There’s something about the holiday season that brings back that childlike spark of excitement. (For me, that spark has to come at some point between wrestling the kids into Christmas sweaters and keeping the toddler from tearing all of the ornaments off of the Christmas tree!)
But, I will always feel a special kind of magic when we put up the Christmas tree, hang our stockings, and anticipate Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve. With just a few days left until Dec. 25, I figured you might be looking for activities around town to help you feel like a kid this Christmas and re-discover that child-like joy that makes this holiday so special!
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite holiday activities that will have you seeing visions of sugarplums around Franklin, Tennessee.
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S’mores in Leiper’s Fork
I love spending time browsing art galleries, shopping, and checking out the distillery in Leiper’s Fork over the holidays. The little village is especially charming in December. The best thing about hopping over there this season?
You might just find a s’mores station at one of the fire pits outside of David Arms or Leiper’s Creek Galleries. Warm up by the fire and enjoy a sweet treat with the family.
Photos with Santa at Cool Springs Galleria
The Big Guy makes an appearance at Cool Springs Galleria through Dec. 24. Stop by, pay him a visit, and snap a photo as you knock out your Christmas shopping list!
Christmas Movies at the Franklin Theatre
What’s better than curling up with some popcorn and a classic Christmas movie this time of year?
Nothing I say!
The Franklin Theatre is the perfect setting to enjoy a holiday movie this month, as they are showing Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story.
Franktown Festival of Lights
When I was young, and still today, I loved driving around and looking at all of the neighborhood Christmas lights.
To this day, my husband may or may not do everything he can to get out of putting up our exterior illumination (“we don’t have an extension ladder!”, he says, or something like “They don’t make the right clips for these particular columns!” Hmmmm, ok honey….), but never fear, we still get to see beautiful lights at the Franktown Festival of Lights, featuring one mile of dazzling light displays!
Sweet Treats and Shopping on Main Street
Main Street is at her finest during the holiday season. The oversized Christmas tree on the square, lights galore, beautifully decorated storefronts…it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Just add snow and a cute dog. Stop in at Kilwins for hot chocolate and fudge to enjoy as you peruse the shops downtown to find that perfect gift.
Kids’ Book Section at Landmark Booksellers
Speaking of Hallmark movies, Landmark Booksellers is the perfect place to browse and curl up with a book in downtown Franklin. (Landmark served as the inspiration for the New York Times bestselling book The Bridge and the following Hallmark movie, after all!)
Offering carefully curated new, old, and rare books in their historic building, avid readers will stumble into holiday warmth and a cute kids’ section for perusing.
The Factory at Franklin’s Trees of Christmas
The Factory decks their halls the right way! With approximately 40 real Christmas trees decorated by local artisans and merchants, it’s a sight to see.
I like to grab a hot drink at Honest Roasters and a donut at Five Daughters Bakery as I stroll and check out the trees. Bonus: You can stop off at Third Coast Clay and paint some Christmas-themed pottery while you’re there as well!
What did I miss? Let me know your favorite holiday events around Franklin, Tennessee this December!