It’s no secret that I think Middle Tennessee is – hands down — the best place to live. It’s Norman Rockwell meets Rock Star Diaries and there is always – ALWAYS – something to do in our beautiful towns. This is never truer than at Christmas when families go all out to decorate their homes, yards, vehicles and even complete neighborhoods with holiday lights and finery. So, whether you call Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood or surrounding areas home or are just visiting, I invite you to take in some of the loveliest twinkle spots in town!
First stop: the Sunnyside Neighborhood in Brentwood! This display is so spectacular, it even has its own blog and facebook page with some eye-popping pictures and updates. The Sunnyside display began as a tribute to homeowner, Bill Menece’s son, BJ. BJ passed away in 1993, but Bill honors him each year by displaying the holiday lights his son loved. With more than 135,000 lights spread over 8 1/2 yards, this display has become a beloved tradition to many locals who prefer to park and walk the neighborhood to get the full effect. Buses, limos and even the Franklin Trolley makes the rounds, but the entire neighborhood works together to ensure that the attraction is well-managed. Starting Saturday, December 13th, Santa will be visiting each evening from 6:30 – 9:30. He’s available for photos, so bring your camera and your Christmas cheer! This display is free to the public, but donations are happily accepted on behalf of The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
Speaking of the Franklin Trolley, the “Holly Trolley” began rolling through Franklin and Brentwood on December 5th and tours continue until December 28th (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only). Since the trolley tour leaves from the downtown Franklin transit center at 6:30 and 8:30, plan to arrive downtown by 5:30 so you’ll have plenty of time to walk the sidewalks of this charming and historic district and view the huge tree in the town center. Refreshments are served at the transit center thirty minutes before each tour. Tickets are extremely limited for this sweet ride, so plan ahead!
While Franklin provides plenty of small town charm, big city lovers will be awed by the miles and miles of decorations at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Billed as “A Country Christmas,” this event – yes, it’s truly an EVENT – features more than 2 million lights, an elaborate indoor winter wonderland called ICE, visits from Santa and live dinner shows. And, if you’re going to spend a few days in Nashville, don’t miss the Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry House. After thirteen incredible years in Nashville, THIS is the Rockettes final season here, so don’t miss it!
Whether you enjoy the sights and sounds of this joyous season out and about or prefer to stay a little closer to home, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and a wonderful New Year!