When the holiday season arrives, Gaylord Opryland transforms into a winter wonderland that feels straight out of a storybook. With millions of twinkling lights, dazzling decorations, seasonal shows, and family-friendly activities, it’s one of the best places in Nashville to soak up Christmas cheer. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight, there’s so much Christmas to experience—from ice sculptures and holiday scavenger hunts to festive dining and holiday music.
ICE! Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
A highlight of the holiday season at Gaylord Opryland is the immersive ICE! attraction—an incredible walk-through winter spectacle carved from millions of pounds of ice. This year’s theme brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to life with larger-than-life ice sculptures, detailed scenes with beloved Peanuts characters, and exhilarating frozen slides that delight both kids and adults. You’ll be given a winter parka to stay warm as you wander through over 17,000 square feet of icy artistry and festive storytelling.
This chilly wonderland is a must-see for holiday travelers and locals alike, offering a unique take on traditional Christmas story.
Holiday Lights, Trees & Festive Decor
Step inside the resort’s nine acres of garden atriums and you’ll find a breathtaking display of holiday décor. More than five million lights sparkle throughout the property, illuminating towering Christmas trees, garlands, poinsettias, and ribbons that stretch from lobby to atrium. Every corner of the hotel feels magical and picture-perfect, making it ideal for holiday photos or just a leisurely stroll.
The beauty of the indoor garden atriums—already stunning year-round—takes on extra charm in December as Christmas décor highlights every walkway, waterfall, and palm tree.
Festive Family Activities
Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Follow clues throughout the resort in search of decorations for Snoopy’s doghouse. Complete the quest to earn a seasonal souvenir and enjoy exploring hidden corners of the property along the way.
Gingerbread Decorating Corner: Let your creativity shine as you decorate your own gingerbread cookies or a house—perfect for families or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Photos with Santa: Meet Santa Claus and capture keepsake photos that become cherished holiday memories.
Outdoor Winter Fun at Pinetop
Head outside to Pinetop, the resort’s outdoor holiday village, where winter fun comes alive with:
Ice Tubing: Race down a 15-foot high, four-lane ice hill that’s all the excitement of sledding with extra speed and laughs.
Ice Skating: Glide across a 9,000-square-foot real ice rink under the holiday sky. It’s a classic winter experience (with lessons available for beginners).
Bumper Cars & Snowball Build: Classic bumper car rides and interactive snowball activities add festive, family-friendly fun.
Nativity Display & Carriage Rides: Experience a beautifully lit outdoor nativity scene with an audio narrative, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride while admiring the sparkling lights.
Nightly Fountain & Light Shows
Back inside the Delta Atrium, take in the nightly synchronized fountain shows—dancing water paired with holiday music and light displays. These free shows are enchanting for all ages and offer a peaceful moment to enjoy the season’s spirit.
Also available is the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise, a short ride around the quarter-mile-long indoor river with a 12 Days of Christmas theme that feels especially magical under the holiday lights.
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
As part of the resort’s 42nd Annual A Country Christmas, Gaylord Opryland is debuting POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a brand-new holiday show that blends Broadway-style storytelling with dazzling cirque performances. Running November 25 through December 31, 2025, the show will be presented in the resort’s Tennessee Ballroom Theater. Created by acclaimed Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg, the family-friendly production invites guests into a magical world where three best friends study music, magic, and circus arts. Featuring acrobats, magicians, singers, dancers, eye-catching costumes, gravity-defying stunts, and a special appearance by Santa, this festive show offers an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.
Whether you’re gliding on real ice, touring an ice sculpture wonderland, decorating gingerbread, or simply wandering beneath the glittering holiday lights, Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a full lineup of Christmas activities that make it a must-visit destination in Nashville during the holidays. Plan ahead, bundle activities, and immerse yourself in festive cheer that the whole family will remember for years to come.