Are you looking for something to do this weekend that doesn’t involve shopping? We’ve put together a list of activities all across Middle Tennessee that you can enjoy with your entire family on Black Friday and all weekend long. These are great options if you have family or friends visiting the Nashville area.
Country Music Hall of Fame
222 5th Avenue South, Nashville
On Friday, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and see the current exhibits for Lainey Wilson and more.
Learn more about the Country Music Hall of Fame here.
Opryland Hotel & Resort
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville
Opryland Hotel transforms into a winter wonderland during the Holiday season. Tour the hotel for free and see the over 2 million twinkling lights across the property when you purchase a ticket to an event. Other activities to enjoy while visiting the property include the ICE exhibit featuring the A Charlie Brown Christmas, Arctic Plunge Snow Tubing and Ice Skating, a horse carriage ride around the property and so much more.
Visit their website for more information here.
Franktown Festival of Lights
4215 Long Lane, Franklin
Located at the Williamson County Ag Center, Franktown Festival of Lights offers daily viewings of the light spectacle from 5 pm -9 pm. The $39.84 per car admission helps support Franktown Open Hearts, a local organization serving inner-city youth and their families. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Find tickets at www.FranktownLights.com.
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville
The most wonderful time of the year is here with magical experiences just around the corner. The country’s largest lantern festival, Zoolumination, presented by Stella Artois, returns to Nashville Zoo this holiday season. The dazzling festival of lights begans Nov. 13, 2025, and runs through Feb. 8, 2026. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Nashville Zoo’s website.
Find tickets here.
Tennessee State Parks
Multiple Locations
Make plans to join the outdoors at one of the Tennessee State Parks on Black Friday for free, ranger-led hikes at all 56 state parks. It’s the only doorbuster that won’t have a line.
Tennessee State Parks, Friends Groups and Tennessee State Natural Areas are hosting a variety of hikes and interpretive programs for all ages on the day after Thanksgiving. These events are free to attend.
All Tennessee State Parks will be open on Black Friday.
Adventure Science Center
800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville
This is a great weekend to explore at the Adventure Science Center with its 44,000 square feet of hands-on experiences. It is a unique space where the self-guided process of trying things out, seeing what happens, reflecting and evaluating, and trying again is celebrated. It’s project-based learning at its best.
Learn more about their latest exhibits and activities on their website.
Visit our HomeTown Holidays
Sponsors and Gift Guides
Holidays at The Hermitage
4580 Rachels Lane, Hermitage
Explore the mansion and nearby grounds by lantern light to learn about Christmas at The Hermitage. See early 19th-century holiday décor, hear Jackson family memories (including Rachel Jackson’s death right before Christmas), and discover the beginning of American Christmas traditions.
Visit the website for the full schedule of events here.
Loveless Cafe
8400 Highway 100, Nashville
Grab a biscuit and spend the day at the Loveless Cafe. After you finish your meal, head over to the Country Market, where you will find fresh jams and ham to take home.
Holiday Movies at Franklin Theatre
Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin
If you want to watch your favorite holiday movie on the big screen, the Franklin Theatre has you covered this weekend with Elf, A Christmas Story, and more.
Buy tickets here.
Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway
1500 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro
The annual Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway brings outdoor ice skating and holiday activities to Murfreesboro from now through January 6.
For more information, visit our website at www.fountainswinterfest.com.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
5 pm – 8 pm
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville
You can see one million lights as you walk through the gardens. See Santa, visit the marketplace, and make s’mores. It’s a Nashville tradition you don’t want to miss. The holiday lights display will be open all season.
Find more information here.
Goo Goo Cluster
116 3rd Avenue South, Nashville
10 am – 6 pm
Grab your friends and family and head to the Goo Goo Cluster store in Nashville. While you are there, you can create your version of Nashville’s candy bar.
Learn more about experiences here.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter!