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Today's Hours | Sat: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Event Category: Holiday LIGHTS

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Dog Visits with Santa

Bring your four-legged family member to join in the merriment of a holiday visit with Santa in the Frist Learning Center courtyard.

Bring your four-legged family member to join in the merriment of a holiday visit with Santa in the Frist Learning Center courtyard.

Upon arrival, proceed to the Frist Learning Center courtyard to receive your timed entry to visit Santa. While you wait, enjoy a variety of festive, holiday-themed activities.

sponsored by


Available with Gardens Only or Gardens + Mansion Access
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Gifts of the Garden

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With her theme, “Gifts of the Garden,” Dowling’s handcrafted holiday décor will celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of Cheekwood. The bright and bold displays are inspired by the 13 distinct gardens at Cheekwood, and are designed to complement the Mansion’s architectural details, while bringing the outdoors in.

Laura Dowling - Drawing - Dining Room
Laura Dowling - Drawing - Drawing Room
Laura Dowling - Drawing - Grand Staircase
Laura Dowling - Drawing - Loggia

About Laura Dowling

From 2009-2015, Dowling served as Chief Floral Designer for the White House. She managed the floral design for thousands of private and official White House parties, receptions, and state dinners as well as large-scale installations for the Fourth of July, Halloween, and the iconic White House Christmas. Dowling is known for her contemporary and romantic style of flower arranging that is rooted in classic French design.

Laura Dowling-stamp portrait

Mansion Tour & Afternoon Tea Packages

December 3 – January 3  |  Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Docent-Led Tour of the Mansion | 12:45 PM
Tea service in Café 29 | 2 – 3:30 PM

Members : $50 per attendee + complimentary Garden and Mansion admission
Not-Yet Members : $50 per attendee + Garden and Mansion admission

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience with a Docent Tour of the Mansion’s period rooms, decorated by Laura Dowling, followed by a holiday-inspired Afternoon Tea service at Café 29. Tableside service for parties of 2 or 4 includes teas steeped in holiday cheer and festive yet traditional sweet and savory bites.

Laura Dowling Gifts of the Garden Chairs
Lisa Manning  |  Vicki McCluggage

Room Patrons
Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee  |  Loggia & Botanic Hall Atrium
Lucie Cammack  |  Dining Room
Katherine Crosthwaite  |  Drawing Room
Sally Hunt  |  Entrance & Foyer
Kat DeLay  |  Library
Barbara Turner  |  Morning Room
Kailey Hand  |  Grand Staircase Landing
Jerry Williams  |  Transverse Hallway
Cathy Jackson  |  Silver Room

Hospitality Sponsor
Hyatt Place

Dining Room table décor provided by

Replacements, Ltd.

Holiday LIGHTS

is presented by
Truist
sponsored by
Amazon
supported by
AWC

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Holidays at the White House with the First Ladies: Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama

The exhibition follows the First Ladies’ holiday themes from Jacqueline Kennedy who began the tradition in 1961 through the Obama administration when Laura Dowling served as White House Chief Floral Designer.  Featuring images from the White House Historical Society and Presidential libraries, this photographic journey brings to life the joyful times and intimate moments of the first families and their beloved pets during the holiday season.

More with Laura Dowling

Supported by

Janet and Jim Ayers

Stones River Group
TVV

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Holiday Teas

©Caitlin Harris Photography

Daylight Discoveries

Afternoon Tea, Mansion Décor Tour & Holiday Marketplace

Arrive early before teatime and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind festive daytime visit to Cheekwood. Discover thoughtfully curated gifts at the Holiday Marketplace and charming shops and then step inside the Mansion for a docent-led tour of Sweet Holiday Dreams — a breathtaking display of holiday décor designed by former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling. Finish the day with a cozy afternoon tea service featuring seasonal sweets and savory bites, the perfect ending to a merry outing.

Docent-Led Tour of the Mansion  |  12:45 PM
Holiday Tea at Café 29  |  Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays  |  1:30 – 3 PM
Holiday Marketplace  |  9 AM – 3:30 PM

New! Holiday Tea Menu

View Holiday Menu

Important information:

  • The tea packages are sold by tables for parties of 2 people or 4 people. Please insert the quantity of tables you want when checking out. If you have only 3 people in your party, you are welcome to reserve a table of 4 but will need to pay the difference.
  • If you are a Cheekwood member and need to use multiple memberships to get the appropriate discount, you will need to purchase tickets over the Teas Line at 615-627-5141.
  • No discounts apply outside of Cheekwood Membership discount.
  • We invite you to join us for a Guided Docent Tour of the Historic Mansion prior to the tea at 12:45 PM. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
  • We ask that Children 2 and under do not attend. Strollers are not permitted in the tearoom and highchairs will not be available. All children must have a tea ticket.
  • Dietary requests are not guaranteed but can be requested by emailing teas@cheekwood.org at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.
  • A shuttle is available upon request at check-in for those who need assistance getting to the cafe or the mansion.
  • Gratuity is not included in the ticket price. Cheekwood is a cashless facility and will not have change available.
  • Seasonal Teas are non-refundable, and date transfers are subject to availability.
  • Tea sales end 24 hours prior to the event.

Questions? E-mail teas@cheekwood.org or call 615-627-5141

Designing Christmas in the White House Style & Holiday Tea Package

December 6

Celebrate the holiday season with a lineup of festive activities. Begin your day by viewing a special installation of holiday décor by former White House Florist Laura Dowling, and then attend a lecture where Dowling personally discusses her craft and gives tips on how to recreate stunning displays like the ones she created for Cheekwood. After the lecture, relax with holiday tea at Café 29.

This all-inclusive package includes:

  • Admission for 2 guests or 4 guests to the Gardens and the Mansion
  • Access for 2 guests or 4 guests to Laura Dowling’s Lecture: Designing Christmas in the White House Style at 1 PM
  • A table for 2 guests or 4 guests to Holiday Tea at Cafe 29 at 2 PM
  • Members receive their complimentary admission and their $20 discount on the lecture.

Please note: Guests should view the Laura Dowling: Gifts of the Garden Mansion decor installation prior to the lecture. Tea service will be post-lecture. Cheekwood closes at 3:30 PM.

Reserve Your Package

About the Lecture:
As Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 – 2015, Laura created the dazzling displays that made the season memorable and delighted visitors from around the country. From the majestic Blue Room tree and charming Red Room traditions to the unique floral embellishments featured throughout the historic state rooms, Laura created festive designs that celebrated beloved Christmas and White House traditions. In this special lecture that will kick off the 2024 Cheekwood holiday season, Laura will give an overview of iconic White House Christmas moments over the years and share behind-the-scenes stories, amusing anecdotes, and special tips for creating beautiful holiday displays at home.

Laura-Dowling-Tree-Decor

Reserve a Table

If the date you’d like to attend is sold out, please join our waitlist.

Teas Waitist

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Holiday LIGHTS Member Preview Night

Step into a shimmering winter wonderland as Cheekwood comes alive with over a million twinkling lights! From the radiant Pinnacles of Light, Enchanted Esplanade, and breathtaking Star Field to the majestic 28-foot Pixel Pine casting a glow over the Color Garden, every step will ignite your holiday spirit. Warm up by cozy firepits with s’mores and sip seasonal craft cocktails as you wander the light-filled trails. Stop by the Holiday Marketplace and warm up by cozy firepits with s’mores, and sip seasonal craft cocktails as you wander the light-filled trails. Check out the amazing selection of seasonal treats at Perenn at Cheekwood. In addition to the dazzling outdoor displays, go inside the Historic Mansion to explore An Enchanted Noel, a French-inspired holiday installation envisioned by former Chief White House Floral Designer Laura Dowling and Guest Designer Mauricio Clavero Kozlowski.

Discover why Holiday LIGHTS is consistently voted a Nashville top event, where timeless nostalgia meets brand-new magic every year.

Advance reservations required. Members receive free parking for one vehicle per visit. Member discounts apply only to the number of people covered by the Membership.

Holiday LIGHTS 2022. Photo by Nathan Zucker. Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns, featuring a one-mile walking path with elegant and creative displays of lights that set Cheekwood Estate & Gardens aglow.

Café 29 | 4:30 – 10 PM

Garden Shop and Museum Shop | 4:30 – 10 PM

Holiday Marketplace | 4:30 – 10 PM

Know Before You Glow

Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns, featuring a one-mile walking path with elegant and creative displays of lights that set Cheekwood Estate & Gardens aglow.

Garden Shop and Museum Shop | 4:30 – 10 PM

Holiday Marketplace | 4:30 – 10 PM

Please note: Member Preview Night is a special event and requires a separate ticket from daytime admission.

Know Before You Glow

Family

S’mores Stations & Seasonal Libations

While out exploring the luminous landscape, stop by one of the many kiosks throughout the grounds for hot cocoa or festive holiday spirits. S’mores kits will be available to purchase and roast at the stations behind the Holiday Marketplace in the Frist Learning Center.

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Holiday Marketplace

Open day and night, the Holiday Marketplace returns to the Frist Learning Center Great Hall with a nine-foot garden-themed ornament wall and a wide range of gifts and decor. This year will feature an amazing selection of nutcrackers, reindeer, cardinals and more. Other highlights include new Cheekwood ornaments and dish towels as well as an expanded selection of Jellycat Holiday soft toys. Shop in the daytime or evening for gifts for loved ones or for a memento of a holiday experience at Cheekwood.

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Holiday Décor in the Mansion

Warm up indoors and view the holiday mansion décor, where themes of candy canes and gingerbread take over the historic period rooms. The iconic 20-foot-tall Poinsettia tree on display in the Loggia, features a red-and-white striped candy cane inspired motif, created by our talented gardens team.

Reserve Tickets

Gardens Only Gardens + Mansion
Ages 2 & Under FREE FREE
Members Adult  $17  $20
Members Youth  $13  $16

A $2 per item service fee will be added to all paid transactions.
Members receive free parking for one vehicle per visit; a $5 parking fee will be added to each additional vehicle.
If walk-up tickets are available for purchase, they will include a service fee of $3 per ticket.

Presented by
Truist
Sponsored by
Amazon
Supported by
Lipman
With special thanks to
OLP
Hospitality Sponsor
CY

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