CLARKSVILLE, TN – Looking for family-friendly holiday activities this season? Check out the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation December schedule of events, including festivals, crafts, winter hikes, ice sculpting, movie nights, and photo ops with Santa! All events are free and open to the public; some require registration.
Holiday Card Drop-In Days: Stop by the Nature Center on December 13 for Holiday Card drop-in Days to make a card for someone you love and/or donate a handmade card to someone who needs holiday cheer. An abundance of materials will be available for your creative ideas!
Photos with Santa: Santa will visit the Nature Center each Saturday leading up to Christmas from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, December 14 and 21. Santa will be seated on a lush green velvet couch with a beautiful nature-themed tree backdrop, perfect for family photos! NO photographer onsite. Personal phones/cameras will be needed. While waiting, guests are welcome to write Santa a letter, drop it in the magical North Pole Mailbox, and search for a hidden mischievous “Elf on the Shelf”!
Cocoa Hike: Join us for a 45-minute Cocoa Hike with lanterns through Rotary Park! Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Appropriate footwear, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Guests will meet at the Nature Center front doors to check in up to 10 minutes before the program and to distribute lanterns. After the hike, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate; please use your best judgment when registering. Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain. Registration is required.
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog
Planting Party, Winter Seed Sowing: On December 17, the nature center will host a workshop focused on preparing a mini greenhouse for native plants to begin growing during the winter. Each participant is asked to provide a clean one-gallon water/milk jug, which will be used as a mini greenhouse. All other materials are provided. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Young children may have a harder time sitting through the presentation, so use your best discretion when registering. Registration is required. https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog
DIY Holiday Ornament Making: Stop by the Nature Center on December 19 for a drop-in holiday ornament activity. All materials are supplied, including 3″ wooden loops, ribbons, bows, charms, bells, stickers, ext.
Ice Sculpting & Movie Night: Get ready for a holiday night of fun! Head to Downtown Commons on December 19 at 6:00 pm for a special screening of the 2018 animated “The Grinch.” Enjoy the movie with a twist—watch talented ice sculptor Joshua Perry from Burgasm create live ice art during the film.
Story Tails: Every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Wade Bourne Nature Center holds “Story Tails,” a program promoting literacy to children by creating a wonder for the natural world. This program aligns with the mission of the Center by fostering appreciation for the environment and encouraging kids to explore the outdoors. Sessions will be held inside and/or outside, depending on the weather, on December 21 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This program is for children ages 1-6. Registration is required. https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog
New Year’s Eve Party: Beginning at 9:00 PM on December 31st, at Downtown Commons, we will kick off our second Montgomery County New Year’s Eve party with presenting sponsor Austin Peay State University! Join us for a night of singing, dancing, and enjoying delicious food as we enter 2025! We will have a live band, dance floor, photo-booth trailer, food trucks, a balloon drop, and a surprise at midnight. This is a once-a-year event you don’t want to miss! Free and open to the public, all ages are welcome.
For information about Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, visit https://mcgtn.org/parks.