Celebrate the Season: Festivals, Parades, Tree Lightings, and More!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, with a lineup of festive events that brighten the season. From tree lightings and dazzling light displays to charming parades and unique seasonal activities, Franklin and the surrounding areas offer a range of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re looking to stroll through Victorian-themed festivities, take a cozy trolley tour of holiday lights, or catch a parade with Santa himself, these holiday events bring the community together for magical moments all season long.
Here’s your guide to the best holiday lights, parades, and seasonal celebrations in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee!
Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square in Downtown Franklin
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 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, 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 from the City of Franklin handed out by the Franklin Noon Rotary, and the Downtown Franklin Art Crawl will be happening in many stores from 6 to 9 pm.
The main festivities begin at 6 pm, with a quiet Pet Friendly Santa Photo Opportunity from 5-6 pm. Performances begin at 6:40 pm, with the tree lighting set for 7:15 pm. Enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer in the heart of Franklin!
When: December 6th, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Downtown Franklin Public Square, Franklin, TN 37064
39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas 2024
The 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, hosted by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, returns to Historic Downtown Franklin! This beloved festival transforms Main Street into a Victorian wonderland inspired by the time of Charles Dickens. Visitors will encounter cherished Dickens characters like Fagin, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Tiny Tim, along with a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas. The weekend will be filled with performances by holiday dancers, carolers, and live entertainment on both the Main Stage and Acoustic Stage.
In addition to the holiday atmosphere, festivalgoers can enjoy shopping among arts and crafts vendors, offering unique and handmade gifts from local and regional artisans. Food vendors will provide seasonal treats and warm beverages, while those looking for a festive drink can relax in the Whiskey Lounge by Leipers Fork Distillery or the Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus. The Victorian Village will also span an entire block, featuring even more holiday characters and entertainers to delight families and visitors of all ages. Downtown Franklin shops will join in the festivities, offering special promotions and extended hours throughout the event.
Franklin Transit offers shuttle services from the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School, running from 10 am on Saturday and 11 am on Sunday. Shuttle rides are just $1 each way and are ADA-accessible. Limited downtown parking is available.
This free holiday experience is a cherished tradition, inviting everyone to celebrate the magic of the season with the charm of a Victorian Christmas right in the heart of Franklin.
When: December 14th from 10 am to 6 pm, and December 15th from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Downtown Franklin, Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
FrankTown Festival of Lights
Experience the magic of the 2024 FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin, Tennessee! This beloved annual event features Williamson County’s longest drive-thru holiday light display, open nightly, rain or shine. The mile-and-a-half route showcases over 200 dazzling displays synchronized to holiday music you can enjoy from your car radio.
For a unique experience, join in on Walking Wednesdays, where guests can park, walk the illuminated route, and enjoy special activities like s’mores at the fire pit and photos at the giant Christmas tree. Walking tickets are available for both standard vehicles and large passenger vehicles.
All proceeds support FrankTown Open Hearts, a Franklin-based nonprofit that provides mentoring, life skills, and academic support to at-risk youth.
When: November 22nd through December 31st, 2024
Where: Williamson County Agricultural Center, 4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064
Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
Hello Trolley’s Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a festive experience through the holiday-lit streets of Franklin, Tennessee. Each tour, approximately 1 hour and 30-45 minutes long, begins outside The Factory at Franklin, at the Liberty Hall entrance, and includes stops in historic downtown Franklin.
Guests can enjoy complimentary bottled water and candy canes onboard as they settle in to admire the lights. Depending on availability, this year’s route will also feature FrankTown Open Hearts’ Festival of Lights at the Williamson County Ag Center, adding even more sparkle to the journey.
For those looking to enjoy a comfortable, scenic ride through Franklin’s best holiday displays, this trolley tour makes for a festive outing with friends and family. Tickets and more details can be found here.
When: December 5 – December 22, 2024, on select days.
Where: The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
The Franklin Christmas Parade
The Franklin Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition for over 30 years, takes place each year on the first Saturday in December, winding through the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin. This cherished community event fills the streets with holiday cheer, celebrating the season and welcoming Santa Claus to town.
The 2024 theme, “Miracle on Main St.,” honors the magic of Franklin’s Main Street during the holidays, showcasing the historic charm and festive spirit that make this celebration so unique. Organized by the Downtown Franklin Rotary, the parade embodies the warmth, spirit, and togetherness that define Franklin’s community.
The parade will bring holiday cheer along Main Street, with spectators lining the streets to catch the festive displays and Santa’s grand entrance. See the full parade route map here.
When: Saturday, December 7th at 1 pm
Where: Downtown Franklin, Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Join the City of Franklin Parks for a festive evening at the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt! Bring your flashlights to Eastern Flank Battlefield Park and join in the fun of searching for candy canes scattered throughout the park grounds.
This family-friendly event is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. Contact the Parks Department starting Tuesday, November 5th to reserve a spot. Don’t miss this fun and unique holiday activity!
When: December 12th and 13th at 5 pm or 6:30 pm
Where: Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, 1368 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin, TN 37064
Brentwood Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration 2024
Kick off the holiday season with the Brentwood City Commission’s Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on December 2nd at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library! Starting at 4:45 pm, enjoy a reading of The Polar Express and sip on hot chocolate provided by the Friends of the Brentwood Library. Sing along with a local school choir to festive holiday songs, and join the countdown to the grand tree lighting at 5:30 pm. This free community event is a beloved Brentwood tradition, welcoming residents of all ages to celebrate the season together!
When: December 2nd at 4:45 pm
Where: John P. Holt Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
Christmas in Brentwood
Brentwood Academy invites the community to celebrate Christmas in Brentwood. This free event is packed with holiday fun, including visits with Santa Claus, the lighting of the Great Brentwood Academy Christmas Tree, and live music to set the festive mood. Families can enjoy a nativity petting zoo, shop at the Merry Market, and explore activities like train rides, bounce houses, and tasty offerings from food trucks. It’s the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season together, rain or shine!
When: December 8th from 3 pm to 7 pm
Where: Brentwood Academy, 219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027
2024 Nolensville Tree Lighting & Hometown Holiday Parade
Start the holiday season in Nolensville on Friday, December 6th, with the annual Tree Lighting at Town Hall. Enjoy a festive evening featuring a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music by the Nolensville High School Choir, and treats from a coffee food truck.
The holiday celebrations continue Saturday morning with the Nolensville Hometown Holiday Parade. Join the community along the parade route to enjoy holiday floats, local performers, and seasonal decorations for a joyful experience for all ages.
When: Tree Lighting on December 6th at 7 pm, Parade on December 7th at 11 am
Where: Nolensville Town Hall, 7218 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135
Fairview Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
The annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Fairview City Hall is a festive community event marking the beginning of the holiday season. Enjoy a spirited parade, followed by the main event: the lighting of the Christmas tree! This free gathering is perfect for all ages, offering holiday music and light refreshments.
When: Saturday, December 7th at 4 pm
Where: Fairview City Hall, 7100 City Center Cir, Fairview, TN 37062
Leipers Fork Christmas Parade 2024
Join in the holiday fun at the Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade, a charming and quirky event that’s “Almost World Famous!” Held in the heart of Leiper’s Fork, this festive parade brings the holiday spirit to the streets with unique floats, local characters, and plenty of seasonal cheer.
Plan to arrive early, as the main road through the village closes at 1:50 pm. For details, view the parade route map here.
When: December 14th at 2 pm
Where: Leiper’s Fork, Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Spring Hill Christmas Parade 2024
Celebrate the season at the annual Spring Hill Christmas Parade! This festive community gathering will bring holiday cheer to the streets of Spring Hill. Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and enjoy an evening parade filled with lights, music, and seasonal displays.
The parade begins at Spring Hill Elementary School and travels north on Main Street, ending at Miles Johnson Parkway. For more details, including the parade route, view the map here. Please note: In the event of dangerous or severe weather, the parade may be postponed.
When: December 14th at 5 pm
Where: Main Street in Spring Hill, Spring Hill, TN 37174
College Grove Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas Parade in College Grove is a cherished community tradition that brings neighbors, friends, and families together to celebrate the holiday season. This festive event showcases a joyful procession of decorated floats, holiday-themed vehicles, and local organizations spreading Christmas cheer.
When: December 1st at 2 pm
Where: College Grove Fire Department, 6600 Depot Street, College Grove, TN, 37046
Celebrate the Holidays in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee
With twinkling lights, festive parades, and holiday cheer around every corner, Williamson County is the perfect place to celebrate the season. These holiday events capture the magic and warmth of Christmas. Don’t miss out on the unique traditions, joyful gatherings, and vibrant community spirit that make Franklin and Williamson County holiday celebrations so special.
Looking for More Festive Fun
For even more holiday fun, Franklin and Williamson County have plenty to offer beyond lights and parades. Explore charming local shops decked out for the season, cozy up in a café with a warm holiday drink, or take a scenic winter walk through historic downtown Franklin. For a full list of holiday happenings, visit our Calendar of Events and plan your next outing in Franklin, Tennessee!
