Franklin is known as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Tennessee, and is consistently listed as the perfect American small town. We'd argue it just gets better when Christmas rolls around! Located roughly twenty minutes outside of Nashville, Franklin turns into a veritable Christmas wonderland when December rolls around. This pretty city is great just about any time of year, but with the perfect Christmas festival and sweet shops galore, there's simply no better place to be this December.
Historic downtown Franklin is lauded on a national level for their beautiful preservation of Tennessee history, stunning downtown and ream of darling houses. It's a star studded town that offers all the small town glory you need - in a place that's really not a small town.
It's during the holidays that Franklin really, truly gets to shine. The whole town decorates - not just downtown- and the locals show out for holiday shopping and chilly morning dates at local coffee shops.
Interesting fact? The Noel sign actually belonged to a Nashville hotel. (AKA - this wasn't put up for Christmas purposes...although we like to think its perfect placement CAN'T be all coincidence).
The historic Franklin Theatre is great all year round, but it's here that you'll have the chance to take in a sweet showing of "It's a Wonderful Life," or laugh your way through "Elf" during December.
Arguably the most popular reason folks flock to Franklin during the holidays is for the day the town transforms into the whole of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Yeah. It's a thing.
Dickens of a Christmas takes place on December 10th & 11th this year, from 10 to 5 on Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sunday. It's an absolute blast. Folks dress up, there are shows and treats and all sorts of holiday cheer to exude AND enjoy.
It's magical for folks of all ages.
So, there you go. A beautiful town that completely embraces Christmas and gives Tennessee a fabulous festival every year. You may think Franklin is overrated - but we completely and totally disagree. Merry Christmas, friends! We'll see you on the 10th!
Franklin is truly the depiction of a tender Tennessee Christmas. If you're looking for a couple of beautiful light displays to visit, check this out!
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