A Magical Christmas Weekend at Gaylord Opryland: Our Family Favorites

If there’s one place that knows how to do Christmas bigger, brighter, and bolder than anywhere else, it’s Gaylord Opryland Resort. Every year I think it can’t possibly get more magical… and every year they prove me wrong. This season, my husband, Emma Kate, and I packed our bags for a full weekend of holiday fun, and Opryland once again delivered Christmas on a whole new level.

From the moment we stepped into the atrium—surrounded by twinkling lights, towering trees, and that cozy Christmas smell—you could feel the holiday energy. EK was wide-eyed the entire time (honestly, so were we). Here’s everything we did—and everything you should plan for your own visit.

ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The iconic holiday tradition is back and better than ever. This year’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” theme was absolutely precious—full of vibrant scenes, beloved characters, and classic moments from the story, all hand-carved from more than two million pounds of ice. And of course, the slides inside are always a family favorite. Don’t forget to bundle up… it’s a real 9 degrees inside!

POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEmstance (NEW)

This year we got to experience the brand-new show POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEmstance, and it was hands-down one of the highlights of the trip.

Think: high-energy acrobatics, comedy that actually makes adults laugh, whimsical storytelling, and jaw-dropping choreography—all wrapped up in a snowy, magical, over-the-top holiday spectacle.

The three main characters—Pomp, Snow, and Circ—take you on a charming journey that blends circus artistry with Broadway-style theatrics. There were aerial acts, juggling, balancing stunts, and so many moments where EK grabbed my arm and whispered, “HOW are they doing that?!”

It’s the kind of show where there’s always something happening on stage, and every seat gives you a great view. Truly a must-see if you’re heading to Opryland this year.

Ice Skating

We hit the festive outdoor ice rink and skated under the Christmas lights while music played in the background. EK was all smiles once she found her balance, and it’s one of those classic winter activities that just feels like Christmas.

Ice Tubing & Ice Bumper Cars

The Snow Tubing lanes were fast, fun, and definitely something we all wanted to repeat.

 And the Ice Bumper Cars had us laughing nonstop—picture spinning, bumping, sliding, and looking like total goofballs. Worth every second.

Gingerbread House Decorating

Gaylord makes this so easy and fun with a complete kit ready to go. EK was in heaven placing gumdrops and swirls of icing everywhere. It’s the perfect slower-paced activity between the more adventurous ones.

Snoopy’s Scavenger Hunt

The Snoopy Scavenger Hunt took us all over the resort, and EK loved every clue, map, and checkpoint. It’s a great way to explore the property and keeps the kids entertained as you walk through the massive atriums.

Delta Riverboat: 12 Days of a Country Christmas Cruise

Floating under thousands of twinkle lights through the Delta Atrium is a magical brea

k from the hustle. The holiday narration and decorations make it feel even more special this time of year.

SoundWaves Indoor Waterpark