It’s that time of year when everyone is in a great mood and on their best behavior. Our hearts are warmed from the magic of the season and of course from Starbucks seasonal drinks. We’ve become enamored with curling up on the couch and watching Christmas movies (I know it can’t just be me).

Early into Anthony and I’s dating relationship he asked me if I’d like to go see Christmas lights. I thought OMG someone that loves Christmas just as much as me. Throughout the years we’ve visited several Nashville staples for viewing Christmas lights. A few years ago we visited Jellystone Park to view the Dancing Lights of Christmas. Another year we went to Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel to walk around and experience their Christmas lights and village.

This week’s edition of Weeknight Date Night was selected by Anthony, and we visited Cheekwood Botanical Garden to view the magic of their holiday lights. We bundled up and set out to experience the one million lights of Cheekwood. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a worker that let us know the various routes as well as all the special things we were going to experience during our one mile journey.

We started the tour by walking through the garden. There’s something about lights that make you have nostalgic moments. We both told stories of past Christmases when we were kids. We ventured through the garden and into Cheekwood’s mansion. As we walked in we were greeted by the beautiful Christmas tree and a stairwell that takes you back to all of your favorite Christmas movies (my all-time favorite is Home Alone). We made a quick stop to listen to the carolers and then into a space where there stood a magnificent poinsettia tree. While viewing the tree we met a couple with three small children. We chatted with them for a bit, took a family picture and of course the night wouldn’t be complete without them asking us if we were going to have children of our own one day.

After leaving the warmth of the mansion we ventured back out into the cold air. We quickly visited the reindeer. Sadly, Rudolph wasn’t available. Up next we visited the Christmas Village. I’m not sure if it was the freezing temperature, the lights or the fact that I’m always performing, but Anthony and I decided to make up several songs and dances while walking through the village. We finished up the tour by visiting the cabin and Santa’s Tree Village.

If you haven’t visited Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights no worries they’ll be on display until January 1^st. Their hours are 5:00pm-10:00pm. The cost is $20 if the tickets are purchased in advance online and $25 at the gate. There’s also a charge of $5 for parking.

Why should you experience Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights?

1. You’re able to view one million lights
2. It’s a great intimate setting for quality time
3. They offer seasonal food and beverages
4. Who doesn’t want to see reindeer
5. You’ll walk away with new memories while telling stories of past Christmases

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite Christmas memories. Every year my grandparents would come over and watch my brother and me open our Christmas gifts. My grandmother would get so much joy out of watching us frantically un-wrapping the gifts. The more she laughed the more dramatic we became. We couldn’t wait to put on a show for her every Christmas morning. She’s no longer with us, but whenever I open Christmas gifts I always think of her.

HutchStew would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa fills your stockings with lots of goodies!