As someone who’s spent 31 holiday seasons here, I can attest that Franklin transforms into a living Hallmark movie when the calendar strikes November. Main Street becomes a Christmas village complete with garland-wrapped streetlights, seasonal coffee wafting onto Main Street, a massive Christmas tree twinkling in the center of the square, and shoppers (myself included) hustling and bustling to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.
But beyond the postcard-perfect scenery are beloved traditions that make the holidays in Franklin and Williamson County extra special.
Here’s how I’ve celebrated this magical season my whole life, and how you can too.
The Franklin Christmas Parade
For over 30 years, the Franklin Christmas Parade has been the kickoff to our holiday celebrations. Winding through the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin, this beloved community tradition fills the streets with holiday cheer as we welcome Santa Claus to town.
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I’ve been attending this parade for as long as I can remember. Many moons ago, my grandpa would deck out a golf cart and meander through the streets, waving and passing out candy before the parade became the grandiose event it is today.
Now, my personal tradition centers around Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry, a family-owned store on Main Street in its third generation. My family takes to the roof to cheer on the floats, dance along to the marching bands, and billow fake snow into the streets when Santa makes his grand arrival. It’s my favorite day of the year.
Dickens of a Christmas Festival
Presented by Wilson Bank & Trust and produced by the Heritage Foundation, Dickens of a Christmas transforms Historic Downtown Franklin into Victorian-era London. Musicians, dancers, and Dickens characters descend—including Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, and Mother and Father Christmas.
It wouldn’t be the holidays for me without Dickens. I love watching dancers take to the streets in choreographed period pieces, picking up gifts year after year from my favorite vendors, and watching Donal Hinley play holiday classics on his glass harmonica—which is literally glasses filled with water. Yes, I’ve bought the CD.
The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
If you’re looking for something a bit more unconventional, head to bucolic Leiper’s Fork for one of the quirkiest holiday parades you’ll ever experience. Featuring everything from Clydesdales, sheep, and cows to vintage vehicles and a cast of colorful small-town characters, this parade captures the heart and soul of rural Williamson County.
The Franklin Theatre
A crown jewel of Main Street, the Franklin Theatre is marked by its historic marquee that transports you right back in time the second you enter. This is where I first saw Elf (and Cars, while we’re reminiscing), and it’s become a cherished tradition to return year after year to watch my favorites in a setting that feels preserved in time. Check their events calendar for classic holiday movie screenings, concerts, and special performances throughout the season.
Thompson’s Station Farmers Market: Holiday Edition
Hot cocoa, holiday tunes, and twinkling lights, oh my. Dozens of vendors offering everything from candles and wares to baked goods descend on Homestead Manor for an afternoon of holiday shopping and festive cheer. It’s the perfect place to find unique, locally-made gifts while supporting small businesses.
FrankTown Festival of Lights
Celebrate the holidays at this nightly mile-and-a-half light spectacular featuring more than 200 lights synchronized to a channel on your car’s radio. You can take selfies by the dazzling Christmas tree, make s’mores by the fire pits, and grab snacks from onsite food trucks.
This has become a fun annual tradition with my friend and my mom. We make hot chocolate and drive through the light display to kick off the holiday season. The first year we went, our hot chocolate got cold almost immediately, so I asked for a thermos for Christmas—except I accidentally asked multiple people, and now I have several thermoses. Lesson learned, but at least we’re prepared for years to come!
The 2025 Holiday Trot Adventure Pass
Explore Williamson County at your own pace with the self-guided Holiday Trot Pass. Discover festive events, local attractions, holiday markets, and seasonal shopping, all organized in one easy mobile pass.
Visit five stops to earn a commemorative holiday ornament, redeemable at the Franklin Visitor Center (while supplies last). Valid through January 1, 2026, download the pass and start your holiday stroll!
