A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Opryland's Big, Big Christmas" is from the December 2007 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center does Christmas big. Nothing at this resort is small, including their rates. Holiday vacation packages that come with event tickets range from $326 per person for two nights to $487 per person for three nights. We know it's a splurge, but you'll get the most for your dollar this month, when Tennessee's largest hotel hosts its 24th annual holiday festival, "A Country Christmas." Anything that doesn't sneeze gets covered with lights, poinsettias, and red bows. Festivities wait around every corner, with options for every budget.

Lights, Santa, Action: Free
Opryland's gardeners start stringing twinkling lights in July. That's how long it takes to make sure the 2 million bulbs look perfect. The result is a glittering wonderland where you can stroll, take your family Christmas-card photo, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride ($10 per adult, $5 per child). Inside, admire 15,000 poinsettias, a Paul Bunyan-size Christmas tree, and more lights.

Explore the Ice: $12-$21
If you didn't pack your winter coat, fret not. They'll loan you one when you visit "ICE!" a frozen play based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Chinese artists have carved the Grinch's mountaintop lair and a Who-ville out of 1.5 million pounds of ice. You can zip down a 20-foot ice slide or pose for a photo in this frosty tribute to the Dr. Seuss classic.

Dinner With Pam Tillis: $58 adults, $24 ages 4-11
Between songs, country star Pam Tillis sums up the spirit of a Southern-style Christmas: "If you can't fry it, paint it gold." She'll have you singing along between bites of stuffing during her hearty, family style dinner show. We'll bet she leaves Santa biscuits and gravy instead of milk and cookies.

See the Rockettes: $29-$75
Radio City Christmas Spectacular comes to Nashville. This nearly 100-member Broadway troupe will dazzle you with high kicks and mesmerizing precision. During the famous "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," the dancers seem to merge together into a single unit.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center:
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214; www.gaylordopryland.com or [615] 889-1000. "A Country Christmas" tickets are available at www.gaylordopryland.com or 1-888-999-6779. Editor's tip: This is a busy time at Opryland, so be sure to call ahead and verify that shows will be running during the time you plan to visit.