All throughout the Christmas season, many people rounded up their families and took them on mini road trips, in search of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Popular destinations with these families included places that go all out with their holiday lights and decorations. One such destination in the Nashville, Tennessee area is the one and only Gaylord Opryland Hotel, located just across the parking lot from the famous Grand Ole Opry theater. Even though it’s been 48 hours since Christmas Day came and went, and if you’re not ready to let the spirit of the season go just yet, you still have time to see this spectacular display, which runs through January 1st.
This past November 5th, the hotel ceremoniously flipped the switch to kick off their annual collection of seasonal attractions, collectively called “Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas“. Some of the attractions include an incredible outdoor light display, which includes more than two million lights, a life-sized nativity display, an ice sculpture exhibit, appropriately called “ICE“, horse carriage rides, and an entertaining dinner show featuring the legendary Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. For the more adventurous visitors, the 2,881 room hotel also features a giant ice slide, an ice skating rink, and snow tubing.
On a recent visit to Opryland, I got to do one of my favorite things at A Country Christmas, which is to walk around the NINE ACRE hotel complex and see the Parade Of Trees. I received a map/guide from a hotel lobby attendant to help me locate the trees. There are a total of fourteen trees placed throughout every section of the hotel, including areas such as the Delta, Cascades, Garden Conservatory and the Magnolia.
A variety of country music artists and businesses participate in the Parade of Trees each year by sponsoring a tree in hopes to raise money for their favorite charities. Guests bid on the trees, and the winner is drawn on January 1st. Some of the artists participating in this year’s collection include Dolly Parton, Charles Esten, Jake Owen, Diamond Rio, Loretta Lynn, Craig Campbell, and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. You can see a listing of the trees and place a bid online, if you’d like, by visiting www.oprylandparadeoftrees.com.
Check out this little photo gallery of shots I took during my recent romp through the hotel:
By far, the main featured attraction at A Country Christmas is the Broadway musical, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, being shown daily at the Grand Ole Opry House. I got to see this last year and it’s a must-see if you have kids with you on your visit.
Check out some more photos, courtesy of Gaylord Opryland’s Facebook Page:
Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas is a wonderful collection of exhibits, shows, and activities. It is definitely something you should have on your “to-do-list” each Christmas season if you’re going to be in the Nashville area!
Have you visited Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas? Share your favorite attractions and memories with us in the comments below or on social media!
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