January is typically the coldest month in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean this lively city is in short supply of activities.
While it’ll be far too cold for warm weather activities such as kayaking the Cumberland River, you can still find a multitude of reasons to add Nashville to your list of potential destinations for January 2024.
Below, you’ll find a list of the most exciting upcoming activities and events for the new year starting with our top 5 picks.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. See Old Crow Medicine Show from December 30th to January 1st at the Ryman Auditorium. One of the most iconic bluegrass bands from over the last thirty years is coming to Nashville this January. Come see them perform live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
2. Visit the Grand Ole Opry. No visit to Nashville is complete without paying a visit to the most iconic country music institution in history. See a live show or view the historic exhibits.
3. Catch The Cher Show on January 20th at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Cher has been a cultural treasure for nearly 60 years providing entertainment through movies, television, and her famously elaborate choreographed musical performances. Get tickets to see her show up close at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
4. View the exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music. The National Museum of African American Music is a tragically overlooked historic center located right here in Nashville. Learn the roots and history of the blues, jazz, rock, and country genres through the lens of African-American performers.
5. See Aerosmith on January 10th at Bridgestone Arena. Aerosmith is a band that really needs no introduction. You’ve likely heard their hits on the classic rock station for the last twenty years. Come see them live this January at the largest music venue in Nashville.
Other Great January Activities To Do In Nashville
6. Get tickets to Fool House on January 13th at Marathon Music Works
Fool House is likely going to be the most anticipated 90s-themed dance party of the new year. It will take place at Marathon Music Works with a live band to recreate all of your favorite 90s throwback boy band, hip hop, and pop punk tunes, and an epic light show to top it all off. Tickets are $20 to $45 depending on the package ranging from basic floor access to table and loft reservations.
7. Visit the botanical gardens at the Gaylord Opryland Resort
Winter is a magical time of year for a lot of reasons, but an abundance of lush greenery is not one of them.
Fortunately, the Gaylord Opryland Resort hosts a free, year-round, indoor botanical garden with over 50,000 varieties of plants so you can still enjoy some time in nature in the comfort of their massive, well-heated lobby area. While you’re there, check out the other amenities offered to the public including a bar, arcade, and spa area.
8. Attend Monster Jam from January 6th to 8th at Bridgestone Arena
Monster Jam is the yearly monster truck tour leading to the Monster Truck World Finals.
If you’re in the market for a fun-filled afternoon of roaring engines, junkyard car destruction, and the complete lineup of the most infamous monster trucks including Gravedigger, Earth Shaker, and Blue Thunder competing in a variety of challenges, come see it all happen live this January at Bridgestone Arena.
9. Warm up with some pho at Far East Nashville
If you make your way to Nashville this winter and you’re looking for something warm and soothing to eat, give Far East Nashville a try.
This cozy Vietnamese restaurant is serving up all of the classic favorites such as Bahn mi, cha gio, dumplings, and of course, a variety of delicious soul-warming pho to choose from. Stop in for a lunch break between sightseeing destinations to warm up!
10. Catch the Nashville Antiques and Gardens Show from January 12th to 14th at the Music City Center
If you’re an avid gardener or antiques enthusiast, then the 2024 Nashville Antiques and Gardens Show is a must-see this January.
This four-day event includes a variety of workshops and lectures and features a talk hosted by keynote speaker, Ina Garten, the host of the award-winning Barefoot Contessa program on Food Network. There are a variety of packages including a bourbon party, garden design lecture, and preview party.
11. See the exhibits at Lane Motor Museum
The Lane Motor Museum is a collection of the most bizarre-looking automobiles you’ve ever seen, and the largest collection of European models within the U.S.
As you make your way through the 150+ different cars, you’ll find amphibious vehicles, engines fueled by bizarre alternatives, and antique military vehicles among much more. It’s the perfect combination of history and humor for staying entertained on a cold and dreary January day. Kids under five get free admission!
12. Catch the Harlem Globe Trotters on January 20th at Bridgestone Arena
The Harlem Globetrotters have captivated audiences with their extreme trick shots, uncanny athleticism, and hilarious comedy for nearly 100 years.
This January, the Harlem Globetrotters will appear for one night only at Bridgestone Arena in their match against the Washington Generals. If you haven’t seen the Harlem Globetrotters in person, this is a great opportunity to catch the fun live!
There are a variety of packages available, including courtside tickets and a meet and greet opportunity!
13. Get a bite and see a show at Acme Feed and Seed
No matter what time of year it is, you can always count on Acme Feed and Seed to deliver a delicious meal, cold drinks, and exceptional entertainment. You can find anything from sushi to burgers to barbeque to satisfy your hunger, and while you fuel up and warm up from the cold, enjoy a live performance from a variety of local and world-renowned performers.
This January, scheduled performers include The Cow Pokes, Sweet Megg, and Caleb Smucker. But just because your favorite artist isn’t scheduled doesn’t mean you won’t see them at Acme Feed and Seed. Over the years, Acme Feed and Seed has seen surprise performances from the Backstreet Boys, Cage the Elephant, Ron White, and many more.
14. Experience the Jurassic World Live Tour on January 27th at the Bridgestone Arena
Seeing Jurassic World on the big screen is quite an adventure, but seeing it live on stage is next level. You’ll experience the exciting story unfolding in front of you with full-sized animatronics, on-stage actors, and special effects and lighting all from the comforts of your seats.
If you or your little ones are fans of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchises, this special performance at Nashville’s largest live performance venue is a must-see this January.
15. Treat yourself at Spa Haus
January temperatures in Nashville can get pretty chilly. If you’re looking for a way to warm up those cold bones of yours during this miserable time of year, what better way to do it than with a massage, facial, or body wrap?
While there are many spas in Nashville to choose from, Spa Haus is a popular, well-loved, woman-owned spa close to downtown with twelve treatment rooms and a Himalayan salt relaxation room equipped with wine and flavored water for your enjoyment. Check out their website or stop by in person to take a look at the many services available.
16. Catch a Predators or Titans home game
Nashville is blessed with a number of incredibly talented teams, and January is the perfect time to catch a home game. Specific dates are dependent on the outcomes of future games, however, both teams are currently projected to play a number of games at both Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium.
Keep up to date on specific games by visiting the Nashville Predators schedule, or the Tennesee Titans schedule.
17. Warm up with a cup at The Cafe at Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms is a local woman-owned artisan shop featuring body products, candles, jewelry, and textiles handmade by survivors of violence.
But this artisan shop does more than elevate survivors financially through the sale of their handmade products, they also provide shelter, employment, legal aid, and therapy for women in the Nashville community and worldwide.
Adjacent to the storefront, you can also find a cozy cafe featuring a number of soothing tea blends perfect for warming up on a chilly January afternoon. If you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up while sightseeing this January, stop by The Cafe at Thistle Farms to support this amazing organization.
18. Take the kids to Brick Fest Live from January 6th to 7th at the Nashville Fairgrounds
Brick Fest Live is a Lego convention featuring a variety of activities mostly geared towards kids, but there are plenty of opportunities for the adult Lego enthusiast to have fun too.
These activities include massive, lifesized Lego structures and sculptures, a giant Lego pit for picture opportunities, hands-on building activities, meet and greet opportunities with Lego icons and celebrities, Lego vehicle derby race competitions, and collective floor murals. This is a two-day event, but tickets are required so make sure to secure yours in advance.
19. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame
Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame is an essential Nashville activity for any time of year, but January is an especially good time to visit because of its convenient indoor location.
If you’re struggling to find a warm place just to kill time, look no further than The Country Music Hall of Fame where you can easily burn three hours and still not have enough time to see everything.
You’ll learn the iconic history of the country music genre and its pioneers, while also viewing the largest collection of music artifacts in the world. Visit the website for package deals, upcoming events, or limited tour information.
20. Experience Nashville Dance Fest from January 27th to 29th at The Williamson Family Farm
If you’re a country music dance enthusiast, or you’ve always wanted to learn country music dance styles such as line dancing, two-stepping, cowboy waltz, or swing, this is the perfect January event for you!
Nashville Dance Fest features live music, competitions, and a variety of dance lessons and workshops for all levels of dancers. This event is family-friendly, and no partner is necessary. There are a number of packages available for access to one to three days of country music fun!
21. Check out the seasonal beer at Jackalope Brewing Company
If you’re a beer drinker in Nashville during the winter months, making a stop at Jackalope Brewing Company needs to be on your list of activities. This beloved local brewery serves up delicious brews year-round, but there are always incredible rotating seasonals.
In January, look for their winter seasons, Snowman Stout. Additionally, be sure to look into events! There is a monthly bingo game on the first Saturday of the month, and trivia every Tuesday.
22. Get a bite at Nashville Clean Foodie Fest on January 13th at the Hilton Garden Inn
Eggnog, Christmas cookies, stuffing, pumpkin pie. Let’s face it – we all tend to overdo it on the sweets during the holidays. If eating healthier is on your list of New Year's resolutions, then what could be better than getting tickets to Nashville Clean Foodie Fest this January?
Clean Foodie Fest features a collection of healthy and ethical local food vendors, free samples, goodie bags, plus exclusive discounts on healthy food and wellness. Tickets are only $10 online and $15 dollars at the door; kids get in for free!
23. See a movie at The Belcourt Theatre
The cold and dreary January weather can sometimes make you want to curl up into a ball at watch TV all day, but sometimes it can be nice to get out of the house or hotel room. The Belcourt Theatre is the perfect compromise.
Specializing in alternative and international films, you can get in some veg time and not feel guilty about it by enjoying an educational or perspective-building film. Additionally, The Belcourt Theatre also hosts a number of cultural events and lectures.
24. See Ron White on January 26th at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center
The iconic stand-up comedian, Ron White, is coming to The Tennessee Performing Arts Center this January.
Ron White has been performing in the stand-up comedy world for nearly 50 years but is likely best known for the years he spent with the Blue Collar Comedy group. Since then he has performed solo and has been featured in multiple comedy specials. Get tickets soon because they’re going fast!
25. Take a free line dancing lesson at The Wildhorse Saloon
You could warm up your body this January by just sitting at a regular old dive bar, or you could be taking a free line dancing lesson at The Wildhorse Saloon a glamorous downtown saloon on 2nd Ave!
Dancing is an excellent way to stay in shape this winter and these lessons are easy to start as a beginner as well as easy on the wallet. You’ll also have the pleasure of viewing the live band as well as having access to a delicious food and drink menu. Lessons are on rotating times, but generally speaking, you can find a lesson every day.
26. Check out Zoolumination Chinese Festival of Lights until January 7th at the Nashville Zoo
The largest celebration of the Chinese Festival of Lights just happens to take place every year at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Witness the thousands of silk lanterns, breathtaking live acrobatic performances, and unbelievable displays every night, all winter long starting from November until January 7th.
There will be concessions available including hot cocoa and cider (adult versions available) and if you get there early enough, you should still be able to see a few animals awake. Different packages are available, but the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere recommends getting them in advance and not the night of the event. Check out more information on the Nashville Zoo website.
