Tennessee Residence 2025 Christmas Tours: "Light of the World"

Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas at the Tennessee Residence. The Tennessee Residence will be decorated for Christmas and open for public tours on Friday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14.

The theme for the Christmas décor at the Tennessee Residence this year, “Light of the World,” welcomes all who enter Tennessee’s Home to behold the glory of the Son of God and reflect His warm, sacred light. Rooted in Tennessee’s deep spiritual heritage and Southern hospitality, this theme weaves together symbols of nature and Scripture, tradition, and truth. Every detail points to the majesty of Jesus - both humble and holy, both Savior and King.

Families, individuals, and groups are welcome to register for a tour of Tennessee's home which is sure to bring all the delight and merriment of the holiday season.

Self-guided tours are available during the dates and times indicated on the event sign up page. Tour reservations are required.

When booking your Tennessee Residence tour, each guest name MUST be listed due to security requirements.

For more information, please see below or visit www.tn.gov/residence.

Questions? Contact the Tennessee Residence at [email protected] or 615-399-4254.

Governor and First Lady Lee are continuing their beloved Christmas tradition of inviting guests to bring requested items in support of nonprofits across the state.

The First Lady’s initiative, Tennessee Serves, works to mobilize Tennesseans to serve their neighbors and highlight nonprofits doing transformative work across the state. In partnership with Tennessee Serves, the Governor and First Lady invite guests to participate in giving back during the holiday season by bringing requested items to support the work of five nonprofits across the state. The five nonprofits serve diverse groups of Tennesseans and represent each Grand Division.

Guests are encouraged to bring items to donate from the nonprofits' lists provided below. Donated items will be collected at the start of each tour and placed under Christmas trees in Conservation Hall that have been decorated to represent each nonprofit.

Donations are NOT required to attend. Items should be new (or gently used where specified). Items should NOT be gift-wrapped.

Cash donations CANNOT be accepted onsite at the Tennessee Residence; however, online donation links for each nonprofit are provided below and onsite at the Christmas tours.

Collected items will benefit and provide hope to child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse in West Tennessee.

• Gift cards ($25 or $50 to Kroger, Walmart, Family Dollar, or Dollar General)
• NEW, colorful teddy bears (at least 14 inches tall)
• Bottled water (8oz and 16.9 oz)
• Individually wrapped chips
• Clorox wipes
• Kleenex

Donate online to Memphis Child Advocacy Center

Memphis Child Advocacy Center Amazon Wishlist

Collected items will provide needed resources to individuals and families in Northwest Tennessee experiencing extreme poverty.

• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fruit & Canned Vegetables
• Pasta
• Canned Ready-to-Eat Meals (Ex: Ravioli, Chili, Spaghetti O’s)
• Soup
• Canned Meat
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels

Donate online to Reelfoot Rural Ministries

Collected items will provide supplemental nourishment to children whose families face food insecurity in Middle Tennessee.

• Milk: Shelf Stable 8oz Carton
• Cereal: Individual box or bowls 1oz
• Canned Meals: Individual heat and eat cans 7.5oz (Ex: chef Boyardee, spaghetti O’s, Annie’s) -- No Vienna sausage cans please
• Mac & Cheese Single serving size 2.15oz-2.5oz
• Ramen: Single serving bag --No ramen cups please, as they get damaged in transit to schools or homes
• Squeezable Fruit: pocket or pouch 3.2oz --No fruit cups please, as they spill and damage other items
• Juice boxes Shelf Stable 6.75oz cartons or pouches
• Granola bars: Single Serving size
• Fruit snacks Single serving size 0.8oz packets
• Special K Pastry Crisps Single serving size 0.88 oz 2 bar pouches
• Goldfish Crackers Single serving size 1.25 oz packets

Donate online to Graceworks Ministries

Collected items will meet basic needs of mothers and families across East Tennessee.

• Infant pacifiers
• Baby wipes
• Diapers size 7 and 8
• Baby shampoo
• Baby muslin blankets
• Baby-proofing items
• Newborn onesies
• Children’s board books

Donate online to Helping Mamas Knoxville

Collected items will benefit children and teens in respite care in Cumberland County and surrounding counties.

• Drawing paper
• Canvases (small to medium size)
• Small LEGO building sets
• Bracelet Making kits
• 2-3oz Hygiene Travel bottles
• Fleece Throw Blankets
• Underwear all sizes from 2t to Adult X-large (for Children & Teens)
• PJ sets for size 2t to 12-14 (Toddler and Youth)
• Adult Women’s/Men’s Sweatpants Size S, M, L, and XL
• Adult Women’s/Men’s T-shirts S, M, L, and XL

Donate online to Cumberland Children’s Center

Check-in and parking information will be provided in a confirmation email upon securing a tour reservation.

**TENNESSEE RESIDENCE POLICIES**

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at ALL times.

• Food, drinks and chewing gum are not allowed in the Tennessee Residence.

• Large bags or backpacks, video recorders, aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices or knives of any size are prohibited from the Tennessee Residence.

• Small personal items such as purses and camera bags are allowed and are subject to search at all times.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Tennessee Residence, 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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