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.
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.
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.
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.
FrankTown Festival of Lights – November 22 – December 31, 2025
Drive-through light show that transforms the Williamson County Ag Center into a mile-long display of glowing holiday scenes. Families can take in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights from the warmth of their car, making it a cozy outing on chilly nights. On select walking nights, visitors can enjoy the sparkle up close as they stroll the path at their own pace. Proceeds benefit FrankTown Open Hearts, a local nonprofit serving at-risk youth. Nightly from 5-9:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Holiday Magic on Main Street in Franklin – Throughout December 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Share this story
To share this on your Instagram Story: Tap “Share” to copy the link. Open Instagram, go to “Your Story,” add a background photo/video, tap the 🔗 icon, paste the link, and hit Done. Add stickers or text like “Check this out!” then tap “Your Story” to post. Quick and easy—thanks for sharing!
Related Articles
-
Festive Christmas Brunch -
Building Beyond Blueprints—Luxe Custom Homes -
Lessons from the Vine -
Tea by Southall—A Beloved Seasonal Tradition Returns -
Decluttering Before the Holidays -
How to Talk to Your Kids About WealthA Guide for Every Age -
The Celebration of Art — Gallery 48 -
Celebrating Community — Sugar Plums & Mistletoe -
Simplify In Style