40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas
Visitors encounter iconic Charles Dickens characters throughout the streets, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Fagin, and a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas. The festival features a Victorian Village, holiday dancers, carolers, and live musical entertainment across multiple stages. Guests can also browse artisan craft booths, enjoy seasonal food, and visit local shops, a whiskey lounge, and a beer garden.
What to Expect
Victorian holiday festival bringing Charles Dickens' famous characters to life.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Franklin
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN
Food & Drink
Food and beverage vendors offer an enhanced menu with more cold snacks and beverages, alongside a whiskey lounge and beer garden.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and dickens fans
Vibe
Victorian and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM.
- Parking: Downtown parking is limited and there's no street parking inside the festival footprint. Franklin Transit runs Park & Ride shuttles from the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, plus Franklin High School on Sunday only.
- Accessibility: Handicap accessible parking is available in the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages, and all Franklin Transit shuttle vehicles are ADA accessible.
- Pets: The page gives pet tips: bring hydration and waste bags, keep pets leashed, and clean up after them. Pets are not permitted on Franklin Transit shuttles, except certified service animals.
Tips & Advice
- Take the Franklin Transit Park & Ride shuttle, because downtown parking is limited and there's no street parking inside the festival footprint.
- Leave non-folding strollers, pets and food at home if you ride the shuttle, since only folding strollers, service animals and bottled water are allowed aboard.
- Head back to the shuttle stop before closing, because the last shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the festival ends.
- Dress for the forecast, because the festival runs rain or shine and only closes for high winds or storms.
- Bring water and waste bags if your dog comes along, and keep it leashed in the crowds on Main Street.
Special Events & Promotions
- Victorian Village returns this year with a full block of holiday dancers, characters, carolers and entertainers on Main Street
- New this year: an enhanced food menu with more cold snacks and beverages, plus festival favorites and newcomers
- Downtown Franklin merchants run specials, features and promotions all weekend
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dickens characters will we meet?
Fagin from Oliver Twist walks the streets, along with Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol. A Victorian Father and Mother Christmas hand out treats to children.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food and beverage vendors line the festival, and this year's menu has more cold snacks and beverages. There's also a Whiskey Lounge by Leipers Fork Distillery and a Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus.
Where are the restrooms?
You'll find restrooms inside the Visitor Center on 4th Ave North and inside 4th Ave Church of Christ. There's also a restroom trailer on Public Square and portable restrooms on 4th Ave S, 3rd Ave N and at 2nd Ave/Main.
Where do I go for first aid or lost items?
The Williamson Medical Center EMS & First Aid booth is on Public Square. For lost items, go to the Heritage Foundation booth (C1) on Public Square.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The festival goes ahead rain or shine, so dress for the forecast. It closes if high winds or storms make conditions unsafe.
More Christmas Events Near Franklin
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.