Dickens of a Christmas
Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
A Holiday Tradition: Dickens of a Christmas!
Dickens of a Christmas presented by Wilson Bank & Trust recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The festival is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
Featuring:
- Arts & Crafts Vendors
- Food & Beverage Vendors
- Main Stage Entertainment presented by Nissan
- KidZone presented by The Friendship Factory
- Victorian Village with Holiday Dancers, Characters and Carolers
- Acoustic Stage
- StoryTimes presented by Atmos Energy & Hart and Home
- Whiskey Lounge by Leipers Fork Distillery
- Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus
- FREE Public Wifi presented by United Communications
Arts & Crafts
Artisans and craftspeople will showcase their work giving festival goers access to shop and experience unique local, regional, national and even international crafts, products, foods and giftables.
Fun Activities
Victorian Village is back with a full block of holiday fun on Main Street filled with holiday dancers, characters and entertainers!
Food & Drink
An enhanced food menu awaits with more cold snacks and beverages. Be on the lookout for festival favorites and newcomers that will delight a cozy, fall appetite!
Live Entertainment
Don’t miss live entertainment on Main Stage presented by Nissan and Acoustic Stage!
Downtown Shopping
All Downtown Franklin merchants will be open and celebrating with specials, features and promotions for enhanced shopping, dining and entertainment throughout the historic district.
Festival Participant Applications
Important Dates for 2022 Dickens of a Christmas
DFA Early Bird | August 13 – September 16, 2022
DFA Regular Registration | October 7, 2022
ZAPP Application Deadline | October 3, 2022
Food Vendor Application Deadline | October 3, 2022
Community Partner Deadline | October 3, 2022
Entertainment Application Deadline | October 3, 2022
ZAPP Application Notification Date | October 10, 2022
Food Vendor Application Notification Date | October 24, 2022
Community Partner Notification Date | October 24, 2022
Entertainment Application Notification Date | November 7, 2022
Entertainment Application Notification Date | November 7, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking & Shuttles
Park & Ride
- Franklin Transit will offer shuttle services to and from the festival starting at 10:00 AM Saturday morning and 11:00 am on Sunday morning. Shuttle rides are $1 per person, each way. All Franklin Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. No pets (except certified services animals), non- folding strollers, or food & drink (bottled water is permitted).
- Franklin Transit Locations: Pick up locations will be the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School (last shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the end of the festival).
Handicap Accessible Parking
- Please use the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or Franklin Transit’s Park & Ride service.
Limited Downtown Parking
- There is also limited parking downtown (no street parking within the festival footprint).
Weather and Other Emergencies
The festival is rain or shine. Please come prepared for the predicted weather. If there are high winds or storms that make the conditions unsafe, the festival will be closed.
First Aid & Emergency Services
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. If you’re in need of first-aid or non-life-threatening medical attention, please visit the Williamson Medical Center EMS & First Aid booth on Public Square
Restrooms
- Inside Visitor Center (4th Ave North)
- Inside City Hall (3rd Ave South and Public Square, behind Stage)
- Inside 4th Ave Church of Christ
- Restroom Trailer (3rd Ave South, next to City Hall)
- Portable Restrooms (4th Ave S next to parking garage, 3rd Ave N, 2nd Ave/Main at Landmark Bank)
Lost & Found
Visit the Heritage Foundation booth (C1) on Public Square for lost items and more information.
Pet-Friendly Features & Tips
- Prepare for your pet – bring hydration & waste bags
- Keep your furry friend leashed – This helps to ensure they are secure in the crowd and other attendees don’t get any unwanted attention.
- Keep it clean – please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet.
- Weather 101 – Keep in mind any impending inclement weather and plan accordingly for your pet.
- Be your pet’s best advocate – Know your pet, including what they link and do not like, so you can know if the festival environment will be appropriate for them.
Conduct Expectations
Per City of Franklin regulations, all attendees and exhibitors must comply with the following at all times during the event:
a. Except as protected by the First Amendment, the use of profane, obscene, or vulgar language, gestures, decorations, accessories, and signs is prohibited.
b. Indecent exposure*, lewd behavior, sexually explicit nudity, and any material or performance that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity and that taken as a whole is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning what is suitable and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is prohibited. This does not include breastfeeding mothers or to individuals who are changing clothes in designated areas.
c. Any activity, attire or conduct inappropriate to the peace and good order of the Special Event or which may adversely affect the safety of persons or property shall be prohibited.
d. There shall be no harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
* T. C. A. § 39-13-511
Parking & Shuttles
Park & Ride
- Franklin Transit will offer shuttle services to and from the festival starting at 10:00 AM Saturday morning and 11:00 am on Sunday morning. Shuttle rides are $1 per person, each way. All Franklin Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. No pets (except certified services animals), non- folding strollers, or food & drink (bottled water is permitted).
- Franklin Transit Locations: Pick up locations will be the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School (last shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the end of the festival).
Handicap Accessible Parking
- Please use the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or Franklin Transit’s Park & Ride service.
Limited Downtown Parking
- There is also limited parking downtown (no street parking within the festival footprint).
Weather and Other Emergencies
The festival is rain or shine. Please come prepared for the predicted weather. If there are high winds or storms that make the conditions unsafe, the festival will be closed.
First Aid & Emergency Services
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911. If you’re in need of first-aid or non-life-threatening medical attention, please visit the Williamson Medical Center EMS & First Aid booth on Public Square
Restrooms
- Inside Visitor Center (4th Ave North)
- Inside City Hall (3rd Ave South and Public Square, behind Stage)
- Inside 4th Ave Church of Christ
- Restroom Trailer (3rd Ave South, next to City Hall)
- Portable Restrooms (4th Ave S next to parking garage, 3rd Ave N, 2nd Ave/Main at Landmark Bank)
Lost & Found
Visit the Heritage Foundation booth (C1) on Public Square for lost items and more information.
Pet-Friendly Features & Tips
- Prepare for your pet – bring hydration & waste bags
- Keep your furry friend leashed – This helps to ensure they are secure in the crowd and other attendees don’t get any unwanted attention.
- Keep it clean – please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet.
- Weather 101 – Keep in mind any impending inclement weather and plan accordingly for your pet.
- Be your pet’s best advocate – Know your pet, including what they link and do not like, so you can know if the festival environment will be appropriate for them.
Conduct Expectations
Per City of Franklin regulations, all attendees and exhibitors must comply with the following at all times during the event:
a. Except as protected by the First Amendment, the use of profane, obscene, or vulgar language, gestures, decorations, accessories, and signs is prohibited.
b. Indecent exposure*, lewd behavior, sexually explicit nudity, and any material or performance that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity and that taken as a whole is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning what is suitable and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is prohibited. This does not include breastfeeding mothers or to individuals who are changing clothes in designated areas.
c. Any activity, attire or conduct inappropriate to the peace and good order of the Special Event or which may adversely affect the safety of persons or property shall be prohibited.
d. There shall be no harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
* T. C. A. § 39-13-511
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About The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County
The Main Street Festival is one of three major, highly-anticipated festivals produced by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN for the cultural and economic benefit of the community. Between the Spring's Main Street Festival, the Fall's PumpkinFest, and Winter's Dickens of a Christmas, the seasonal festivals annually attract over 300,000 visitors and contribute an estimated $10 million in local economic impact.