Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the best of the holidays in Cookeville! Our guide has all the must-see festive events and activities. Whether you're a Cookeville regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide unlocks the city's festive potential.
Popular events showcase the spirit of the season, such as the Christmas Light Spectacular, where twinkling lights illuminate parks and streets throughout the area. With delightful displays and interactive experiences, families can make lasting memories. Another highlight is Christmas on the Cumberland, featuring local artisans and live music that creates a vibrant holiday market atmosphere. And the Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is something you definitely don't want to miss, with stunning garden illuminations that enchant visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Cookeville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Largest light display in the Upper Cumberland.
- Description
- The Christmas Light Spectacular in Cookeville, TN, is a drive-thru light display featuring the largest light display in the Upper Cumberland. Enjoy pony rides, bonfires, and visits with Santa amidst the vibrant holiday lights.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Christmas Light Spectacular
Dancing Lights of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and music show with Santa's Village and petting zoo.
- Description
- The Dancing Lights of Christmas is Tennessee's largest synchronized drive-thru light and music show, featuring over 3 million lights dancing to upbeat and traditional Christmas tunes. The event includes admission to Santa's Village, visiting with Santa, and petting animals in the petting zoo. It is open rain or shine and on all holidays, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Where
- Lebanon | More Info : Dancing Lights of Christmas
Cookeville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Mistletoe Market
- What to Expect
- A vibrant market featuring local artisans with diverse handmade goods and live entertainment.
- Description
- The Mistletoe Market showcases a variety of local artisans and vendors, offering handmade crafts, gourmet foods, and seasonal décor. Families can enjoy live entertainment, children's activities, and warm beverages while exploring unique gifts and treats. This community-driven event highlights the talents of regional creators and provides a delightful atmosphere for holiday shopping.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Mistletoe Market
Cookeville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Depot: Snow Day
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- Join us for caroling, games, model trains, and other holiday fun at the Cookeville Depot's annual Christmas Open House. Santa will be there too, taking a cookie break from 12-1 p.m.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Christmas at the Depot: Snow Day
Christmas Forest Exhibit
- What to Expect
- Display of 30+ Christmas trees decorated by local community clubs.
- Description
- The Christmas Forest Exhibit at Cookeville History Museum features over 30 Christmas trees decorated by local community clubs and organizations. Visitors can browse through the festive display and learn about the different groups involved in decorating each tree.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Christmas Forest Exhibit
Cookeville Other Holiday Activities
Santa’s Workshop
- What to Expect
- Annual holiday event with crafts and vendors supporting local nonprofits.
- Description
- Santa's Workshop is an annual event hosted by the GFWC Cookeville Junior Woman's Club at Tennessee Technological University's Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion. The event features various crafts, vendors, and activities for children, with admission at $5 for adults and free for those 10 and under. It also includes opportunities for selfies with Santa on Saturday afternoons.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Santa’s Workshop
Visit with Santa
- What to Expect
- Free visits with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Visit Santa at the Performance Pavilion in Dogwood Park, where he will be available for free visits with his elves. He will be there from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on December 10 and 17, and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 8, 15, 16, and 18. Bring a camera to capture the moment.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Visit with Santa
Boswell's Country Roads Harley-Davidson Toy Parade
- What to Expect
- Motorcycle charity ride with a festive after-party.
- Description
- Boswell's Harley-Davidson Toy Parade is a motorcycle charity ride benefiting Metro Nashville Police Department Christmas Charities. The event features an escorted ride down Broadway, with staging and registration at 911 Rep. John Lewis Way N. in Nashville, TN. Grand Marshals Jesse James Dupree and Michale Ballard will lead the parade, which concludes with a traditional after-party at Scoreboard Nashville.
- Where
- Cookeville | More Info : Boswell's Country Roads Harley-Davidson Toy Parade