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Winter events in Tennessee from December through March: lights, ice rinks, games, shows and concerts.
125 winter events are still ahead on our calendar (Dec 1-Mar 31, 2027): 103 with a single date or a short run, 22 that run for weeks, and 6 free, in 21 towns.
125Winter Events
103With Dates
22Run for Weeks
6Free
Events come from our Tennessee events dataset (last re-checked Nov 2, 2026); each date and price was read on the organizer’s own page, and “See event page” means the organizer does not publish one. Plans and rules change, so check the organizer or park page before you drive.
Winter Events With Dates
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Florida State (SEC/ACC Challenge) | Tue, Dec 1: 7 p.m. ET (TV: ESPN2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| The Great Gatsby (Broadway musical) | Dec 1-6 (Orpheum Theatre) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Nashville Symphony: Elf in Concert | Wed, Dec 2 (7:30 PM, Schermerhorn Symphony Center) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Christmas at the Courthouse (Sevierville) | Thu, Dec 3 (5:30-8:30 PM) | Sevierville · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas | Thu, Dec 3 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Our guide | Dec 3-5 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Celebrate Christmas Downtown (Rutherford County Christmas tree lighting) | Fri, Dec 4 | Murfreesboro · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Christmas in the Village (Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center) | Dec 4-5 (Tickets on sale 5:30-7 PM; viewing ends 8 PM) | Townsend · Smoky Mountains | Tickets required; see the organizer page for venue rules |
| Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade (Gatlinburg) | Fri, Dec 4 (7:30-9:00 PM) | Gatlinburg · Smoky Mountains | Free; Grandstand VIP seating $50 per person (seating from 5:30 PM) |
| Free Pictures with Santa on Beale (Holly Jolly Holiday Celebration) | Dec 4-11 (Dec 4 and Dec 11, 5:00-7:00 PM, Beale Street) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | Free |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Battle of the Bands night vs Quad City | Fri, Dec 4 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers | Fri, Dec 4 (7:00-9:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Nashville Symphony: Home Alone in Concert | Dec 4-6 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Three Dog Night at the Tennessee Theatre | Fri, Dec 4 (8:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| WIVK Christmas Parade (downtown Knoxville) | Fri, Dec 4 (7 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| 64th Sevierville Christmas Parade | Sat, Dec 5 (11 AM; about 30 minutes past any viewing point) | Sevierville · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Cookeville Depot Christmas Open House | Sat, Dec 5 (10:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Darren Criss at GPAC | Sat, Dec 5 (Time not published; Highland Capital Performance Hall) | Germantown · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Doggone Christmas | Sat, Dec 5 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Gatlinburg Christmas Concert: Tiffany and Matthew & Gunnar Nelson | Sat, Dec 5 (8:00-10:00 PM) | Gatlinburg · Smoky Mountains | Reserved seating $30; premium reserved $40 (page header also shows $31.65-$41.95) |
| Holiday Movie Magic: It's a Wonderful Life | Sat, Dec 5 (8:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Memphis Symphony: Magic of Memphis | Dec 5-6 (Sat Dec 5 7:30 PM; Sun Dec 6 2:30 PM; Cannon Center) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Mill Spring Makers Faire | Sat, Dec 5 (10:00 AM-4:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Tennessee Tech Men's Basketball vs Samford | Sat, Dec 5 (4:00 PM CST) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Santa's Hiwassee Holiday | Dec 5-22 (Under 1 hour; arrive 20-30 minutes early) | Delano · Chattanooga & Southeast | $30 per seat coach, $45 per seat premium (ages 1+) |
| Tommy Emmanuel, CGP: Living In the Light Tour | Sat, Dec 5 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Chanukah in the City | Sun, Dec 6 (3:30-5:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Dogwood Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Light Show | Sun, Dec 6 (6:00 PM-7:30 PM) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| John Mulaney: Mister Whatever at the Tennessee Theatre | Sun, Dec 6 (7:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Titans vs Washington Commanders Our guide | Sun, Dec 6: 12:00 PM CT; Nissan Stadium; on CBS; time may change (flex scheduling) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Townsend Christmas Parade | Sun, Dec 6 (Time TBA) | Townsend · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Chattanooga Ballet's The Nutcracker | Dec 11-13 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| The Nutcracker! | Dec 11-12 | Bristol · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Ballet Memphis: The Nutcracker | Dec 12-20 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Bell Ringer Trail Run (15K, 25K, 50K) | Sat, Dec 12: 7:00 AM start (listing shows 7:00 AM-11:59 PM) | Burns · Nashville Area | Proceeds benefit Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park; more prices on the event page |
| Breakfast with Santa at BAD Bakery & Cafe | Dec 12-13 (10:15-11:30 AM) | Columbia · Southern Middle Tennessee | $90 for up to 3 guests, $115 for 4, $140 for 5; more prices on the event page |
| Dickens of a Christmas | Dec 12-13 | Franklin · Nashville Area | Franklin Transit shuttle $1 per person each way; see the organizer page for venue rules |
| Jaycee's Christmas Parade (Maryville and Alcoa) | Sat, Dec 12 (Time TBA) | Maryville · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Jonesborough Christmas Parade | Sat, Dec 12 (6:00-8:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Memphis Holiday Parade & Market on Beale Street | Sat, Dec 12 (Parade 11:00 AM; Holiday Market in Handy Park times not published) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Santa's Christmas Village | Sat, Dec 12 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Tour de Lights bike ride | Sat, Dec 12 (3:30-7:30 PM; bike ride starts 5:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs West Georgia | Sat, Dec 12 (1:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| A Christmas Carol: a one-man play with John Hardy | Sun, Dec 13 (4:00-5:30 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman | Dec 14-23 | Nashville · Nashville Area | Tickets non-transferable and valid only if bought from the Ryman on AXS.com; more prices on the event page |
| Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Thu, Dec 17 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Millsaps College (women then men) | Fri, Dec 18 (Women 6 PM CT; men 8 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Chattanooga Symphony & Opera: Home for the Holidays | Dec 19-20 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Christmas Church Stroll | Sat, Dec 19 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM) | Jonesborough · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Wands & Wizards night vs Birmingham | Sat, Dec 19 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Peanuts - A Christmas Celebration vs Roanoke | Sun, Dec 20 (3:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Rhodes College (women then men) | Sun, Dec 20 (Women noon CT; men 2 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts Our guide | Sun, Dec 20: 12:00 PM CT; Nissan Stadium; on CBS; time may change (flex scheduling) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Memphis Symphony: Handel's Messiah | Dec 21-23 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Drew & Ellie Holcomb's Neighborly Christmas | Tue, Dec 22 (Orpheum Theatre) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Christmas Day Hike (Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park) | Fri, Dec 25 (1:00 PM-2:30 PM) | Manchester · Southern Middle Tennessee | $0.00 (donation tiers $5-$20 listed) |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Chilly 500 night vs Evansville | Sat, Dec 26 (6:00 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Sat, Dec 26 (Orpheum Theatre) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers women's basketball: Sewanee Holiday Classic | Dec 29-30 | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| AutoZone Liberty Bowl Professional Rodeo | Wed, Dec 30 (7 PM, Agricenter Show Place Arena) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Celebration and Ball Drop | Thu, Dec 31 (9:30 PM; drone show about 11:50 PM; ball drop at midnight) | Gatlinburg · Smoky Mountains | Free |
| New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere | Thu, Dec 31 | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| New Year's Eve on Beale | Thu, Dec 31 (Arrive by 9:00 PM; midnight fireworks and confetti cannons) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | Free; optional $150 Beale Street NYE Fast Pass; more prices on the event page |
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: New Year's Eve Dinner Train | Thu, Dec 31 (6:00-8:00 PM) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| AutoZone Liberty Bowl Parade on Beale Street | Fri, Jan 1 (2 PM, Beale Street; Bash on Beale Pep Rally 3:30 PM at Handy Park) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | Free and open to the public (Beale Street page) |
| 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl (college football) | Sat, Jan 2 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Vanderbilt | Sat, Jan 2: 2 p.m. (TV: ESPN/2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers Our guide | Sun, Jan 3: 12:00 PM CT; Nissan Stadium; on CBS; time may change (flex scheduling) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Wilderness Wildlife Week | Jan 4-7 | Pigeon Forge · Smoky Mountains | Free and open to the public |
| A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (Broadway at TPAC) | Jan 5-10 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Count Basie Orchestra at GPAC | Sat, Jan 9 (Time not published; Highland Capital Performance Hall) | Germantown · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Wiener Dog Races night vs Pee Dee | Sat, Jan 9 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs South Carolina | Tue, Jan 12 (8:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Missouri | Wed, Jan 13: 7 p.m. (TV: ESPN2/U); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Star Wars Night vs Birmingham | Sat, Jan 16 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Shucked (Broadway musical) | Jan 16-17 (Orpheum Theatre) | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Arkansas | Sat, Jan 16: 12 p.m. (TV: ESPN/2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| International Blues Challenge 2027 (42nd) | Jan 19-23 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs Auburn | Tue, Jan 19 (6:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Centre College (women then men) | Fri, Jan 22 (Women 6 PM CT; men 8 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Maryville College (women then men) | Sun, Jan 24 (Women noon CT; men 2 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Florida | Sat, Jan 30: 8 or 8:30 p.m. (as listed) (TV: ESPN/2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Phantom of the Opera (Broadway at TPAC) | Feb 3-14 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Georgia | Wed, Feb 3: 7 p.m. (TV: ESPN2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Drew & Ellie Holcomb: Rain or Shine Tour | Thu, Feb 11 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Bears on Bourbon Street vs Macon | Fri, Feb 12 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Trinity University of Texas (women then men) | Fri, Feb 12 (Women 6 PM CT; men 8 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Kentucky | Sat, Feb 13: 4 p.m. (TV: ESPN); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs Texas | Sat, Feb 13 (1:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Sewanee Tigers basketball vs Southwestern University (women then men) | Sun, Feb 14 (Women noon CT; men 2 PM CT) | Sewanee · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Waitress (touring Broadway) | Feb 19-21 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Alabama | Sat, Feb 20: 2 p.m. (TV: ESPN/2); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs South Carolina | Tue, Feb 23: 7 p.m. (TV: SECN); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs Kentucky | Tue, Feb 23 (8:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball vs Mississippi State | Tue, Mar 2: 6 p.m. (TV: SECN); Food City Center, Knoxville | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Samara Joy at GPAC | Thu, Mar 4 (Time not published; Highland Capital Performance Hall) | Germantown · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Chattanooga Marathon Weekend (marathon, half marathon, 5K, Kids 1-Mile Fun Run) | Mar 5-7 | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| The Great Gatsby (Broadway at TPAC) | Mar 5-14 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Knoxville Ice Bears home game: Medieval Night vs Roanoke | Sat, Mar 6 (7:30 PM) | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | See event page |
| Vanderbilt Men's Basketball vs Tennessee | Sat, Mar 6 (1:00 PM CST; Memorial Gymnasium) | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Beetlejuice (touring Broadway) | Mar 12-14 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| NEEDTOBREATHE: The Long Surrender Tour | Fri, Mar 12 (See ticket link; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Hell's Kitchen (Broadway at TPAC) | Mar 30-Apr 4 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
Winter Events Running for Weeks
Not checked for each date: these run for weeks, and some open only on certain days or nights. Check the organizer’s page for the day you want.
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pryor Art Gallery: Veteran Artists of Middle Tennessee | Nov 4-Dec 2 (Hours not published) | Columbia · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Gatlinburg Winter Magic (holiday lights) Our guide | Nov 5-Feb 15, 2027 (Recurring daily; hours not published) | Gatlinburg · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (ice! featuring Home Alone, ice tubing, ice skating, Santa photos, POMP SNOW & CIRQUEumstance) Our guide | Nov 6-Jan 2, 2027 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Our guide | Nov 6-Jan 3, 2027 | Pigeon Forge · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Pigeon Forge Winterfest Our guide | Nov 6-Jan 31, 2027 (Nightly lights; see the organizer page for venue rules) | Pigeon Forge · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
| Sh-Boom! A Christmas Miracle (Cumberland County Playhouse) | Nov 6-Dec 19 | Crossville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Chattanooga Christmas Dinner Train | Nov 6-Jan 3, 2027 (About 2.5 hours; select dates, departure times vary) | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | Per table: $280 for 1-2 people, $375 for 3, $450 for 4; Pullman Section $360; more prices on the event page |
| Memphis Tigers men's basketball home games (FedExForum) | Nov 7-Mar 7, 2027 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | See event page |
| Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival Our guide | Nov 13-Feb 14, 2027 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | $25 non-members, $23 members (new $75 season pass); ziplines $10 per ride; food extra; more prices on the event page |
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: North Pole Limited | Nov 13-Dec 23 | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | $38 per guest age 1+ (Traditional); $45 evening departure; more prices on the event page |
| Christmas at Graceland (holiday tours) Our guide | Nov 19-Dec 23 | Memphis · Memphis & West Tennessee | Afternoon tour $100 adults / $69.50 youth; Ultimate VIP $300 per person (age 2+) |
| Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway | Nov 19-Jan 10, 2027 | Bristol · Tri-Cities & Northeast | See event page |
| Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS (over one million lights, Enchanted Noel in the Mansion) Our guide | Nov 20-Jan 3, 2027 | Nashville · Nashville Area | Gardens Only: weekday adults $24, youth $20; more prices on the event page |
| Food City Speedway in Lights powered by TVA | Nov 20-Jan 2, 2027 (6:00-10:00 PM nightly) | Bristol · Tri-Cities & Northeast | Priced per vehicle (Fast Lane per vehicle, limited nights); more prices on the event page |
| It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Cumberland County Playhouse) | Nov 20-Dec 20 | Crossville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Cookeville History Museum Christmas Forest Exhibit (30+ decorated trees) | Nov 26-Jan 2, 2027: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday (page: any time the museum is open) | Cookeville · Upper Cumberland & Plateau | See event page |
| Knoxville's Holidays on Ice (Market Square ice rink) | Nov 27-Jan 3, 2027 | Knoxville · Knoxville Area | Adult $12; children 12 and under $9; more prices on the event page |
| Opry Country Christmas Our guide | Nov 30-Dec 22 | Nashville · Nashville Area | See event page |
| Pryor Art Gallery: Brushstrokes Across Nolensville, We the People | Dec 10-Jan 29, 2027 (Hours not published) | Columbia · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Pryor Art Gallery: Axtell Expressions | Feb 8-Mar 5 (Hours not published) | Columbia · Southern Middle Tennessee | See event page |
| Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: SeaLight Festival Train Ride | Mar 5-27 | Chattanooga · Chattanooga & Southeast | See event page |
| Dollywood I Will Always Love You Festival | Mar 11-Apr 11 | Pigeon Forge · Smoky Mountains | See event page |
Keep Planning
- Regional event hubs: Knoxville Area, Nashville Area, Memphis & West Tennessee, Chattanooga & Southeast, Smoky Mountains, Southern Middle Tennessee, Tri-Cities & Northeast, Upper Cumberland & Plateau
- By day: Today, Tomorrow, This Weekend, Next Week, By Month
More Topic Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a winter event?
Anything on our calendar that overlaps December through March. Events that have ended drop off on their own.
Which winter events run for weeks?
Light shows, ice rinks and long theater runs. They sit in their own table because some open only on certain nights; check the organizer’s page.
Where are the games?
See the game days guide.
Sources
- Each event was read on the organizer’s own page, where its date, hours and price are printed; every row is in the Tennessee events dataset with a checked date.
How we check
Cite this page: It's Tennessee, “Winter Events”, itstennessee.com/things-to-do/winter-events/ (updated ). By the It's Tennessee editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.