Clarksville’s quaint charm transforms into a Hallmark-worthy wonderland during the holidays. Lights are displayed along the river and historic streetscapes, illuminating the city with a magical glow that brightens the spirit of the young and not-so-young alike. If you’re searching for family-friendly holiday activities in Clarksville to capture the magic, we’ve got you covered!
Christmas on the Cumberland | Nov 22 – Jan 3
Step into a winter wonderland along the scenic Riverwalk, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and beloved holiday traditions come alive November 22 – January 2. Opening day, Saturday, November 22, features a Holiday Market from 2-8 p.m., live music, photos with Santa, and a dazzling drone show to kick off the season in style.
This festive addition celebrates the city’s rich diversity with a mix of global traditions, music, and plenty of food. At 6:00 p.m. a Christmas-themed drone show will deliver a 15-minute performance featuring 200 drones synchronized to create holiday images in the night sky. The drone display will span 600 feet wide and up to 300 feet in height.
Winterglow: A Baroque Celebration | Nov 23
Join us for a cherished annual tradition as the Gateway Chamber Orchestra welcomes the holiday season with Winterglow – A Baroque Celebration. This festive concert brings together the talents of the Gateway Chorale, the Clarksville Children’s Choir, and Madison Street United Methodist Church for an unforgettable evening of music and joy.
Drive Thru Lights at the Clarksville Speedway | Nov 25 – Jan 04
Cold got you down? Load up your vehicle for Drive Thru Christmas Lights at the Clarksville Speedway. The converted one-mile track showcases dozens of impressive light displays from the comfort of your car. Once you’ve entered, you can drive around the track as many times as you’d like.
Clarksville Christmas Market | Nov 28
Kick off your holiday shopping early while supporting incredible handmade and handpicked vendors. Make Black Friday and Small Business Saturday stress-free by shopping local—all in one festive spot! Enjoy delicious food, sip your favorite warm drink as you browse, and don’t miss your chance to snap a Christmas card photo with Santa. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland | Nov 28
This holiday season, experience the magic of cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment
Winterfest at Erin’s Farm | Nov 29
Enjoy outdoor games, free crafts for the kids from Arts for Hearts, food trucks, and old-fashioned family fun. Plus, you can pick and cut your own farm-fresh Christmas tree.
Noel Night | Dec 5
Noel Night at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is an open-house event with unique gifts and special discounts in the Seasons gift shop, free gift wrapping, food, live music, model trains, crafts and a special guest from the North Pole.
The HapPeay Holidays Showcase | Dec 5
Join the Music Department in a family-friendly celebration of the season! Wear your ugly sweater, Christmas PJs, elf hat, or strand of lights and sing along with us to your favorite holiday classics.
SpiritFest 2025 | Dec 6
Spiritfest 2025 is happening Saturday, December 6 from 2–4:30 PM in downtown Clarksville! Enjoy live music, Santa, kids’ activities, and food trucks at the Downtown Commons. Warm up with cookies and cocoa at Trinity’s Parish Hall, and join the live nativity at First Presbyterian Chapel. The evening wraps up with the Christmas Tree lighting by Mayor Wes Golden at 4:30 PM!
Lighted Christmas Parade | Dec 6
Following Spiritfest around 5 PM, the Clarksville Lighted Christmas Parade will make its way through Downtown Clarksville. Don't miss this spectacular afternoon to kick off the Christmas season!
Holiday Film Series | Dec 7,14,21
Enjoy classic holiday movies for just $5 on Sundays at 6 PM, Dec 7 through Dec. 21. Titles include How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday, and The Polar Express. Tickets can be reserved online, by phone, or at the box office, with concessions available.
Pioneer Christmas Parade | Dec 13
Our second annual free Pioneer Christmas Parade at Historic Collinsville will be a time of fun, food, and fellowship as community members gather together to bring awareness to local businesses and our local history. Participants will parade around the settlement at Noon! Spectators may bring a chair or quilt to sit on while observing the parade or watch from the comfort of their vehicle! Come and support the participants and enjoy seeing the creativity of the entries along with Santa!
A 19th Century Christmas | Dec 13
Breathe in the rich aroma of holiday spices, listen to the cheerful strains of carols, and step back into the spirit of the season—1860s style! Join us at Fort Defiance for Christmas in Occupied Clarksville, an afternoon of Civil War–era festivities filled with music, games, refreshments, and authentic holiday traditions.
Homegrown Holidays: Clarksville's Kids in Concert | Dec 14
Join us at Homegrown Holidays, a new Holiday concert that brings together Clarksville's performing arts students with the Gateway Chamber Orchestra for a joyous event of seasonal spirit and community pride. A spotlight on Clarksville’s next generation of performers, this special event features The Nutcracker Suite with dance students from Classic Steps II, a side-by-side performance with the GCO and the Clarksville Youth Orchestra, and an acoustic set by Clarksville’s emerging singer/songwriter Mattie Lyn.
Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night | Dec 22
Join us on December 22 at 6 PM for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, plus live ice sculpting by Joshua Perry from Burgasm during the movie. It's a Christmas classic with a frosty twist!
BONUS: New Year's Eve Party | Dec 31
Ring in 2026 at Montgomery County’s New Year’s Eve Party! Starting at 9 PM on Dec. 31, enjoy live music, dancing, food trucks, a photo booth, a balloon drop, and a midnight surprise. Sponsored by Austin Peay State University, this free event is open to the public—don’t miss it!
Please check out our Holiday Magic page for details to plan a festive and memorable holiday getaway.
