Nashville, Tennessee Weather in December

December weather

Nashville feels chilly and often damp in December. Days reach about 10°C, while nights can fall to 0°C. Rain is common, and grey skies can make the short days feel even shorter.

You can still enjoy indoor sights like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. Save Broadway's honky-tonks for a dry evening, and don't count on a comfortable day outdoors. Long walks through Centennial Park or time on the river can feel cold and soggy.

Holiday lights and music

December brings Christmas lights, seasonal shows and festive events. Cheekwood's Holiday LIGHTS turns its gardens into an evening light display, while Gaylord Opryland Resort puts on its well-known Country Christmas. The resort's indoor spaces are handy when the weather turns wet.

Families who enjoy holiday displays may find Cheekwood's evening walk worth the chilly trip. For a more local music night, catch a show at the Ryman, where December's schedule often includes seasonal performances.

Crowds and costs

Nashville is generally quieter in December than during the popular September and October months. That can mean less pressure at museums and restaurants, and better hotel deals on ordinary weekdays. The exception is the Christmas rush: Cheekwood and Opryland draw visitors, and rooms near the resort can cost more around holiday dates.

A useful local tip: take the free Music City Circuit bus between downtown and the Gulch, then duck into the Country Music Hall of Fame if rain rolls in. It saves you a long wet walk between two popular areas.