Light Up the Holidays with Cheekwood

By Lauren Means

The sights and sounds of the season have returned for the 2021 season of Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS. In its seventh year, the annual event has returned with crowd favorites and new features.

The Holiday LIGHTS display is a one-mile, self-guided walk through the 55-acre gardens which are illuminated with a million lights. Whimsical and bright, the light display is appealing to all ages. In addition to the lights, the Reindeer Village featuring two real reindeer named Tinsel and Twinkle, the yummy s’mores stations, and the Dancing Lights of TRAINS! display have all returned for the event.

New this season is the red and white peppermint pathway and shimmering tunnel of light to the Bradford Robertson Color Garden. The peppermint pathway is a fun, cheery photo-op and the light tunnel is great for sneaking a quick romantic moment.

Additionally, Cheekwood introduced two new elements to its “Children’s Wonderland” experience in the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden — a canopy tree draped in dripping lights and a sparkling chandelier over the Grandy Scarlett Studio Pavilion. The canopy tree is mesmerizing and can keep your attention for what feels like hours.

This year, the Holiday Marketplace, held in the Frist Learning Center Great Hall, has a carefully curated selection of tabletop and home decor, ornaments, nutcrackers, custom-scented candles, winter accessories, and gifts for children of all ages.

You have the option to add the mansion tour to your event ticket. This allows access to the Historic Mansion and Museum where a 20-foot orchid tree is centerpiece to this year’s Mansion décor theme, “A Botanical Holiday.” Also in the mansion, visitors will find the nutcracker display which features over 35 nutcrackers throughout the period rooms.

Be sure to stop by one of the bars located throughout the gardens that feature seasonal drinks and hot toddies to keep your warm and your spirits lifted as you walk the gardens.

Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS runs November 20, 2021 through January 9, 2022. Full details and tickets (which are required to be purchased in advance) can be found at https://cheekwood.org/calendar/cheekwood-holiday-lights-event-nashville/.