It’s Christmas time , the weather is cool, and the bachelorettes have flown south for the winter. Its the perfect time to come to Nashville! Like many places in the world music city goes all out for Christmas, in fact there are so many festive things to see it would be easy to miss some of the spectacular sights that this city creates during the holiday season. In fact many of the visitors to our fine city will miss the best Christmas display in Nashville simply because they will not venture off of broadway. Take my advice jump in the first uber you can call, and take a trip to Opryland. Don’t worry the buy 1 get 2 free cowboy boots will still be there when you get back!
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention center is a short ride north of downtown and is easily one of the most spectacular sights to see in the American south. Well you may be asking what makes Opryland so impressive. Its just a hotel right? Sure, you are right it is a hotel, it is the largest non-gaming hotel in the world! it features 12 restaurants, a 4 acre waterpark, and an indoor river. All of which is spread out over 3 million square feet and covered in Christmas decorations!
What should I do at Opryland?
ICE!
Start off by taking the family to see ICE! a stunning Frosty the Snowman themed exhibit which features sculptures of your favorite childhood classic carved out of 2 million pounds of colored ice. All displayed in a 9 degree temperature controlled exhibit hall. Oh did I mention they have ice slides?! All you need to do is buy a ticket, show up to the doors and enjoy the show. Opryland will even provide you with cozy blue parkas to stay warm while in the exhibit.
Recommendations:
1. If you are driving to Opryland. Park at the Opry mills mall outside of the regal movie theaters and park for free rather than paying $25.00 to park in the event parking lot which is only slightly closer.
2. Arrive before your reservation time and enjoy the ice skating rink and sledding available at the entrance
3. Buy tickets from Groupon https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-gaylord-opryland-resort-ice-5
Explore Opryland
Once you have seen all of the sculptures make your way to the Opryland hotel and start walking. The hotel is full of beautiful botanical gardens and is covered in Christmas decorations. Just take in the sights and take lots of photos!
Recommendations: Take a photo of the entrance sign when you walk in. The hotel is so big it is easy to get lost and this photo will help you find your way out.
Still have energy?
After you have explored all of the wonder that is Opryland. Walk across the back parking lot and check out the Opry mills mall. Wander your way through the Bass Pro Shops, buy some new Western wear that you can break in on broadway, and Grab a beer at the Bavarian Beer House!. Or you can buy a ticket to the world famous Grand Ol’ Opry. After all Opry Mills isn’t just a name, the The Opry House sits in between Opryland and the Opry Mills mall. This location has been the home of the Grand Ol’ Opry since the 1970’s when it moved out the Ryman Auditorium.
All of this is to say that Nashville has so much more to offer than drinking to liver failure in downtown. Take my advice, do not be afraid to venture off the beaten path and visit the rest of Nashville. You won’t be disappointed.