NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens with stunning new decorations courtesy of a world-famous florist, an additional creative light display on the Mansion lawn, and the familiar twinkling lights guests have
enjoyed for more than a decade.

Former Chief Floral Designer for the White House, Laura Dowling, returns to Cheekwood for the second year in a row to create elaborate custom decorations inside the Historic Mansion that will delight guests and spread holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “Sweet Dreams,” and is inspired by visions of sugarplums, candy-colored hues and chestnuts roasting over an open fire.

The festive scenery begins at the front gates with elegant and creative light displays guests are accustomed to seeing at Holiday LIGHTS. A 28 foot Pixel Pine Tree, which features eye-catching three-dimensional custom light designs, returns to the center of the Bradford Robertson Color Garden to welcome visitors on their journey through a winter wonderland.

A one-mile walking path throughout the gardens will be aglow with over one million lights. Each turn reveals a surprise, from the classic Peppermint Path with candy-cane trees, to the stunning Bejeweled Bridge and Enchanted Esplanade. The new Sparkling Serpentine display will dance across the Mansion lawn with 600 linear feet of mesmerizing color. Cheekwood’s TRAINS! exhibit also sparkles with holiday magic that will delight the young and young at heart.

Guests can also warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal libations, roast s’mores by a fire, and shop for the perfect gift at the Holiday Marketplace. “For over a decade, Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS has been a cherished tradition, offering Nashville residents and visitors an elegant and timeless holiday experience,” said Jane MacLeod, President and CEO of Cheekwood. “We are delighted to welcome guests once again to enjoy the beauty and magic of over one million twinkling lights and festive decorations that define this beloved community event.”

Holiday LIGHTS opens to the public November 21 and runs until January 4.

Holiday Décor in the Mansion

The holiday cheer continues indoors at the Cheekwood Mansion. With the theme of “Sweet Dreams,” Laura Dowling will re-imagine the holidays at Cheekwood with new color schemes, special vignettes and charming features including a woodlands-inspired allée and harlequin trellis niche, cozy fireside table settings, and a breathtaking winter wonderland display, complete with glittery handmade snowflakes. All the décor is designed to complement the architecture and interiors at Cheekwood and create a warm and welcoming ambiance for guests.

Dowling’s décor is inspired by the sweet dreams and simple gifts of the holiday season: spending time with friends and family, gathering around a festive table, walking through a magical winter wonderland, and nostalgic memories inspired by classic songs and stories – ranging from “The Night Before Christmas and the “Nutcracker” to Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” and Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” Each room will come alive with vintage-style ornaments, festive bouquets, colorful ribbons, and striking topiaries, wreaths, trees, and garlands – all created with Dowling’s signature style and touch, infused with her love of Paris and the French garden-style.

Guests are welcome to tour the Mansion during the day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or in the evening from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. during Holiday LIGHTS. “I’m thrilled to return to Cheekwood this holiday season and to once again collaborate with their talented team on such a beloved tradition,” said Dowling. “This year’s theme,‘Sweet Dreams,’ re-interprets the mansion’s holiday décor as a series of enchanting vignettes inspired by classic stories, songs, and traditions. Just as Nashville has long been the city of musical dreams, our goal is to create a holiday experience that captures the joy, nostalgia, and hopefulness of the season. Together with Cheekwood’s staff and volunteers, my team and I are excited to bring this vision to life and to invite visitors into a world where dreams, both sweet and timeless, do come true.”

You can buy tickets at Cheekwood’s website here: https://cheekwood.org/tickets/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22109529343&gbraid=0AAAAADM8B3aK7Y83eFUG9AGv6PMhzDCyr&gclid=CjwKCAjwxrLHBhA2EiwAu9EdM0d9C00Oe8fFRj01wH5bpUggtQRtwVgP7SToRPm1242Qq0fxRa2-MhoCa0sQAvD_BwE