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Something Greater… Rebuilding, Renewal and a Grand Re-Opening

posted by Gaylord Opryland

Friends, neighbors, STARS and guests from around the world welcomed the start of the 27th annual "A Country Christmas" and Grand Reopening Celebration at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on Thursday. Guests came early to claim a spot for the lighting ceremony and were treated to delicious cups of steaming hot cider, coffee and hot chocolate while they waited for the show to begin. 

Nashville Mayor, Karl Dean, and Gaylord Entertainment CEO, Colin Reed, kicked off the ceremony which featured performances from the world-famous Rockettes, Louise Mandrell and more. The ceremony ended in high-style with a parade featuring Santa himself, a fireworks display and the lighting of over two million Christmas lights.

After the Lighting Ceremony, the resort hosted a community benefit concert featuring Trace Adkins and special guest Craig Morgan.  Proceeds of all ticket sales were contributed directly to three nonprofit organizations instrumental in volunteer efforts to clean up and restore Nashville’s neighborhoods after the flood: the Nashville Chapter of the American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Hands On Nashville.

Everything about the newly reopened Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is greater than before including the reopening festivities after a record-breaking flood left much of Nashville underwater. Rather than a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Gaylord Entertainment chose to reopen with an awe-inspiring display of modern dancers on wires over the crowd, indoor fireworks, and spectacular array of pyrotechnics throughout the massive Delta Atrium. The evening was capped by a formal dinner and private concert with country superstar Keith Urban. 

On Saturday, celebrity chef Guy Fieri treated guests to a culinary display and luncheon with a private concert featuring Nashville’s own Sheryl Crow in the evening.

Watch Gaylord Opryland Grand Reopening Ceremony on YouTube

It was truly an amazing experience. Gaylord Opryland Resort managed to celebrate Christmas, reopen its stunning resort while giving back to the community and recognizing it's STARS and others who were instrumental in the return of this grand resort. 

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