This winter, Cheekwood, a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum, is bringing a new holiday tradition to Nashville. The inaugural Holiday LIGHTS – debuting on Friday, Nov. 27 and running through Sunday, Jan. 3 – will transform Cheekwood’s magnificent gardens, manicured grounds and rolling hills into an enchanting holiday retreat. Three quarters of a million twinkling lights will extend from Cheekwood’s historic Mansion out into the gardens, setting the grounds aglow with elegant exhibits, dazzling views and themed displays.
“Holiday LIGHTS will allow visitors of all ages to experience the magic of Cheekwood and the joy of the season in a new way,” said Jane O. MacLeod, Cheekwood’s president and CEO. “We have outlined an outdoor, one-mile walking trail for guests to get up-close and take full advantage of every display. We encourage guests to bundle up for what is sure to be the prettiest winter stroll of the season!”
In addition to 750,000 lights spanning the estate, Holiday LIGHTS will also feature live reindeer, s’mores pits, holiday carolers, family photo opportunities and cash bars stocked with wine, beer and hot chocolate – all strategically placed along the trail. The Mansion will serve as the evening’s centerpiece with seasonal décor inside and out, a 20-foot poinsettia tree, and Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays on display inside the museum. Additional special events and programming, including musical performances, will be announced throughout the season.
“No other place in Nashville is more fitting for such a breathtaking light display. It was designed especially for Cheekwood’s unique landscapes and sweeping views,” said Ms. MacLeod. “From lights, to reindeer and music, Cheekwood is the destination for families to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.”
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, presented by Regions and sponsored by Christie Cookie Co., is made possible by The AWC Family Foundation with additional support from The Memorial Foundation and The Frist Foundation. Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood will be open to the public nightly from Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 3, excluding Christmas Day. Tickets, ranging from $7-$20, will go on sale via Cheekwood’s website on Thursday, Oct. 15. Children two years old and under are free. Visit http://www.cheekwood.org for more information.