CLARKSVILLE, TN − The 65th annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government, begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, in downtown Clarksville.

The parade route will begin at the corner of College Street and Eighth Street in front of the Austin Peay State University campus. From College Street, the parade will progress to University Avenue. From there the route is the same as years past, proceeding around Public Square, the Historic Courthouse, and back to Franklin Street. From Franklin, the route will turn onto Eighth Street and then return to the APSU Campus. A map of the route can be found at https://bit.ly/3G8m97H.

Parking meters on Public Square will be covered on Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 4 p.m. prohibiting cars from parking in those spaces. Parking meters on Franklin Street from Public Square to Second Street will be covered on Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 8 a.m., prohibiting cars from parking in those spaces.

Spectators are encouraged to park at the new downtown parking garage. Parking is free at the garage on weekends and it offers a convenient pedestrian walkway to Franklin Street.

The following streets will be closed to non-parade traffic starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and reopen when the parade ends around 7 p.m.:

  • College Street and Eighth Street
  • Farris Drive and Eighth Street
  • Marion Street and Eighth Street
  • Bailey Street and Eighth Street

The following streets will be open to parade traffic only starting at 12:30 p.m.:

  • Drane Street and Marion Street

The following intersections will be closed at 4 p.m. and reopen when the parade ends around 7 p.m.:

  • College Street and Eighth Street
  • College Street and Seventh Street
  • College Street and University Avenue
  • College Street and North Second Street
  • Main Street and University Avenue
  • Main Street and Fourth Street
  • Main Street and Third Street
  • N. Spring Street and Main Street
  • Commerce Street and First Street
  • Commerce Street and Second Street
  • Commerce and Third Street
  • Franklin Street and Hiter Street
  • Franklin Street and University Avenue
  • Franklin Street and Seventh Street
  • Franklin Street and Eighth Street
  • Main Street and Eighth Street

The Clarksville Police Department will detour traffic to assist with congestion, but citizens traveling through the downtown area should prepare for delays.

The Lighted Christmas Parade is an event for local businesses, schools, and organizations to showcase their Christmas spirit by preparing a float or driving a fun vehicle decorated in holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.”

For more, contact Clarksville Parks & Recreation at 931-645-7476 or visit www.cityofclarksville.com/parade.