Dickens of a Christmas Festival in Downtown Franklin: December 13-14
Dickens of a Christmas is Middle Tennessee’s largest outdoor Christmas festival! Dickens of a Christmas recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The festival is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square: First Friday in December
Downtown Franklin Christmas Parade: First Saturday in December
Winding through the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin, the Franklin Christmas Parade is a beloved community celebration of Christmas traditions and the magic of Main Street. For over 30 years, this cherished event has filled the streets of Franklin with holiday cheer, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike as we gather to celebrate the season and welcome Santa Claus to town. As of 2023, the Downtown Franklin Rotary has been entrusted with this legacy event. The Franklin Christmas Parade is always held on the first Saturday in December, following the City’s Christmas Tree lighting. The Franklin Christmas Parade offers a magical holiday experience for all ages on Franklin’s Main Street, on Saturday, December 7, at 1:00 PM!
Morning with Santa: First Saturday in December
On the first Saturday in December, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., you’ll have the opportunity to see Santa Claus and deliver your wish list to him at the Morning with Santa event at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library. Passes will be available at the Children’s Service Desk beginning Monday, November 21. For more information, please call the library at 615-371-0090 ext. 8380. For more information and questions about this event, call 615.371.0090 or visit The John P. Holt Brentwood Library.
Brighten Brentwood – Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: First Monday in December
Gather at the Brentwood Library for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. As the start of the holiday season each year, the Brentwood City Commission looks forward to participating in the tree lighting ceremony held on the first Monday of December each year at 5:30 p.m. Visit the city’s website at www.brentwoodtn.gov and social media channels for event updates and details.
Franklin Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival: December 13
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a Holly, Jolly Cocktail Festival in Franklin, Tennessee! Stroll through The Factory at Franklin sipping festive cocktails, jingling along to holiday tunes, and visiting the big man in red himself! Your ticket to Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival includes 12 sample-sized cocktails, photos with Santa at our photo booth, and plenty of yuletide cheer. Food and full sized drinks will be available for purchase as well. This event supports TennGreen, so every sip gets you closer to the nice list! 21+ event only.
Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tours: December 5 – December 22
Take the trolley to see the decorated homes and bright lights this holiday season! A Holiday Lights Tour has become a MUST when you’re in the Holiday Spirits, so get ready to sit back, relax, and listen to your favorite holiday music, while enjoying the beautiful lights of Franklin, TN and Williamson County. Complimentary bottled water and candy canes will be available ON BOARD the trolley! Tours Run 1 hour and 30 minutes throughout Franklin & Brentwood. Tickets go on sale for the Public Holiday Lights Tours each year in October. Private Holiday Lights Tours can be booked as far in advance of the Holidays as you wish! Visit Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tours to view the schedule and book your tickets! Tours run December 5 – December 22, on select days. Times: Saturday thru Sunday 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Pull-Tight Players Theater Presents Winter Wonderettes – December 6-8, 11-15, 18-21
This seasonal celebration finds the Wonderettes entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa goes missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous!
Leipers Fork Christmas Parade and Celebration: December 14
Country-style Christmas Parade in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, including dueling riding lawnmowers, politicians, local celebrities and more! Free holiday event! Begins at 2 pm! Arrive early as there is only ONE road through the village and it will be closed at 1:50 pm.