Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening? It is getting to be that special time of year again – Christmas in Clarksville. Experience the charm and magic of this historic riverfront town with all the holiday happenings, seasonal sips and treats, and festive affairs. The halls will be decked and the city will be ready to host you no matter how you choose to celebrate during your visit this holiday season.
Celebrate With the Arts
Roxy Regional Theatre
Head to the Roxy Regional Theatre for live performances, musical acts, and showings of classic holiday films. Talent from across the nation will be gracing the mainstage in Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol and Company Cabaret: Songs of Winter. Wear your coziest sweater for showings of favorite holiday classics every Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Savor the musical performances of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra with their unique take on the Nutcracker ballet, or enjoy Red River Breeze, Clarksville’s very own Celtic band, with Make a Joyful Noise. Head to Austin Peay State University's Mabry Concert Hall to experience For Auld Lang Syne! with David Steinquest & Friends.
Be sure to visit Historic Downtown Clarksville during the December First Thursday Art Walk for special events including Downtown Artists Co-op’s Holiday Bazaar reception and the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s annual Noel Night.
Celebrate With Outdoor Experiences
Christmas on the Cumberland
There are many treasured traditions during Christmastime in Clarksville. Grab some hot chocolate and head out past the city limits to find your perfect Christmas tree at Erin’s Farm. Big or small, they have them all. Visit them during Winterfest to shop with local artists and makers. Once you find the tree that is just right, head back into town to enjoy some Christmas lights.
Stay in the warmth of the car as you drive through over 3 million lights at the Clarksville Speedway or venture out to Christmas on the Cumberland to walk through nearly a mile of light displays along the river. Stroll through Historic Downtown Clarksville to find even more holiday lights and trees lining the streets.
Christmas on the Cumberland's Grand Opening will include a Christkindle Market and visits with Santa Claus.
Celebrate With Special Events
Fort Defiance's 19th Century Christmas, Photo Credit: Lucas Ryan Chambers
Gather your merry bunch for all the holiday festivities this season. Learn about Christmas in the 1800s at Fort Defiance. Experience a live nativity at SpiritFest at the Downtown Commons before watching the annual tree lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade. Sip hot cocoa and wine while the kids see Santa at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery. Run a mile or a 5K at Clarksville’s Christmas Light Run. Snap photos with Santa at the Wade Bourne Nature Center. Enjoy live ice sculpting during a viewing of The Santa Clause at the Downtown Commons. Head to the lower level of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center to see the special holiday-themed model train display. See 50 uniquely decorated Christmas trees on display at First Baptist's Christmas Tour of Trees.
Celebrate With Seasonal Sips and Spirits
Yada on Franklin
Toast to the season with festive cocktails and concoctions from all around town. Check out one of our many cozy coffee shops for seasonal lattes and teas. Try festive brews at one of our five breweries. Enjoy local wine at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery or Beachaven Downtown or opt for mead from Trazo Meadery. Sip on something sparkly at Yada on Franklin or enjoy classic cocktails at Old Glory Distilling Co.
Celebrate with Local Gifts
Miss Lucille's Marketplace
Marvel at the festive window displays as you stroll through our downtown streets and be sure to stop into our local shops and boutiques to find the perfect treats and treasures for the special people on your list this year. The businesses in our Historic Downtown will be hosting Holiday Open Houses on Small Business Saturday full of sweet surprises.
Looking for more local vendors to support this Small Business Saturday? Head to Miss Lucille’s Marketplace to shop from over 200 vendors.
Our blooming small business scene is excited to host several holiday markets throughout the season. Shoppers can experience everything from a German Christmas Market and Sanctuary on Main's Holiday Market to a Small Business Holiday Market and a Holiday Market Spectacular. No matter what is on your list, you are sure to find the perfect gifts in Clarksville.
Originally posted November 2022. Updated November 2023.
