Dec 4th - Dec 11th, 2025

December 04, 2025

Cookeville’s glowing in twinkle lights, cocoa steam, and small-town holiday magic. 🎄✨

Light shows, cozy concerts to parades, crafts, and Grinch sightings- this week is packed with festive moments worth bundling up for.

Grab a scarf, warm your hands, and let’s wander through the Upper Cumberland’s brightest holiday events together. ❄️☕🎶🎁

Christmas Forest Exhibit - 1st Day
Thursday-Saturday, Dec 4th-Jan 3rd | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | FREE
Cookeville History Museum

Wander through a cozy forest of decorated trees, each one created by local clubs and neighbors. It’s a simple, sweet holiday stop that always makes the season feel real.

Upper Cumberland Christmas Lights
Thursday-Tuesday, Dec 4th - 30th | 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM | FREE
155 Fairgrounds Street, Cookeville, TN

A slow drive through glowing tunnels and sparkling displays that feel straight out of a Christmas movie. Roll the windows down, sip something warm, and just enjoy Cookeville lit up.

Spring Street Arts District First Friday
Friday, Dec 5th | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM | FREE
18 W SPRING ST, Cookeville

A chill Friday stroll with art, local shops, cookies, music, and neighbors popping in and out. It’s the kind of small-town evening that feels good this time of year.

Live Nativity Walk-Thru
Friday, Dec 5th | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | FREE
4801 Blackburn Fork Rd, Cookeville

Step into the Christmas story with live animals, gentle music, and a peaceful walk past each scene. It’s a quiet, heartfelt moment in the middle of a busy season.

Sports Card & Collectibles Show
Saturday, Dec 6th | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | $1
Avery Trace Middle School, Cookeville

A fun treasure hunt of cards, comics, Pokémon, and memorabilia. Lots of collectors, lots of stories, and always someone finding that one special card they’ve been chasing.

5th Annual Grinch Festival
Saturday, Dec 6th | 10:00 AM | $3
Putnam County Fairgrounds, Cookeville

Whoville pops to life with vendors, animals, hot drinks, rides, and the Grinch himself wandering around. It’s loud, colorful, and one of the most playful weekends of the season.

Ugly Sweater Depot Christmas
Saturday, Dec 6th | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | FREE
116 W Broad St, Cookeville

The Depot goes full festive with trains, music, treats, and Santa photos—ugly sweaters encouraged, of course. It’s a cozy spot to soak in small-town Christmas charm.

Pet Photos with Santa
Saturday, Dec 6th | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $10
570 E 10th St, Cookeville

Bring the furry kids for Santa photos, treats, and a fun browse through P.S. Paws. It’s always chaos in the cutest way possible.

Cookeville Community Tree Lighting
Sunday, Dec 7th | 6:00 PM | FREE
Dogwood Park, Cookeville

Dogwood Park glows as the big tree lights up and the music kicks in. Stay for the light show—it hits perfectly once the cold settles in.

Christmas Business After Hours
Tuesday, Dec 9th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | $20 - $30
Leslie Town Centre, 1 W 1st St, Cookeville

A cozy evening of food, drinks, and easy conversation with local business folks. It’s networking, but the holiday version—warm, friendly, and festive.

FOR LITTLE BEES:

Make ’n Rake: Mix Tape Christmas
Friday- Saturday, Dec 5th-6th | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Varies
1225 S. Willow Ave., Cookeville

Each room is a new craft, snack, or surprise—kind of like wandering through a giant homemade playlist. Kids love it, adults sneak in crafts too, no shame.

Cookies, Cocoa & Santa
Saturday, Dec 6th | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Varies
1840 Anna Maria Lane, Cookeville

A sweet stop at Cane Creek Farm with warm cocoa, cookies, and Santa visits. Simple, kid-friendly, and always a little magical.

Grinch Photos
Wednesday, Dec 10th | 10:00 AM | FREE
50 E Broad St, Cookeville

A quick reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, then photos with the Grinch himself. Kids giggle, adults grin—it's a fun little holiday moment.

The Buzzworthy Lineup

Brew and Browse
Friday, Dec 4th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | FREE
124 E Broad St, Cookeville

Wiseacre brews, live music, and relaxed holiday shopping with friends. It’s one of those evenings that feels like Cookeville at its most easygoing.

Live Music with Old Method Band
Sunday, Dec 7th | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Varies
DelMonaco, 600 Lance Drive, Baxter

A laid-back Sunday with brunch, wine, and the Old Method Band setting the vibe. It’s a slow, cozy way to wrap up the weekend.

A Jazzy Little Christmas: Candlelight Experience
Wednesday, Dec 10th | 7:00 PM | $10 - $33
Cookeville Performing Arts Center

A warm, candlelit night of jazz classics played by TTU’s faculty musicians. Elegant, soft, and just the right amount of sparkle for December.

Great Big Family Christmas – Sidewalk Prophets
Thursday, Dec 11th | 7:00 PM | $27
The River Community Church

A joyful Christmas concert with familiar songs, sweet surprises, and a mission to help someone local in need. It’s a feel-good night from start to finish.

A Sinatra Christmas
Thursday, Dec 11th | 7:00 PM | $47
Cookeville Performing Arts Center

A classy night of Sinatra, jazz, cocktails, and big-band swing. Dress up, settle in, and let the crooners take you straight into old-school holiday glamour.

Have a great week,
The Cookeville Buzz 🐝