Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ annual Holiday Lights exhibit is set to open to the public on Nov. 24, kicking off the holiday season with several seasonal favorites and some new additions.
Here’s a look at what you can do at the event:
Enjoy the lights, get in the holiday spirit
Take a stroll through a mile-long path through the gardens and view one million lights on display. Enjoy holiday carolers at the Cheekwood mansion, where you can warm up for a bit.
Visit with Santa, his reindeer and roast marshmallows
See two of Santa’s reindeer every night of the exhibit and during the daytime tours. Visit with Santa and take photos on Tuesday through Thursday evenings until Christmas (included with admission). Take a break at the bottom of mansion drive at the fire pit and roast marshmallows and enjoy a warm drink.
Breakfast with Santa
8:30 to 10 a.m. Dec. 9 and 23 at Massey Auditorium, gather around for breakfast with Saint Nick. Sausage and eggs, fruit and a waffle bar are offered. Decorate your own holiday Christie Cookie. Kids can write a letter or wishlist to Santa and present it to him during breakfast. $35 for non-member adults and $22 for non-member youth, ages 3 to 17. $15 for member adults and $10 for member youth ages 3 to 17. Prices includes parking.
Family gingerbread workshop
9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 between 5 and 8 p.m. at Massey Auditorium, treat your family to a day of fun building delicious gingerbread masterpieces from Crumb de la Crumb Bakery. Price is $65 for non-members and $52 for members. Limit 5 guests per gingerbread house.
Holiday parties
Rent Massey Hall for your holiday gathering, just steps away from Holiday Lights. Rental packages include admission for up to 100 guests. For more details, visit the web site. Email specialevents@cheekwood.org or call 615.354.6377.
About Holiday Lights
The Holiday Lights exhibit runs 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 24 through Dec. 31 for the general public. Members got the chance to preview the exhibit beginning on Nov. 17. Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for youth and free for children ages 2 and younger. Parking is at no charge with your entry fee to the exhibit. After 8:30 p.m., adult tickets are $15 and youth tickets are $10. Late night tickets must be purchased at the gate to receive the discount. To book group tours, email grouptours@cheekwood.org or call 615.353.6971. Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase tickets online here.
