Winter in Nashville greets you with a distinctive Southern charm and a sprinkle of holiday spirit. Renowned for its vibrant music scene, historic landmarks and rich cuisine, the city turns into a festive hub as the Christmas market swings into action.
In this guide, I’ll share confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, standout Christmas stalls and distinct local specialities to help you navigate the Nashville Christmas Market Village.
Nashville Christmas Market Village
Dates and Location
Nashville dates: 15th to 17th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: The Fairgrounds Nashville.
Opening times: Friday: 9am to 9pm. Saturday: 9am to 6pm. Sunday: 12pm to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Tickets go on sale October 1st and are $15 online and $12 in advance at select TRUIST locations. Children age 9 and under are free. Book online.
Santa: Yes. Bring your own camera.
Photos with Santa times: Thursday: 4pm to 9pm. Friday: 9am to 9pm. Saturday: 9am to 6pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Ice skating: Yes, at Nashville Fairgrounds.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No, service animals only.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parking is $10 (cash only) at the Fairgrounds.
Reason to visit: Music City charm; authentic southern crafts; live country music performances; speciality Tennessee food stalls.
Recommended tour: This double-decker city tour is great for first-time visitors to Nashville.
Specialities: Hot chicken; sweet potato fries; bourbon pecan pie; Tennessee BBQ sliders; cornbread stuffing.
Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Nashville is a popular hotel, 8-minute drive from the event.
Nearby Hotels
The vibrant downtown area is a brilliant choice for staying near the fairgrounds in Nashville.
Packed with top restaurants, music venues and cultural attractions, it’s a lively district that fully captures the city’s essence.
I highly recommend Cambria Hotel Nashville. It is renowned for its comfort and excellent location, which puts you at the heart of the festive action.
Event Location
Interesting Tours
I advise going on this city tour of Nashville, where you’ll see many of the city’s key sights with a knowledgeable local guide for a reasonable price.
Alternatively, consider participating in this food tour to introduce you to the local culture through their unique cuisine. There are many different tours to take, but this Nashville donut tour is particularly popular.
Christmas in Nashville
Drenched in the festive spirit, Nashville Christmas Market Village draws you in with an enticing blend of Southern charm and holiday cheer.
The vibrant setting at the Fairgrounds complements the market’s charm, with illuminated stalls that turn the location into a visual treat.
Within these stalls, you’ll find a world of holiday wonders, from home-baked goods to handmade ornaments, each capturing the essence of Nashville’s creative spirit.
The crowd is friendly, the vibe is festive, and the air is filled with the warmth of Nashville’s genuine holiday spirit in what will be Nashville’s 60th Christmas Village celebration.
Regional Specialties
- Nashville Hot Chicken: A fiery local delight, Nashville hot chicken is usually a portion of chicken breast, thigh, or wing marinated in buttermilk, breaded and sauced with a paste spiced with cayenne pepper. It’s typically served with pickles and a winter comfort food you wouldn’t want to miss when in Nashville.
- Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit: A special treat for vegetarian visitors, this dish uses jackfruit, a versatile fruit that, when cooked, takes on a texture similar to pulled pork. It’s slowly simmered in barbecue sauce and served up in the same way as traditional BBQ meats.
- Biscuits and Gravy: A hearty and comforting dish, biscuits and gravy is a classic in this region. Soft, flaky biscuits are smothered in a rich, savoury and creamy sausage gravy, providing warmth and satisfaction on those cold winter days.
- Pecan Pie: Look no further than the Southern classic pecan pie for something sweet. It’s a decadent dessert consisting of a crispy pastry shell filled with a sweet, gooey filling loaded with toasted pecans.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A beloved dish during the festive season, sweet potato casserole features a creamy blend of mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble. This dish walks the line between dessert and side dish, bringing a sweet contrast to the other savoury items on the Christmas table.
- Collard Greens: A staple in the Southern diet, collard greens are often cooked with onions, garlic and smoked meat for flavour. They are typically simmered until tender and are enjoyed as a warming side dish during the colder months.
At the Food Stalls
- Cornbread Muffins: Predominantly found in the South, these muffins are a twist on the classic cornbread. They’re bite-sized, portable, and perfect for snacking as you wander the market stalls. Each muffin has a crumbly texture and a slightly sweet taste, making them a great accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Originating from the Southern states, fried green tomatoes are a local favourite you’ll spot at Nashville’s Christmas market. Slices of tart green tomatoes are coated in a cornmeal batter and deep-fried until crispy. They’re often served with a creamy dipping sauce for an added layer of flavour.
- Mini Apple Pies: A miniature take on the American classic, mini apple pies feature a flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apple filling. These handheld treats are easy to eat on the go and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth whilst browsing the market.
- Bratwurst: A nod to the traditional German Christmas markets, Bratwurst sausages are a common sight. Served hot off the grill and tucked into a crusty bun, they’re a hearty and satisfying snack as you explore the market.
- Roasted Chestnuts: A universal Christmas market treat, the aroma of roasted chestnuts often fills the air at the Christmas Village in Nashville. These seasonal nuts are roasted on an open fire, resulting in a comforting, warm snack that’s a welcome respite from the winter chill.
- Mulled Wine: No Christmas market would be complete without mulled wine. This warm beverage often served in charming keepsake mugs, is made from red wine simmered with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, providing a comforting warmth and festive cheer.
What to Buy
- Goo Goo Clusters: These much-loved Nashville confections are typically sold at the Christmas markets. They’re round discs of marshmallow nougat, caramel and roasted peanuts covered in chocolate. Each Goo Goo Cluster is individually wrapped, making them ideal for stocking fillers or as a sweet souvenir from your visit.
- Handcrafted Leather Goods: Artisans in Nashville are renowned for their skilled leather craftsmanship. You’ll find stalls brimming with hand-stitched wallets, belts and bags at the Christmas Village. Each item is meticulously crafted and offers a taste of Nashville’s artisan culture.
- Locally Roasted Coffee: In Nashville, you’ll find coffee roasters who are passionate about their craft. They often set up stalls at the Christmas market, offering bags of their freshly roasted beans. It’s a wonderful gift for the coffee lover in your life or a treat for yourself to enjoy back home.
- Nashville Honey: Local beekeepers sell jars of raw, unfiltered honey harvested from hives around the Nashville area. Each jar is filled with golden, sweet honey, capturing the taste of the local flora in a unique way.
- Artisanal Soaps: Handmade soaps crafted with natural ingredients are often found in Nashville’s Christmas market. These soaps come in an array of enticing scents and make for lovely, pampering gifts.
- Christmas Ornaments: Like many Christmas markets, Nashville offers a variety of festive ornaments. From classic glass baubles to handmade ornaments featuring Nashville-themed designs, these decorations add a touch of Nashville charm to any Christmas tree.
- Hand-woven Scarves: Local weavers often set up shop at the Christmas Village, selling hand-woven scarves made from high-quality materials. These scarves are warm and cosy for the winter months and a stylish accessory, making them a popular choice for gifts.
Eager to explore more enchanting winter destinations across the United States? You’ll find my comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in the US a useful tool in planning your festive adventures.
Sustainability Tips
- Sustainable transport: Nashville’s transport infrastructure includes bike lanes, making cycling an environmentally-friendly option. Rent a bike and explore Nashville’s Christmas markets, enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Support for renewable energy: Many businesses in Nashville are making a concerted effort to transition to renewable energy. You can contribute by choosing to spend your money at establishments that utilise renewable energy sources, thus indirectly supporting a greener future.
- Reduction of food waste: With the number of food vendors at the Christmas market, it’s easy to overindulge and waste food. Instead, consider sharing portions with your travel companions or ordering smaller sizes to help cut down on food waste.
- Ethical consumption: Nashville is home to many local artisans selling their products at the Christmas market. Purchasing handmade gifts supports the local economy, promotes traditional craftsmanship, and cuts down on the environmental impact of mass-produced goods.
- Sustainable diets: Many food stalls at the Nashville Christmas Market offer vegan and vegetarian options. Opting for plant-based meals, even occasionally, can significantly reduce your environmental footprint.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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