9 Glowing Reasons to Celebrate the Christmas Season in Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Nov. 15, 2019 – If you’re searching for that in a destination, you’ll find it in Clarksville, Tennessee. This historic city 40 miles northwest of Nashville sparkles 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 on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and runs through Jan. 1. Over 1 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.

“A Christmas Carol” opens on Thanksgiving evening Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 22 at the Roxy Regional Theatre. Charles Dickens’ most recognizable story is a regional favorite. “A Christmas Carol” sees Ebenezer Scrooge, an affluent curmudgeon who places personal wealth above the happiness and comfort of others, come to understand and show love to others with the help from his visitors, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. For performance dates and times, or to purchase tickets online, visit roxyregionaltheatre.org.

Downtown Commons Winter Ice Rink returns to Clarksville for its third season. Downtown Commons will be open Nov. 29-Jan. 20. Admission is $10 per person, which includes the cost of renting ice skates within a specified time block. For dates and times, visit www.facebook.com/downtowncommonstn.

Drive-Thru Christmas Lights are illuminated Nov. 28-Jan. 1 at the Clarksville Speedway. Enjoy over one mile and more than 1 million lights from your car. See admission and special discount nights at www.clarksvillespeedway.com.

Erin’s Farm is ablaze with Christmas activities. Events kick off with WinterFest Dec. 1. The day includes hayrides and hot cocoa, food, activities and crafts for the kids, s’more making, and family fun and games. You can also select and cut your own fresh Christmas tree on Friday-Sunday Nov. 23-Dec. 15. Also during this time, the farm hosts glass blowing workshops where you can blow your own glass ornaments. A gift gallery carries a variety of local artisan produced goods, crafts and artworks. Visit www.erinsfarm.com for workshop schedules.

The fourth annual SpiritFest is a pre-parade event that includes a bounty of free activities. Visits with Santa Claus, rides on the Polar Express, inflatables, live music, art and gift markets, food trucks and a live nativity with animals begin 2 p.m. December 7. Then, the 60th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec.7. Making its way from Austin Peay State University through historic downtown, the sights and sounds of this event will thrill the young at heart. For parking and a full event schedule, visit www.fpcclarksville.org/spiritfest_microsite.

More than 20 trees decorate the rooms of the historic Smith Trahern Mansion during Trees of Christmas 2-5 p.m. Dec. 1-20. Each tree in this display is designed and decorated by a local club or organization. For details, call 931-648-9998.

Learn how early Tennesseans celebrated Christmas during the Civil War at “A 19th Century Christmas” 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Fort Defiance Interpretive Center. Santa will be on-site to read “The Night Before Christmas,” and guests can enjoy period refreshments, parlor games, reenactors and caroling 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Attendees must register in advance.

Start planning your holiday getaway at www.visitclarksvilletn.com.

Photo credit:  Stephen Schlegel

# # #