From the 41st Annual Dickens of a Christmas to Small Business Saturday and festive programming at The Franklin Theatre, the season brings opportunities to celebrate, shop local, and support the historic downtown community
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving the character and culture of the community, is celebrating the holiday season with a lineup of festive events and experiences in downtown Franklin. Throughout November and December, residents and visitors can enjoy the 41st Annual Dickens of a Christmas, support local businesses during Small Business Saturday, and experience holiday films and live performances at The Franklin Theatre.
Together, these seasonal traditions highlight the people, places, and local businesses that make downtown Franklin a special place to celebrate the holidays while supporting the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s mission work. More information on this year’s programming can be found below.
Dickens of a Christmas
The holiday season in downtown Franklin wouldn’t be complete without the return of the 41st Annual Dickens of a Christmas, presented by Wilson Bank & Trust, taking place December 12–13 on Main Street. Produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and hosted by its Downtown Franklin Association division, the beloved two-day festival celebrates more than four decades of holiday traditions, bringing Victorian Franklin to life with costumed Dickens characters, carolers, live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities set against the backdrop of downtown’s historic architecture.
Celebrating Tennessee’s past and present, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has teamed up with Pick Tennessee Products, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s marketing program that connects consumers with Tennessee-grown and Tennessee-made products. At this year’s festival, Pick Tennessee Products will present “A Tennessee-Made Christmas,” a marketplace where guests can shop products from Tennessee growers and makers while enjoying a Victorian holiday on Main Street.
A cherished tradition for generations, Dickens of a Christmas continues to welcome families who once attended as children and now return with their own, creating new holiday memories while celebrating the history and community spirit that make downtown Franklin so special. The 41st annual Dickens of a Christmas, presented by Wilson Bank & Trust, will take place Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Main Street in historic Downtown Franklin For more information, visit: https://williamsonheritage.org/events/dickens-of-a-christmas/
Small Business Saturday
On Saturday, November 28, the Downtown Franklin Association will celebrate Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents and visitors to shop local and support the independent businesses that make the historic district unique. Participating businesses will offer a variety of special promotions throughout the day, including 30% off in-store purchases at Hester & Cook, 30% off Christmas décor at Southern Cottage, 10% off select Christmas ornaments at Heart and Hands Franklin, 50% off sale room decor and Christoper Radko ornament special at The Heirloom Shop, and special discounts at Saint Goose Wine + Spirits Shop. Shoppers can also enjoy a first-purchase discount at Walton’s Jewelry and special offers at The Statement Society, including a complimentary South Candle with a $150 pretax purchase and additional shopping incentives. From one-of-a-kind gifts to locally made treasures, Small Business Saturday offers an opportunity to discover downtown’s unique retailers while supporting the small business owners and historic storefronts that make Main Street what it is.
The Franklin Theatre Holiday Shows and Movies
Now through December 27, guests can enjoy screenings of beloved holiday films, including Elf, Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, White Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol, alongside live performances from artists and groups including the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra, Christmas with the Celts, the Gatlin Brothers and more. Originally opened in 1937, the historic theatre closed in 2007 before the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County stepped in to save and restore the landmark with community support, reopening its doors in 2011. Holiday shows at The Franklin Theatre have become a time-honored tradition in Williamson County. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets: www.franklintheatre.com
As the theatre looks ahead to its 90th anniversary in 2027, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is also hosting a Holiday Merch Fundraiser through November 15, featuring festive gifts such as ornaments, T-shirts, crewnecks and hats. The fundraiser offers another opportunity to support the theatre while finding a special holiday gift.
The Downtown Franklin Association and The Franklin Theatre are entities of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and directly support the Foundation’s broader mission of preserving and celebrating the community’s history, character, and cultural identity. For more information on the holiday events, and Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, please visit: www.williamsonheritage.org.
ABOUT THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has been dedicated to preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage as well as promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Thanks to its visionary stewardship and the support of donors throughout the community, notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and more. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, PumpkinFest and Dickens of a Christmas bring an estimated 300,000+ locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year, creating more than a $10 million economic impact annually. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County owns and operates the Downtown Franklin Association, The Franklin Theatre, The Moore-Morris History and Culture Center, and its latest project in development, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens. For more information about the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.
