Ice sculpture from Artisan in Action called Frostbite Factory.
If you have lived in Nashville for any amount of time, you know that THE place to go during the holiday season is Gaylord Opryland. If you’re new to the area or from out of town, it’s simply a must-see! For me, I’m practically a native-Nashville and for over 30 years since I was a kid, I have ventured out to the hotel to get in the Christmas spirit. Usually a couple of times, at least! It just never gets old no matter how many times I venture out there.
Over the years, I have watched the Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” grow from the millions of lights spread throughout what I call a “beautiful city under glass” and Christmas-themed dinner show, to what it is today. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger with more attractions that keep it fresh.
There are a multitude of things to do that will be enjoyable by the whole family. From simply strolling around all of the different areas of the hotel itself to look at the beautiful lights and Christmas displays as you grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa in the process, a Christmas-themed dinner show featuring Restless Heart, to touring the ICE! (I refer to it as a world made of ice, because it’s all housed in its own building where you’ll be provided a parka to be able to cope with the freezing temperature as you walk around inside.) where you’ll be amazed at the details carved out of ice by skilled craftsmen from China to the theme of “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” including fun ice slides that make any adult feel like a kid again, and a special show from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. New this year, you can go snow tubing and there is an outdoor ice skating rink, too.
This is Restless Heart’s first year to do the Christmas dinner show. How they got involved, according to the band, was last year when they performed on the Opry in November, they sang a song they found called “Santa’s Prayer” and it “brought the house down”. There was such an overwhelming response from the Opry audience, that Opry General Manager Pete Fisher and the producer of the dinner show approached Restless Heart to headline a new dinner show this year from years past entitled “A Season Of Harmony”. Fans of Restless Heart will love the mix of some of the band’s favorite Christmas songs and some favorites from the band’s catalog of hit songs according to the band. When asked what some of their favorite Christmas songs are, band members discussed how they like “the old standards” like “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” and “anything by Mel Torme”. So, expect anything from those standards everyone loves to “Jingle Bell Rock” according to band members. It’s sure to be a great show!
For several years, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes have performed a string of shows during this time at the Grand Ole Opry to complete the “A Country Christmas” theme. Sadly, this is the last year they will be performing in Nashville, so get out there to see them, if you haven’t had the chance!
Also, as an added treat this year, be sure to check out the many decorated Christmas trees around the hotel. You might even notice some of them have been decorated by some of your favorite country artists!
Inside the Delta Atrium of the Gaylord Opryland.
Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” is running now through January 3rd. For all times, prices, and ticket information, click HERE and you’ll be directed to their site where you can reserve your space. I, also, highly-recommend booking a stay at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland just so you can take it all in. You won’t be sorry, I promise!
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