Friday, December 6, 2024

6:00-8:30 pm 

New***Pet Friendly Photos with Santa 5:00-6:00 pm

NEW***Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County will host its inaugural Christkindlmarkt during the tree-lighting ceremony on December 6th, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The organization is currently offering commemorative mugs exclusively at the Five Points Post Office for $20. By purchasing these mugs, you are not only supporting the event but also contributing to our mission of promoting cultural experiences. The event will be a feast for the senses, with German music and Christmas carols by the band Polkawagen. But that's not all! You'll also have the chance to indulge in a variety of culinary delights from our food vendors, including a funnel cake food truck and a traditional German kebab food truck. And for those who love to decorate their Christmas tree, we have traditional German ornaments available for purchase. Plus, a Kinder Corner will provide art activities for children, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family.

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The City of Franklin is excited to light up the square Friday, December 6th, for the 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square, one of the best tree lighting events in Middle Tennessee sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric!  Free photos with Santa will be provided by Mars Petcare beginning at 6:00 p.m., with a Pet Friendly hour from 5-6pm! 

Our headliner, Matthew West, is a five-time GRAMMY® nominee, ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, and NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” by Billboard, West has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications and notched 30 number one songs combined as an artist and songwriter. He recently released his original Christmas song "Because of Bethlehem" following last year's tune "Come Home for Christmas." West's latest album MY STORY YOUR GLORY is out now and he is currently captivating audiences nationwide on tour. He’s headlined this event before and the City is so excited he’s coming back for 2024!

 

Opening for Mathew West will Be Rachel Potter, representing Studio Tenn!  Rachel Potter, an acclaimed Broadway star and accomplished Nashville Recording artist, has been recognized by US Weekly as "One to Watch" and praised by the Hollywood Reporter for her "crystalline vocals." With a successful career in both musical theater and country music, Rachel has showcased her talent on stages of all sizes.  Rachel's impressive resume includes her turn as the ever “popular” Glinda u/s on the National Tour of Wicked. Next, she made her Broadway debut as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, where she shared the stage with Bebe Neuwirth and Brooke Shields as Morticia. She then went on to originate the role of the Mistress in the Tony Nominated revival of Evita, alongside Ricky Martin and Michael Cerveris. Her standout performance on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the production, singing the poignant song "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," further solidified her place in the Broadway community. Hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, Rachel's journey in the entertainment industry began on at Walt Disney World, where she portrayed iconic characters such as Ariel, Belle, and Nemo. She later gained national attention as a top 15 finalist on MTV's Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.

The Freedom Intermediate School choir, led by Director Candace Adams will return this year to sing holiday favorites.

 

The Shine Your Light Singers representing the Ray of Light Foundation will return for the second year along Main Street to entertain visitors.

 

Another NEW FEATURE this year will the the Williamson County Community Chorus who will be located by the Middle Tennessee Electric Truck and singing carols from 5:15-6:15.

Williamson Health will provide a photo bus opportunity on the square!

The Franklin Art Scene will also have the Art Crawl that night happening in many stores from 6::00-9:00 p.m.  The Franklin Noon Rotary and the Franklin Noon Rotary will hand out free refreshments from the City of Franklin. 

The main festivities begin at 6 p.m. on December 1st, with a quiet Pet Friendly Santa Photo Opportunity from 5-6pm. Performances will start at 6:40 p.m.  We expect to light the tree at 7:15 p.m.

PRESENTING SPONSOR