United States, North America
Nashville in December
Holiday shows and lights. New Year's Eve downtown is a huge free party with high hotel rates.
The straight answer
December is a good month to visit Nashville. Holiday shows and lights. New Year's Eve downtown is a huge free party with high hotel rates.
- Weather
- Cold, highs near 51F (11C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What December is like in Nashville
December is cold, with highs near 51F (11C) and chilly nights. Holiday shows and lights fill the calendar, and the city feels festive. Prices are moderate most of the month, but New Year's Eve downtown brings a huge free party and very high hotel rates.
This month suits families who love holiday lights and music fans who want seasonal shows. It is a good value early in the month. If you want to be outdoors on patios, wait until April.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Nashville this month.
Holiday lights and shows
Christmas at Opryland and holiday concerts around town make December one of the most festive times to visit.
New Year's Eve downtown
A free concert and the music note drop draw a big crowd. Book rooms early, since rates soar.
The Opry at the Ryman
Winter Opry shows often move to the Ryman, a special way to see the show.
What to pack for December
- A warm winter coat
- Gloves, a hat, and a scarf for New Year's Eve outdoors
- Waterproof boots in case of cold rain
- One nice outfit for holiday shows
Our timing tip
Go in early December for holiday lights at lower rates, and if you want New Year's Eve, book months ahead.
Book Nashville for December.
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- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in NashvilleOpens a hotel search for Nashville in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in NashvilleWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in NashvilleTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nashville for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in December
Nashville New Year's Eve
December 31 every year
A free concert and music note drop downtown.
Things to do in Nashville
Ryman Auditorium
The Mother Church of Country Music. Daytime tours plus evening shows; seeing a concert here is the best way in.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Go at opening to beat the crowds. Add the RCA Studio B tour.
Grand Ole Opry
The long-running live radio show at the Opry House, with some winter shows at the Ryman. Book ahead on weekends.
Broadway honky-tonks
Go on a weekday afternoon for the music without the weekend crush.
The Parthenon in Centennial Park
A full-scale Parthenon replica with a giant Athena statue inside. An easy, quirky stop.
The Hermitage
Andrew Jackson's home and plantation, with frank interpretation of slavery there.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Sunday through Thursday. Weekend hotel rates can be twice midweek rates, and Broadway is far calmer.
- Do Broadway in the afternoon. The bands are just as good and you can get a seat.
- Book writers' rounds at the Bluebird Cafe as soon as reservations open; seats go fast.
- Stay in East Nashville, Germantown, or near Music Row for quieter nights and better food.
Know before you go
- Almost everything runs year-round. The Opry moves some winter shows to the Ryman, so check the venue on your ticket.
- Spring brings severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Watch weather alerts in March through May.
- Winter ice storms, while rare, can close roads and businesses for a day or more.
Nashville in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Nashville?
December is a good month to visit Nashville. Holiday shows and lights. New Year's Eve downtown is a huge free party with high hotel rates.
What is the weather like in Nashville in December?
Cold, highs near 51F (11C).
Is Nashville crowded in December?
Crowds in Nashville are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Nashville in December?
Nashville New Year's Eve (december 31 every year).
Keep planning Nashville.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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