Everything you need for the holidays in Franklin is in our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. For Franklin connoisseurs and newcomers, our guide is the recipe for holiday delight.
Experience the magic of the season with the enchanting Dickens of a Christmas festival, where the streets come alive with Victorian charm. For a radiant evening, meander through the dazzling displays at Holiday Lights at Cheekwood. And definitely don't forget the mesmerizing Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting, a true highlight for the community. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Franklin
- Dickens of a Christmas
- Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting
- A Tuna Christmas
- Franktown Festival of Lights
Franklin Holiday Light Displays
Franktown Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display benefiting underprivileged youth
Description:
Franktown Festival of Lights illuminates the night with a two-mile drive-through experience. Intricate light displays tell stories and create mesmerizing patterns along the route. Tune your car radio to a dedicated station for synchronized music, enhancing the visual spectacle. This event supports Franktown Open Hearts, a local organization serving underprivileged youth since 1989. You can purchase special light-refracting glasses to add an extra dimension to the displays. The festival combines holiday cheer with community service, offering a meaningful way to celebrate the season while making a difference in young lives.
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Franklin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Tuna Christmas
What to Expect:
Comedic play set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas
Description:
A Tuna Christmas brings the eccentric residents of Tuna, Texas to life on stage in Franklin. This satirical play showcases the misadventures of the town's colorful characters during the holiday season. Two actors portray over 20 roles, demonstrating remarkable versatility and comedic timing. Observe the rapid-fire costume changes that add to the show's hilarity. The play offers a humorous commentary on small-town Southern life, resonating with Franklin's own community spirit. You'll find yourself immersed in Tuna's quirky world, where holiday chaos unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
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Franklin Other Holiday Activities
Dickens of a Christmas
What to Expect:
Victorian-era street festival recreating Charles Dickens' London
Description:
Franklin's historic downtown transforms into a living tableau of Charles Dickens' London. Costumed characters from beloved stories roam the streets, interacting with visitors. Participate in traditional Victorian games or sample authentic 19th-century treats. The event pays homage to Franklin's own rich history, dating back to 1799. Street performers captivate crowds with juggling acts and folk music, immersing you in the sights and sounds of a bygone era. This unique celebration brings literature to life, offering a glimpse into the world that inspired Dickens' timeless tales.
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Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-centered event featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree
Description:
Franklin's town square comes alive as the community gathers for the annual tree lighting ceremony. A majestic 40-foot evergreen takes center stage, symbolizing unity and tradition. Local choirs fill the air with harmonious carols, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. Witness the mayor's ceremonial lighting of the tree, a tradition dating back generations. You can join in singing classic holiday tunes alongside your neighbors. This event embodies the small-town charm that Franklin is known for, fostering a sense of togetherness and marking the official start of the holiday season.
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Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting
Nearby Events
Holiday Lights at Cheekwood (Nashville)
What to Expect:
One million lights illuminating a historic botanical garden and mansion
Description:
Cheekwood Estate bursts into a dazzling display of color as one million lights adorn its gardens and mansion. Stroll through illuminated paths, each turn revealing a new spectacle of creativity. Marvel at the 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, a horticultural masterpiece. Cheekwood's history as a 1930s estate adds a layer of elegance to the experience. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while admiring the mansion's holiday decor. The event seamlessly blends nature, art, and history, creating a unique celebration of light in Nashville's cherished botanical haven.
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Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Massive indoor holiday celebration with a country music twist
Description:
Gaylord Opryland Resort transforms into a sprawling indoor holiday spectacle with a distinct Nashville flair. Explore acres of twinkling lights and elaborate decorations within climate-controlled glass atriums. Experience ICE!, a walk-through attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures. The event pays homage to country music's rich heritage, incorporating performances by renowned artists. You can glide across the indoor ice rink, surrounded by lush gardens. This unique celebration combines the grandeur of a winter wonderland with the warmth of Southern hospitality, all under one roof.
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Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas
Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade (Leiper's Fork)
What to Expect:
Quirky small-town parade with tractors and local flavor
Description:
Leiper's Fork's Christmas parade embodies the village's eccentric charm and rural roots. Tractors decked out in twinkling lights roll down the main street, alongside floats crafted by local artisans. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts from nearby shops. Participate in the "best-decorated golf cart" contest, a beloved local tradition. This event celebrates Leiper's Fork's history as a 19th-century village, preserving its unique character. You'll witness the tight-knit community spirit as neighbors cheer each other on. The parade captures the essence of small-town America, offering a refreshing alternative to larger city celebrations.
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Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade
Nashville Christmas Parade (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Combines small-town charm with big city spectacle
Description:
Nashville's Christmas Parade marches through the heart of Music City, blending small-town charm with big-city spectacle. This beloved tradition dates back to 1927, making it one of the oldest holiday parades in the Southeast. Elaborate floats, towering balloons, and marching bands fill the streets with joyous melodies. You'll spot country music stars waving from decorated vehicles, a nod to Nashville's rich musical heritage. Bring a warm blanket and stake out a prime viewing spot along the route to fully immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. The parade showcases the city's vibrant spirit and community pride, kicking off the holiday season in true Nashville style.
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The Nutcracker Ballet (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Classic ballet performance with live orchestra in a historic theater
Description:
The Nashville Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's beloved "The Nutcracker" to life on the stage of the historic Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Graceful dancers transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The Nashville Symphony provides live musical accompaniment, adding depth and richness to the performance. Marvel at the intricate costumes and set designs that bring the story's fantasy elements to life. This production incorporates unique Nashville touches, connecting the classic tale to local culture. You can attend a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and choreography. The Nutcracker has been a Nashville holiday tradition since 1989, captivating generations of theater-goers.
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Christmas at Belmont (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Televised holiday concert featuring student performers from Belmont University
Description:
Christmas at Belmont showcases the talents of Belmont University's School of Music in a nationally televised concert. Over 800 student musicians and vocalists take the stage, presenting a diverse repertoire of holiday music. The performance spans various genres, from classical to contemporary, reflecting Belmont's comprehensive music program. Witness the unveiling of original compositions by promising young songwriters. This event has been a Nashville tradition since 1995, growing alongside Belmont's reputation in the music industry. You can experience the energy of a live TV taping while enjoying world-class performances. The concert captures the spirit of Nashville's next generation of musical talent, set against the backdrop of holiday cheer.
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Music City Winterfest (Nashville)
What to Expect:
Multi-day festival combining music, food, and holiday activities
Description:
Music City Winterfest transforms downtown Nashville into a hub of holiday excitement. Local and national artists perform on multiple stages, offering a diverse range of musical styles. Savor unique holiday-inspired dishes from Nashville's top chefs at the festival's food village. Ice sculptors demonstrate their craft, creating intricate frozen artworks before your eyes. The event celebrates Nashville's status as a UNESCO City of Music, showcasing the city's creative spirit. You can participate in songwriting workshops led by industry professionals. Winterfest blends Nashville's musical heritage with holiday traditions, creating a distinctly Music City celebration of the season.