The Clarksville area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville on November 21 to Drive Thru Christmas Light Show in Clarksville, which runs through January 2. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Tennessee, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Clarksville for 2026, in Clarksville and Cunningham
- First: Christmas on the Cumberland, Clarksville, November 21. Runs latest: Drive Thru Christmas Light Show, Clarksville, through January 2
- Free: Christmas on the Cumberland and 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Tennessee Christmas train rides page.
Clarksville Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Clarksville and Cunningham
- Season
- November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday show, holiday crafts and holiday parade
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Clarksville Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville on November 21; the last runs to January 2. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Christmas on the CumberlandClarksville · Nov 21 to Jan 2
- Drive Thru Christmas Light ShowClarksville · Nov 24 to Jan 2
- Winterfest at Erin's FarmCunningham · Nov 28
- Noel NightClarksville · Dec 3
- APSU Hap-Peay Holidays ShowcaseClarksville · Dec 4
- 2026 Lighted Christmas ParadeClarksville · Dec 5
- Downtown Commons Tree LightingClarksville · Dec 5
- SpiritFest 2026Clarksville · Dec 5
- Cirque Musica Holiday WonderlandClarksville · Dec 11
- A 19th Century ChristmasClarksville · Dec 12
- Christmas Light RunClarksville · Dec 12
- The Snowflake Special ExperienceClarksville · Dec 12
- Live Ice Sculpting and Movie NightClarksville · Dec 21
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Clarksville? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Clarksville
12 confirmed events for kids in Clarksville, soonest first.
Clarksville: Christmas on the Cumberland
Holiday lightsFreeCity of Clarksville Parks and Recreation · Clarksville
- Host
- City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- McGregor Park and Cumberland Riverwalk, 640 North Riverside Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, weather permitting; 5 to 10 pm Sun to Thu, 5 to 11 pm Fri and Sat), 5 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas on the Cumberland is a free, family friendly light display along the Riverwalk at McGregor Park, with over one million lights. It runs nightly from November 21 through January 2, weather permitting.
Opening day, Saturday, November 21, features a Holiday Market from 2 to 8 pm, live music, photos with Santa and a drone show to start the season. Visit Clarksville lists the nightly hours as 5 to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 pm Friday and Saturday.
Parent tip: Opening day on Nov 21 has Santa photos and a drone show.
See dates and details from City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Drive Thru Christmas Light Show
Holiday lightsClarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds · Clarksville
- Host
- Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds, 1600 Needmore Road, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Tuesday, November 24, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (Sun to Thu until 9 pm; Fri, Sat and holidays until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- $30.08 per carload (7 or fewer)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This drive-through show features over a mile of road and over three million lights that families see from the comfort of their car. It runs from November 24, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
Hours are 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, with shorter hours of 5:30 to 8 pm from December 27 to 30. Admission is $30.08 per carload of seven people or fewer, with military and church night discounts, plus taxes and card fees.
Parent tip: Admission is per carload, so a full car gets the best value.
See dates and details from Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Noel Night
Santa visitCustoms House Museum & Cultural Center · Clarksville
- Host
- Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, 200 South Second Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Noel Night at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center runs from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday, December 3. Red River Breeze plays holiday music, a special guest from the North Pole attends, and there is a children's craft.
The F&M Bank Huff & Puff Model Trains Christmas Express runs for visitors, and the Museum Store offers discounts, including 15 percent off for everyone and 25 percent for members. Spending $100 or more earns a free 2026 museum ornament. The museum is at 200 South Second Street.
Parent tip: The museum store offers holiday treats, music and shopping discounts all evening.
See dates and details from Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: APSU Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase
Holiday showAustin Peay State University Department of Music · Clarksville
- Host
- Austin Peay State University Department of Music (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mabry Concert Hall, 780 Marion Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Austin Peay State University Music Department hosts the Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase on Friday, December 4, in Mabry Concert Hall. It is billed as a family friendly celebration of the season.
Audiences are invited to wear an ugly sweater, Christmas pajamas, an elf hat or a strand of lights and sing along to favorite holiday classics. The listing does not give a time or ticket price.
Parent tip: Costumes are encouraged. Time and price are not on the listing.
See dates and details from Austin Peay State University Department of Music (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Clarksville and Montgomery County · Clarksville
- Host
- City of Clarksville and Montgomery County (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Clarksville, Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade is on the first Saturday of December, December 5, at 5 pm. The City of Clarksville and Montgomery County present it, and the listing calls it one of Clarksville's most cherished holiday traditions.
Glowing floats and music light up the night as the parade rolls out from Austin Peay through historic downtown. Spectators can line the route for free. The same afternoon, the Downtown Commons tree lighting is at 4:30 pm and SpiritFest takes place nearby.
Parent tip: Come early; the tree lighting at 4:30 pm is just before the parade.
See dates and details from City of Clarksville and Montgomery County (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Downtown Commons Tree Lighting
Holiday paradeMontgomery County · Clarksville
- Host
- Montgomery County (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Commons, 215 Legion Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Montgomery County invites residents to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Downtown Commons on Saturday, December 5. The county mayor lights the tree at 4:30 pm, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Christmas Parade begins at 5 pm.
The listing suggests coming early to grab seats. Downtown Commons is at 215 Legion Street, in the same part of town as SpiritFest, which also takes place on December 5.
Parent tip: Come early to grab seats.
See dates and details from Montgomery County (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: SpiritFest 2026
Tree lightingDowntown Clarksville · Clarksville
- Host
- Downtown Clarksville (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Commons, 215 Legion Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
SpiritFest 2026 is held on Saturday, December 5, around Third and Main Streets in downtown Clarksville. At Downtown Commons there is live music, Santa Claus, kids activities and food trucks, and the Montgomery County mayor lights the Christmas tree at 4:30 pm.
Families can warm up with cookies and hot chocolate in Trinity's Parish Hall at 317 Franklin Street. At the First Presbyterian Chapel, 213 Main Street, children can dress up and join a live nativity with dress-up clothes and animals including a camel, a donkey and goats. Art and nonprofit booths are in the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.
Parent tip: Dress up clothes are provided for the live nativity.
See dates and details from Downtown Clarksville (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Holiday showF&M Bank Arena · Clarksville
- Host
- F&M Bank Arena (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- F&M Bank Arena, 101 Main Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Friday, December 11, 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland combines world-class circus artistry with favorite holiday music in an all-new production for this year. The show includes breathtaking acrobatics and soaring aerial performances, and the listing calls it a holiday experience for the whole family.
It is at F&M Bank Arena, 101 Main Street, on Friday, December 11. The listing does not give a showtime or ticket price, so check the arena's ticketing page.
Parent tip: Showtime and ticket price are not on the listing.
See dates and details from F&M Bank Arena (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: A 19th Century Christmas
Holiday craftsFort Defiance Interpretive Center · Clarksville
- Host
- Fort Defiance Interpretive Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fort Defiance Interpretive Center & Park, 120 Duncan Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas in Occupied Clarksville is an afternoon of 1860s style festivities at Fort Defiance Interpretive Center & Park on Saturday, December 12. The listing describes the smell of holiday cakes, the warmth of carols and the spirit of the season as it felt in the 1860s.
Activities include refreshments, games and music. Pre-registration is required to participate. The listing does not give a start time or fee, so contact the park through the Visit Clarksville page.
Parent tip: Pre-registration is required.
See dates and details from Fort Defiance Interpretive Center (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Christmas Light Run
Holiday lightsCity of Clarksville Parks and Recreation · Clarksville
- Host
- City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- McGregor Park, 640 North Riverside Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 4:30 to 6 pm
- Cost
- $35 for the 5K fun run
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Christmas Light Run is a festive evening 5K fun run through the holiday light displays at McGregor Park. Participants can run, walk or stroll along the river, and the proceeds support new displays for next year's Christmas on the Cumberland.
It takes place on Saturday, December 12, from 4:30 to 6 pm. The 5K fun run costs $35. Pre-registration is required, and registration closes December 8, 2026, or when capacity is reached.
Parent tip: Registration closes Dec 8 or when full.
See dates and details from City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: The Snowflake Special Experience
Story time with SantaCustoms House Museum & Cultural Center · Clarksville
- Host
- Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, 200 South 2nd Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am
- Cost
- $8 per child, $5 members; adults do not need a ticket
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 12 with an adult
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Snowflake Special Experience invites kids to put on their pajamas for a magical morning at the Customs House Museum in Clarksville. Children watch the museum's model trains run, listen to a holiday story, work together to build a train city and make a craft to take home. Each ticket holder receives a keepsake sleigh bell, and the train conductor says to expect a visit from Santa for photos.
The program is designed for ages 3 to 12 with an adult. Tickets are $8, or $5 for members, and only children need tickets; parents and family members may attend without one, though only ticketed children receive the keepsake. Tickets must be bought in advance online, in the museum store or by phone, and space is limited.
Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead, since space is limited and tickets are non-refundable. Museum admission is not included in the program price.
See dates and details from Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (opens in a new tab)Clarksville: Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night
Holiday showDowntown Clarksville · Clarksville
- Host
- Downtown Clarksville (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Commons, 215 Legion Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 pm
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Downtown Commons hosts a movie night on Monday, December 21, at 6 pm with a viewing of The Polar Express. During the movie, ice sculptor Joshua Perry of Burgasm carves live, giving the screening a frosty twist.
The listing does not state a price. The screening is at Downtown Commons, 215 Legion Street.
Parent tip: Price and rain plans are not listed.
See dates and details from Downtown Clarksville (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cunningham
1 confirmed event for kids in Cunningham, soonest first.
Cunningham: Winterfest at Erin's Farm
Holiday craftsErin's Tree Farm · Cunningham
- Host
- Erin's Tree Farm (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Erin's Farm, 7000 Hodges Road, Cunningham, TN 37052 (near Clarksville)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Cost
- Kids craft is free; tree prices not stated
- Ages
- Family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winterfest at Erin's Farm in Cunningham starts the Christmas season on Saturday, November 28. The day features outdoor games, a free craft for kids from Arts for Hearts, food trucks and old-fashioned family fun.
Visitors can also pick and cut their own farm-fresh Christmas tree. Bring your own ropes to attach the tree to your vehicle, and saws are available on site. For questions, email erinstreefarm@gmail.com or call 931-980-3985.
Parent tip: Bring your own ropes to tie a tree to the car; saws are provided.
See dates and details from Erin's Tree Farm (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Tennessee Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonClarksville Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Clarksville in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Clarksville for 2026 on each host’s own page: Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville (November 21), Drive Thru Christmas Light Show in Clarksville (November 24), Winterfest at Erin's Farm in Cunningham (November 28), Noel Night in Clarksville (December 3), APSU Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase in Clarksville (December 4), 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade in Clarksville (December 5), Downtown Commons Tree Lighting in Clarksville (December 5), SpiritFest 2026 in Clarksville (December 5), Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland in Clarksville (December 11), A 19th Century Christmas in Clarksville (December 12), Christmas Light Run in Clarksville (December 12), The Snowflake Special Experience in Clarksville (December 12) and Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night in Clarksville (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Clarksville, Tennessee?
For families in and around Clarksville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas on the Cumberland (Nightly, Nov 21 to Jan 2, free); Drive Thru Christmas Light Show (Nightly, Nov 24 to Jan 2, from 5:30 pm, $30.08 per carload (7 or fewer)); Noel Night (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 8 pm, price not stated); APSU Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase (Fri, Dec 4, price not stated); 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 5 pm, free to watch); Downtown Commons Tree Lighting (Sat, Dec 5, 4:30 pm, price not stated); SpiritFest 2026 (Sat, Dec 5, price not stated); Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Fri, Dec 11, tickets required); A 19th Century Christmas (Sat, Dec 12 (afternoon), price not stated); Christmas Light Run (Sat, Dec 12, 4:30 to 6 pm, $35 for the 5k fun run); The Snowflake Special Experience (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am, $8 per child, $5 members; adults do not need a ticket); Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night (Mon, Dec 21, 6 pm, price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Clarksville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cunningham, Tennessee?
For families in and around Cunningham, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winterfest at Erin's Farm (Sat, Nov 28, kids craft is free; tree prices not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cunningham section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Clarksville?
Yes. 2 of the 13 events here are free: Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville and 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade in Clarksville. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Clarksville this December?
Santa appears at Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville (November 21), Noel Night in Clarksville (December 3), SpiritFest 2026 in Clarksville (December 5) and The Snowflake Special Experience in Clarksville (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Clarksville?
Holiday story times on this page: The Snowflake Special Experience in Clarksville. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Clarksville on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville (through January 2) and Drive Thru Christmas Light Show in Clarksville (through January 2).
How much is Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville?
Free. Christmas on the Cumberland is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, weather permitting; 5 to 10 pm Sun to Thu, 5 to 11 pm Fri and Sat), 5 to 10 pm at McGregor Park and Cumberland Riverwalk. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Drive Thru Christmas Light Show in Clarksville?
$30.08 per carload (7 or fewer). Drive Thru Christmas Light Show is on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (Sun to Thu until 9 pm; Fri, Sat and holidays until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm at Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winterfest at Erin's Farm in Cunningham?
Kids craft is free; tree prices not stated. Winterfest at Erin's Farm is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Erin's Farm. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Noel Night in Clarksville?
Price not stated. Noel Night is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is APSU Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase in Clarksville?
Price not stated. APSU Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase is on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Mabry Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade in Clarksville?
Free to watch. 2026 Lighted Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm at Downtown Clarksville. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Commons Tree Lighting in Clarksville?
Price not stated. Downtown Commons Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 pm at Downtown Commons. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is SpiritFest 2026 in Clarksville?
Price not stated. SpiritFest 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Downtown Commons. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland in Clarksville?
Tickets required. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is on Friday, December 11, 2026 at F&M Bank Arena. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A 19th Century Christmas in Clarksville?
Price not stated. A 19th Century Christmas is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Fort Defiance Interpretive Center & Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Light Run in Clarksville?
$35 for the 5K fun run. Christmas Light Run is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 4:30 to 6 pm at McGregor Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Snowflake Special Experience in Clarksville?
$8 per child, $5 members; adults do not need a ticket. The Snowflake Special Experience is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am at Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night in Clarksville?
Price not stated. Live Ice Sculpting and Movie Night is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 pm at Downtown Commons. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Clarksville?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Clarksville Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
