The holidays are right around the corner! And while there’s much to celebrate, it’s easy to let the stress of one thing get in the way of being merry and bright: shopping. Luckily for us, we have a plethora of local small businesses and markets that make finding that unique gift easier than ever, all while enjoying the incredible atmosphere of Franklin, Tennessee during the holidays! Read on below to find out our best recommendations.
Holiday Market Events
Unlike traditional store shopping, Franklin’s holiday markets transform gift-hunting into an experience, where you can browse handcrafted goods, chat with local artisans, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Related Posts
MADE SOUTH Holiday Market is an annual favorite in November, bringing together the “South’s finest makers & artisans” for a festive shopping experience at The Factory at Franklin. This market also offers special 21+ VIP experiences and early-bird perks, making it a fun adult outing for friends or couples. Tickets are available on the MADE SOUTH website.
Made Market Franklin also returns to The Factory at Franklin each holiday season in December. This “finely curated handmade market” brings together talented makers from Franklin and the surrounding region. All vendors are vetted through a jury to ensure that only the finest handcrafted items are on display at the market, so you know you are buying high-quality and one-of-a-kind gifts! Made Market Franklin also hosts workshops—from candle making in the morning to wreath making in the afternoon—and the price of these workshops includes admission to the market itself. Tickets can be purchased on the Made Market Website.
Held each November at the scenic Lake at Westhaven, the Franklin Makers Market captures the heart of small-town holiday charm. This open-air market features more than a hundred local artisans and offers everything from handcrafted jewelry and home goods to gourmet treats and festive decor. Visitors can browse vendor tents while enjoying live music, local bites, and even free photos with Santa, making it a perfect outing for families and friends alike. The Franklin Makers Market feels more like a community festival rather than a shopping trip, and is one of the most highly anticipated local holiday events each year. The event is free to attend!
Small Businesses in Downtown Franklin
Downtown Franklin is brimming with charm year-round, but during the holiday season its historic streets feel especially magical as it’s lined with lights, wreaths, and locally owned shops filled with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Begin your stroll at Gallery 202, housed in a beautifully restored 1821 mansion, where you’ll find museum-quality artwork, handcrafted jewelry, glass, and pottery—each piece a potential family heirloom and testament to Franklin’s thriving arts community. A few blocks away, Landmark Booksellers beckons book lovers with its shelves of rare and first-edition titles, Southern literature, and locally authored works, all tucked within a historic building that feels like stepping back in time.
For the style-minded, Franklin Road Apparel Company offers elevated yet approachable fashion for men and women, featuring well-made staples, outerwear, and accessories from beloved Southern and national brands. Downtown Franklin also has several locally-owned boutiques to help you find that stylish gift for your loved one. Check out Jondie for a fantastic selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry, as well as Mimi and Dottie to design your own custom jewelry at their charm bar!
Finding something special for the home is made easy by Hester & Cook, with their table settings, kitchen accessories, stationery, and holiday decor. And at White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store curated by singer-songwriter Holly Williams, you’ll discover a carefully chosen collection of home goods, clothing, baby items, and artisanal foods, each reflecting her signature blend of Southern heritage and contemporary style. Mercantile 1858 is your stop for farmhouse-inspired decor, with a style that feels more like story-telling than interior design.
Art & Antiques in Leiper’s Fork
Just a short drive from downtown Franklin, the town of Leiper’s Fork offers a slower, more soulful shopping experience, one that blends art, history, and Southern hospitality in equal measure.
At the heart of the village sits the David Arms Gallery, located inside a renovated barn. The gallery showcases the celebrated artist’s signature oil paintings alongside his curated collection of prints, books, candles, and home goods. Every detail of the space reflects Arms’s philosophy of beauty rooted in craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for art lovers and collectors alike.
Just steps away, Copper Fox Gallery celebrates the creativity of regional artisans with a thoughtfully curated selection of fine art, pottery, jewelry, glass, and woodwork. Each item at Copper Fox tells its own story, whether it’s a hand-thrown ceramic piece or a one-of-a-kind metal sculpture, making it an ideal stop for those seeking truly unique holiday gifts. And the house itself, built in the 1860s, is as beautiful as the pieces it houses.
And for those drawn to the timeless appeal of vintage finds, Props Antiques offers an eclectic trove of treasures gathered from around the South. Housed in another cozy, character-filled space that Leiper’s Fork is known for, the shop is filled with everything from antique furniture and architectural pieces to quirky collectibles and repurposed decor. It’s the kind of place where every object has a past—and where browsing feels like stepping through layers of Tennessee history.
