumination as more than 500 custom-made silk lanterns will be spread across 60 acres.

Come inside from the cold and into a Nashville music museum. Priceless artifacts, including countless recordings and photographs, numerous stage costumes, musical instruments, and more, can be found throughout music museums in Music City. Peek into the past lives of musicians from all genres who have helped shape Nashville into Music City.

Nashville is home to multiple professional sports teams and sporting events, and loyal fans travel from near and far to experience the thrill of the games. We completely understand a fan’s need to cheer on their team, so whether you are watching from the sidelines or joining the crowd in a sports bar, you can find an action-packed place in Nashville to tune into your favorite game.

Spend the last night of the year at Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash! with hours of live music, fireworks, and the signature midnight Music Note Drop.

A little retail therapy might be exactly what you need to keep warm during these winter months. Nashville shops offer something for everyone: records by local musicians, vintage items, jewelry, and more. Find a local treasure and take a piece of Nashville home with you.

Every winter, the spotlight in Nashville turns to center stage for shows you won’t soon forget. Join the audience for this season’s hit Broadway musicals that will leave a lasting impression. Experience the unforgettable magic of the performing arts in Music City.

'Tis the season for spreading cheer and singing holiday songs for all to hear! Nashville has the perfect mix of genres with cuts of country, bluegrass, rock, pop, Americana, gospel, classical, and blues, all blending in perfect harmony. The music and entertainment scene is as diverse as the songwriters and musicians who make up the community. Find your sound at a holiday concert happening in Nashville.

Wine and winter tend to pair well together. Warm up with a glass of red wine, or get festive with your favorite bubbly. Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or rosé, enjoy a glass from a Nashville winery at the end of a chilly day (or any day).