Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization explores the franchise’s annual tradition of creating joy, connection, and community impact during the holiday season—from Thanksgiving meals for families in need to Christmas surprises for kids, and New Year’s celebrations that unite fans. These specials aren’t just seasonal gestures; they’re an extension of the Titans’ core mission to serve Tennessee, blending the warmth of the holidays with the team’s “Titan Up” spirit of generosity. For players, staff, and fans alike, these events have become a beloved part of the year, creating memories that go beyond football and strengthen the bond between the organization and the communities it calls home. Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization highlights how these initiatives turn the holidays into a time of hope, bringing people together through shared celebration and service.

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization starts with the team’s flagship Thanksgiving event: “Titans Turkey Drive & Dinner.” Each November, the Titans partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to collect turkeys and non-perishable food items from fans, players, and local businesses—this season alone, they gathered over 3,000 turkeys and 50,000 pounds of sides. The week before Thanksgiving, players and coaches (including Derrick Henry and Mike Vrabel) volunteer at Nissan Stadium to assemble meal kits, often adding handwritten notes of gratitude to each box. On Thanksgiving Eve, the Titans host a free dinner for 500 families from Nashville’s underserved neighborhoods, with players serving food, posing for photos, and even leading a “Turkey Trot” fun run for kids. “Thanksgiving is about gathering, and we want to make sure no family feels left out,” said Titans Community Relations Director Kate Guerra. The event also includes a toy drive, where each child receives a gift to take home. Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization recognizes this turkey drive and dinner as a cornerstone of the team’s holiday giving, turning a day of gratitude into a tangible act of support for those in need.

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization turns to the team’s Christmas highlight: “Titans Christmas Wish.” Launched in 2015, this program grants holiday wishes to 100 children from Tennessee’s foster care system and low-income families, with the help of players and the team’s mascot, T-Rac. Each child submits a wish list (from toys and books to sports equipment), and the Titans partner with local retailers to fulfill every request. In early December, the Titans transform a section of Nissan Stadium into a “Christmas Village,” where kids meet their favorite players—who dress in Santa hats and elf accessories—to receive their gifts. This season, Kevin Byard spent an hour helping a 7-year-old named Mia assemble a dollhouse, while Tyjae Spears played catch with a group of boys who received footballs. The event also includes a visit from Santa Claus (often played by a retired Titans player) and a hot cocoa bar for families. “Seeing the kids’ faces when they get their wish—it’s why we do this,” Byard said. Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization underscores how “Titans Christmas Wish” turns the magic of Christmas into a reality for kids who need it most, using the team’s platform to spread joy.

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization underscores how the Tennessee Titans’ New Year’s Eve “Titans Countdown” event turns a night of celebration into a community-wide party that unites fans of all ages. Held annually at Nashville’s Riverfront Park (steps from Nissan Stadium), the free event features live music from local country artists (this year, rising star Lainey Wilson performed), a giant LED screen showing highlights from the season, and a “Titans Trivia Challenge” with prizes like game tickets and team merchandise. As midnight approaches, players and coaches take the stage to thank fans for their support, often sharing resolutions for the upcoming season. The night ends with a fireworks display synchronized to a mix of Nashville country hits and the Titans’ fight song, “Titans of the South.” This year, over 20,000 fans attended, with many wearing navy blue and gold to create a sea of team colors. The Tennessee Titans’ Countdown isn’t just about ringing in the new year—it’s about celebrating the team’s community and looking forward to the future together. For fans, it’s a chance to connect with fellow supporters and share their excitement for the upcoming season, all while enjoying the energy of downtown Nashville.

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization highlights how the Tennessee Titans’ “Holiday Huddle” brings joy to senior citizens in Tennessee, a group often overlooked during the holiday season. Each December, players and staff visit 10 senior centers across the state (from Memphis to Knoxville), bringing holiday cheer with caroling, hand-delivered blankets and cookies, and hours of conversation. This season, Taylor Lewan spent two hours listening to a 92-year-old veteran named Jim share stories of watching the Oilers (the Titans’ predecessor) play in the 1960s, while Ben Jones helped lead a group of seniors in a rendition of “Jingle Bells.” The Titans also partner with local artisans to create custom “Titans Holiday Kits” for each resident, including a team calendar, a personalized note from a player, and a small potted plant. “Seniors are part of our Titans family too—we want them to feel loved during the holidays,” said Guerra. The Tennessee Titans’ Holiday Huddle has become a favorite among players, many of whom say visiting seniors reminds them of their own grandparents. For the seniors, it’s a chance to relive memories of watching the team and feel connected to the community during a time that can be lonely.

Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization concludes with how the Tennessee Titans’ “Holiday for Heroes” honors military members and their families, blending gratitude with holiday joy. In partnership with the USO, the Titans host a day-long event at Fort Campbell (a U.S. Army post on the Tennessee-Kentucky border) for 500 military families. The day includes a football clinic led by players, a “Santa’s Workshop” where kids can make holiday crafts, and a catered lunch featuring Nashville-style BBQ. The highlight is a “Wish Granting” ceremony, where the Titans fulfill special requests for military kids—this year, they flew in a soldier who was deployed overseas to surprise his family, and gave a 10-year-old named Lucas (whose dad is in the Army) a trip to Disney World. The event ends with players signing autographs and posing for photos with families, many of whom say it’s the highlight of their holiday season. “Military families sacrifice so much for our country—this is our way of saying thank you,” said Titans CEO Amy Adams Strunk. The Tennessee Titans’ Holiday for Heroes embodies the team’s commitment to service, showing that the holidays are about more than gifts—they’re about honoring those who serve and bringing families together. Holiday Specials from Tennessee Titans Organization ends with a clear takeaway: for the Titans, holiday specials aren’t just events—they’re a promise to stand with their community, spread joy to those in need, and celebrate the values that make Tennessee great. These traditions have turned the holidays into a time when the Titans aren’t just a football team—they’re a family.