What's Happening in Franklin, TN…

A classic work of literature is coming to Franklin, transforming the downtown streets to those of another age.

For the 35th year, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County will present its “Dickens of a Christmas,” an outdoor Christmas festival that takes over the city's downtown. The celebration is the biggest Christmas festival held outdoors in Middle Tennessee.

Franklin is known for the Victorian buildings that line its streets, and these structures form the backdrop for the over 200 dancers, musicians, and actors who remain in character as people from Dickens' novels. Festival attendees can expect to see, and chat with, the criminal Fagin from ‘Oliver Twist’, as well as the Cratchits and their youngest son, Tiny Tim; and Jacob Marley and the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, all from “A Christmas Carol.”

Also on the scene will be the Victorian equivalent of Santa and Mrs. Claus, Father and Mother Christmas, who will have treats for the youngsters. Carriage rides in horse-drawn vehicles are on the schedule, as are living window displays of Victorian craftsmen. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with food and gifts. Much of the fun will be simply wandering the streets to interact with the Dickensian characters, but there are scheduled events planned as well.

The Dickens festival is set for December 14, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and December 15, from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Flyer printing can be used to create handouts with schedules of this type of event.