Event Category: Seasonal Festivals
Daytime Dog Visits with Santa
Holiday LIGHTS Member Pre-Sale
Nashville’s classic holiday tradition is back, and members can reserve tickets now, before they go on sale to the public.
Pumpkins, Gourds, and Mums, Oh My!
“Pumpkins, Gourds, and Mums, Oh My!”
An NGC Flower Show
What Is a “Community Flower Show?” Every two years, the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee (HSMT) hosts a Flower Show for the benefit of our community. Sponsored by Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, HSMT and Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., District II, this year’s event is scheduled for September 24 from 11 AM to 3 PM in the beautiful setting at Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall, Massey Auditorium.
This flower show conforms to the standards established by National Garden Clubs, INC, and is open to participation by all members of HSMT, Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs and Cheekwood Estates & Gardens. An NGC Flower Show is the official title of any flower show conforming to standards established by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and described in the Handbook for Flower Shows.
The purpose of having a flower show is to educate club members and the viewing public, to stimulate interest in horticulture and floral design, provide an outlet for creative expression, and to communicate the goals and objectives of NGC.
“Pumpkins, Gourds, and Mums, Oh My!” will be an exciting opportunity to view fresh and dried floral designs centered around “Cinderella’s” life-size, gilded golden pumpkin carriage at the entrance of our show. Come see scarecrows, lanterns and “Enchanted Tea Party Tables.”
Two features of the show are: DESIGN and HORTICULTURE. The DESIGN category showcases and judges designs that are interesting and pretty. The HORTICULTURE category is other plant material – even a single flower or branch.
Children 12 and under are invited to bring their uncut but painted and decorated pumpkin for a “Pumpkin Contest” at the flower show. No pre-signup required. Children should bring pumpkins from 1 PM until 2 PM, with judging to begin at 2 PM. Ribbons and certificates will be awarded in the following categories:
- Scariest
- Prettiest
- Most Unusual
- Most Colorful
- Nature Themed
- Fall Pumpkin Patch
Sponsored by
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee
&
Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. District II
Gifts of the Garden
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.
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.
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.
More with Laura Dowling
November 20, 2026
- January 3, 2027
An Enchanted Noel
Featuring Le Carrousel Parisien A whimsical centerpiece of Un Noël Enchanté, the carousel originally created by Glitterville's Stephen Brown for…
Learn More
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
Dining Room table décor provided by
Replacements, Ltd.
Holiday LIGHTS
is presented by
sponsored by
supported by
El Día de los Muertos
Schedule of Events
Art & Activities
Saturday & Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Frist Learning Center Great Hall
Marigold Flower Crown
Flowers, which symbolize the brevity of life, are an essential element of Day of the Dead celebrations, but none more than the marigold. Create your own paper marigolds and affix them on a headband to wear throughout the day.
Monarch Butterflies
Monarchs represent the souls of ancestors returning to visit for El Día de Muertos, particularly as the monarch migration in Mexico typically lines up with celebrations of the holiday. Create your own monarch to welcome a returning loved one.
Papel Picado Coloring Sheet
Papel picado is often used to decorate streets, homes, and ofrendas during holidays and celebrations. Learn about some of the important symbols and imagery associated with Día de los Muertos through miniature coloring sheets and string multiple together to create your own strand of colorful Papel picado.
Massey Auditorium
Memory Tree
Write the name or memory of a loved one on a colorful slip of paper and add it to the memory tree.
Murals / Los Murales
Saturday & Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Frist Learning Center Great Hall
Murals depicting the Day of the Dead have a strong history throughout Latin America, highlighted by the works of Diego Rivera and José Guadalupe Posada, the creator of the iconic Catrina figure. Finding inspiration in these artists, students from local middle and high schools will create large-scale works which will hang in the Great Hall.
Participating Schools
Bellevue Middle School
Caballeros – Nolensville High School Spanish Honor Society
Cane Ridge High School
City School of Nashville
Community Middle School Jr. Art League
Goodlettsville Middle School
H.G. Hill Middle School – 7th Grade
H.G. Hill Middle School – 8th Grade
Independence High School NAHS (National Art Honor Society)
KIPP Nashville
Saint Cecelia Academy – Spanish Club
Stratford STEM Magnet Upper Campus
Arte Latino Tullahoma High School
USN Lucha Affinity Group
Vendors
Colorful open-air markets line the streets of Latin America during El Día de los Muertos. Local merchants sell food, flowers, art, and handmade items which people buy to decorate their altars and tombs. Visit the vendors at the festival to discover the talent of local artists, shop for unique gift items, and taste traditional foods!
Art & Goods
Saturday & Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Parking Lot B and Frist Learning Center Courtyard
Apanash
Artesanias Lupita Oaxaca
Bisuteria Nashville
Bows by Nici
Cindy David Designs
Cheekwood
CustomPrintNash
Ecohandmade
King Bear Tees
La Casa Azul
LoveMe Art
Luna Pateada
Skulls and Roses
Soul Seed
The Aloe Family
Valentina Harper
Dulce Party Studio
Fiesta Magic Nashville Face Painting
Llama House
Happy Phantom Jewelry
Food
Saturday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Across from Botanic Hall
Conexion Americas
Roast & Brews
Parking Lot B
The Burro Churro
Alebrije
Delicious Mexican Tamales by Belen
Mor Empanadas
Las Fajitas Mexican Restaurant
Maria’s Snacks
Nelly’s Peruvian Sweets
Siete Luminarias
Taco Azteca
Little Cancun on the Go
Salsa Franklin Taco
Delicias Colombianas RR
The Inka Trailer
Guaca Stop
Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Across from Botanic Hall
Roast & Brews
Parking Lot B
The Burro Churro
Alebrije
Delicious Mexican Tamales by Belen
Panecito KaLe
Pie Town Tacos
Maria’s Snacks
Nelly’s Peruvian Sweets
Siete Luminarias
Taco Azteca
Caracasville
La Revolucion Tacos
A Sol Rosendo
Empanada Lua
Entertainment
Saturday
Arboretum Lawn
9 – 10 AM: DJ Cesar
10 – 10:30 AM: Danza Aztlán
10:30 – 11 AM: Karina Daza
11 – 11:30 AM: Mi Cielito Lindo
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Lion B
12:15 – 12:45 PM: Raices De Mi Tierra
12:45 – 1:30 PM: De Agave y Son
1:30 – 2 PM: DJ Cesar
2 – 2:30 PM: Danza Aztlán
2:30 – 3:15 PM: Rosa Rodriguez
3:15 – 3:45 PM: Fashion Show featuring Catrinas Tennessee
3:30 – 4 PM: DJ Cesar
4 – 4:30 PM: Sol de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
4:30 – 5 PM: Folklore Iyali
Massey Auditorium
10 AM & 1 PM: Isaias Vargas Performance
Sunday
Arboretum Lawn
9 – 10 AM: DJ Cesar
10:30 –11 AM: Sofia Rhiannon & Gabriella Flores-Rodriguez
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Rachel Rodriguez
Afternoon Performances on Arboretum Lawn are canceled due to the weather.
Massey Auditorium
10 AM & 1 PM: Joshua Guaz Performance in the Atrium
10 – 10:30 AM: Danza Aztlán
11 – 11:30 AM: Las Cuervonitas
12:15 – 12:45 PM: Lirios Folkloricos
2 – 2:30 PM: Danza Aztlán
3:15 – 3:45 PM: Fashion Show featuring Catrinas Tennessee
4:30 – 5 PM: Folklore Iyali
Altars Participants
Paragon Mills Elementary
MNPD Family Intervention Program
Conexion Americas – Escalera Program
Glendale Spanish Immersion School
Justine Sylvie
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage
Lopez Family
Metro Office of Family Safety
MLK Jr. High School Spanish Honor Society
Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors
La Misión ConArte
Reserve Tickets
| On-Site |
Off-Site Parking |
|
| Adults | $23 | $18 |
| Senior (65+) | $21 | $16 |
| College Student | $19 | $14 |
| Youth (3-17) | FREE | FREE |
| Child 2 and Under | FREE | FREE |
| Member Adult | FREE | FREE |
| Member Youth | FREE | FREE |
Non-Members: $2 service fee per ticket + $5 per vehicle parking fee on-site
All tickets include Garden & Mansion access.
Save with off-site parking!
Off-Site Parking