Cookeville is glowing with Santa sightings and that cozy holiday buzz we wait for all year. 🎄✨

Drive-thru displays, photos with Santa, and storytime magic- this week is full of festive moments worth slowing down for.

Grab a scarf, charge your phone for photos, and let’s soak up Christmas around the Upper Cumberland. ❄️☕🎶🎅

Upper Cumberland Christmas Lights
Thursday-Tuesday, Dec 18th - 30th | 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM | FREE
155 Fairgrounds Street, Cookeville, TN

The classic holiday drive, packed with glowing tunnels, is still happening, complete with cheerful scenes and windows-down vibes. One of those simple traditions that feels better every year

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Hidden Hollow Christmas Light Display
Thursday-Tuesday, Dec 18th - Dec 30th | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | FREE
1901 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Cookeville

Fifty years of twinkling lights, bonfires, Santa sightings, wagon photo ops, and fudge stops. A true Upper Cumberland classic that generations keep coming back to.

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Gold Rush Basketball Doubleheader
Thursday, Dec 18th | 5:30 PM | $10
1100 McGee Blvd, Cookeville

Gold everywhere, foam fingers waving, and two games back-to-back. Wear your Tech gold and make it a loud, proud night at the arena.

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Cookeville Pictures with Santa and a Reindeer
Friday, Dec 19th | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | $25
Big R Farm and Home, Cookeville

Santa, a real reindeer, and a keepsake photo to tuck into the family album. Quick, festive, and very much a December memory-maker.

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Sunrise Coffee at the Cascades
Saturday, Dec 20th | 7:00 AM | $5
4000 Burgess Falls Drive

Early morning light, quiet trails, and warm coffee in hand. A peaceful pause before the holiday rush fully kicks in.

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Sleigh Bells & Sasquatch
Saturday, Dec 20th | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | FREE
Ford Lincoln of Cookeville

Bigfoot meets Santa in the most Cookeville way possible. Free Polaroid photos, pizza, music, and lots of “did that really just happen?” moments.

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Trackside Christmas
Saturday, Dec 20th | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | FREE
Trackside Downtown Cookeville, Cookeville

Santa, Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, candy canes, and mystery gifts with your favorite spuds. Kid-friendly, cozy, and just plain fun.

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Paint Your Own Christmas Ornament at Burgess Falls
Saturday, Dec 20th | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | $5
4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta

A creative break with paint, wood ornaments, and winter scenery. Kids and adults leave with something handmade and tree-ready.

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Happy Birthday Jesus Christmas Celebration
Saturday, Dec 20th | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | FREE
Putnam County Convention Center, Cookeville

A walk around the world through crafts, music, food, and a live nativity. Big-hearted, family-focused, and centered on the meaning behind the season.

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Upper Cumberland Comedy Open Mic
Sunday, Dec 21st | 8:00 PM | FREE
5760 TN-111 A, Cookeville

Holiday stress meets open mic laughs for all ages. Music, comedy, poetry, and unexpected talent—perfect if you need a break from carols and casseroles.

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Photos with Santa
Thursday, Dec 18th | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | FREE
50 E Broad St, Cookeville

A sweet library stop to share Christmas wishes with Santa and snap a photo. Calm, cozy, and perfect for younger kids.

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Storytime Star Sanda at Train Tales
Friday, Dec 19th | 10:30 AM | FREE
116 W Broad St, Cookeville

Stories, surprises, and a guest author at the Depot. A magical morning for little readers who love trains and good tales.

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Visits with Santa (Dogwood Park)
Saturday-Sunday, Dec 19th-20th | 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | FREE
Dogwood Park, Cookeville

A free, festive Santa stop with elves and smiles under the park lights. Easy, cheerful, and great for last-minute photos.

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Lil Town’s Toy Drive
Sunday, Dec 21st | 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM | FREE
321 E Bronson St, Sparta

Free gently used toys, music, special guests, and lots of holiday joy. A heartwarming reminder of how generous this community can be.

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Movie: Christmas Vacation
Tuesday, Dec 23rd | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | FREE
50 E Broad St, Cookeville

Clark Griswold, tangled lights, and holiday chaos on the big screen. Loud laughs guaranteed—even if you’ve seen it a dozen times.

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The Nutcracker – Stage One Dance
Friday-Saturday, Dec 19th-20th | 6:30 PM, 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM | $18.50
Cookeville Performing Arts Center

Snowflakes and timeless music brought to life by local dancers. A classic holiday performance that always feels magical.

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