Fall into history, art, scenic beauty, fun family memories and live music. As the leaves change color, embrace nature during fall color hikes and soak in the fun and spirits at festivals like Grains & Grits. Gear up for the holidays at markets, light shows, ice skating and special events. For a complete list of what’s happening in Tennessee this November, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Nov.
1
East Nashville – Join a spirited evening 6-9 p.m. at The Pavilion East for the Day of the Dead Tequila Festival with over 30 different labels of tequila, dancing, face painting and a photo booth. Las Palmas will sell tacos. Tickets are $39.
Nov. 1-2, 8-9
Jonesborough – Escape and enjoy a three-course dinner and solve a mystery at “The Haunting of Horace Crawford” inside the Historic Eureka Inn. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the Historic Eureka Inn, EventBrite or by calling 423-483-7242.
Nov. 2
New Johnsonville – Cannons will ring out to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Johnsonville. The free Civil War Days festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature living history presenters, live music and weaponry demonstrations at both Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park and Johnsonville State Historic Park.
Nashville – Art galleries throughout downtown host receptions and art openings 6-9 p.m. during the First Saturday Art Crawl at 5th Avenue of the Arts. Trolleys will provide complimentary shuttle service along the route 6-10 p.m.
Franklin – Wine Down Main Street 7-10 p.m. along Historic Main Street features wine, beer and spirits, wine tasting, food samplings from area restaurants and local musicians entertaining guests along the way.
Leiper’s Fork – Head out to Leiper’s Fork for the Legend of Leiper’s. Enjoy the car, bike and truck show, plus live music and food trucks. Celebrity judge Mike Medford will be in attendance and judging begins at 11 a.m.
Gallatin – Enjoy an afternoon of free live bluegrass and old-time tunes during the Backyard Bluegrass Bash 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Douglass-Clark House.
Crossville –Get ready to swing a wooden mallet for Pumpkin Destruction Day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Autumn Acres. Bring your own pumpkin and get $2 discounted general admission. Limit one BYOP discount per admission.
Townsend – Celebrate the culture of whiskey, spirits and distilling in Tennessee during Grains & Grits with food samplings, tastings, a craft cocktail tent and music at Townsend Visitors Center. Tickets are $65 online or $75 the day of the event.
Nov. 2-Dec. 7
Morristown – The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” at the Rose Center. The touring exhibit explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century.
Nov. 6
Gatlinburg – Local restaurants face off to be crowned the area’s champion in the annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Chili Beans. The event 5-8 p.m. downtown features live music, activities and chili eating contests.
Nov. 6-9
Nashville – The Colour of Music Festival at multiple venues downtown features black classical artists and scholars worldwide performing organ, piano, vocal, chamber and orchestral works showcasing the cultural impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers.
Nov. 7
Clarksville – Savor and support local creative artists during the First Thursday Art Walk 5-8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Clarksville. The free, self-guided tour combines visual art, live music and engaging events.
Knoxville – Ross Greene will discuss his book, “A Fortress and a Legacy: The Gift of a WWII Bombardier’s True Story to the Daughter He Never Met,” noon at East Tennessee History Center. Book singing to follow.
Nov. 7-9
Franklin – Guests can meet Civil War re-enactors and get hands-on experience with clothes, trades and weapons of the past during Civil War Days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carnton.
Nov. 8
Memphis – The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will honor eight music icons including Tina Turner, Steve Cropper and Charlie Musselwhite. Tickets start at $50.
Nashville – Experience the Frist Art Museum during an evening of extraordinary music and art 6-9 p.m. during Murals +Mics with live performances, interactive gallery activities, food and drink specials. Tickets are $20.
Murfreesboro – Need a Parents’ Night Out? Drop the kids off 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Discovery Center. Kids can enjoy science experiments, activities, games and museum exploration. The cost is $20 for the first child, $15 for each additional child.
Chattanooga – Watch animals enjoy dinner as they would in the wild at the Beastly Feast 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Zoo. Learn why it is important for their survival and admire natural behaviors of animals like jaguars and Komodo dragons. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children.
Nov. 8-9
Jonesborough – Explore hundreds of skillfully handcrafted items like pottery, paintings, seasonal décor, holiday gifts and woodcarvings at the Made Around Here Market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center.
Nov. 8-Jan. 1
Nashville – Marvel and celebrate the season at Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” featuring more than 3 million lights, nine acres of stunning décor, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, gingerbread decorating corner and ICE! featuring “A Christmas Story” in 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides.
Nov. 9
Medina – Shop early for Christmas at the Mistletoe Mingle 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Oak Farms with vendors selling clothing, baby and kids’ items, home décor, jewelry, food, beauty and gifts. General admission tickets are $5 at the door.
Nashville – Visit Historic Travellers Rest for an after-hours history lesson and spirits. History & Whiskey 4-8 p.m. will showcase blacksmithing, hearth cooking, musicians, a lace maker, and hands-on activities like quill pen writing. Tickets are $50.
Nashville – Vino lovers are in for a true farm-to-bottle experience during the Sip TN Wine Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nashville Farmers Market. Stroll, shop with artisans and vendors, enjoy delicious food, sip wine and listen to live music. Tickets are $55.
Murfreesboro – Icy adventures await 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Discovery Center. Enjoy a special day of “Frozen 2” activities. Become a master of the elements with ice and fire activities, create a snowball launcher and become a star with Disney Karaoke.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Brewers’ Jam 2-6 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum Plaza is a four-hour festival featuring local music, local food, and a great variety of beer to sample.
Jonesborough – Two hundred and forty years of history produced some outrageously true stories. Separate fact from fiction at the Jonesborough Mythbusting Tour 1 p.m. at Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum.
Nov. 9-10
Clarksville – More than 60 local and regional artists, designers and crafters offer unique, handmade gifts during Handmade Holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilma Rudolph Event Center.
Gallatin – Local retail merchants open their doors every year so shoppers can get the chance to start Christmas shopping early during the Holiday Tinsel & Treasures “Shop Local” weekend, a Gallatin tradition for almost 50 years.
Elizabethton –Visit fiber producers and artists during the Fall Fiber Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. The day will include workshops, vendors, spinning and weaving demonstrations and handmade items for sale.
Nov 9 +16
Brentwood – Follow the progression of fall at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Fall Color Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. Cameras and binoculars welcome. Tickets are $12 per person. Reservations are welcome by calling 615-370-4672 or email info@owlshill.org.
Nov. 11
Gatlinburg – The 18th annual Veterans Day Celebration salutes the men and women who served in the Armed Forces in this special ceremony 11 a.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza.
Nov. 13
Knoxville – Explore the 1858 historic home Mabry-Hazen House after hours, watch the sun set behind Sharp’s Ridge and drink up a little history with brews from a local brewery 6-9 p.m. during Night at the Museum. Tickets are $10.
Knoxville – East Tennessee’s own WDVX turns 22. Celebrate the WDVX Birthday at the Bijou Theatre 7 p.m. with live music featuring Shawn Camp, Steve Gulley, Alex Leach, Jay Clark and more.
Nov. 15-16
Franklin – Tackle holiday shopping while enjoying chef tastings, craft beer and live music during the MADE SOUTH Holiday Market at The Factory at Franklin. Browse unique gifts from the finest artisans and crafters from across the Southeast.
Nov. 15-Dec. 30
Nashville – See the Nashville Zoo in a whole new light at the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival. Zoolumination features over 500 custom-made silk lanterns, elaborate displays with animals, holiday-themed scenes and even a 200-foot-long dragon.
Nov. 15-Jan. 5
Sevierville – Outdoor Ice Skating returns to Wilderness at the Smokies. Admission is $10 for guests, $20 for the public. Indoor experiences include visits with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, crafts, games and holiday shopping in specialty gift shops.
Sevierville – Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium is a 1.5-mile drive through LED light and music experiences with fun activities for the kids, crafts and photos with Santa.
Nov. 16
Hendersonville – Enjoy an evening of song at the 1784 Smith family home and enjoy the lyrical talents of songwriters at the Winter House Concert Series 6-9 p.m. at Historic Rock Castle.
Nov. 16-Jan. 4
Lebanon – Load up the car and see over 2 million lights dancing to the music on the radio during the Dancing Lights of Christmas at the Wilson County and the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.
Nov. 17-26
Greeneville – The Greeneville Tourism Festival of Trees at Greeneville Commons Shopping Center is a silent auction with more than 50 trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and centerpieces donated by local businesses, churches and organizations.
Nov. 19-Jan. 1
Clarksville – The city’s 20th year of Christmas on the Cumberland is sure to create lasting memories this holiday season with over 1 million lights, seasonal crafts, dances and activities at McGregor Park/Cumberland River Walk.
Nov. 20
Pigeon Forge – A Candy Christmas launches at Crave Golf Club transforming the mini-golf course into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland with garland, wreaths, lights, candy canes and Christmas trees.
Nov. 21-24
Jackson – Find the perfect gift during the University School of Jackson’s Holiday Mart at Carl Perkins Civic Center. This is USJ’s largest fundraiser, featuring over 125 merchants plus several special events. The Jingle Bell Mingle starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Nov. 22
Knoxville – Build a gingerbread house, ride the train, take a picture with Santa, drink hot cocoa and enjoy face painting, balloon animals and live music during Christmas at Chilhowee and Capitol Christmas Tree lighting at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center.
Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Union City – Drive through 50 acres of thousands of twinkling lights at the Let It Glow Christmas Light Show synced to classic songs at Discovery Park of America. The cost is $10 per car. Be sure to purchase a pair of 3D glasses to see dazzling displays.
Nov. 22-Dec. 31
Nashville – Witness one of the country’s tallest Christmas trees, millions of lights, and a life-size Santa’s Workshop at First Tennessee Park. GLOW Nashville will have ice skating, tubing experiences and plenty of holiday activities.
Rock City – Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights showcases more than 30 holiday scenes and over 1 million LED lights that transform the gardens into a fantasyland. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment.
Nov. 22-Feb. 17
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville – Smoky Mountain Winterfest offers a spectacular display of lights and events to celebrate the season along with shopping, award-winning shows and attractions — all while showcasing the winter beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Nov. 23
Huntingdon – Experience Beatlemania at 1964: The Tribute 7:30 p.m. at Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. The talented professional musicians recreate the look, feel, mannerisms and costumes of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Tickets start at $30.
Livingston – Pick out a perfect holiday gift at the Candy Cane Christmas Market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Overton County Rotary Ag Building at the Overton Co. Fairgrounds. Shop for homemade goods, woodworking, art, ceramic, ornaments and crafts.
Columbia – A Very Maury Christmas Holiday Market 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. at Westbury House on the Square features over 30 quality vendors downtown. A $5 donation is accepted at the door.
Columbia – The Night of Light Christmas Tree Lighting 5:30 p.m. on the town square is a magical night of holiday music and entertainment sure to usher in the joy of the holidays with the 40-foot Christmas tree lighting and special guest, nationally-syndicated country radio personality Blaire Garner.
Elizabethton – Roast up beans, use a hand mill to grind coffee, brew a pot over the open hearth, and enjoy a hot cup of history during Colonial Coffee: A Revolutionary Drink 11 a.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
Nov. 23-Dec. 23
Knoxville – Climb aboard the "Christmas Lantern Express" on the Three Rivers Rambler and be a part of this beloved Knoxville tradition. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday treats, story time with celebrity readers and a special visit with Santa.
Nov. 23-Jan. 5
Nashville – Celebrate the season with the Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens with 1 million lights, holiday concerts, cookie decorating, gingerbread workshops, s’mores stations, art and live reindeer.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Farragut – Be dazzled by hundreds of lighted displays during Light the Park at Founders Park at Campbell Station. Guests can enjoy lights, entertainment, caroling and children can mail letters to Santa.
Nov. 26-Dec. 1
Gatlinburg – The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community host their annual Thanksgiving Show with unique, handcrafted gifts at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Knoxville – The East Tennessee Children Hospital presents the Fantasy of Trees at the Knoxville Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Over the River and through the Woods.” In 30 years, the event has raised more than $7 million to provide much-needed medical equipment for children served by the hospital.
Nov. 28
Pigeon Forge – Magic fills the air as the TITANIC Museum ignites the night in a live, outdoor fireworks display to kick off the 2019 holiday season 7 p.m. Thanksgiving night.
Nov. 28-Dec. 21
Clarksville – Ebenezer and his ghostly encounters come to life in a lavish and thrilling musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Roxy Regional Theatre.
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Clarksville – The Drive-Thru Christmas Lights at the Clarksville Speedway features over one mile of more than 1 million lights from the comfort of your car from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve.
Nov. 29
Memphis – Memphis Botanic Garden hosts the live holiday concert “A Season of Song” 4:30 p.m., followed by the garden’s “Holiday Wonders at the Garden” light exhibit. Memphis favorites Kevin and Bethany Paige will perform. Tickets are $20.
Henderson – Walk off the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie with a two-mile hike along the Lake Shore Trail 2:30 p.m. at Chickasaw State Park. Meet in the main parking lot across from Lake Placid Swim Beach. The trail is easy to moderate.
Knoxville – Bands, caroling, marshmallow roasting, Christmas tree lighting, sparkling lights, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, face painting and more are on tap during the Regal Celebration of Lights 6 p.m. at Krutch Park on Market Square.
Elizabethton – Take a special, guided, interpretive journey on the Walking in Frontier Footsteps: After Thanksgiving Day Hike 4:30 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Meet in the picnic area beside the Visitor Center. No pets allowed.
Nov. 29-30
Rugby – Relax from the hustle and bustle of the season with the Holiday Tea and Thanksgiving Marketplace 1-3 p.m. at Uffington House in Historic Rugby. Tickets are $22 and $16 for children under age 12.
Nov. 30
Franklin – To commemorate the 155th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, 10,000 luminaries, representing the casualties of the battle, will be lit at dusk. The event takes place 4:30 p.m. at Carnton and is free to the public.
Pelham – On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, escape to the Cumberland Mountains for Christmas with the Annie Moses Band, a classical-crossover string and vocal band made up of six virtuosic siblings 5 p.m. at The Caverns.
Ongoing
Statewide – Discover history, beauty and fun at events at Tennessee State Parks, including fall color hikes and cruises, sunrise and night hikes, living history events, tomahawk throwing, soap making, star gazing and more.
Memphis – The Pink Palace Museum’s “City of Hope: Resurrection City and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign Poster” exhibit explores the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. The unique and informative posters are on display until June 21, 2020.
Memphis – The “Journey to Space” exhibit at Graceland Exhibition Center features hands-on, interactive displays and artifacts from the past 50 years of space explorations, as well as innovations to help astronauts make trips into orbit.
Nashville – Kickstart the day diving into Nashville’s hippest neighborhoods, snapping Instagram-worthy pics at murals and stopping for a special gourmet donut and mimosa flight during Sweet Start’s Nashville Mural Tour.