10 Things to Do in Nashville in November
Many people wait until the penultimate month of the year for logistics or economy. If that's you, read on for the best things to do in Nashville this time of year.
Nashville is the capital of the state of Tennessee and in the USA it is known as Music City because some musical genres such as Country or Rock'n'Roll have a lot to do with the history of this community. In particular, during the month of November, several very entertaining events take place.
I invite you to follow the recommendations of plans and activities that I have compiled. I assure you that regardless of your tastes, they are the best things to do during the month of November.
1. Enjoy a cruise in Nashville
An ideal plan for the month of November in Nashville, when temperatures are still not too cold, is to book a cruise on Nashville's Cumberland River. This activity lasts approximately 4 hours and starts at 5.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
During the tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy a menu of southern food and live entertainment.
Plus, it's an activity that suits you, as you'll even be picked up and taken back to your hotel. Don't hesitate, it's a great plan.
2. Enjoy the music in Nashville
The fall season, and specifically November, is a big time for concerts in Nashville. You can book tickets to Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame or you can check out the symphony orchestra's schedule, which is in the middle of the season, so there are usually at least six or seven recitals throughout the month.
The theme of the concerts always varies and all you need to know is that it's going to be a symphony performance. The most common is that there are always at least two performances that focus on contemporary artists. It has practically become a tradition that there is at least one concert during this month dedicated to Frank Sinatra or some other exponent of American music.
As these types of events take place in the evening, you have to keep in mind that you will have the whole day available for other activities. So I can't recommend enough that you take part in some of Nashville's best sightseeing tours, especially those that focus on Downtown. The symphony is based just off Broadway Street and is often a staple stop on the afternoon Nashville sightseeing trolley tour.
3. Party on the streets of Nashville on a tractor
The country character of Tennessee is something you'll notice on many corners of Nashville, despite the fact that it's a modern, cosmopolitan city. As such, touring the city on a tractor can be a very enjoyable activity, and November in particular is an ideal time to do so because it's not yet cold enough to be uncomfortable and the tourist crowds are low.
Keep in mind if you book a Nashville tractor party that it will be an adult-only tour, and that alcohol and music, both country and rock 'n' roll, are the hallmarks of the experience.
In fact, it's one of the best things to do in Nashville at night, because it allows you to take in the beauty of downtown while having fun on a tractor that's conditioned for you to dance your heart out.
4. Take the opportunity to visit the Arrington Vineyard Winery on Thanksgiving.
You can't miss Nashville's surroundings and of course, an ideal visit for the month of November is to Arrington Vineyard. Thanksgiving is celebrated at the end of this month and it's an ideal activity to join in this important American holiday.
I recommend booking in advance if you're interested in visiting this famous winery owned by one of the stars of country music. It's also a good idea to book transportation to and from Arrington Vineyard Winery, as it's not exactly close to downtown Nashville.
5. Check out the Ryman Auditorium during Country Month
For many years, the Grand Ole Opry was based at the Ryman Auditorium, but since they moved, the venue is rarely open to the public. However, during the months of November and December, it comes back to life and it is customary for a series of special concerts to be organised with the aim of celebrating the joy that defines the last months of the year.
If you wish to participate in some of these concerts you should know that it will be a country music event. Also, keep in mind that this is a nighttime event, so Nashville' s best food tours can be a great way to explore the culinary world of downtown Nashville just before the time of this musical event.
However, if you can't get tickets to any of the concerts at the Ryman Auditorium, you can book an audio-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium.
6. Don't miss the Veterans Day Parade
Veterans Day is commemorated on 11 November in the USA to honour all those who have served in the armed forces. As it is such an important date, it is only logical that a parade is organised, which usually takes place on the weekend closest to this day. A free event usually takes place between 11am and 2pm on Nashville's most famous street, Broadway Street.
Typically, everyone attending the event is dressed in the colours of the US flag and other patriotic elements. Note that the parade includes some military personnel, as well as bands and orchestras from the city's schools.
And since you'll be in the city centre, it's a great idea to take advantage of one of the Nashville sightseeing passes to use their discounts to get into some of the area's attractions at a fraction of what you'd normally pay.
7. Visit the Nashville International Auto Show
Auto shows are one of the most typical events in the USA and one of the best opportunities for tourists to see what's new in the American car industry. As Nashville is one of the most visited cities in the United States, it is logical to have this type of event, which is organised in mid-November.
In this event you will have the opportunity to test drive some of the most modern vehicles on the planet and it is a very entertaining activity for the whole family , even for the youngest in the house. In fact, it's one of the best things to do in Nashville with kids, as it can be educational.
Be aware that this is a three-day convention, but two to three hours is more than enough time to visit. Therefore, booking a comedy and musical bus tour of Nashville could be two excellent entertainment alternatives to accompany this event.
8. Attend the CMA Awards
Every year the Bridgestone Arena hosts the most important night for country music in the United States, the CMA Awards, which is the equivalent of the Grammy Awards for this unique genre of music that is so famous in the South and Midwest.
If you're in town and can get tickets you can't miss it, as it's one of the best musical celebrations in all of North America. It's also an excellent opportunity to see one of the biggest sporting venues in the country, the Bridgestone Arena.
The exact date of the event changes every year, although it's always in November. However, you should know that if you are interested in learning more about the history of country music and its cultural importance to Nashville, you can visit one of the best museums in Nashville. Mainly due to the fact that the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as the Musicians Hall of Fame are two places where this musical genre can be heard in the exhibits available.
9. Have fun at the Zoolumination
Zoolumination is an annual event held from November to early January where Chinese artists create dozens of mythological creatures to form light sculptures around the Nashville Zoo.
It is one of the largest Chinese lantern festivals in the country and is not to be missed if you visit Nashville in November. Especially, knowing that this month is the most appropriate month to participate in this activity, as December is the busiest month for tourists.
Keep in mind that this zoo, even during the day, is one of the best things to do in Nashville and is an excellent choice for family entertainment. As well as for a group of adults looking for a quiet, inoffensive activity to bring the party down a notch.
10. Don't miss Christmas Village and Christmas shopping
In many places around the world, Christmas shopping starts as early as November and in Nashville specifically, a special market is held every year to get locals and tourists to start organising their wish lists well in advance. This is called the Christmas Village and is held at the Fairgrounds in mid-November.
A great opportunity for children to have their pictures taken with Father Christmas and get into the Christmas magic in November. Tickets are usually around €10 per person, although children under 10 get in for free and there is usually no additional fee if they want to have their picture taken with Santa.
If you feel you haven't managed to buy the things you're interested in at the end of the fair, you can take a tour of downtown Nashville. Just take one of those golf cart tours for a thoroughly entertaining and quirky shopping experience. Keep in mind that these are some of the best tours in Nashville and are a great way to make the downtown shopping experience more fun and memorable.
11. Visit Gaylord Opryland for an afternoon among the pumpkins or Christmas trees
Without a doubt, the Gaylord Opryland is one of Nashville's top attractions. It is a hotel and convention centre located approximately 14 kilometres from the city centre. November is one of the best months of the year to visit this place because you can find it in two different ways depending on when you arrive:
- If you do it during the first weeks of the month, you will find a completely autumnal decor.
- And from the end of the third week of November onwards, you'll find a completely Christmassy atmosphere. Which is an excellent opportunity for your children to go and take pictures with Santa and enjoy the typical Christmas village decorations.
Temperatures in Nashville in November
The average temperature in Nashville in November is usually around 10°C (50°F). This is due to the fact that the highs don't usually rise above 14° while the lows are usually around 5°.
Nashville's November tourist crowds
November is not a busy month for tourists in Nashville with the exception of the Thanksgiving weekend and the CMA Awards.
Prices in Nashville in November
November is an economical month to visit Nashville, because it is not considered high season for tourists. The only exception is the week of Thanksgiving. However, Black Friday is an excellent opportunity for discounted shopping.
Also, note that no matter what time of year you go, you can book the Nashville Fun Pass to save a few euros.
What to pack for your visit to Nashville in November?
As November is significantly cold in Nashville despite it being autumn, I advise you to bring coats that are also waterproof. Rain is a frequent feature throughout the month.
It's also advisable to wear comfortable shoes and you shouldn't forget a couple of smart clothes in case you have a fancy dinner out on the town.