If you thought Nashville’s winter scene peaked with rooftop igloos and holiday lights, think again. This season, Music City is getting its sweetest makeover yet thanks to “Candied Land” — a whimsical holiday takeover at Play Playground, the city’s playful two-storey social game destination just off Broadway. Running now through mid-January, the pop-up blends skyline views, nostalgic sweets, giant games, themed cocktails and a whole lot of childlike joy into one immersive experience that’s begging to be added to your winter getaway list.
Whether you’re a Canadian escaping the cold, a Nashville local looking for your next festive hangout or someone who still believes candy and cocktails belong in the same sentence — “Candied Land” is serving pure, unapologetic fun.
A winter escape with a sweet twist
Play Playground has always leaned into playfulness, but “Candied Land” brings out its most indulgent side yet. Think oversized holiday décor, candy-coloured installations, glowing rooftop domes, winter music, DJs, and interactive team-based challenges that make this spot feel like a grown-up game board brought to life.
Families (13+ during the day), date-night duos, friend groups and the 21+ nighttime crowd can all tap into the experience — and yes, it’s just as chaotic and addictive as it sounds.
CEO and co-founder Jennifer Worthington sums it up perfectly:
“Everything we create is about shared experiences — it’s about giving people space to laugh, move, compete a little and remember what it feels like to play without overthinking it.”
In other words: bring your inner child, but dress it up for cocktails.
The cocktails: dessert, nostalgia and holiday spirit in a glass
Here’s where WanderEater readers will want to lean in. The “Candied Land” drink lineup essentially takes your childhood candy memories and spikes them — elegantly, of course.
Chocolate Mountain Martini
Peanut butter tequila, espresso liqueur, mocha, whipped cream, Reese’s
A boozy love letter to the chocolate–peanut butter combo classics. Dessert martini energy with a grown-up twist.
Lost in Peppermint Forest
Peppermint schnapps, coconut milk, peppermint
A frosty, Arctic-white sip that tastes like a holiday snow globe in cocktail form.
How You Like Them Candy Apples?
Angry Orchard, Fireball, apple cider, grenadine, caramel, apple chips
Sparkling, spicy, sticky-sweet — like sipping a winter carnival through a straw.
The Great Lollipop Adventure
Vodka, watermelon pucker, watermelon purée, lemon, Ring Pop
Playful, pink and fully Instagrammable. A cocktail-meets-candy-store moment.
King Cotton Candy Mocktail
Sour, blueberry syrup, Sprite, cotton candy
A non-alcoholic option that still hits the candy fantasy — complete with that theatrical cotton candy melt.
Naughty or Nice Winter White Buckets
For those who like a holiday choose-your-own-adventure:
- Naughty: winter ales and a cold brew stout
- Nice: crisp, seltzer-fuelled easy drinkers
Everything here leans festive, shareable and fun.
Games, igloos, DJs — and rooftop skyline views
Beyond the drinks, “Candied Land” fully commits to the theme. Expect:
- Large-scale physical games you can actually play
- Festive rooftop igloo lounges overlooking the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium
- Interactive, candy-inspired installations
- High-energy DJs and seasonal music
- Daytime family-friendly vibes and nighttime party mode
It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, shout-laugh with strangers during a challenge, and leave buzzing with the kind of lightness that only a nostalgia-infused holiday experience can deliver.
Why Nashville’s newest pop-up is worth the trip
For Canadians in particular, Nashville has long been a go-to winter escape thanks to its food scene, walkable entertainment district, live music and rooftop culture. But add a candy-coated holiday playground with skyline cocktails into the mix, and you’re looking at a winter diversion that’s as flavourful as it is fun.
“Candied Land” isn’t simply a themed event — it’s an entire mood. A colourful reset button. A place to feel ridiculous, free and festive all at once. And honestly? There’s no better way to warm up a winter getaway than that.
