Happy Friday, Nashville. In today’s edition: Later high school start times, Nashville’s Nutcracker, Showboat Holiday Cruises, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Traffic flow upgrade begins: NDOT has activated smart traffic signals on Lebanon Road to the Wilson County line, the corridor’s first with the tech, and a central command center coming soon — learn what’s changing on Lebanon Road.

Debate over bell schedules: After a survey of 16,000 showed 67% favor later high school start times, Metro Nashville Public Schools plans outreach and research, with final recommendation to the board on January 27 — see what’s planned next.

Housing debate heats up: Nashville has adopted zoning changes to diversify housing, expanding DADUs and adding new districts for middle housing, while proposals on height limits, duplex approvals, and affordability incentives remain pending — see what’s approved and proposed.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Support Cosecha at family fundraiser
• Gather for coffee, community, and giving
• Nashville’s Nutcracker dazzles with live symphony
• Ride to support Wags and Walks
• Snap free Santa photos at Nashville Yards
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Curbside confusion spurs action: South Nashville’s new street sweeping pilot has left drivers guessing when to move their cars. Councilmember Terry Vo is working with NDOT to add more permanent, visible signs beyond spots like Claiborne Street. Warnings are issued during the pilot, but tickets or towing could come when the program expands in the new year. Get all the details.

Beloved Houston crêpe spot: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café arrives at Nashville Yards on December 22, bringing sweet and savory crêpes, omelets, waffles, and more to The Pinnacle. It’s the brand’s first Tennessee location, open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (later on concert nights). Operated by Virentes Hospitality, it’s part of a larger multi-market expansion. See opening details and hours.

Hair panic, solved: From Elliston to Green Hills to Brentwood, Element Salon delivers balayage, lived-in layers, and extensions, the antidotes to grown-out color and bang regret. The vibe stays low-key, the consultation honest, and the finish consistently ‘oh, that’s better’… even weeks later.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🩰 Nashville’s Nutcracker @ Tennessee Performing Arts Center | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Whether you can hum the Sugar Plum solo or just want holiday magic without the mall Santa, Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker delivers. Emmy-winning production, Paul Vasterling’s choreography, live Nashville Symphony, stunning sets, glittering Music City nostalgia, and a Mouse King who means business.

🦅 The Eaglemaniacs @ 3rd and Lindsley | Friday (12/12) at 8:00pm – Think you know every harmony on Hotel California? This tribute brings the Eagles and Don Henley to life with Nashville session pros, tight vocals, and all the guitar shimmer you remember from the car stereo. No cheesy wigs, just great songs, nostalgia, and goosebumps.

This weekend

☕ Coffee & Craft Journaling Meetup @ Creative Corner | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Kick off your weekend with caffeine, creativity, and good company. Bring your journal, sketchbook, or whatever project is calling your name, and enjoy a laid-back morning surrounded by fellow makers. Your $5 seat deposit flips into store credit, so think of it as a preloaded excuse to treat yourself.

🧸 Teddy Bear Tea @ Four Seasons Hotel Nashville | Saturday (12/13) at 11:30am – Need a break from elf-on-the-shelf gymnastics? Teddy Bear Tea brings families a festive lunch with tea and hot chocolate, cookie decorating, seasonal entertainment, and lobby photos with Santa, plus you can bring a toy to benefit Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

🍪 Gingerbread House Decorating @ Grand Hyatt Nashville | Saturday (12/13) at 3:00pm – Play architect at The Nashville Grange, where $45 gingerbread kits serve up to four and include a handcrafted house by their pastry team, four gingerbread men, and all the fixings. Decorate, enter the contest for a Grand Hyatt staycation, or take it home, Santa included.

🎄 Christmas Celebration @ The Fisher Center | Sunday (12/14) at 7:00pm – This holiday concert trades mall-speaker carols for goosebump harmonies from Music City Chorus, with Grammy-winning Avi Kaplan, plus Full Effect and Daily Special. It’s the kind of night that restores your seasonal spirit, keeps the in-laws impressed, and gets you home humming, not harried.

🎺 Holiday Brass Spectacular @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Sunday (12/14) at 7:30pm – An evening at the Schermerhorn with Nashville Symphony brass, percussion, and the mighty organ means holiday cheer with real polish. Expect Nutcracker Suite, March of the Toys, Joy to the World, and Sleigh Ride. Like a tree lighting, only brighter, in tune, and with seats.

📻 WMOT Roots Radio Benefit @ The Basement East | Sunday (12/14) at 8:00pm – Roots lovers, this one is for the lifers. King Corduroy is wrangling a WMOT Roots Radio benefit at The Basement East with Maggie Rose, Elizabeth Cook, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Chuck Mead, and more. Expect tight tunes, loose wallets, and a very civilized, grownups-only night.

Next week

✨ Zoolumination @ Nashville Zoo | Monday (12/15) at 5:00pm – After dark at Nashville Zoo is soothing when 1,000 glowing silk creatures steal the show while the real ones nap. Wander the lanterns, skate the Smashville rink, and hit the North Pole Village for festive treats, Santa, and the North Pole Express.

🚢 Showboat Holiday Cruises @ General Jackson Showboat | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – General Jackson is decking the decks and cruising the Cumberland with holiday tunes, a proper lunch or dinner, and those smug skyline views. It’s peak Nashville nostalgia, perfect for playing tourist with your spouse, the kids, or the whole office, no ride-share drama.

🎤 An Intimate Evening with Sheryl Crow @ Woolworth Theatre | Tuesday (12/16) at 7:30pm – Take a break from Broadway chaos and settle in for an intimate acoustic night with Sheryl Crow at Woolworth Theatre, benefitting Love Now. Expect stripped-down songs, a room that actually listens, and support for local schools and kids who slip through the cracks.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Opry 100 @ Grand Ole Opry – 7 pm
• 12/13 Christmas with Julie Roberts @ Chief’s – 8 pm
• 12/14 Bluegrass Jam @ Station Inn – 7 pm
• 12/15 Giovanni Rodriguez @ Rudy’s Jazz Room – 9 pm
• 12/16 Naughty Input @ Tin Roof – 6:30 pm
• 12/17 Troy Brooks @ Tin Roof – 2:30 pm
• 12/18 Electric Guitar Sound Bath @ Drift Nashville – 6 pm
• 12/19 Paramore Night @ Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club – 6 pm
• 12/20 Amy Grant & Vince Gill – @ Ryman Auditorium – 7:30 pm
• 12/21 A Jazzy Christmas on the Cumberland @ General Jackson Showboat – 5 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Nashville edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Steve Frye (simpliHOM)

On Douglas Ave in East Nashville, this 4-bed, 3.5-bath, 2,723 square foot home delivers modern polish with character. A sleek kitchen shows off custom built-ins and serious storage. Two en-suite bedrooms allow a main level or upstairs primary, and open living zones flex for a rec room, play space, or media lounge.

Landscaped and fenced front yard adds separation, and the elevated backyard with a retaining wall boosts privacy. One block to Tower Deli, The Wash, and SureFire Coffee, near the new Douglas and Gallatin mixed-use hub. Classic craftsman lines, modern updates, priority zoned for Lockeland and Rosebank.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →