Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening? It is getting to be that special time of year again – Christmas in Clarksville. Holiday travelers can 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 ready to welcome guests no matter how one chooses to celebrate during their visit this holiday season.
Celebrate With Lights
Christmas on the Cumberland, a favorite among Clarksville locals, illuminates nearly one mile of the RiverWalk along McGregor Park with displays of over one million lights. The lights will be up through January 2. Special nights will be hosted throughout the season, including visits with Santa.
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights at the Clarksville Speedway allows visitors to enjoy over 3 million Christmas lights from the comfort and warmth of their car. Every night offers a different discount, so guests are encouraged to check the website before planning their visit. The experience is open now through January 1.
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade returns to Historic Downtown Clarksville on December 3. Spectators can head to the Downtown Commons during the afternoon for Spiritfest and the Christmas Tree Lighting before enjoying the parade.
Celebrate With History
An 1860s Tennessee Christmas at Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement allows visitors to experience the holiday season through the eyes of a pioneer family in the 1800s. Attendees will be immersed in the experience by partaking in refreshments, crafting Christmas decorations, hearing stories by the fireside, interacting with Santas from different eras, and caroling throughout the property. The event will be on December 4.
A 19th-Century Christmas at Fort Defiance gives guests a glimpse into the holiday celebrations of a Civil War soldier through re-enactors, caroling, eggnog, cakes, tree decorating, and a 19th-century Santa reading The Night Before Christmas. The event will be on December 10.
Celebrate With the Arts
Talent from across the nation will grace the Roxy Regional Theatre’s stage during its White Christmas showings. Performances begin at the end of November and end on December 23.
The Gateway Chamber Orchestra’s unique take on the Nutcracker ballet will feature an orchestra and a jazz band alternating scores with traditional and contemporary arrangements, plus several ballet dancers. Families are invited to attend the Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday performance of the ballet to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and friends and receive a small gift and treat.
Red River Breeze, Clarksville’s acoustic Celtic band, will perform traditional holiday tunes and carols during their production ‘Tis the Season. The performance will be at the Roxy Regional Theatre.
Celebrate With Holiday Shopping
The annual German Christmas Market will be both indoors and outdoors this year. Shoppers will find a wide selection of unique, handmade craftspeople along with authentic German food.
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is hosting Noel Night during December’s First Thursday Art Walk. The event will feature holiday treats, live music, a children’s craft, a special guest from the North Pole, and discounts on purchases made in Seasons: The Museum Store.
The Downtown Commons Holiday Market is returning for its second year with local vendors, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa Claus in this full-block urban park.
Visitors can see the full calendar of seasonal events at www.visitclarksvilletn.com/Christmas.
