Let's be real - all the fun Christmas attractions in Nashville are SO CROWDED. Want to go to the mall or enjoy all the lights at Opryland? First you gotta sit in traffic for an hour! Wanna meet santa? Stand in line!
We totally get it and these things are worth standing in line for! But there may be a few hidden gems around Tennessee that are a little less panic-inducing.
GRACELAND CHRISTMAS - Memphis
Enjoy a tour of Elvis' property with a special twist - the mansion is decked out for the holidays, both on the inside and outside! A lot of the decorations are the original ones that Elvis used. Plus you can get unique Christmas gifts for any of the Elvis fans in your life!
Tours start at $40 a person! More details here.
CHRISTMAS TRAIN RIDES - Nashville + Chattanooga
OMG who doesn't want to take a magical train ride with Santa to the North Pole! Both Nashville and Chattanooga offer these rides during the holiday season and they're so popular that they sell out! So time to start planning ahead for next year to grab your spot!
CHEEKWOOD LIGHTS - Belle Meade
Slightly away from the busy downtown/Opryland area is the Cheekwood mansion - each year they display thousands of lights that turn the grounds into a dazzling winter wonderland!
Tickets start at $22 per adult!
ROCK CITY GARDENS - Chattanooga
The Rock City Garden has been offering 24 years of Christmas Lights! You get to walk through four unique realms: The Magic Forest, Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village and Yule Town! Plus you can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus until Santa arrives!
Tickets start at $20 a person!
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS - Franklin
Each year, Franklin throws a massive Charles Dickens-themed party on Main Street featuring period decorations and costumes! This year, the even takes place on December 8th and 9th!
Oh, and it's free! More info here.
THE SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS - Bristol
Drive through the Bristol Motor Speedway and enjoy the brilliant lights from inside your warm car!
$15 per car, $20 on Friday + Saturday - more details here.
THE ENCHANTED FOREST FESTIVAL OF TREES - Memphis
The Enchanted Forest has an annual festival of trees that features lavishly decorated Christmas trees along with model train sets, a gingerbread house display and more!
More info here.