The Franklin Theatre has opened ticket sales for its 2026 holiday season, bringing Christmas in July to downtown Franklin.
Guests can now reserve seats for holiday movies, live Christmas performances, and seasonal concerts. These events have become a popular tradition for local families and visitors, and many screenings and shows sell out.
The 2026 schedule includes Thanksgiving favorites, classic Christmas films, holiday concerts, and special performances throughout November and December.
See The Franklin Theatre holiday schedule below and make plans for the movies and performances you do not want to miss.
The Franklin Theatre Holiday Movies 2026
The Franklin Theatre’s holiday movie lineup brings plenty of Christmas cheer to the big screen, with nostalgic picks, funny favorites and films for all ages. The theatre does not show previews, so each movie begins promptly at the listed time.
Elf (2003) – Rated PG
After being accidentally taken to the North Pole as a baby, Buddy grows up among Santa’s elves. As an adult, he travels to New York City to find his biological father and discover where he truly belongs.
- Sun, Nov 1, 10:00 AM
- Mon, Nov 9, 7:00 PM
- Fri, Dec 4, 6:00 PM
- Sat, Dec 26, 10:00 AM
The Polar Express (2004) – Rated G
A skeptical young boy boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole, where an unforgettable adventure helps restore his belief in Christmas.
- Sun, Nov 1, 1:30 PM
- Sun, Nov 15, 10:00 AM
- Fri, Dec 18, 10:00 AM
Home Alone (1990) – Rated PG
Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left home alone during Christmas and must protect his house from two determined burglars.
- Sun, Nov 1, 5:00 PM
- Mon, Nov 23, 7:00 PM
- Fri, Nov 27, 10:00 AM
- Fri, Dec 4, 9:00 PM
- Sun, Dec 27, 5:00 PM
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Rated PG-13
Clark Griswold’s plans for a perfect family Christmas unravel as unexpected guests, holiday mishaps and a missing bonus test his seasonal spirit.
- Sun, Nov 1, 8:30 PM
- Mon, Nov 2, 7:00 PM
- Fri, Nov 27, 5:00 PM
- Sun, Dec 6, 8:30 PM
- Fri, Dec 18, 11:59 PM
- Tue, Dec 22, 11:59 PM
- Wed, Dec 23, 8:30 PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Rated PG
The Grinch plots to steal Christmas from Whoville, but Cindy Lou Who’s kindness begins to change his heart.
- Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM
- Sun, Dec 27, 10:00 AM
White Christmas (1954) – Not Rated
A successful song-and-dance duo joins two singing sisters at a Vermont inn, where romance and an unforgettable Christmas performance take center stage.
- Sun, Nov 15, 1:30 PM
- Fri, Dec 4, 3:00 PM
- Thu, Dec 17, 1:00 PM
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987) – Rated R
A frustrated traveler faces one delay after another on his Thanksgiving journey home, accompanied by a friendly but exasperating salesman.
- Tue, Nov 24, 7:00 PM
- Fri, Nov 27, 8:30 PM
The Santa Clause (1994) – Rated PG
After an unexpected Christmas Eve accident, Scott Calvin takes over Santa’s sleigh and discovers he may have inherited the job himself.
- Sat, Nov 28, 1:30 PM
Almost Christmas (2016) – Rated PG-13
A grieving family reunites for its first Christmas without its matriarch, bringing old tensions and heartfelt moments to the holiday gathering.
- Sat, Nov 28, 5:00 PM
Die Hard (1988) – Rated R
A New York police officer attending his estranged wife’s Christmas party must act alone when armed criminals seize the building and take everyone hostage.
- Sat, Nov 28, 8:30 PM
- Sat, Dec 26, 11:59 PM
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Rated G
The Muppets bring Charles Dickens’ classic story to life as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge confronts his past, present and future on Christmas Eve.
- Sun, Nov 29, 10:00 AM
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) – Rated PG
A once-celebrated toymaker and his inventive granddaughter embark on a magical holiday adventure that could transform their family’s future.
- Sat, Dec 26, 1:30 PM
The Franklin Theatre Christmas Shows and Live Performances 2026
In addition to holiday movies, The Franklin Theatre Christmas schedule includes big-band concerts, country music, Celtic performances, holiday rock and special tributes.
Glenn Miller Orchestra Holiday Show
The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings its signature big-band sound to the stage with Swing Era favorites, smooth harmonies and classic holiday spirit.
- Fri, Nov 6, 8:00 PM
O Night Divine with John Chisum & Friends
John Chisum is joined by Clark Beckham, Andrew Greer, Laura Osnes and other special guests for an evening of classic carols and new Christmas music.
- Sat, Nov 21, 7:30 PM
Christmas with The Celts
Christmas with The Celts combines Irish carols, lively dancing, Celtic instruments, and modern holiday favorites in a spirited seasonal performance.
- Mon, Nov 30, 7:00 PM
Ryan Middaugh Jazz Orchestra: A Merry Bari Christmas
The Ryan Middaugh Jazz Orchestra celebrates the season with swinging big-band arrangements, holiday classics, and music from its new album, A Merry Bari Christmas.
- Tue, Dec 1, 7:00 PM
Rock the Halls: A Christmas Celebration with Rich Jacques and Friends
Rich Jacques, Tracey DiCicco, Missy Garnett and an all-star band bring holiday rock favorites and seasonal energy to the Franklin Theatre stage.
- Wed, Dec 2, 7:00 PM
An Ozzie & Harriett Christmas with the Nelsons
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson combine Christmas classics, sibling harmonies, family stories, comedy, and vintage video in a nostalgic holiday concert.
- Sun, Dec 6, 1:00 PM
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): The Wonderful Life of Donna Reed
Donna Reed’s daughter, Mary Owen, shares family photographs, archival materials, and personal stories exploring the actress’s life and the lasting legacy of It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Sat, Dec 12, 12:00 PM
- Sun, Dec 13, 7:00 PM
Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis
Cote Deonath performs Elvis Presley’s greatest hits and Christmas favorites with the Infinit-E Tribute Band in this family-friendly holiday tradition.
- Sat, Dec 19, 3:00 PM
- Sat, Dec 19, 7:30 PM
- Sun, Dec 20, 3:00 PM
- Sun, Dec 20, 7:30 PM
Larry, Steve, and Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers Christmas
Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin perform their signature country hits alongside Christmas favorites in a seasonal concert at the Franklin Theatre.
- Mon, Dec 21, 7:00 PM
- Tue, Dec 22, 7:00 PM
Tickets for The Franklin Theatre’s 2026 Holiday Season
Tickets are now available for The Franklin Theatre’s holiday movies, concerts, and Christmas performances. Because many seasonal events sell out, guests are encouraged to reserve seats early and plan a holiday outing in downtown Franklin.
