Clarksville, TN – The City of Clarksville kicked off Christmas on the Cumberland, a Holiday Tradition unique to Clarksville-Montgomery County. The display lights up McGregor Park in historic Downtown Clarksville, and features over one million lights. New for this year includes trees wrapped in brilliant blue lights for an eye catching sight.
Christmas on the Cumberland will be open nightly from 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm-11:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays through January 4th, 2014. Admission to the event is free.
![The lighting of the 2013 Christmas on the Cumberland Display The lighting of the 2013 Christmas on the Cumberland Display](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_8476-480x320.jpg)
After recognizing those who made Christmas on the Cumberland possible Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan along with special guests, Santa and Mrs Claus, and the Channel 4 News Snowbird flipped the switch lighting the 1,000,000 lights. Some children flocked to visit with Santa Claus while others took time to hang out with the Channel 4 Snow Bird. Others took off down the riverwalk with their families to enjoy the lights.
![Visitors enjoy the 1,000,000 lights illuminating McGregor Park in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee Visitors enjoy the 1,000,000 lights illuminating McGregor Park in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_8728-480x320.jpg)
Christmas on the Cumberland is presented by the City of Clarksville and US Bank and is sponsored by The Leaf-Chronicle, Lamar Advertising, Jersey Mike’s, Clarksville Family Magazine, DiscoverClarksville, and ClarksvilleOnline.com.
There will be fun activities for you and your family to take part in during the course of the Holiday Display.
![A young man looks at the Christmas ornaments on display at Christmas on the Cumberland A young man looks at the Christmas ornaments on display at Christmas on the Cumberland](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_8506-133x200.jpg)
“Giving on the Cumberland” is a new event that encourages visitors to help those in need. From November 26th-December 21st, “ornaments” with items of need from the following non-profit organizations will be placed on the window panels of the museum: Hope Pregnancy Center, The Fisher House, Serenity House Women’s Shelter, Montgomery County Friends of the Shelter, Junior Auxiliary, Clarksville Montgomery County School System.
Visitors to Christmas on the Cumberland will have the opportunity to take an “ornament” and bring their donation to the Clarksville Parks & Recreation main office, or on the scheduled drop off night to the museum, December 21st.
Other family friendly events include performances by various dance groups, and the Christmas Cooke Bake off.
Dance Performances
On December 13- Dance Force, Gateway CAST & Crowns Performing Arts Center, Natalie’s Dance Network, Clarksville High School, Montgomery Central High School will be performing. On December 14 – Christmas Cookie Bake-off & performances by Distinguished Steppers, Rewind Academy of Dance, Acro Dance Express, Kenwood High School, Rossview High School, Clarksville Academy.
Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
The Christmas Cookie Bake-Off, which was once a feature of “Downtown for the Holidays, is now part of Christmas on the Cumberland! Bakers of all skill levels are encouraged to bake their favorite holiday treat and submit their entry from 5-7p .m. December 14 at the Museum at McGregor Park. Parking will be available for drop-offs.
Entry fee is five samples for judging along with two dozen treats which will be donated to Manna Café. Entries will be judged according to taste, presentation, and originality. Prizes: 1st place – Kitchen aid Mixer, 2nd place – Sweet Treats Bakery Experience for Two, 3rd place – Bakeware Set.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge admission?
There is no admission charge to view the lights at Christmas on the Cumberland.
How far will I have to walk ?
Christmas on the Cumberland stretches over seven-tenths of a mile along the McGregor Park RiverWalk.
Can I bring my pets?
Yes, you may bring your pets to walk through the park during the lighting display; however we do ask pet owners to clean up after their pets. Pets are not allowed in the stage/audience areas during the lighting ceremony or during public performances.
Do you offer concessions?
Vendors are contracted to sell concessions on weekends during event hours.
I’m traveling from out of town. Where is McGregor Park?
The McGregor Park RiverWalk is located at 640 N. Riverside Drive (US 41-A).
The park is approximately 7.5 miles from I-24 at Exit 4. It is 43 miles from Nashville via I-24 West; 25-5 miles from Hopkinsville, KY via I-24 East. For further directions visit Google Maps.
How can I find out more?
For more information about Christmas on the Cumberland, please call (931) 645-7476.