🛷 The best local holiday parades

🗳️ Go Vote!

• It’s Election Day for the Tennessee 7th Congressional District! Prominent national political figures held rallies yesterday for both Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps, including President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, Vice President Al Gore, and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. [🔐 The Tennessean]
• While typically a strongly Republican district, political analysts anticipate a close race. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Look up your polling location, and check if you can vote in this election. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. [GoVoteTN]

👋 Celebrating Giving Tuesday in Nashville

To celebrate Giving Tuesday, the City Cast Nashville podcast is joined by nonprofit grocery The Store’s chief executive officer to discuss their mission and soon-to-open second location, plus other great local nonprofits worth supporting today! [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👩🏻‍🏫 The Tunnel Math Isn’t Mathing

The Boring Company claims the Music City Loop will be able to transport 20-30,000 people per hour. But does that math make sense? Nashville Scene’s Betsy Phillips did the calculations for us, and it doesn’t look promising. How does 5,000 Teslas going 60 miles per hour bumper-to-bumper in narrow tunnels sound to you? [Nashville Scene]

♿ How Dismantling the DOE Might Impact Students

Local special education advocates are worried that if the Trump administration dismantles the Department of Education, there will be a lack of accountability to ensure schools follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A July review found gaps in the Tennessee Department of Education’s system that could leave students without resources. [Nashville Banner]

While the Nashville Christmas Parade has been on hiatus since 2019, many local neighborhoods and nearby towns host their own holiday parades. Here are 11 to check out!

Holidays in the Vue

• Dec. 6, 10 a.m.

For the second year in a row, Bellevue is hosting a holiday parade with 60 floats and performers. This parade includes ALL December holidays, like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The parade route runs from Bellevue Middle School to One Bellevue Place.

Christmas Pet Parade

• Dec. 6, Noon

Head to Bell Buckle’s Main Street to watch or participate in a unique holiday parade featuring beloved furry friends. Ribbons will be awarded to the most festive, most unusual, and best-matched pet costume. While a bit of a drive from Nashville, it’s worth visiting Bell Buckle’s numerous weekend holiday events this month, like a quilt walk and free sleigh rides.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

• Dec. 6, 1 p.m.

Following Franklin’s Christmas tree lighting, this parade winds through the city’s historic downtown, and has been a tradition for more than 30 years.

Goodlettsville Christmas Parade

• Dec. 6, 4 p.m.

This parade starts at the Delmas Long Community Center and ends at the Goodlettsville Plaza. This year’s theme is “Grinch Christmas.”

40th Annual Donelson Hermitage Christmas Parade

• Dec. 6, 4 p.m.

This year, Donelson and Hermitage’s annual parade’s theme is “A Grand Ole Christmas,” in celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary. There will be illuminated floats and performers. Beforehand, participate in the 3rd Annual Holiday Hustle 5k.

Parade of Lights

• Dec. 6, 5 p.m.

The 15th annual Parade of Lights begins at La Vergne’s City Hall and ends at Veterans Memorial Park. Stick around after the parade for fireworks, a tree lighting, Christmas carols, ice skating, and more.

Holly Jolly Christmas Parade

• Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

Follow this parade from downtown Hendersonville to Memorial Park, where the town will light its Christmas tree after the parade. There will be more than 50 floats and entertainers.

Smyrna’s 50th Annual Christmas Parade

• Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

This long-running parade starts at the intersection of S. Lowry St. and the corner of Mayfield Dr. and ends at Nolan Dr. Bring canned goods and non-perishable food items for a food drive.