The cities of Franklin and Brentwood will both host their annual tree lighting ceremonies on Dec. 3 and Dec. 6, respectively.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a choir, free refreshments, and live music performances will create a festive spirit when the city of Franklin hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting from 6-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the Franklin Public Square.
Free photos with Santa will be offered starting at 5:45 p.m., and the tree lighting is expected to be at 7:15 p.m., according to the city.
The event will feature a special guest performance from Matthew West, a five-time Grammy nominee and Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Country singer Layla Tucker will also make an appearance.
Rudolph and Bumble from the Gaylord Opryland’s "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical," and princesses from Dreams Do Come True Princess Parties will also be available for photos.
Brentwood will host its Christmas tree lighting, Brighten Brentwood, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 in front of the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Road. The event will feature holiday music and special treats including free hot cocoa.
Indoor activities at the event will include a reading of "The Polar Express" by Brentwood’s new train conductor, Steve Burgin.
Here are some other Christmas and holiday events happening in Franklin and Brentwood in the coming weeks.
Through Dec. 26: Drive through a holiday light display
The Franktown Festival of Lights returns to Williamson County at the Ag Expo Park. The event is open daily for families to drive through a 1-mile route with more than 200 light displays synchronized to Christmas music. The event will also feature a 30-foot lighted Christmas tree, food and a fire pit for s’mores. Attendees can also walk the path on Dec. 1, 8 and 15. 5-9 p.m. $25 (car, SUV or truck), $45 (12-15 passenger vehicle), $100 (commercial or charter vehicle). 4215 Long Lane, Franklin. www.franktownfestivaloflights.com
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Shop locally at the market
The Five Points Franklin Christmas Market will set up shop downtown on Tuesdays during the holiday season with vendors such as Bonnie Blue Farm, Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts, and James + Faye Candle Company. The market will also feature fire pits, hot drinks, holiday performances and a photo booth. 4-7 p.m. Free (admission). 100 5th Ave. N., Franklin. www.facebook.com/fivepointsfranklinmarket
Dec. 4: Meet Santa at the library
The John P. Holt Brentwood Library hosts a meet and greet with Santa Claus. The event will also feature face painting, music, giveaways and refreshments. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. John P. Holt Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood. 615-371-0090. www.brentwoodtn.gov
Dec. 4: Watch a Christmas parade
The Kiwanis Club of Franklin hosts this annual event featuring marching bands from Williamson County high schools as well as student performances before and after the parade. The parade will end with the arrival of Santa Claus in Franklin. 2-4 p.m. Free. Main Street, Franklin. www.franklintnkiwanischristmasparade.org
Dec. 9-24: Listen to a holiday radio broadcast
Franklin-based regional theater Studio Tenn returns after a hiatus with a live radio performance of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” featuring five voice actors playing a full cast of characters. Showtimes vary by date. $35-$90. Jamison Theatre, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin. 61 5-541-8200. www.studiotenn.com
Dec. 11: Set out the neighborhood luminaries
Residents in Brentwood will put luminaries on display in neighborhoods throughout the city. According to the city, each neighborhood should follow the instructions of their homeowners association. Should there be inclement weather, the event will be postponed to Dec. 12. 6 p.m. Free. Various neighborhoods and locations in Brentwood. www.brentwoodtn.gov
Dec. 11: See a performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’
Studio Tenn hosts a performance of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” solely performed by actor Mark Cabus, who takes on 18 characters throughout the course of the show. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Check with the box office for ticket pricing. 419 Main St., Franklin. 615-538-2076. www.franklintheatre.com
Dec. 11-12: See the return of Dickens of a Christmas
After holding virtual and socially-distanced events in 2020, The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County hosts the 36th annual event featuring characters inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and other Dickensian characters. 1 0 a.m.-6 p .m. (both days). Free (admission). Main Street, Franklin. www.williamsonheritage.org
Worth the Trip
Through Jan. 9: Cheekwood Holiday Lights
The annual Nashville tradition returns to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens with a mile of more than 1 million glowing lights throughout the gardens. The event will also feature live reindeer, s’mores stations and trains. This year, Cheekwood will also debut a holiday marketplace, including home decor, nutcrackers and winter accessories. 5-8:30 p.m. $20-$28. 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville. 615-356-8000. www.cheekwood.org
Franklin, Brentwood to host tree lighting events, plus more holiday events to attend in December, January
The Franklin Christmas tree will be lit on the night of Dec. 3 and remain lit through the month of December. This is a photo of the 2020 tree lighting. (Lindsay Scott/Community Impact Newspaper)