More Than 110,000 Visitors Gathered in Downtown Franklin to Celebrate Dickens of a Christmas Sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County held its most successful Dickens of a Christmas, sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust with more than 110,000 visitors in attendance. The 38th Annual Festival featured two full days of Victorian and Dickens-inspired celebrations with record attendance.
“Dickens of a Christmas is one of the most anticipated events in Williamson County,” said Bari Beasley, CEO of the Heritage Foundation. “The festival just keeps getting better with each year as we feature our local talent, artisans, entertainers alongside our incredible Downtown Franklin Association retail stores. It’s hard to beat the magic and authenticity of our Main Street community as we tout the best of the best of Williamson County talent and shops.”
Guests enjoyed festive food and drink, children’s activities, live music, carolers, and outstanding arts & crafts. Families enjoyed the photo opportunities including Snow at the Courthouse along with photos with Santa and the characters from the stories of Charles Dickens such as, Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol.
Special features included the Victorian Village, KidZone presented in collaboration by Chief Rentals, Gold Fish Swim Academy, Hard Bargain Association, StudioTenn and We Rock the Spectrum, the Main Stage presented by Innocean, USA, an Acoustic Stage presented by Lipscomb University, Whiskey Lounge presented by Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the Beer Garden presented by Bavarian Bierhaus, a town sign-along, and much more.
There were six main areas where guests enjoyed entertainment:
- Victorian Village – Holiday dancers, characters and entertainers between the Public Square and 5th Avenue
- Beer Garden presented by the Bavarian Bierhaus – Authentic German beer garden experience
- Whiskey Lounge presented by Leiper’s Fork Distillery – Whiskey lounge on the southeast corner of the Public Square next to the Main Stage
- Main Stage presented by Innocean, USA. Live music and entertainment throughout the day at the Main Stage
- Acoustic Stage presented by Lipscomb University – Acoustic entertainment throughout the day
- Busker’s Corner – local musicians perform on 3rd Avenue South,
- KidZone presented in collaboration by Chief Rentals, Gold Fish Swim Academy, Hard Bargain Association, StudioTenn.
For more information about Dickens of a Christmas, visit https://www.
# # #
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. Notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. 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 that creates more a $8 million dollar economic impact annually. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and its newest entity: The History & Culture Center of Williamson County. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.
