Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville, located 40 miles northwest of Nashville off I-24, sparkles during the holiday season as millions of lights adorn the city’s Cumberland RiverWalk and downtown city center.
Kicking off the holiday season for Clarksville is the opening of Christmas on the Cumberland Nov. 21. More than 2 million lights in captivating displays illuminate the half-mile walk along the river. Special crafts, dances, choirs and other activities will take plan on Dec. 9, 16. This free event has become a treasured tradition for residents throughout the region. Christmas on the Cumberland continues through Tuesday, Jan. 2 and is open 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” opens Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 16 at the Roxy Regional Theatre. Adapted from the classic animated television special, this holiday musical follows Charlie Brown as he complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season. For performance dates, times and tickets, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.
Holiday ICE comes to Clarksville for the first time this holiday season. A portion of city’s newest park, Downtown Commons, will open for ice skating 6:30-10:45 p.m. Nov. 24. Admission for ice skating will be $10 per person, which includes the cost of renting ice skates within a specified time block. The ice rink will be open at designated times through January, with the full park opening in the spring. For dates and times, visit www.facebook.com/downtowncommonstn.
Drive Thru Christmas Lights begins Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 1 at the Clarksville Speedway. Enjoy more than one mile, and more than 1 million lights from the comfort of your car. See admission and special discount nights at www.clarksvillespeedway.com.
Erin’s Farm hosts WinterFest 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25.The day includes hayrides and hot cocoa, food, activities and crafts for the kids, and family fun and games. You can also select and cut your own fresh Christmas tree. A gift gallery carries a variety of local-artisan produced goods, crafts and artworks. New this year is glass-blowing with Atlanta artisan, Algar Dole Nov. 25-Dec. 10.
SpiritFest, now in its third year, is a pre-parade event that includes a bounty of free activities 2 p.m. Dec. 2 that includes visits with Santa Claus, rides on the Polar Express, inflatables, live music, art and gift markets, food trucks and a live nativity with animals. The city’s 58th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and winds its way from Austin Peay State University through historic downtown.
More than 20 trees decorate the rooms of the historic Smith Trahern Mansion during Trees of Christmas. Opening Sunday, December 3, each tree in this display is designed and decorated by a local club or organization to the theme of “Heart of the Home.” Find details at the Smith Trahern Mansion’s Facebook page.
First Baptist Church in downtown Clarksville offers Tour of Trees, a display of more than 30 designed trees. Each tree is adorned with ornaments, ribbons and toppers, and tells the story of Christ through decoration, song and scripture. A Patriotic tree is also designed to honor military veterans. The exhibit is free to the public 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4-25 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Noel Night takes place Dec. 7 at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Festivities include refreshments and special sales at Seasons: The Museum Store. Find one-of-a-kind works from local and regional artisans.
Learn what Clarksville looked like during the Civil War at Christmas in Occupied Clarksville 4-6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fort Defiance Interpretive Center. Visitors will be able to step back in time to see period decorations, visit with a 19th-century Santa, and enjoy eggnog, cakes and caroling.
If you’d simply like to sit back and enjoy the sites, our local restaurants have a picture-perfect seat for you. Enjoy a fresh-from-scratch meal or local brew and enjoy the view of illumination. Start planning your holiday getaway at www.visitclarksvilletn.com.
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Photo credit: Lisa Kemmer
Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov