On Friday, December 5th, the City of Franklin will light up the square in downtown Franklin for the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting, one of Middle Tennessee’s best tree lighting events!

The City of Franklin is excited to light up the square Friday, December 5th, for the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square, one of the best tree lighting events in Middle Tennessee presented by by Middle Tennessee Electric and United Communications!  Free photos with Santa will be provided beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Our headliner, Matthew West, is a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), West has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications and notched 35 No. 1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter.

Matthew rings in the holiday season with the release of his new album, “Come Home For Christmas.” Featuring a heartfelt blend of original songs and timeless holiday favorites, Come Home For Christmas brings West’s signature storytelling to the magic of the season. The eight-track collection includes four Christmas classics reimagined through West’s lens, alongside originals like the relatable and humorous “Dysfunctional Family Christmas” and his 2020 fan-favorite “Gobble Gobble,” now revived in a new kids version. Centered on themes of faith, family and togetherness, the record reminds listeners of what truly matters during the holidays.

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One”,  “Hello, My Name Is, “The God Who Stays,” “My Story Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” and his latest, “Come Home For Christmas.”  He is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life. He’s headlined this event before and the City is so excited he’s coming back for 2025!

The Freedom Intermediate School choir, led by Director Candace Adams will return this year to sing holiday favorites.

The Shine Your Light Singers representing the Ray of Light Foundation will return for the second year along Main Street to entertain visitors.

Williamson Health will provide a photo bus opportunity on the square!

The Franklin Art Scene will also have the Art Crawl that night happening in many stores from 6::00-9:00 p.m.  The Franklin Noon Rotary and the Franklin Noon Rotary will hand out free refreshments from the City of Franklin.

The main festivities begin at 6 p.m. on December 5th.  Performances will start at 6:40 p.m.  We expect to light the tree at 7:15 p.m.