Plan the Ultimate Date Night (With Kids in Tow!) at Gaylord Opryland and SoundWaves This Christmas

When the holiday season rolls around, date nights take a back seat. Between endless school activities, holiday shopping, and decking the halls, finding time for a romantic evening can feel as elusive as an elf on the shelf. But what if I told you there’s a way to squeeze in a date night and include your kids—without sacrificing the fun, the magic, or your sanity? Enter Gaylord Opryland Resort and SoundWaves—the ultimate holiday destination that will make you wonder why you haven’t been planning your dates this way all along.

Here’s why you should round up your crew, deck the kids out in their cutest Christmas jammies, and head to Gaylord Opryland for a festive family date night you’ll never forget.

1. A Winter Wonderland That’s Straight Out of a Hallmark Movie
   First things first, Gaylord Opryland is the place to soak in Christmas magic. With over 3 million twinkling lights, it’s like stepping into your very own holiday rom-com. Wandering through the stunningly lit gardens hand-in-hand (while your kids marvel at the giant Christmas trees) gives you the best of both worlds: romance and parenting gold stars. Bonus points if you snap a family selfie under the sparkling arches of light to make your friends jealous on Instagram.
2. SoundWaves: Water Park Fun in the Middle of Winter
   No one said your Christmas plans couldn’t include a dose of summer vibes! SoundWaves is an indoor water park that’s as much fun for the grown-ups as it is for the littles. While the kids are busy zooming down the waterslides, you can unwind in the adults-only area pool and refreshing drinks. Nothing says “holiday relaxation” like floating down a lazy river, sipping a cocktail, and hearing your kids shriek with joy (at a reasonable distance).
3. So Much Christmas!! ICE!, featuring Frosty the Snowman 
   Gaylord Opryland isn’t just about lights and water slides. This place is bursting with holiday activities that keep everyone entertained. From ice tubing and gingerbread house decorating to live shows and scavenger hunts, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids busy while you and your partner sneak a few moments of uninterrupted conversation. Yes, that’s still allowed even when you’re with your kids.
4. Dinner, Drinks, and Dessert
   What’s a date night without a great meal? Start the evening with dinner at one of Opryland’s many restaurants, Wasabi is one of our favorites for the view and the food. Indulge in a romantic steak dinner or grab something casual that the whole family will love. And don’t forget dessert—hot cocoa or festive holiday treats are practically a requirement.
5. Make It a Mini Staycation
   Why rush home when you can make a night of it? Book a room at the Gaylord Opryland and enjoy a cozy holiday staycation. After the kids crash from all the excitement, you and your partner can bask in the glow of the lights from the atrium, toasting to the most memorable family date night ever.
6. Memories That Last a Lifetime
   Sure, you could book a sitter and head out for a traditional dinner date, but where’s the magic in that? Gaylord Opryland and SoundWaves offer the perfect mix of together time, kid-approved fun, and just enough grown-up relaxation to remind you why you became a family in the first place.

This Christmas, ditch the sitter, grab the family, and plan a date night like no other. Because the best memories are made when everyone’s invited—and at Gaylord Opryland, there’s room for magic, mischief, and everyone’s holiday cheer.

Pro Tip: Reserve tickets and activities ahead of time. You don’t want to miss out on all the holiday magic—this place fills up faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve!

Check out past Christmas trips to Gaylord Opryland HERE.