Top Nashville Experiences to Give as Holiday Gifts

Finding the perfect gift can be a significant stressor for many during the holidays. With the overwhelming number of options presented to us online and in stores, it can be daunting to even embark on an extensive search for just that right item for each person on your list. So, instead of deciding between a new robe or frying pan this year, why not give the gift of an experience?

Gifting experiences has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. In fact, a study done by GetYourGuide reported that 92% of Americans preferred receiving experiences over physical gifts in 2023. Giving the gift of an experience in lieu of a material item can even enhance your relationships, according to Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, as it strengthens your bond with the recipient. 

When it comes to finding standout experiences for your loved ones, what better place to find them than in Nashville? Music City offers an incredible array of dining options, musical venues, events, and activities to choose from—there’s surely something for everyone! Read on to see how you can give the gift of a memorable experience located in Nashville this holiday season.

Music & Entertainment

Discover firsthand how Nashville got its fitting nickname. Here are a few first-rate entertainment opportunities featured in Music City. 

Tickets to the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most iconic venues in the United States. If you have a music lover in your life, concert tickets are a great way to show them that you care. Ticket prices can vary based on the artist, so be sure to purchase in advance. Tours are also available, to coincide with when the giftee will be in town.

Line Dancing Class

Line dancing is a staple activity in Nashville. If you have a friend or family member who’s not shy of the dance floor, why not gift a line dancing class from Stompin Grounds or Turn Their Heads. Dressing the part is half the fun! This is a great option if you’re looking to gift a group activity or a family event.

Bar Crawl or Pedal Bike Tour

Turn downtown’s world-famous Broadway into a present with a pedal bike tour or a gift card for a bar crawl. This is another great group gift idea and an ultra-fun way to experience up close and personal Nashville’s live music scene during the day and vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down.

Culinary Experiences

There’s no doubt about it: Nashville is a bona fide foodie haven, offering an abundance of dining and culinary experiences.

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes make for the ideal interactive gift for anyone looking to level up their kitchen skills or just engage in a hands-on culinary activity. If you’ve got a food lover in your life (and who isn’t a food lover?), places like The Chef & I and Kitchen Social are just two options for purchasing classes, gift cards, or booking private events. 

Restaurant Gift Cards

The restaurant scene is downright happening in Nashville. Gifting a gift card to a loved one’s favorite establishment is a wonderfully thoughtful way to personalize their gift, or you can introduce them to somewhere new based on the types and styles of food they favor. 

If you’re not sure where to start, The Pharmacy Burger is always a sure bet, serving legendary burgers and handcrafted brews and sodas inside or out, in its renowned beer garden. Leaning toward classic Nashville BBQ instead? Peg Leg Porker is ranked among the best in the South and will surely please any connoisseur of Southern comfort food. These celebrated eateries embody Nashville hospitality and, most importantly, serve delicious food. 

Food Tours

For the ultimate foodie gift, consider a Nashville food tour. This allows the giftee to explore the dynamic food culture of such a diverse town and sample fantastic food from all over the city. Some tour providers include Walk Eat Nashville, A Little Local Flavor, and Sidewalk Food Tours.

Whiskey or Wine Tastings

For whiskey or wine aficionados or amateurs alike, a tour of a distillery or vineyard is a gift worth toasting to. Nelson’s Green Brier is one of Nashville’s longest-standing distilleries and offers daily tours, private events, and cocktail and whiskey tastings. If vino is preferred, Arrington Vineyards is a prime location to experience Nashville’s wine country.

Unique Experiences

If none of the above has struck your fancy yet, here are some other ideas for themed activities that make for thoughtful, intentional gifts. 

Puttshack

Puttshack Nashville is the ultimate destination for an epic mini golf experience like no other. This tech-infused version of the classic game can be enjoyed by young and old, couples and groups, individuals and families. Whether it’s a date night or a girls night out, anyone would have a blast in this upscale, dynamic, multisensory environment featuring globally inspired bites and an extensive list of signature cocktails. Check the website for dates featuring live entertainment.

Spa Day

We all have someone in our lives who deserves the gift of relaxation, right? A gift card to one of Nashville’s many spas will certainly be appreciated. Be the first in line at the soon-to-open luxury boutique spa TIBA, where your loved one can be pampered with any number of menu options or a custom treatment package you assemble for them.

Painting or Pottery Classes

Particularly apropos for the creative in your life, a painting or pottery class offers an interesting and immersive experience for all. Businesses like Nashville Pottery, Art Urban, and Painting with a Twist are all solid choices for purchasing single or multiple sessions that the recipient can enjoy in like-minded company. 

Whether you gift concert tickets, a cooking class, or even a trip to Nashville, you’ll be giving a gift that will be remembered for years to come. So skip the lines at the mall this year to pick up yet another pair of gloves or slippers and make the holiday season a little more joyful, inventive, and driven by your love for others with a special experience picked out just for that special someone!