Illustration of a christmas market scene (40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas)
Christmas Markets

40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas

Step into a Victorian wonderland at the 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas in historic downtown Franklin. This beloved event recreates the charm of Charles Dickens' era, drawing an impressive 150,000 visitors. Wander streets filled with musicians, dancers, and characters from classic tales like Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Meet Victorian Father and Mother Christmas, and enjoy a truly immersive holiday experience.

What to Expect

Victorian-era Christmas recreation with Dickens characters

Event Details

Duration

10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Historic Downtown Franklin

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN

Food & Drink

Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, history buffs, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, historic, immersive

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Historic Downtown Franklin
Franklin, TN

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, especially on Saturday, as the event attracts a large crowd of 150,000 visitors.
  • Familiarize yourself with the characters from 'Oliver Twist' and 'A Christmas Carol' to fully enjoy interactions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring historic downtown Franklin on foot.
  • Keep an eye out for Victorian Father and Mother Christmas for special treats, particularly for children.
  • Check the event schedule for specific times of performances by musicians and dancers to plan your visit.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Recreation of Charles Dickens' era
  • Appearance of characters from Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol
  • Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickens of a Christmas?

It's an annual festival that recreates the time of Charles Dickens in historic downtown Franklin, featuring musicians, dancers, and characters from his classic novels.

When does Dickens of a Christmas take place?

The event is scheduled for December 13th and 14th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

What kind of characters can I expect to see?

Visitors can expect to interact with characters like Fagin from Oliver Twist, and Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol.

Is this event suitable for families?

Yes, the event is family-friendly, with Victorian Father and Mother Christmas offering treats for children.

Where is the event held?

The festival takes place in historic downtown Franklin, TN, utilizing its charming architecture as the backdrop.

Tags

holiday marketfamily friendlytheaterSanta visitscommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesholiday traditionfestive foodartisanal goodsChristmas decorations

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team