All the Nashville Food and Drink Events to Know in December

In case a whole slew of light-twinkling holiday-themed pop-ups with flowing mugs of spiked hot cocoa isn’t enough, there are still plenty of food and drink events happening around Nashville during this final month of 2021.

Xiao Bao residency at The Dive Bar and Lounge, within The Dive Bar Motel

All of December, every Thursday through Sunday from 4 to 11 p.m.

Still set to open up the first outpost of their cult-favorite Charleston-based Asian comfort food restaurant Xiao Bao this spring, Duolan Li and Joshua Walker are building excitement by teasing their food around town. They’re settled into the Dickerson Road Dive Motel for the duration of the year offering dishes and cocktails inspired by a seven-month honeymoon where the couple explored flavors from China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Sip on cocktails like the “double dragon,” a Taiwanese brew with a shot of ma la Sichuan-infused gin while waiting for the texturally pleasing fried mochi stuffed with lemongrass pork by the 1970s fireplace, leatherette vintage booths, or perhaps the wood-paneled bar. Other menu offerings include a spicy papaya salad finished with a fried-chicken topper, plus arger dishes like shrimp fried rice, hand-pulled noodles with chili cumin beef and sesame, and Xiao Bao’s signature okonomiyaki, a cabbage pancake that can be served with egg, bacon, pork candy, or katsuo.

Kenect Holiday Market

Saturday, December 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Kenect is hosting its second annual Holiday Market event in the lobby and outside the main entrance for all members of Kenect and the public to shop, sip, and eat from local Nashville vendors. These featured vendors include Music City Vintage, Calligraphy by Barbara, Kendra’s Popcorn, Rock N BoHo, Green Jeans Houseplants, Belle Fleur Pastries, The Chambray Apron, S’more Love food truck, Andi Aesthetics, Smoke & Ginger, and Picnic Tap. Additionally, Nashville’s rising star, Callie McCullough, will be performing live and LetsBoothIt photobooth will be onsite for shoppers to take some fun and creative holiday-inspired photos. Parking will be validated by Kenect for their parking garage.

Saint Stephen Lunch Pop-up and Holiday Market

Saturday, December 4 from noon to 3 p.m.

The Germantown restaurant is hosting a festive pop-up lunch and market on Saturday, December 4. Food options include the highly acclaimed StS cheeseburgers, chicken schnitzel, Corey’s onion rings, hand cut fries, and a must-try “Kit Kat bar” dessert. Holiday market vendors include Bindigo Jewelry, Bits N’ Pieces, Christopher Hartley Candles, Chuch + Sophia, Flowerz, Happenstance Whiskey, Nashville Soap Collection, Shop Junk Gold, Switters, and more.

The Winter Warmer presented by M.L.Rose Craft Beer And Burgers

Saturday, December 4

The Winter Warmer presented by M.L.Rose Craft Beer And Burgers returns to its original home of Sevier Park in 12 South on December 4, 2021. The Winter Warmer features 35-plus breweries offering up some of the rarest and most interesting stouts, porters, barley wines, and barrel-aged beers (dark and sour). For 2021, capacity is limited to just 750 people, so do not delay, and all people attending must be vaccinated or have proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Lunch with Les Dames, featuring Chef Jeremy Sewall and Erin Byers Murray

Tue, Dec 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join the authors of The Row 34 Cookbook at Margot Cafe & Bar for conversation and a three-course meal inspired by The Row 34 Cookbook, prepared by Chef Margot McCormack and her team. The event ticket includes a seat for lunch, wine pairings, and a copy of The Row 34 Cookbook. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com.

Amerigo Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner

December 7 and 8

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration — a feast that typically consists of seven different seafood dishes; it originates from Southern Italy, where it is known as The Vigil (La Vigilia). On December 7 and 8, chef Steven Robilio will host a seven-course dinner at each location with wine and cocktail pairings alongside each course for $85 per person. This year’s family-style menu includes fluke with Szechuan peppercorn vinaigrette, hay-roasted oysters with bacon and garlic butter, and Arctic char over red wine truffle risotto with sauce beurre rouge.

The cost is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

December 7 at 6 p.m. West End | Call 615-320-1740 to book
December 8 at 6 p.m. Cool Springs | Call 615-377-7070 to book

GaGa’s Grandma Pies to-go pop-up at Stay Golden

Saturday, December 11

Gregory Gillaspie’s small-batch craft pizza pop-up returns on Saturday, December 11 at Sidco Drive’s Stay Golden. Preorder whole pies or walk up for pizza by the slice. This pop-up is to-go only.