Santa Sightings: Where to Find the Jolly Man in Franklin & Williamson County This Season!
Dickens of a Christmas
Looking for places to see Santa in Franklin and Williamson County, TN? From classic Santa photos and brunches to themed experiences, pet-friendly events, and sensory-friendly visits, there are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa throughout the area. Explore this guide to discover where you can capture magical moments with Santa this holiday season!
CoolSprings Galleria
Step into the magic of the season at Santa’s Workshop in CoolSprings Galleria! In addition to the classic Santa photo and letter drop-off, CoolSprings Galleria also offers some extra-special ways to make memories with Santa this season! From a Titans-themed Santa to pet-friendly photos and a VIP gingerbread contest, these unique experiences bring holiday cheer with a twist. Here’s a look at what you can enjoy.
Pet Photos With Santa
For those who consider their pets part of the family holiday celebrations, CoolSprings Galleria offers a special Pets with Santa event. You can bring your furry friends along to meet Santa, and capture adorable photos! This event is perfect for making memories with every member of the family—even the four-legged ones. Santa knows that pets are family, too, so he’s ready to spread holiday joy to cats, dogs, and any friendly pets who join. Reservations are not required but are recommended. Make your reservation here.
- November 25th, and December 2nd, 9th and 16th
Ginger Snapped VIP Santa Experience
Bring the whole family for photos with Santa and a chance to build your own gingerbread house to take home for the holidays. Enjoy light breakfast bites, coffee, and cocoa in a festive holiday setting. A panel of judges will award a prize for the best gingerbread house, with the winner receiving a gift basket filled with gift cards and goodies from CoolSprings Galleria’s top retailers and restaurants. RSVP here.
- December 14th
Each experience offers unique perks, so no matter how you want to capture your holiday memories, CoolSprings Galleria has a way to make your visit with Santa one to remember. • 1800 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-2128 •
Franklin Christmas Parade
Experience the magic of the Franklin Christmas Parade as Santa Claus makes his grand entrance! This year’s theme, Miracle on Main St., brings holiday charm and cheer to Franklin’s beloved Main Street, creating a picturesque setting to welcome Santa to town. For over 30 years, this parade has delighted spectators and participants, celebrating the joy of the season while highlighting the beauty and history of downtown Franklin. Presented by the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club, the parade embodies the warmth, unity, and festive spirit of the community. • Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064 •
- December 7th, 1 pm
Santa at The Factory
Meet Santa Claus in the Grand Hall at The Factory at Franklin, where you can snap a festive photo with him in front of a stunning 20-foot live Christmas tree. The tree is beautifully decorated with historic stoves, honoring the legacy of the manufacturers who once called The Factory home. It’s an opportunity to spend time with Santa in a unique, nostalgic setting. • 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 791-1777 •
- December 7th, 14th, and 21st, 10 am to 1 pm
Dickens of a Christmas
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas brings Victorian holiday charm to historic Downtown Franklin—and Santa himself will be there to greet visitors! This beloved street festival transforms Main Street into the world of Charles Dickens, featuring costumed characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchit family. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancers, and interactive performances, shop with arts and crafts vendors, and explore the whiskey lounge and beer garden. Look for Father Christmas by the Christmas tree in Franklin Square, where he’ll be ready for photos and holiday cheer. • Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064 •
- December 14th, 10 am to 6 pm, December 15th, 11 am to 5 pm
Brews With Santa
Head to Curio Brewing Co. for a family-friendly evening of festive fun at Brews With Santa! Stop by to snap photos with Santa, sip on a brew (or two), and enjoy hot chocolate while a Christmas movie plays in the background. The event is free to attend and welcomes both families and pets. • 216 Noah Dr #140, Franklin, TN 37064 •
- December 14th, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Franklin Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival
Kick off the season at the Franklin Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival, a festive 21+ celebration at The Factory at Franklin, featuring cocktails, holiday tunes, and a special appearance by Santa himself. Guests can sip seasonal cocktails, indulge in gourmet sweets, and explore holiday-themed setups—all with Santa nearby for photo opportunities. Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized signature cocktails, and additional food and full-sized drinks are available for purchase. Stroll through Candy Cane Lane, where local vendors offer sweet treats perfect for gifting or enjoying right away. This event supports TennGreen Land Conservancy, so each sip helps protect Tennessee’s natural treasures while making holiday memories with Santa. • 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 791-1777 •
- December 13th, 6 pm to 9 pm
Santa Brunch at The Harpeth
Enjoy a festive North Pole-inspired brunch while Santa visits each table at 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails at downtown Franklin’s Harpeth Hotel. The brunch features exclusive holiday dishes and, for those feeling a little “naughty,” the elves have crafted special spirited drinks to enjoy. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa as he makes his rounds. Brunch service begins at 10 am, with Santa arriving at 11 am. • 130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 786-0840 •
- Weekends from November 30th to December 22nd, 10 am to 2 pm
Deck the Howls! 2024
The Williamson County Animal Center is celebrating the holiday season with a heartwarming event, Deck the Howls. Children ages 4-12 are invited to enjoy an afternoon of festive activities with adoptable pets. They can read holiday stories, provided by the Franklin Public Library, to their furry audience while cozy in their favorite pajamas. This experience not only helps kids improve their reading skills but also fosters empathy and kindness towards animals.
In addition to storytime, participants can decorate cookies, craft ornaments, and join a fun animal trivia game for prizes. And, of course, no holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself! Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your child’s spot for this special event! • 1006 Grigsby Hayes Ct, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-5590 •
- December 1st, 2 pm to 4:30 pm
Morning With Santa at The Brentwood Library
Morning with Santa is back at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, bringing a festive experience for the whole family! Enjoy a special day centered around Santa Claus, with opportunities to meet him, take photos, and celebrate the season together. Alongside the joy of seeing Santa, families can enjoy crafts, giveaways, and treats, while magician Scott Humston adds to the fun with his captivating tricks and showmanship across three showtimes. Free tickets are available for the magic show. • 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 371-0090 •
- December 7th, Doors open at 9 am for three showings: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am
Christmas in Brentwood
Brentwood Academy invites the community to welcome the season with Christmas in Brentwood. This free celebration offers plenty of holiday fun, from meeting Santa Claus to experiencing the lighting of the Great Brentwood Academy Christmas Tree. Guests can enjoy live music, a nativity petting zoo, a festive Merry Market, trackless train rides, bounce houses, food trucks, coffee, hot chocolate, and more. This gathering is a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season, rain or shine! •219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 373-0611 •
- December 8th, 3 pm to 7 pm
Westhaven Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up
Say hello to Santa and enjoy holiday shopping at the Westhaven Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up. Snap a free photo with Santa and enjoy a holiday market featuring local artisans, food, and more in the Westhaven community. • 191 Front St., Franklin, TN, (931) 284-9295 •
- December 11th, 3 pm to 6 pm
Sweethaven VIP Pre-Lighting Experience
Before the iconic Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square, Sweethaven will host a VIP pre-lighting celebration in its private courtyard. This exclusive event offers a variety of festive activities for both children and adults. Guests will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa, complete with a personal gallery of high-quality professional photos to capture the moment. Families can sip on treats from a hot cocoa bar, indulge in candy cane ice cream from Sweethaven’s Sweet Cycle, and decorate cookies. Be sure to reserve your spot for this enchanting evening! • 214 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 398-8743 •
- December 6th, 5 pm to 9 pm
Triangle Historical Village
Experience a festive day at the Triangle Historical Village in Fairview, where visitors can enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday caroling, and a guided tour of this historic site. The Triangle School, built in 1938 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a nostalgic Colonial Revival setting that adds to the holiday spirit—perfect for capturing photos with Santa and exploring local history. • 7111 Westview Dr, Fairview, TN 37062 •
- December 7th, 12 pm to 4 pm
Nolensville Tree Lighting
Celebrate the holiday season in Nolensville with the tree lighting ceremony where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to welcome everyone with holiday cheer! Enjoy warm drinks from a coffee truck and festive music from the Nolensville High School Choir as the town’s Christmas tree lights up. It’s the perfect chance to meet Santa and soak up the excitement of the holidays. •7218 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135, (615) 776-3633 •
- December 6th, 7 pm
Kindred Spirits Farm: Winter Wonderland
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at Kindred Spirits Farm’s Winter Wonderland for a magical holiday encounter. This special event offers families the chance to capture professional photos with the iconic duo. In addition to meeting Santa, guests can enjoy a “reindeer” ride, a cozy marshmallow roast, pizza, holiday drinks, and live music. Wander through the farm, say hello to the therapy animals, and join in the festive fun—all while supporting Kindred’s Equine Assisted Therapy program. • 1440 Mentelle Dr, Franklin, TN, 37069, (615) 403-2858 •
- December 8th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Sensory Santa
Sensory Santa offers free, personalized Santa visits for children with special needs in Williamson and Maury counties in Tennessee. Understanding that some children are sensitive to noise, crowds, and bright lighting, this service brings Santa directly to the child’s home, school, or play center, creating a comfortable environment. During the visit, Santa and his Elf spend 10-20 minutes interacting with the children, allowing them to control their level of engagement. Families are encouraged to take photos, and Santa provides small gifts and candy canes. The service is entirely free, with no fees or donations accepted. Families interested in scheduling a visit can book a date and time here.
Company Distilling
Meet Santa Claus at Company Distilling in Thompson’s Station. Bring the kids for a festive afternoon filled with holiday crafts and photos with jolly old Saint Nick. Don’t miss this special chance to capture holiday memories with Santa! • 557 Thompson’s Station Rd W, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179, (615) 478-2191 •
- December 20th, 2 pm to 5 pm
Holiday Magic with Santa in Williamson County!
From lively parades to sensory-friendly visits, Santa’s presence in Williamson County offers something special for every family. Make the most of this holiday season by exploring the many ways to meet Santa and celebrate the season!
Explore Franklin’s Best Holiday Events
Celebrate the season in Franklin with unforgettable holiday entertainment. Explore Holiday Magic on Stage, Holiday Movies at The Franklin Theatre, and a comprehensive guide to Festivals, Parades, Tree Lightings, and More to make your holidays truly special in Franklin and Williamson County!
