An East Nashville Holiday, Date by Date

East Nashville's 2026 Christmas events center on two Lockeland Springs evenings: the neighborhood association's tree lighting on Monday, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m., and its Holiday Trolley lights tour on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 6 p.m. Between Nov. 8 and Dec. 22, the calendar also holds Tuesday farmers markets at 5th and Woodland, a hot-chocolate bike ride and two charity 5Ks in Shelby Park and Shelby Bottoms, and holiday shows on Woodland Street, all checked against organizer and venue pages as of Oct. 28, 2026.

The season opens to applause: in the Best of Nashville 2026 Readers' Poll, published Oct. 8, Nashville Scene readers named East Nashville / Five Points the city's Best Neighborhood. Plans change, so confirm each event on its linked official page before you go.

When is the Lockeland Springs tree lighting in 2026?

Christmas Tree Lighting: Monday, Nov. 30

The Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association lights its tree on Monday, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m.; as of Oct. 28 it had posted no location or cost. Last year's lighting was set for Dec. 1 at Bass Park, and a WKRN preview listed s'mores, ornament making, hot chocolate, local performers and the neighborhood's red tomato lit atop the tree. Treat Bass Park as a hint, not a confirmation.

Holiday Trolley lights tour: Thursday, Dec. 17

Seventeen days later, the association's Holiday Trolley runs from 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17. In Lockeland Springs, even the holiday lights face a vote: riders tour the displays together and pick their favorites. No departure point or fare was posted as of Oct. 28. For the houses behind the lights, see the Lockeland Springs guide.

In Lockeland Springs, even the holiday lights face a vote.

Where are the holiday markets in and near East Nashville?

East Nashville Farmers Market: Tuesdays through Dec. 22

The weekly market at 5th and Woodland (511 Woodland St.) runs every Tuesday through Dec. 22, and from Nov. 3 its hours are 3:30 to 6 p.m., per the East Nashville Farmers Market. Nashville Guru lists produce, baked and packaged foods, food trucks and live music, so the Dec. 22 finale makes a good stop for edible gifts.

Porter Flea Holiday Market: Dec. 11–12, Nashville Fairgrounds

The one market here outside East Nashville earns the drive. Porter Flea brings more than 200 vendors indoors at the Nashville Fairgrounds, 320 Wedgewood Ave., with a ticketed preview on Friday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. and the main market on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nashville Guru lists preview tickets at $25, free Saturday entry and $10 cash parking.

What's on at Shelby Park in November and December 2026?

HOT CHOCOLATE the Park: Sunday, Nov. 8

Bike Fun and Friends of Shelby lead a free, all-ages group ride from Cornelia Fort Airpark, 1099 Shadow Lane, from 2 to 4 p.m. Arrive from 1:30 for a bike check; the group rolls at 2:15, then adults and older youth peel off for a guided ride farther along the greenway. Games at the park entrance follow, with hot chocolate and treats. Loaner bikes go first come, first served, and the ride depends on the weather.

Art in the Park: holiday cards Nov. 12, watercolors Dec. 10

The free Art in the Park series from Friends of Shelby and Little Art House Foundation ends its 2026 run with two Thursday classes at the Shelby Park Community Center, 401 S. 20th St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Pop-up Holiday Cards on Nov. 12 and Tape Resist Watercolors on Dec. 10. Classes are for ages 15 and up and capped at 15 students. Walk-ins are welcome; to guarantee a seat, RSVP through the Friends of Shelby class links or call 615-862-8467.

Leave the Leaves Day and the Cornelia Fort Bird Sit: Nov. 14 and 21

On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St., hosts Leave the Leaves Day, a drop-in with crafts on why fireflies, turtles and soil need fallen leaves in winter. Go before you rake. On Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m., the Cornelia Fort Bird Sit settles in beside the wetland at the airpark trailhead to watch for migrating waterfowl; bring a chair and a blanket. Both are open to all ages with no registration, per the Metro Parks fall guide.

The nature center closes for Thanksgiving: Nov. 26–27 on the Metro Parks online calendar, but Nov. 26–28 in the fall guide, so call 615-862-8539 that week. The greenway stays open dawn to dusk.

Full Belly Friends of Shelby 5K: Saturday, Nov. 28

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Full Belly 5K lines up on Lake Sevier's south-side road near the Reflection sculpture: check-in at 7:30 a.m., an all-ages fun run at 8:30 and the 5K at 9. As of Oct. 28, RunSignup lists the 5K at $48.70 with fees through Nov. 27 and the fun run from $13.72; register by Nov. 10 to guarantee a race-day shirt. Proceeds support the park, neighbors in need and Nashville Scout Troop 3.

Rudolph's Red Nose Run: Saturday, Dec. 19

The 45th annual Rudolph's Red Nose Run, a 5K run and walk benefiting NeedLink Nashville, starts at 8 a.m. on the Shelby Park Events Lawn, with packet pickup from 7. On Oct. 28, Race Roster listed entry at $30 plus a processing fee, $39.44 in all, with a price change pending.

Where can you hear live music in East Nashville this season?

The Basement East: Nov. 28 to Dec. 21

After Thanksgiving, the club at 917 Woodland St. leans festive. The Guilty Pleasures 11th Annual Post-Thanksgiving Bash plays Saturday, Nov. 28, at 8 p.m., and Katie Pruitt, with Anthony da Costa and BAERD, follows on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 8. Johny Jackson's Soul Satisfaction brings its Christmas Funktacular on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30, and Melissa Greene and Ryan Greenawalt lead Evergreen Christmas on two nights, Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, both at 7 p.m. Check each show's price and age limit on The Basement East calendar.

The 5 Spot: every week in Five Points

In Five Points, The 5 Spot, 1006 Forrest Ave., keeps a steady week: Blue Monday with The Tiger Beats at 6 p.m., Motown Monday at 9, the Guthrie Trapp Trio on Wednesdays at 6 and Tim Carroll's free Rock'n Roll Happy Hour on Fridays at 6. As of Oct. 28, The 5 Spot had posted its calendar only through Nov. 21, so confirm December there. Tickets carry no service fees, thanks to a system owner Todd Sherwood built himself, the Nashville Scene reported. For dinner first, see where to eat in East Nashville right now.

East Nashville holiday calendar questions