Opryland Hotel: Christmas Magic the Whole Family Will Love

If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway in Nashville, make sure Christmas at Opryland Hotel is on your list. This Gaylord Opryland resort feels like its own little holiday village, with indoor gardens, twinkling lights, waterfalls, and bridges you can explore without ever stepping outside. ICE at Opryland Hotel is a big highlight, but it’s really just the beginning. Between simple atrium strolls, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of spots to grab a treat or hot chocolate, Christmas at Gaylord Opryland makes it easy to plan a holiday trip everyone in the family can get excited about.

Book your Christmas stay at Opryland Hotel HERE and wake up just steps from all the Christmas fun.

Disclosure: This post contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we may earn small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel sits just outside downtown Nashville, and at Christmas it feels more like a little indoor town than a hotel. Huge glass atriums are filled with plants, paths, and bridges, and during the holidays they glow with lights, decorated trees, and festive displays.

You can grab a room at the Opryland Resort Hotel for a few nights and soak it all in at a slower pace, or simply stop by for the day to walk the atriums and enjoy the holiday fun. Either way, Christmas at Opryland Hotel in Nashville feels big, bright, and very easy to enjoy with the whole family.

If you’re planning to visit for the day, pre-pay for Opryland Resort Hotel parking HERE so you can head straight into the Christmas fun when you arrive.

Family Fun at Opryland Hotel During Christmas

Christmas lights and holiday decorations inside atrium in Nashville TN

There’s a lot more to Christmas at Opryland Hotel than pretty lights. During the holiday season, you’ll find big “wow” attractions (like Opryland’s ICE!) and simple Christmas moments for everyone.So whether you’re bringing little kids, teens, grandparents, or a mix of everyone, you can pick and choose what fits your crew and your budget.

More Nashville Hotels for Your Christmas Getaway

Skip staying at Opryland Hotel but still enjoy the fun —find more Nashville hotels HERE.

ICE at Opryland Hotel

ICE attraction at Opryland Hotel with colorful Christmas ice sculpture.

ICE at Opryland Hotel is one of the main reasons people plan to visit at Christmas. It’s a walk-through winter world carved out of ice, with colorful scenes, big sculptures, and tall slides that kids talk about long after the trip is over.

What ICE Is Like

  • You’ll get a heavy parka to wear over your own coat or layers.
  • The path moves at your own pace, so you can stop for photos or hang back with little ones.

Tips for Families

  • Pack hats and gloves for everyone, especially younger kids.
  • If you want a less crowded visit, look for weekday time slots or earlier hours.

Explore More Christmas Fun in Nashville

Want to stretch your Christmas in Nashville a little further? These spots are fun extras to add to your trip!

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Christmas Lights and Atrium Walks

If you’re looking for something simple but still special, the Christmas lights and atrium walks at Opryland Resort Hotel in Nashville are perfect. The walkways wind past trees, bridges, and fountains, and during the holidays everything glows with color.

Why Families Love It

  • Stroller-friendly paths make it easy to explore with younger kids.
  • There are plenty of spots to pause for photos and quick breaks.

Simple Planning Tips

  • Daytime visits feel a little calmer, while evenings feel more lively.
  • If you’re just stopping by for the day, this is a great place to start before you decide what else to do.

Ice Skating and Snow Tubing

If your crew likes a little thrill, ice skating and snow tubing at Opryland Hotel are a big win. During the Christmas season, you’ll usually find an outdoor rink and a tubing hill where kids and adults can all take a turn.

Why Families Love It

  • Kids get their wiggles out, and teens don’t feel bored.
  • Grown-ups can join in or hang back and snap photos.

Simple Planning Tips

  • Look for combo tickets if you plan to skate and tube.
  • Bring warm socks and layers so you’re not freezing by the end.

Tips for Staying Cozy on the Ice

Opryland Hotel Delta Riverboat – Twelve Days of a Country Christmas Cruise

The Delta riverboat cruise is an easy favorite, especially if you’re visiting with grandparents or younger kids. The little boats float through the indoor river, and during Christmas the whole area feels extra festive.

Why Families Love It

  • You can sit, relax, and still feel like you’re right in the middle of the fun.
  • It’s a great way to see a big part of Opryland Hotel without a lot of walking.

Simple Planning Tips

  • This is a nice “break” activity between bigger things like ICE and skating.
  • If your schedule is tight, add this near the end of your visit as a momenet to slow down.

Gingerbread Decorating and Santa Photos

Gingerbread decorating activity during Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel i

Gingerbread decorating and Santa photos are the cozy side of Christmas at Opryland Resort Hotel. These are the moments where everyone slows down a bit, laughs at crooked frosting lines, and just enjoys being together.

Why Families Love It

  • Kids get to create something, not just watch or walk.
  • Santa photos here can easily become your “official” Christmas picture for the year.

Simple Planning Tips

  • Plan this for mid-day when little ones need a calmer break.
  • If Santa photos are a must, try to go earlier in the day.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Horse-drawn carriage ride at Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Horse-drawn carriage rides at Opryland Hotel add a sweet, old-fashioned touch to Christmas at Gaylord Opryland.

  • Ride through the holiday lights and enjoy the decorated grounds at Gaylord Opryland hotel.
  • It’s a fun pick for couples or families who want a quieter Christmas moment together.

Purchase your horse-drawn carriage ride HERE and add a classic Christmas moment to your Opryland visit.

Holiday Shows at Opryland Resort Hotel

Christmas show at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville during A Country Christmas holiday events

A Country Christmas Dinner Show
Live holiday music plus a full festive meal, hosted right at Gaylord Opryland in the Tennessee Ballroom. A show everyone will love!

Purchase your Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance tickets HERE and lock in your seats for one of the biggest Christmas shows of A Country Christmas.

Atrium Fountain & Light Shows
Free holiday fountain and light shows in the Delta Atrium.

  • Easy to watch with kids and grandparents.
  • You can usually catch them on select evenings during the Christmas season.

Grab a Bite to Eat at Opryland Hotel

Restaurant area in atrium.

With all the Christmas fun, you’re definitely going to need a snack break (or three). The good news is Opryland Hotel has plenty of spots where you can grab a meal, sit for a bit, and recharge before the next round of holiday fun.

Cascades American Café

This spot sits right by the waterfalls and feels very “Opryland.”

  • Great for breakfast or relaxed family dinners.
  • Menu has plenty of familiar favorites for picky eaters.

Jack Daniel’s Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant at Opryland Hotel decorated for Christmas in Nashville TN

A cozy, laid-back place with a Tennessee twist.

  • Good choice for hearty, comfort-style meals.
  • Nice option if the adults want something that still feels a little special.

Quick Bites and Coffee Spots

Perfect when you just need something fast between activities.

  • Grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries, and simple snacks.
  • Coffee and warm drinks are handy after ICE or skating.

And this is just a small taste—there are even more restaurants and snack spots tucked around Opryland Hotel if you want to turn this Christmas visit into a full food adventure.

Opryland Hotel Christmas Q&A

Do you have to pay for parking at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville?
Yes, parking is paid for both day visitors and overnight guests. Pre-pay for Opryland Resort Hotel parking HERE.

Do you need to buy ICE and other tickets in advance?
It’s a good idea, especially on weekends or closer to Christmas. Booking ahead helps you grab the time slots that work best for your family.

Is Christmas at Opryland Hotel worth it for a quick day trip?
Definitely. You can walk the atriums, see the lights, and pick one or two activities.

What ages will enjoy Gaylord Opryland Hotel at Christmas?
All ages can find something fun here, from toddlers in strollers to teens and grandparents who just want to take it all in.

🎄 Happy Trekkn, Friends!

Hope you enjoy Christmas at the Opryland Hotel! It’s really is one of those Christmas getaways in Nashville that feels extra special. From the ICE! attraction to simple atrium strolls under the lights, Opryland Hotel at Christmas gives you plenty of easy ways to make memories together.

Be sure to comment below and let us know what you’re most looking forward to doing at Christmas at Gaylord Opryland.

And while you’re there, make sure to snap a pic or two and tag @Tennessee Trekkn or use #TennesseeTrekkn so we can join in your holiday fun!

Looking for More Holiday Fun in Tennessee?

If you’re ready to keep the celebrations going, be sure to check out even more holiday fun in Tennessee HERE and start planning your next festive adventure. 🎄🧡

Disclosure: This post contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we may earn small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

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