Hendersonville, TN December 2025

Celebrating the Holidays with Love and Joy

“Please, celebrate me home. Play me one more song that I will always remember.”

Kenny Loggins, Bob James

Welcome to December 2025 in the City by the Lake, where it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. For one full month, our community is aglow with twinkling lights and colorful decorations that reflect the feelings of joy and good will shared with friends and family. All across Hendersonville and Sumner County, the air is filled with the sound of children laughing, strands of holiday music and the sweet aromas of holiday feasts.

At Hendersonville Lifestyle, the Christmas holiday season is our favorite time of the year, where every day seems to be filled with excitement and anticipation. It is also a time when we take stock of our blessings as we prepare to tackle the coming new year.

In anticipation of the arrival of Santa and his reindeer, we are excited to bring you the December edition of Hendersonville Lifestyle. Our holiday issue is filled with a lot of great features that are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit and to keep the Grinch away.

So, consider this your invitation to come along with us as we go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, or wherever else our winter journey takes us.

We begin our trek by visiting some of the leaders in our community to find out about their holiday traditions.

Next, we learn about an easy way to bring the spicy holiday scents into our homes this Christmas season.

Continuing, we visit with a local entertaining expert to help us choose a perfect pairing of wines and appetizers for our yuletide celebrations.

After that stop, we take a look at a few quick ideas to help pull off the perfect holiday party.

Rounding the corner, we tell you about some of our favorite Christmas celebrations that will be happening across the community this season.

As we conclude our journey, we bring you a couple of unique cocktail recipes to help you ring in 2026.

Season’s Greetings, my friends,

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rick Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER

@HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE

Locals

city scene

1: The Oak Ridge Boys address a large Memorial Park crowd on Oct. 21. 2: State representatives Garrett and Lamberth greet the Oak Ridge Boys on Oct. 21. 3: The Main Street Bridge was renamed for the Oak Ridge Boys on Oct. 21. 4: Pig Fest 2025 kicked off with Jeff Jarrett's All-Star Super Slam event on Oct. 23. 5: WWE legend Jeff Jarrett greets the crowd at his All-Star Super Slam event. 6: Hendersonville wrestler Colby Cowan heads for the ring at the All-Star Super Slam event. 7: The Oak Ridge Boys were the headliners during the Pig Fest concert on Oct. 24.

8: Duane Allen sings with the Oak Ridge Boys on Oct. 24. 9: Country-pop band Exile performs during the Pig Fest concert on Oct. 24. 10: Eric Blankenship performs during the Pig Fest concert on Oct. 24. 11: An aerial view of the Pig Fest BBQ competition event on Oct. 25. 12: Pig races delighted all ages during the Pig Fest event on Oct. 25. 13: Boys in Black performed during the Heritage Music Series concert at Monthaven on Oct. 30. 14: John Ford Coley performs during the Heritage Music Series concert at Monthaven on Oct. 30.

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Vol State Hosts Annual Giving Day With Lifepoint Health

Volunteer State Community College celebrated “Giving with Purpose” through its annual Giving Day on Nov. 5 and 6, 2025. Vol State Giving Day unites alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the college in a shared mission to support student scholarships and academic programs through eight key partner campaigns. Each campaign focuses on a specific area at Vol State, empowering donors to support the causes that matter most to them.

TriStar Hospitals Named Among Top 50 Best For Surgical Care

Four TriStar Health hospitals have earned national recognition as part of Healthgrades’ 2026 Top 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care. TriStar Hendersonville, TriStar Skyline, TriStar StoneCrest and TriStar Summit medical centers received the honors for their outstanding surgical outcomes and unwavering commitment to patient safety. “This recognition from Healthgrades is a reflection of our mission and commitment to excellence,” said Ajit Singh, MD, chief medical officer of HCA Healthcare’s TriStar Division.

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Jim ‘N Nicks Ribbon Cutting

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6 for Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q at its new location at 264 East Main Street.

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Q & A Holiday Traditions And Memories

More than any other time of the year, the holiday season is a time of reflection. It is the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones to reminisce about Christmases past, while anticipating Christmases to come.

This year, Hendersonville Lifestyle reached out to several local citizens to find out about their holiday traditions and celebrations.

Locals Share Special Moments That Have Defined Their Christmas Celebrations

ARTICLE

AND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY

Desneige Bourret

Grace Place Ministry Executive Director

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEMORY?

“My favorite memories are the ones I’ve made with my children over the years with the traditions I have with them. We take trips to see Christmas lights, eat breakfast casserole on Christmas morning, have prime rib for dinner, and of course, we wear matching pajamas.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

“My favorite tradition is observing Advent – it expresses a reverence for Christ. I also

love putting up my mother’s Christmas village. I adored it growing up, and she gave it to me before she passed away.”

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT THAT YOU EVER GAVE OR RECEIVED?

“One year, I received Pastor John Piper’s special release of his entire collective works, and I cried tears of joy. It was a complete surprise and very thoughtful. Other special gifts would be the little notes or cards I’ve gotten from Grace Place moms and children over the years.”

“My favorite memories are those I’ve made with my children over the years with the traditions I have with them.”

Scott Couch Brenda Payne

WZTV Fox 17

Television News Anchor Community Volunteer

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEMORY?

“My favorite holiday memory is my oldest child’s first Christmas when she was 6 months old.  I remember her lying on the floor under the Christmas tree trying to touch one of the ornaments just out of reach. The image of her innocence and wonder is burned into my memory.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

“My favorite tradition is one my wife Dana created.  On Christmas morning, we gather around the tree in our den, distribute the gifts to each member of the family, and then open them from youngest to oldest.”

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT THAT YOU EVER GAVE OR RECEIVED?

I have had a bicycle pump for decades which I have used to pump up bike tires, basketball balls and car tires, etc.  Last Christmas, my wife got me a battery powered pump that does everything automatically.  I love it, and I use it all the time.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEMORY?

“When I was a child, we always had a cedar tree with bubble lights. My father delighted in finding unusual things to give me and my twin sister. There were always bags of candy, nuts, oranges and apples under the tree. However, there was always one special gift like a pogo stick, a Wheelo, and an electric keyboard.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

“I love decorating five Christmas trees with different themes. The tradition began when I began bringing back ornaments from places to which I had traveled. Over time, I added trees to handle the extra ornaments.”

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT THAT YOU EVER GAVE OR RECEIVED?

“When I was eight, my dad became very sick, and he was unable to work for a while. His coworkers at Aladdin Industries pitched in and made sure that Santa brought a beautiful doll and a bicycle for me and my sister.”

Andy Gilley Jennifer Nichols

Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department Director Circuit Court Judge

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEMORY?

“My most special memories are the annual trips that we would make to our family farm to pick out the Christmas tree for my grandparents’ house. Our entire family was involved, including my cousins, uncles and grandfather.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

“Everyone gathering around the Christmas tree and having fun watching the kids pass out all the presents to the adults.”

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT THAT YOU EVER GAVE OR RECEIVED?

“My (now) wife Janice bought me a custom brick that was engraved with the name ‘Coach Gilley.’ That brick was subsequently placed outside the Atlanta Braves new stadium. Needless to say, that gift made me want to marry her”

“That gift made me want to marry her.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEMORY?

“My most special memory is baking and cooking with my mom, who was an amazing cook. We would cook for days to get ready for happy meals with our large family.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

“My favorite tradition is going to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve, followed by a family dinner at my house. After dinner, we love allowing all the kids to open one gift that evening.”

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT THAT YOU EVER GAVE OR RECEIVED?

“The best gift that I’ve ever ‘witnessed’ was when Santa brought a Saint Bernard puppy to my seven year old daughter. The best gift that I’ve ever received was a handmade quilt last Christmas. My daughter taught herself to quilt, and she made it for me from jeans that had belonged to my dad.”

Winter Simmer

Magic

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN

FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES

Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.

This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.

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CELEBRATING IN STYLE

ENJOY THE TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH WINE AND APPETIZERS

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN BOWLES

After a long year, December has finally arrived, bringing on the culmination of the Christmas holiday season. Throughout the month, there will be parties and revelries all across the community in which friends and family gather together to partake of yuletide festivities. However, successful holiday events do not happen by chance – they require careful planning and preparation. There are many factors

Perfectly paired wines and appetizers can elevate your holiday entertaining.

to consider, including scheduling dates and venues, inviting guests and choosing the perfect combination of appetizers and libations.

While planning holiday merriment can be stressful for party hosts, it does not have to be. Help is available through entertainment professionals who possess considerable expertise in planning all aspects of yuletide celebrations, including selecting the food and drink menu.

In Hendersonville, we are fortunate to have one such expert in Shelly Louallen. Shelly is the Head of Grapes & Gatherings at Bluegrass Beverages, and she has years of experience in helping hosts plan their holiday festivities. Recently, the Hendersonville Lifestyle team reached out to Shelly to get her suggestions about a couple of wines and appetizers that pair together well.

SELECTION ONE: BABURU CREMANT DE LIMOUX - $21.99 – 750 ML

“Every celebration has to have some sort of bubbly,” says Shelly. “The Baburu Cremant de Limoux is a blend of chardonnay and chenin blanc. This wine is a Brut that has lively acidity and a subtle roundness of hazelnut and pastry. It pairs perfectly with chicken, cheese and vegetable trays, as well as desserts.”

SELECTION TWO: CHATEAU GERMAN - $14.99 – 750 ML

“This Chateau German wine has a fulsome black fruit flavor packed with tannins and a spicy, smoky character,” says Shelly. “It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Wine Enthusiast has given the wine a 92% rating, making it a perfect selection to pair with salty meats and aged cheeses, stuffed mushrooms, and bruschetta. Other excellent choices are bacon wrapped blue cheese bites, beef sliders and prosciutto wrapped dates.”

Aubert & Maitheu Baburu pairs well with cheese/veggie trays and desserts.

“Successful holiday events do not happen by chance – they require careful planning and preparation.”

BLUEGRASS BEVERAGES

555 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075

615.824.6600

BluegrassBeverages.com

Chateau German Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux goes well with beef appetizers and hearty greens.

EMBRACE THE SEASON WITH THESE HOLIDAY PARTY TIPS AND TRICKS.

Good Holiday PARTY VIBES

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY KATE LEWIS

Just like that, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. And while you may still be stuffed from all the turkey, it’s time to start planning the ultimate holiday party. I’ve included some tips and tricks to make sure it is the absolute best time for your guests.

01

SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE IS CRUCIAL.

The mood is subjective to the type of party you’re having, though. This could include a tree in the corner, an advent wreath on the table, a menorah on the counter, or other decor aligning with your celebration. Either way, I personally recommend lighting a fire in the fireplace or playing a looping video of one on your television to create a festive and cozy ambiance.

02

HOLIDAY GAMES ACT AS ENGAGING ENTERTAINMENT.

I once played a game where little trinkets from the Dollar Tree were wrapped in a massive ball of plastic wrap, and guests had 30 seconds to unwrap as much as possible before passing it to the next guest, claiming the unwrapped trinkets as their prize. It definitely gets the adrenaline up and provokes quite a few laughs at the random items wrapped inside.

03

Whether a simple apple dip (8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup toffee bits served with apple slices) or a festive drink, such as a cranberry Moscow Mule (2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh cranberries with a sprig of rosemary for garnish), serving holiday-themed food and drinks amplifies the atmosphere.

THE PLAYLIST IS, IN MY OPINION, THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY HOLIDAY PARTY.

04 FOOD AND DRINKS PLAY A MASSIVE ROLE IN THE HOLIDAY PARTY SCENE.

While everyone is mingling, it is crucial to have some festive background noise. And, while the classics are well, classic, here are my go-to, more modern song choices for some great holiday fun!

• “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You)” - by Kelly Clarkson

• “Drummer Boy” - by Justin Bieber

• “Fancy Like Christmas” - by Walker Hayes

• “Hot Chocolate” - by Tom Hanks  (From the Polar Express soundtrack)

• “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries” - by Carly Rae Jepsen

• “Naughty List” - Liam Payne featuring Dixie

• “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas” - by Jeff Foxworthy

• “Stretchy Pants” - by Carrie Underwood

• “Text Me Merry Christmas” - by Straight No Chaser featuring Kristen Bell

• “The Chanukah Song” - by Adam Sandler

Now go create your own, special playlist, pour yourself a mug of eggnog, and dance the night away!

Join the Chamber and Give Your Business the Gift That Gives Back All Year Long.

When you’re not part of your local Chamber of Commerce, you’re missing out on the connectedness that comes with it.

So go ahead, treat yourself to the gift that gives back to you and your business throughout the year. Join us and be a part of something meaningful. Memberships start at $400 for the entire year.

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HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY RICK MURRAY

SUMNER COUNTY IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DECK THE HULLS BOAT PARADE

Dec. 6 – 5:30 p.m.

Drakes Creek

The annual Hendersonville Christmas Boat Parade will take place in Drakes Creek on Dec. 6. Local captains will adorn their vessels with elaborate decorations to compete for cash prizes. The parade will begin at begin at Mallard Point and travel to Sanders Ferry Park before returning.

YULEFEST

Dec 6 – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Historic Maskers Station, Goodlettsville Yulefest kicks off the holiday season with musicians and storytellers in the cabins of Mansker’s Station and in the Bowen House. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of natural decorations, enjoy refreshments, participate in carriage rides, and much more.

CONTINUED >

HENDERSONVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

Dec. 7 – 2:00 p.m.

Main Street

The Hendersonville Christmas Parade will occur on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 7. This year’s parade will feature numerous floats and vehicles matching the theme “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

HENDERSONVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Dec. 7 – 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Park

After the Hendersonville Christmas Parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place near the Rotary Fountain in Memorial Park. The celebration will feature performances by musical artists and special guests, and it will culminate with the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

December 5 through December 31 – Sunset Memorial Park and Various Locations across Hendersonville

Hendersonville is home for some of the most exciting light displays to be found in Middle Tennessee. From Memorial Park to locations across the city, the lights are fun for all ages. The Hendersonville Parks Department will publish a locator map prior the festival.

GALLATIN CHRISTMAS PARADE

Dec. 13 – 12:00 p.m.

Main Street, Gallatin

A much-cherished tradition carries on with the return of the Gallatin Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. Featuring marching bands, clowns, street performers and some of the most elaborate floats in Middle Tennessee.

CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS BUS TOUR

Dec. 15 – 6:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church Hendersonville

The Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Bus Tour returns to Hendersonville’s First Baptist Church on Monday night, Dec. 15. The event will feature a large number of music touring busses on display, hosted by stars in the country music business.

FROSTBITE RACES AND POLAR PLUNGE

Dec. 27 – 8:30 a.m.

Sumner County YMCA

The popular Frostbite races and Polar Plunge returns to the Sumner County YMCA to close out 2025. Featuring 10K, 5K and fun runs, the event will draw hundreds of runners. After the races, brave souls will have the opportunity to plunge into the cold waters of the YMCA’s outdoor pool.

There is no doubt about it – the Christmas holiday season is one of the best times of the year. From the first of December through New Year’s Eve, it is the perfect time to build special memories with friends and family. To everyone’s good fortune, Sumner County is blessed to be home for some of the area’s most popular yuletide festivities. From festive parades on land and water to traditional celebrations at local historic sites, there is always something going on during the holidays all across the community. To help you plan your December calendar, Hendersonville Lifestyle is pleased to tell you about several upcoming celebrations that will you get the most out of Christmas 2025.

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.