Search

Franklin, Tennessee
A beautifully lit Christmas tree stands tall in the center of a quaint town square, surrounded by historic brick buildings and twinkling streetlights in Williamson County, Tennessee.

FRANKLIN’S GUIDE TO

Tree Lighting on the Square

Franklin’s Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square is a downtown holiday tradition that welcomes the season with an evening of community celebration. The event gathers residents and visitors on Main Street for the ceremonial lighting of the city’s holiday tree, seasonal music, and family-friendly moments that mark the start of Franklin’s holiday season.

When is the Tree Lighting on the Square?

The ceremony traditionally takes place on the first Friday of December each year. Festivities typically begin at 6 p.m.

Check the City of Franklin website for specifics on this year’s event.

Learn More
Franklin's Tree Lighting on the Square
Franklin's Tree Lighting on the Square
A large, brightly lit Christmas tree stands tall in the center of a town square at night, surrounded by festive decorations and people enjoying the holiday atmosphere in Williamson County, Tennessee.
A picturesque town square features a towering Christmas tree adorned with lights and topped with a star, standing tall amidst a blanket of fresh snow, with a historic monument and quaint buildings in the background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Where does the Tree Lighting take place?

The Tree Lighting takes place on the Square in Historic Downtown Franklin, centered around the public square and Main Street. Expect the crowd to gather near the courthouse and surrounding sidewalks for the lighting moment and musical performances.

Two stylized Christmas ornaments: one red and white striped, the other white with a snowflake in Williamson County, Tennessee.

About Franklin’s Tree Lighting Event

Franklin’s Tree Lighting event is a short, joyful kickoff to the holiday season in downtown. It’s part civic ceremony, part neighborhood block party. In past years, the evening has included live music, short remarks from city officials and community leaders, and the countdown to illuminating the downtown tree. The event is designed to be welcoming for families and visitors of all ages. (Official program details vary year to year.)

A beautifully lit historic building adorned with white columns wrapped in twinkling Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere against the night sky in Williamson County, Tennessee.
A string of colorful Christmas lights forms a playful, winding pattern against a dark background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Entertainment Lineup

While programming is confirmed annually, visitors can generally expect:

A majestic Christmas tree, adorned with countless twinkling lights, stands tall against the night sky, with a statue and illuminated signs in the background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

TREE LIGHTING

A ceremonial tree lighting at dusk (countdown and illumination)

A large choir dressed in black with red and white Santa hats performs on a stage illuminated by festive lights, singing with enthusiasm and joy in Williamson County, Tennessee.

SEASONAL MUSIC

Seasonal music and caroling from regional and local performers

Four women take a selfie in front of a brightly lit Christmas tree, surrounded by a festive crowd in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Family-friendly moments

Family-friendly moments and photo opportunities on the Square

A bustling night scene on a wet street during a Christmas festival, with a large crowd gathered to admire a towering illuminated tree and festive storefronts in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Holiday Vendors

Holiday vendors and local partners participating in the evening

A majestic Christmas tree, adorned with countless twinkling lights, stands tall against the night sky, with a statue and illuminated signs in the background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

TREE LIGHTING

A ceremonial tree lighting at dusk (countdown and illumination)

A large choir dressed in black with red and white Santa hats performs on a stage illuminated by festive lights, singing with enthusiasm and joy in Williamson County, Tennessee.

SEASONAL MUSIC

Seasonal music and caroling from regional and local performers

Four women take a selfie in front of a brightly lit Christmas tree, surrounded by a festive crowd in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Family-friendly moments

Family-friendly moments and photo opportunities on the Square

A bustling night scene on a wet street during a Christmas festival, with a large crowd gathered to admire a towering illuminated tree and festive storefronts in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Holiday Vendors

Holiday vendors and local partners participating in the evening

Visit the City of Franklin event page for the current year’s entertainment lineup and participant details.

A stylized star ornament with eight pointed rays, hanging from a loop at the top in Williamson County, Tennessee.
A string of colorful Christmas lights with red, green, blue, and white bulbs, arranged in a playful, looping pattern against a dark background in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Five friends dressed in festive attire sit together on a bench in front of a beautifully decorated building entrance in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Family-Friendly Activities

Kids will love the evening as they see the start of the holiday season unfolding in front of them. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities, and maybe even get that perfect shot for this year’s family Christmas card. An art crawl, music, and refreshments round out a great evening.

A serene winter landscape featuring stylized snow-covered trees and a winding river against a dark night sky in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Parking Information

Downtown street parking and nearby city garages provide access to Main Street; expect limited on-street spots within the Square. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, use public parking garages, or walk from nearby lots. The city typically provides guidance on accessible routes and gathering areas—see the official event page for the year’s accessibility information.

Two black triangular shapes resembling mountains or peaks against a light blue background in Williamson County, Tennessee.
A string of colorful Christmas lights forms a playful, looping pattern against a dark background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

A majestic Christmas tree, adorned with countless twinkling lights, stands tall against the night sky, with a statue and illuminated signs in the background in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Is the Tree Lighting open to the public?

Yes, the event is a community gathering in downtown Franklin. Confirm any changes or ticketed VIP elements (if offered) on the City of Franklin event listing.

A lively holiday market scene with people gathered around a spinning wheel, children interacting with adults, and festive decorations including greenery and a Christmas tree in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Do you have to purchase tickets for the Tree Lighting?

The Tree Lighting is free to attend.

A joyful crowd celebrates under a sparkling Christmas tree, arms raised in excitement in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Is the event held in inclement weather?

The ceremony is usually held rain or shine, but organizers may alter or cancel portions for severe weather. Check the City of Franklin’s event update prior to travel.

Franklin, Tennessee's official 2026 vacation guide features patriotic imagery and highlights 250 years of American stories in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Free Vacation Guide

Plan your visit with our FREE 2025 Vacation Guide! Consider it the ultimate road map to Franklin with our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore.

Download Now