Best Christmas Shows in Nashville 2026: Holiday Performances Guide

Here's your guide to the best Christmas shows in Nashville for 2026, including The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, and family friendly stage productions!

Nashville's Christmas performing arts season is one of the city's most anticipated holiday traditions, featuring spectacular theater productions, ballet performances, symphony concerts, and festive choral events throughout the Christmas season. From The Nutcracker and gospel Christmas celebrations to holiday concerts, Broadway style shows, and family friendly performances, this guide highlights the best Christmas shows in Nashville for 2026!

The Best Christmas Shows in Nashville This Season

Get into the spirit of the season with these sensational Nashville holiday concerts and Christmas shows!

1. Elf in Concert — Nashville

The Nashville Symphony pairs with one of the most crowd pleasing holiday films for a single night screening of Elf in Concert at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Composer John Debney's full score plays live as the film unfolds on a high definition screen above the stage, with the orchestra matching every comedic beat and sweeping moment in real time. Rated PG, it's one of downtown Nashville's more accessible holiday evenings for families who want something beyond a standard theater experience.

Dates: Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking and meters available throughout downtown Nashville
Website: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2026-2027-season/elf-in-concert/

Insider Tip: Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early so you have plenty of time to grab a drink, find your seats, and settle in before the house lights dim for the opening credits.

2. Home Alone in Concert — Nashville

A Nashville Symphony holiday tradition, Home Alone in Concert returns to Schermerhorn for four performances across one December weekend, with John Williams' score performed live as the 1990 film plays on screen. This experience has a particular electricity in the concert hall. Audiences know every scene, which makes the live orchestra's timing feel all the more impressive. Rated PG, the multi-performance run offers both evening and matinee options across Friday through Sunday.

Dates: December 4th through 6th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking and meters available throughout downtown Nashville
Website: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2026-2027-season/home-alone-in-concert/

Insider Tip: Avoid parking right next to the venue at the Pinnacle garage, which bottlenecks badly after the show. Instead, park three blocks over at the Music City Center garage, where it's cheaper and significantly easier to get out onto the main road after the final curtain.

3. Nashville Symphony: A Very Dave Barnes Christmas — Nashville

A beloved Music City holiday favorite returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for an unforgettable seasonal evening. Acclaimed Nashville singer and songwriter Dave Barnes brings his signature warmth, humor, and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. This joyful festive tradition promises a night filled with excellent music, shared laughter, and community cheer. Please note that this specific holiday performance is presented without the backing of the full Nashville Symphony.

Dates: Thursday, December 10th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: 1 Symphony Place, Nashville, TN 37201
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid valet parking on-site; multiple public garages available within a two-block radius
Website: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/22499

Insider Tip: The acoustic engineering inside the Schermerhorn is world class. If the main floor tickets are sold out, don't hesitate to purchase seats in the Balcony or Tier 3 sections. The sound carries perfectly, and you'll get a stunning bird's eye view of the beautiful architecture.

4. Holiday Brass Spectacular — Nashville

Rather than a full orchestra program, this single night concert spotlights the Nashville Symphony's brass, percussion, and organ sections, a configuration that gives Schermerhorn a noticeably different sound and physical energy. The setlist moves through seasonal repertoire including selections from The Nutcracker, “March of the Toys” from Babes in Toyland, “Joy to the World”, and “Sleigh Ride”, delivered with the weight that only a brass forward ensemble can produce in a hall of this scale. It's a compact, high energy evening well suited to classical fans who want to skip the dramatic narrative and go straight to the sound.

Dates: Sunday, December 13th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking and meters available throughout downtown Nashville
Website: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2026-2027-season/holiday-brass-spectacular-with-members-of-the-nashville-symphony/

Insider Tip: For a performance built entirely around brass and organ, skip the floor seats and grab tickets in the front rows of the Center Balcony instead. The hall’s natural acoustics let the massive wall of sound rise and mix perfectly up there, giving you a full sonic impact without getting overwhelmed by individual horn sections.

5. Handel's Messiah — Nashville

The Nashville Symphony and Chorus present one of the season's largest classical productions over three performances in mid-December, featuring four guest soloists, soprano Estelí Gomez, alto Reginald Mobley, and bass Alexander Birch Elliott, under chorus director Tucker Biddlecombe. The full Messiah fills Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the combined force of orchestra and chorus that the hall was built to carry, culminating in the moment the entire audience rises for the Hallelujah chorus. There’s evening and afternoon performance options across the three days that make it easier to plan around the final week before Christmas.

Dates: December 18th through the 20th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking and meters available throughout downtown Nashville
Website: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2026-2027-season/handels-messiah/

Insider Tip: Because the Nashville Symphony Chorus is so massive for Messiah, they sit on raised risers directly behind the orchestra. Look for tickets in the Orchestra View sections on the seating map. You’ll be sitting right above the chorus, giving you a perfect view of the conductor's face and the full, raw power of the "Hallelujah" chorus.

6. Nashville's Nutcracker — Nashville

Pirouette into the perfect winter season with Middle Tennessee’s favorite holiday tradition at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling’s Emmy Award-winning retelling takes audiences on a heartwarming, uniquely Nashville theatrical adventure.

The performance features Tchaikovsky’s enduringly iconic score performed completely live by the magnificent Nashville Symphony. From the spectacular Sugar Plum Fairy to the tiniest baby mouse, the heartwarming production masterfully blends timeless storytelling with whimsical stage wonders. It's the ultimate holiday escape designed to delight theatergoers of all generations and create wonderful memories that last for years.

Dates: November 27th through December 27th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Jackson Hall at TPAC, 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37219
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid valet parking at the 6th Avenue entrance, nearby commercial garages, or free evening/weekend state lots behind the Supreme Court Building
Website: https://www.nashvilleballet.com/nashvilles-nutcracker

Insider Tip: If you're coordinating a holiday outing with family, friends, or coworkers, lock in your seats together through the group sales department to automatically trigger a 15% discount on standard ticket pricing.

7. Opry Country Christmas — Nashville

Celebrate Nashville’s best holiday showcase as country music's biggest stars and rising newcomers light up the world famous Grand Ole Opry stage. This event invites your favorite artists to step into the historic circle to perform everyone's favorite country holiday hits.

The seasonal production masterfully couples powerful vocal performances with massive, festive light installations inside the historic venue. It offers an unforgettable night of classic southern hospitality, big country style, and unmatched musical talent. It's a must see holiday experience for music lovers visiting Music City during the winter season.

Dates: Select dates starting November 29th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Grand Ole Opry House, 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid on-site parking at the Opry House lot or free parking at the adjacent Opry Mills Mall
Website: https://www.opry.com/show/2026-11-29-opry-country-christmas-at-7-pm

Insider Tip: To make the most of the Opry’s milestone 100th season celebrations, look into upgrading with a Post Show Backstage Tour add-on. It lets you step right behind the curtain to view the artist entrance and green rooms immediately after the final curtain call.

8. Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman — Nashville

Multi-platinum selling artists Amy Grant and Vince Gill are returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for their annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12 concerts run is scheduled for select dates and will feature popular matinee performances. This cherished holiday tradition draws music fans from across the country and around the world to hear the duo perform classic Christmas favorites. The show fills the historic venue with seasonal staples like “Tennessee Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “Winter Wonderland”.

Dates: December 14th though December 23rd, 2026 (Select dates)
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Paid public garages and lots available nearby in downtown Nashville
Website: https://www.ryman.com/event/amy-grant-vince-gill-christmas

Insider Tip: To avoid downtown traffic and premium garage pricing, consider parking across the river near Nissan Stadium and taking a scenic walk over the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge straight to the venue.

9. General Jackson Showboat: A Nashville Christmas — Nashville

Celebrate the holiday season in style with a midday lunch cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat. This seasonal experience pairs a cruise down the Cumberland River with a delicious meal and a spectacular live show. Guests will be treated to a holiday production filled with festive country classics and cheerful seasonal favorites. The performance showcases Nashville's top musical talent in a stunning setting that highlights classic Southern hospitality.

Dates: November 6th, 2026 through December 25th, 2026 (Select midday dates)
Admission: Ticket required; includes cruise, lunch, and live show
Street Address: 577 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Ample free parking available at the adjacent Opry Mills Mall lot
Website: https://https://tickets.gaylordopryland.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=458

Insider Tip: While the Southern lunch includes standard coffee and water, you can ask your server for their famous local Southern sweet tea to really complete the riverboat dining experience.

10. General Jackson Showboat: Showboat Holiday Spectacular — Nashville

Experience an elegant holiday evening on the Cumberland River with the General Jackson Showboat's premier night cruise. This festive event features a top-tier dinner cruise show starring Nashville’s exceptional local talent. The onstage production brings beloved carols and dazzling holiday favorites to life in a spectacular showcase. Guests can enjoy breathtaking river views and warm Southern hospitality that shines brightly throughout the night.

Dates: Select evening dates in December 2026
Admission: Ticket required; includes cruise, dinner, and show
Street Address: 577 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Free parking available within the designated Opry Mills layout
Website: https://tickets.gaylordopryland.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=457

Insider Tip: Snag a spot on the upper outdoor decks immediately after dinner. The view of the downtown Nashville skyline coming into view around the river bend at night makes for the absolute best holiday memory of the trip.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Shows in Nashville

Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Nashville sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. The closer to Christmas, the harder it is to get seats.
Consider weekday matinees: Weekday afternoon performances often have better seat availability and lower prices than weekend evening shows.
Check for family discounts: Many venues offer family packages, student rush tickets, or matinee pricing that can significantly reduce the cost of attending with kids.
Arrive early for the venue experience: Many of Nashville's historic theaters and music venues are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Build in extra time before curtain to enjoy the atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Nashville shows this season.

When do Christmas shows start in Nashville?

Most Christmas shows in Nashville begin running in late November or early December and continue through Christmas Eve or early January. The most popular productions, including The Nutcracker, typically open the weekend after Thanksgiving.

How much do Christmas shows cost in Nashville?

Ticket prices vary widely. Family friendly productions and community choir concerts can start under $20, while marquee ballet and symphony performances at major venues can run $75 to $300 or more. Check individual listings for pricing.

Are Christmas shows in Nashville kid friendly?

Most holiday productions are family friendly, especially The Nutcracker, holiday pops concerts, and family stage shows. Weekend matinees are often the most family oriented. Check individual listings for age recommendations.

Do I need to book Christmas show tickets in advance?

Yes! The most popular Christmas shows in Nashville sell out weeks, if not months in advance, particularly for the final weekends before Christmas. Book as early as you can for the best seat selection and pricing.

Can I add my event to this guide?

We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!

Christmas Shows Worth the Drive from Nashville

Nashville isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas shows this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own marquee holiday performances worth the trip.

Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, Tennessee — 3 Hours 40 Minutes from Nashville

Make holiday memories in the Smokies with Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, where dazzling equestrian stunts, holiday music, comedy, and a festive four course feast bring a spirited Christmas adventure to life in Pigeon Forge. For a classic holiday theater experience, enjoy Christmas at Country Tonite Theatre, featuring talented vocalists, musicians, and dancers performing beloved Christmas favorites in a high-energy seasonal production.

Memphis, Tennessee — 3 Hours 15 Minutes from Nashville

Holiday traditions take center stage in Memphis with festive performances for every age, from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Memphis concert to timeless productions like A Christmas Carol. Complete your holiday outing with Ballet Memphis' The Nutcracker, where dazzling choreography, colorful costumes, and Tchaikovsky's beloved score bring the classic Christmas story to life.