Holiday Highlights & Seasonal Celebrations

Tree Lighting at November First Fridays – November 7, 2025

Join Columbia Main Street in downtown Columbia for the annual Tree Lighting during November First Fridays. From 5–8 p.m., enjoy shopping from local vendors, food trucks, and hearing live music on the street. Gather at 6:30 p.m. on the courthouse steps as Santa turns on the lights on the 40-foot Christmas tree.
🔗 columbiamainstreet.com

Franklin Flea Market – November 8 & 9, 2025

Just in time for early holiday shopping, the Franklin Flea Market features dozens of vendors offering antiques, collectibles, crafts, and seasonal décor. Treasure hunters can browse a wide range of items, from handmade jewelry to rustic farmhouse finds, while food vendors offer their tasty food. Held at the Williamson County Ag Center.
🔗 visitfranklin.com

Zoolumination® – Nightly November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Thursday-Sunday, January 8 to February 8, 2026

Visit the country’s largest lantern festival held at the Nashville Zoo, featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. During Zoolumination, Santa visits nightly between November 24 and December 24. Hours: 5-9:00 p.m.
🔗 nashvillezoo.org

A Very Maury Christmas – November 22 & 23, 2025

Get into the holiday spirit at A Very Maury Christmas, returning for its 11th year at The Factory at Columbia. The festive market hosts a special preview party on Friday night, hosted by aMuse’um, available for an additional cost. Shop 80+ curated vendors offering holiday décor, handmade goods, gifts, and seasonal treats at one of Columbia’s favorite holiday traditions.
🔗 averymaurychristmas.com

FrankTown Festival of Lights – November 22 – December 31, 2025

Get into the holiday spirit at A Very Maury Christmas, returning for its 11th year at The Factory at Columbia. The festive market hosts a special preview party on Friday night, hosted by aMuse’um, available for an additional cost. Shop 80+ curated vendors offering holiday décor, handmade goods, gifts, and seasonal treats at one of Columbia’s favorite holiday traditions.
🔗 averymaurychristmas.com

Franklin Turkey Trot – November 27, 2025

Start Thanksgiving at 6:30 a.m. with the Franklin favorite Turkey Trot. Runners and walkers of all ages gather for a 5K through the Cool Springs area, with many participants dressing in holiday-themed costumes. Proceeds benefit GraceWorks, making it a holiday tradition with heart
🔗 graceworkstn.org

Christmas Barn Bash – November 28 & 29, 2025

Bring the joy of the season to life in The Barn, tucked away in the foothills of Tennessee. Guests will gather at The Phelps Farm for an evening of music and celebration, surrounded by the warmth of community and the spirit of Christmas, featuring beloved classics from the upbeat “Hallelujah” to the soaring “O Holy Night,” all honoring the true gift of the season.
🔗 davidphelps.com

Holiday Magic on Main Street in Franklin – Throughout December

Main Street in Franklin shines especially bright during the holidays. Local shops and restaurants dress up their storefronts in festive décor, with many hosting extended hours, holiday specials, and family-friendly activities. Window displays compete for attention, turning a casual evening stroll into a magical experience. Soak in the charm of Franklin’s historic downtown.
🔗 downtownfranklintn.com

December First Fridays – December 5, 2025

Don’t miss the final First Fridays as Columbia Main Street’s First Fridays closes the 2025 season with the Merry Makers Market. Soak up the holiday spirit and shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy cheerful carolers, and take photo opportunities with seasonal characters, all while sipping cocoa. Plus, the downtown shops will stay open late. First Fridays return in April 2026.
🔗 columbiamainstreet.com

Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square – December 5, 2025

A Franklin holiday tradition, the annual tree lighting takes place from 5-8:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown, bringing the community together. The evening includes live music, carolers, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. The highlight is, of course, the towering Christmas tree, sparkling with lights against the backdrop of Franklin’s historic square.
🔗 franklintn.gov

Columbia’s Most Wonderful Weekend – December 5 & 6, 2025

This cherished tradition takes place alongside the annual Christmas Parade and Historic Home Tour. On Friday and Saturday, local antique shops throughout Columbia open their doors for festive holiday open houses, offering unique treasures, seasonal décor, and one-of-a-kind finds.
🔗 visitcolumbiatn.com

Columbia Christmas Parade – December 6, 2025

Head to downtown Columbia for a truly magical night with Columbia Main Street. The annual Christmas Parade begins at 6:00 pm, filling the streets with holiday cheer. Downtown comes alive with 100+ floats, bands, and sparkling lights, capped off by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
🔗 columbiamainstreet.com

Franklin Christmas Parade – December 6, 2025

At 1 p.m., the parade marches down Main Street with a festive lineup of floats, marching bands, dancers, and community groups. Expect to see plenty of holiday cheer, from Santa and Mrs. Claus waving at the crowds to local organizations showing their seasonal spirit. A cheerful gathering for all ages, and don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!
🔗 franklintn.gov

Spring Hill Christmas Parade – December 13, 2025

Celebrate the season with the annual parade at 5 p.m. The festive evening parade features holiday-decorated floats, lights, bands, and community groups traveling along Main Street, bringing families together for one of the city’s favorite traditions.
🔗 springhilltn.org

Dickens of a Christmas – December 13 & 14, 2025

Downtown Franklin is transformed into a Victorian village straight out of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Costumed characters roam the streets, shop windows are dressed in old-world style, and visitors can enjoy roasted chestnuts, holiday treats, and live performances of carols and dances. Horse-drawn carriages and handmade crafts add to the festive charm.
🔗 williamsonheritage.org

Mule Drop – December 31, 2025

Make your way to downtown for Columbia’s annual Mule Drop celebration. Ring in the new year with live music, local food and drinks, and festive fun leading up to the countdown at midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, watch the signature mule light display drop as fireworks and confetti cannons shoot into the sky.
🔗 experiencemaury.com

The Factory at Franklin’s New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31, 2025

Celebrate the New Year with The Smoking Section Band, Nashville’s premier 17-piece party band. Heavy appetizers will be served, and guests will enjoy trivia, a cash bar, and a complimentary champagne toast to ring in 2026. Welcome the new year in style at Liberty Hall from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Get your tickets today!
🔗 factoryatfranklin.com

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