The biggest Christmas events in the Upper Cumberland this year include Sparta's 81st Annual Rotary Club Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, 2026, Cookeville's free Christmas tree lighting at Dogwood Park in early December, and the Crossville Christmas Parade downtown in mid-December. Add in holiday concerts at Crossville's historic Palace Theatre and Santa visits around the region, and there's something to do every weekend.
Small towns do Christmas best. Here's your guide to celebrating the season in Sparta, Cookeville, Crossville and the communities in between.
Sparta and White County
81st Annual Sparta Rotary Club Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 12, 2026. The Rotary Club's parade is one of the longest-running traditions in White County, with floats, local businesses, school bands and Santa himself rolling through downtown Sparta. The start time hasn't been announced yet; check the City of Sparta or Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce calendar closer to the date.
Downtown Sparta and Liberty Square. Stroll the historic downtown for holiday shopping at local shops and boutiques. Shopping small here means supporting your neighbors.
Get outside. Cooler weather is perfect for a winter hike. Virgin Falls and the trails around Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls state parks are beautiful once the leaves drop and the views open up.
Cookeville and Putnam County
Christmas Tree Lighting at Dogwood Park. Cookeville's free community tree lighting is held each December in Dogwood Park downtown, usually from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In past years the tree has stayed lit nightly through early January with an hourly light show in the evenings. Watch the City of Cookeville Leisure Services page for the 2026 date.
Visits with Santa. Santa has made weekend visits at the Dogwood Park performance pavilion in past Decembers, and it's free.
Christmas on the Square. The historic Putnam County Courthouse square hosts holiday festivities and a tree lighting on the courthouse lawn. A great excuse to grab dinner downtown and enjoy the lights.
Crossville and Cumberland County
Crossville Christmas Parade. Downtown Crossville's parade is usually held on a Saturday in mid-December in the late afternoon (last year it stepped off at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street). Look for the 2026 date from the City of Crossville or Downtown Crossville Inc.
Holiday shows at the Palace Theatre. Crossville's historic Palace Theatre has two Christmas concerts on the calendar:
- Melissa Ellis Big Band Christmas: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Jacob Johnson's (Almost) Acoustic Christmas: Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Downtown tree lighting at the Crossville Depot. Downtown Crossville typically kicks off the season in early December with a tree lighting, caroling, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the historic depot.
Why the holidays are a great time to live here
Ask anyone who has moved to the Upper Cumberland and they'll tell you the same thing: it feels like home. You can see a parade on Main Street, catch a concert in a historic theater, and be home in fifteen minutes. And with the Cumberland Plateau's mountain views and state parks close by, the scenery is the backdrop to it all.
If you're thinking about making the Upper Cumberland your home in the new year, or wondering what your current home is worth before spring, I'd love to help.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sparta, TN Christmas parade in 2026?
The 81st Annual Sparta Rotary Club Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, in downtown Sparta. The start time will be announced by the Rotary Club and the Sparta-White County Chamber.
Where is the Cookeville Christmas tree lighting?
At Dogwood Park in downtown Cookeville. It's a free community event held in early December, typically from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
When is the Crossville Christmas parade?
It's usually held on a Saturday in mid-December in downtown Crossville. Check the City of Crossville or Downtown Crossville Inc. for the 2026 date and time.
What Christmas concerts are in Crossville in 2026?
The Palace Theatre hosts Melissa Ellis Big Band Christmas on December 4 and Jacob Johnson's (Almost) Acoustic Christmas on December 17, 2026.
What are fun things to do in Sparta, TN in December?
Catch the Rotary Club Christmas Parade, shop small in historic downtown Sparta, and take a winter hike at Virgin Falls, Rock Island or Fall Creek Falls.
Let's connect
Whether you're celebrating your first Christmas in the Upper Cumberland or your fiftieth, I hope you enjoy every bit of this season. If a move is on your mind for the new year, let's talk. No pressure, just local advice.
Hali Howard, Broker
The Real Estate Collective (RECO), Sparta, TN
Call or text: 931-212-0963 | Email: [email protected]
Serving Sparta, Cookeville, Crossville, Smithville, Baxter, Monterey and the Upper Cumberland
Event details are from the City of Sparta, Sparta-White County Chamber, City of Cookeville, Visit Cookeville, City of Crossville and Downtown Crossville listings as of October 2026. Dates can change, so check with organizers before you go.
