12 free activities to enjoy in the Midstate during the holidays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The holidays are approaching, and with them comes lights, tours and shows.

Here’s a list of 12 free holiday activities to enjoy in the Midstate:

Bass Pro Shops' Santa’s Wonderland - This features free activities like Christmas Tales with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a Yuletide Breakfast. There will also be weekend giveaways.

You can also get a free picture with Santa. People can go enjoy these festivities now until Christmas Eve.

Town of Smyrna Christmas tree lighting - The town of Smyrna will light their Christmas tree on November 26 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Smyrna Train Depot at 98 Front Street.

The event will also feature an all-kids sing along, food trucks and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland - Holiday celebrations started November 8 and will continue until January 4.This Christmas celebration features some paid events like ice skating, ice tubing, shows for kids, a country music Christmas dinner show. However, for free, you can look at their display of over 3 million lights and nativity display.

Lipscomb University’s 20th Annual Lighting of the Green - This event is set for December 3 at the Allen Arena Mall. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and a free concert at 6 p.m. Seats are first come, first serve, but it will also be livestreamed.

There will be a surprise musical guest and Lipscomb’s ensemble Sanctuary and Gospel Choir, plus choirs from Lipscomb Academy and Lipscomb University.

Christmas at the Tennessee Residence - The Governor and First Lady open the Tennessee Residence to the public each year.

There, people are able to tour the historic home decorated for Christmas throughout the month of December.

Christmas Open House - The Tennessee Agricultural Museum will hold its annual Christmas Open House on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors will see the museum decorated for the holidays and enjoy music, ham biscuits and spiced cider. Local artists will also be selling items.

Give One, Get One Holiday Event - The event is set for Dec. 7 at the Nashville Training Academy at 2601 Buena Vista Pike in Nashville from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Hosted by the BLAZE Mentoring Program, NFD and Invocation, the Give One, Get One Holiday event is free and open to kids ages 3-17. It will feature gifts, toys, stocking stuffing and special guests.

Each participating child will be able to shop for a gift for themselves and a gift for someone else. NFD said they are planning for 2,000 kids to be attending.

Holidays in the Vue Parade - The inaugural Holidays in the Vue Parade will be held on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The parade will kick-off at Bellevue Middle School, follow Colice Jeanne Road to Highway 70 South, turn right onto Sawyer Brown Road and conclude at One Bellevue Place.

The free event will feature 45 floats, vehicles, and walking groups with appearances by Grand Marshal Miss Tennessee 2024 Carley Vogel and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Walk Thru Bethlehem - This family-friendly event is set for Dec. 8 from noon until 6 p.m.

The walk-thru features over 200 characters and live animals recreating Bethlehem during the birth of Jesus. Merchants, shops and food will also be available.

Dickens of a Christmas - This holiday event will be on Main Street in Downtown Franklin on Dec. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. respectively.

The event will feature live entertainment at two stages, holiday activities at Victorian Village, food and arts and crafts vendors.

Yulefest - This is a Goodlettsville tradition that has been happening for over 35 years. The event will be Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Goodlettsville Visitor’s Center and Historic Mansker’s Station.

The holiday celebration features musicians, storytellers and demonstrators in the cabins and the historic home. Visitors can also stop by the gift shop.

The annual Belmont Carillon Christmas Concert - It will be at the Belmont University Bell Tower at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The carillon is located at the center of campus.

This is a tradition that has been in place since the Ward-Belmont days, according to the university. The concert will feature traditional Christmas music being played on the 42-bell carillon.