Newly Reopened Gaylord Opryland Presents The "A Country Christmas" Annual Lighting Ceremony

This is Opryland's BIGGEST Lighting Ceremony EVER!

Nashville, Tenn.—( November 17, 2010 )  **Media Advisory**Media Advisory**Media Advisory**
Issued November 17, 2010

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. Media should arrive for pre-arranged interviews around 5:00pm for those interviews with Gaylord Entertainment CEO Colin Reed and Gaylord Opryland GM Pete Weien.  Interviews end at 5:30 so you can move back to set up for 6:00pm sharp start of show.

General public should arrive at 5:30pm for preshow.  Show starts at 6pm sharp. 

WHAT:  The much-anticipated, always beloved, and this year, extra special, Annual "A Country Christmas" Lighting Ceremony at Gaylord Opryland Resort.  This is the official start of Christmas for Nashville (and for many in this part of the country).  Gaylord Opryland reopened Monday after the devastating Nashville flood of May 2/3, 2010 and the world will be watching this celebration of joy and Christmas majesty as more than 2 million lights are illuminated with more fanfare than EVER!  Many people are expected to attend this year's "A Country Christmas" Lighting Ceremony and this will be an incredible photo opportunity as the crowd will be involved in the show in some way with lights … and the weather will be beautiful.  DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.

WHO:  CEO Colin V. Reed, Mayor Karl Dean, Opryland GM Pete Weien, will say a couple of words of thanks to the community then introduce a HUGE cast of colorful Christmas characters who will sing and dance and share their love of Christmas and light up the surroundings … the hotel, the trees and the sky with CHRISTMAS! 

WHERE: The Lighting Ceremony takes place in front of the Magnolia entrance.  You can't miss it, we've been building the huge stage all week! 

PARKING:  General public has FREE PARKING at Two Rivers Baptist Church. Gaylord Opryland will provide free shuttles to and from the resort until 11pm so guests can enjoy the lights and hotel after the show.  Arrive early!!!

Media: call ahead to arrange credential, interview times and reserve space for vehicles & cameras.

WHY: A Country Christmas offers the most visual and exciting holiday entertainment, décor and food in America. Called one of the "Ten Great Places to Catch up with Santa" by USA Today; hailed as "The Most Christmassy Hotel in the Nation" by the Travel Channel's Extreme Christmas; the Christmas experience at Gaylord Opryland is unparalleled. More information about A Country Christmas is available at www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com or call 1-888-999-OPRY (6779). Also www.gaylordopryland.com/mediaroom.

Media contacts:
Jenny Barker
JBarker@gaylordhotels.com

Amy A. Atkinson
aatkinson@gaylordhotels.com