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 23 – Jan 2 

Christmas on the Cumberland is Clarksville’s most popular and treasured seasonal tradition. Over one million lights in dazzling displays illuminate the half-mile Riverwalk at McGregor Park. Opening Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the free lights continue through January 2. The lights are on Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m., weather-dependent!  

The grand opening on November 23 will include a Holiday Market, which takes place from 2:00-8:00 p.m. 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. 

Classical Christmas Concerts | Nov 24, Dec 2 & 3 

Looking for your classic Christmas concert?

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra presents its 13th annual Winter Baroque concert on November 24. This event features performances by the Gateway Chorale and the Clarksville Children’s Chorus, showcasing JS Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2 and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s ‘Midnight Mass’. 

“A Southern Christmas Sampler: An Evening of Stories and Songs” shares Christmas tales and musical favorites that will inspire the laughter and tears of the season. The Austin Peay State University performance takes place on Monday, December 2 and ends with a champagne reception. 

“The Happeay Holidays Showcase” is the Austin Peay State University Music Department’s celebration of the season. Guests are invited to wear ugly sweaters, PJs, elf or Santa hats, strands of lights and sing along to favorite holiday classics. In the season of the spirit, concert admission is $5 or two pantry items. 

Drive Thru Lights at the Clarksville Speedway | Nov 26 – Dec 31 

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.  

A Charles Dickens of a Christmas | Nov 29 – Dec 14 

Love the classics? Young and old alike will enjoy this highly original take on “A Christmas Carol” at the Roxy Regional Theatre in historic downtown Clarksville. Equal parts humorous and sentimental, with a rich musical score, this behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Dickens' immortal classic will surely bring holiday cheer. 

Holiday Markets | Nov 29-30, Dec 14 

Shop till you drop and join us as 150 vendors from around the city come together for the Clarksville Christmas Market at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center! Whether you’re shopping for gifts, looking for craft inspiration, or treating yourself to something special, there’s something for everyone. Open Friday 4-8 p.m. and Saturday 10a.m-4 p.m. 

The Annual German Christmas Market, Chriskindlmarkt, is returning for its 11th year at the Christ Lutheran Church. It features homemade crafts, woodwork, German food and baked goods, a kids’ station, and more. You don't want to miss this!  

Winterfest at Erin’s Farm | Dec 1  

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. 

Holiday Movies | Dec 1-15  

In partnership with a local bank, the Roxy Regional Theatre presents $5 holiday movies. “It’s a Wonderful Life” plays December 1, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas plays December 8, and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation plays December 15.  

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. 

SpiritFest & Lighted Christmas Parade | Dec 7 

Come out and get in the holiday spirit at SpiritFest! SpiritFest is an outdoor pre-parade event at Downtown Commons and surrounding historic churches. Activities begin at 2:00 p.m. and include musical performances, a live nativity, hot chocolate and snacks, arts and crafts, and storytelling. The event culminates with the 62nd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:00 p.m. 

Historic Celebrations | Dec 14 

Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center hosts its annual 19th Century Christmas on Saturday, December 14 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Step back in time and create period ornaments, decorate the tree, and enjoy eggnog, cakes, caroling, and more. Be sure to get there early as the Pioneer Christmas Parade starts at noon!

The Snowflake Special | Dec 14 

The Customs House invites you to put on your pajamas for a magical day of watching the model trains run, reading holiday stories, working with others to build a train city, and making a craft to take home. Each ticket holder will receive a keepsake sleigh bell, and the train conductor says to expect a visit from Santa for photo opportunities! (Tickets must be purchased in advance.)

New Year’s Eve Party | Dec 31 

Join Clarksvillians for a night of singing, dancing, and delicious food as we enter 2025. The festive event at Downtown Commons features a live band, dance floor, photo-booth trailer, food trucks, a balloon drop, and a surprise at midnight. The event is free and open to the public. 

State Park First Day Hikes | Jan 1 

Start the New Year with a commitment to fitness and wellness with a First Day Hike at either of Clarksville’s state parks: Dunbar Cave State Park and Port Royal Historic State Park. These annual events are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. Each park hosts a short, guided hike through the park with a ranger pointing out winter foliage, wildlife, and interesting historical facts. For times at each location check the TN State Parks website. 

Please check out our Holiday Magic page for details to plan a festive and memorable holiday getaway.