Franklin, Tennessee Knows How to Get into the Holiday Spirit
TN – When you think of locating the best town to celebrate Christmas, Franklin, TN, probably isn’t the first destination that comes to your mind, but this city of 88,000 people really knows how to make the most of the Christmas season. In fact, the historic city is best known for its ‘Dickens of a Christmas’ celebration, which occurs in the middle of December each year. During the celebration, actors and actresses dress up as your favorite Dickens characters, including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Marley, as well as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and this year, the celebration will be held on December 14 and 15. Now, let’s take a look at all the other ways you can enjoy the season of giving in Franklin.
4 Christmas Festivities to Take Part in Franklin, TN
It’s estimated that more than 110,000 people visited Franklin, TN, in 2022 to see the Dickens of a Christmas festival. This festival is famous for its actors and actresses who dress up like the characters in the classic Christmas tale, but the festival isn’t the only reason to visit Franklin this winter. In addition to the Dickens of a Christmas festival, Franklin also offers Christmas Classics at the Franklin Theatre, a live-action A Christmas Carol at the Rabbit Room, and a trolley lights tour.
1. Franklin Theatre Christmas Classics
The historic Franklin Theatre hosts classic Christmas movies and music during the holiday season. A few of their holiday movies include National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. The theatre’s music offerings include The Gatlins Country and Christmas and Suzy Bogus.
2. A Christmas Carol Play
The Rabbit Room Theatre is hosting a live adaptation of The Christmas Carol this season. The show will run from Saturday, December 7th through Sunday, December 22nd.
3. Hello Trolley Christmas Holiday Lights Tour
Franklin has a holiday trolley that runs from December 3rd through December 23rd. It’s $30 per person. The trolley picks people up at The Factory at Franklin and transports everyone around town to view the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. This old-time trolley tour is certain to help you get into the spirit of the season.
4. The Dasher Holiday Market at Leiper’s Fork
The Holiday Market at Leipers Fork will be open until January 5, 2025. The market offers 30 fantastic vendors that were hand-selected to participate in the event. Some favorites this year include SAVAS, Spark Jewelry, and BENE. If you’re looking for last-minute handcrafted or luxurious holiday gifts for that special someone, you might find them at the Dasher Holiday Market on 4145 Old Hillsboro Road.
Delicious Franklin Eateries
While you’re taking in the sights and enjoying the festivities, don’t forget to grab something to eat. Franklin, TN, has plenty of places to eat in its historic downtown, including the 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, and Waldo’s Chicken & Beer.
- 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails—This eatery is located in the Harpeth Hotel and offers brunch and dinner. For breakfast, patrons can choose from a variety of dishes, including biscuits and gravy, French toast, omelets, and avocado toast. For lunch, they can choose between grilled shrimp cocktails, arctic salmon, diver scallops, and lamb shanks, as well as a variety of desserts and other tasty dishes.
- McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery – McCreary’s offers a variety of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees, and desserts, including loaded taters, brown butter shrimp, house salads, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, pot pie, paddy melts, burgers, bread pudding, Irish cream cheesecake and brownies with ice cream.
- Waldo’s Chicken & Beer—This downtown eatery serves delicious southern fried and rotisserie chicken. Patrons can also enjoy chicken tenders, breaded chicken breast sandwiches, pulled chicken, french fries, mac and cheese, potato wedges, coleslaw, cookies, and banana pudding.
Where to Stay for the Holidays
Franklin has many great places to stay, including The Harpeth Hotel, the Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, and the Southall Farm and Inn.
Harpeth Hotel
The Harpeth Hotel is located in downtown Franklin. It is a boutique luxury hotel with 119 rooms. The hotel is ADA-accessible, pet-friendly, and family-friendly. The property offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness area.
Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast
The Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast is located minutes from downtown Franklin. The B&B boasts four large rooms with private bathrooms, and guests are treated to a southern-style breakfast in the mornings.
Southall Farm and Inn
Southall Farm and Inn is located on 325 acres and has 62 guestrooms and 16 cottages. It offers a luxurious spa and plenty of events to keep its guests entertained. On December 24th, it’s having a Christmas Eve dinner, and on New Year’s Eve, it’ll have live music and entertainment.
Flying to Franklin, TN
Franklin, TN, does not have an airport. However, aviators can fly to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport (MQY), which is located 25 miles east of Franklin. The airport has two runways, including Runway 14/32 and Runway 01/19. Runway 14/32 is 8,048 feet long and 150 feet wide. Runway 01/19 is perfect for small airplanes and business jets. It’s 5,546 feet long and 100 feet wide. The tower can be contacted on 118.5. Ground can be contacted on 121.4, and the UNICOM frequency is 122.95. MQY provides 100LL and Jet-A, and Enterprise and Hertz provide rental cars.
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas getaway in a mid-sized town with a historic downtown, Franklin, TN, may be the ideal location for you and your family.
