On Friday, December 6th, the City of Franklin will light up the square for the 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting, one of Middle Tennessee’s best tree lighting events, sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric.

Headlining the evening is five-time GRAMMY® nominee Matthew West, celebrated as one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters. West, who recently released his Christmas song “Because of Bethlehem” and is on tour with his new album My Story Your Glory, brings his award-winning music to this year’s event. Opening for Matthew will be John-Mark McGaha.  He is an acclaimed singer, actor, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist. His national credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, The Ray Charles Legacy, The Sinatra Legacy and the Cash Legacy at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. McGaha is representing Studio Tenn Theatre Company at the brand-new Turner Theatre in Franklin.

The Freedom Intermediate School choir, led by Director Candace Adams will return this year to sing holiday favorites. New this year, Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County will host its inaugural Christkindlmarkt during the ceremony from 4:30-8:30 pm. It will feature German music and Christmas carols by the band Polkawagen and culinary delights from food vendors! The Shine Your Light Singers representing the Ray of Light Foundation will return for the second year along Main Street to entertain visitors.  Another new feature this year will the the Williamson County Community Chorus who will be located by the Middle Tennessee Electric Truck and singing carols from 5:15-6:15.

Visitors can also enjoy a photo bus from Williamson Health, free refreshments provided by the Franklin Noon Rotary, and the Franklin Art Scene’s Art Crawl happening in many stores from 6 to 9 p.m.

The main festivities begin at 6 p.m. on December 1st, with a quiet Pet Friendly Santa Photo Opportunity from 5-6pm. Performances begin at 6:40 p.m., with the tree lighting set for 7:15 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer in the heart of Franklin!