The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Tennessee That's Nothing Short Of Magical
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on September 09, 2023(Originally published October 08, 2022)
×
Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Christmas lights make up some of the most magical parts of a Tennessee holiday. It’s a sweet thing to gather your littles in the car and go driving, maybe with a paper cup of hot cocoa in hand – mugs for the adults, of course. Take a drive through all the pretty Christmas lights in Tennessee to find a bit of magic for you and yours this holiday season.
Check out the map of this Christmas road trip to follow along for your very own adventure this Christmas season!
Graceland shows off when it comes to the holiday season. There's a life-size nativity scene, and the historic site is trussed up both inside AND outside. Check out this Christmas event at Graceland for more information and plan your trip.
Enjoy a tour of Christmas at Graceland in this video from Daze with Jordan the Lion:
Advertisement
Christmas Lights at the Memphis Zoo - 2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
There's a 90-foot Ferris wheel, REAL reindeer for your littles to marvel over, and snow in the courtyard. There's nothing more magical than a zoo during the holidays - at least for your children. Make sure to stay up to date with the Memphis Zoo as they prepare their next great Christmas light display.
Editor's Note: The Lights on Old Charlotte is permanently closed.
If you tune your radio to 89.9FM while driving down Ol' Charlotte Pike, you'll have the chance to watch 65,000 lights synchronize to your music. Christmas magic.
One home, one bit of Knoxville magic. It's an east Tennessee classic that has been going for OVER a decade and has received statewide accolades. This ain't no joke, y'all. Ready for a tender Tennessee Christmas at the Cheekwood Estates?
Tennessee Christmas lights take on a whole new level with Holiday Lights at Cheekwood. Get a holiday walking tour in this video from Nerds on the Go:
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center - 2401 Music Valley Drive
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Known as one of the most glorious displays of light in the state, Opryland is known for its free walk-through that boasts thousands and thousands of lights. Don't miss their outdoor nativity scene, or the Hallway of Christmas Trees. This is truly a delight for the whole family. In 2023 their famous ICE! event is back featuring a Polar Express-themed event from the classic Christmas movie. Make sure to buy your tickets for this event at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights - 1400 Patten Road
Real reindeer and fun displays are the high point of Rock City. We share this particular spot with Georgia (hey, Georgia!), but it's all good - we're a neighborly state, after all. Rock City is beautiful any time of year, and you'll be spending between $17 and $27 per person for entrance depending on which ticket you buy. Hey - it's a small price to pay for a bit of wonderment. Tickets are on sale, so make sure to head on over to the Enchanted Garden of Lights page to get yours now.
West Hills Christmas Lights Show - 7008 Hampshire Drive
West Hills Christmas Lights Show, 7008 Hampshire Dr, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA
One home, one bit of Knoxville magic. It's an east Tennessee classic that has been going for OVER a decade and has received statewide accolades. This ain't no joke, y'all. Ready for a tender Tennessee Christmas?
Continue your Christmas lights road trip by enjoying another West Hills light show in this video from iVictron:
This is the kind of Christmas road trip you remember, isn’t it? There is something magical about packing into the car and taking a tour of Christmas lights in Tennessee.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Christmas In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|October 13, 2022
What are some of the best Christmas light displays in Tennessee?
Some of the best Christmas light displays in Tennessee include:
Cherokee Caverns: Christmastime is such a magical time and to add to that magic we love to fill our state with shining and glimmering lights. So when you are looking for amazing events and light displays, we suggest you check out this underground Christmas light display. The Cherokee Caverns light up the underground in a spectacular way.
Chad’s Winter Wonderland: In the center of Tennessee near Nashville you'll find this epic drive-through event. Chad Barnard may have started out with a small light display, but each year it gets bigger and bigger!
Bristol Motor Speedway: Another recommendation we have for you is the drive-through lights display at the Bristol Motor Speedway. This event has you driving the famous track with millions of lights!
Lebanon light show: If you love magical drive-through events during Christmas you can join in on the wonderful dancing light show in Lebanon.