Happy Friday, Franklin. In today’s edition: Franklin’s Christmas Parade, Holiday Lights at Cheekwood, Mistletoe Market, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New emcees join festivities: Franklin’s Christmas Parade is Saturday at 1 pm in downtown Franklin. Streets close at noon. Theme is I’ll Be Home for Christmas, featuring Grand Marshal Alma McLemore — get arrival and viewing tips.

National spotlight on leadership: Franklin Special District associate director Dr. Mary Decker was named one of two finalists for AASA’s 2026 Women in School Leadership Awards. Winners will be announced in February in Nashville — learn more about her recognition.

Holiday spirit hits the streets: From Baxter and Tullahoma on Friday to Nolensville, Franklin, and Clarksville Saturday, Middle Tennessee communities will roll out festive parades, with more celebrations set for Dec. 8, 13, and 14 — see the full parade lineup.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Shop gems, minerals, fossils, and more
• Meet Dickens characters in downtown Franklin
• Experience Caryn Dixon’s holiday charity concert
• Shop handcrafted holiday finds at Made Market
• Join the Spring Hill Christmas Parade
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Hospitality meets morning ritual: The Pinewood Social crew just launched Pinewood Coffee, roasting in Franklin. With veteran Robbie Melton at the helm, early beans include Costa Rica’s socially minded Hacienda La Minita. No Franklin café announced yet, but you can order bags now while they hint at more to come. Get all the details.

Holiday homes for shelter pets: Local shelters in Williamson, Cheatham, Maury, and Metro Nashville just launched Operation Silent Night, offering $25 adoptions for approved applicants and holiday fostering all December. The goal is blissfully empty kennels on Christmas Eve. Thinking of adopting or fostering? Now is the season to bring one home. Learn about adoption and fostering.

Beer-meets-coffee magic: Clocking out or cracking open the laptop, Curio Brewing Company pours 20 Franklin-brewed taps, serves great coffee, and offers free WiFi. Expect family- and dog-friendly energy, weekly trivia, SINGO, bingo, and yoga, plus rotating food trucks when you want a bite between sips.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🎄 Franklin Tree Lighting @ Downtown Franklin | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – Whether you’ve been hauling kids to this since the Carter House had dial-up or you’re just here for the cocoa, Franklin’s tree lighting still brings small-town magic to the Square. Expect twinkly lights, free Santa photos, and neighbors you actually like.

🏠 Home Alone in Concert @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Friday (12/5) at 7:30pm – Trade the couch rewatch for Home Alone on the big screen, with the Nashville Symphony performing John Williams’ score live. Booby traps, belly laughs, and a full orchestra, a Nashville holiday tradition that works for the kids, the in-laws, or your inner 90s child.

This weekend

🦌 NeedLink Nashville’s 44th Annual Rudolph’s Red Nose Run 5K @ Shelby Park | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00am – Nashville’s most festive 5K is trotting back for year 44, inviting runners, walkers, strollers, and pups to lace up and join the chaos. Chase a PR or a costume prize, and your miles help keep neighbors warm, safe, and housed, in person or virtually.

🛍️ Mistletoe Market @ Franklin High School | Saturday (12/06) at 10:00am – Nearly 100 vendors pack the halls with handmade gifts, festive finds, and plenty of holiday charm—plus Santa and Mrs. Claus pop in from 11–1 for extra cheer. It’s free, fun, and perfectly timed to pair with the downtown Christmas parade. A one-stop shop for crossing names off your list.

🌿 Live Greenery Wreath Workshop | Cheekwood @ Cheekwood | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Nothing beats the smell of fresh greenery at Cheekwood when your mantel needs a little dignity. Build a winter wreath with real clippings, all materials included, and leave feeling smug, festive, and blissfully free of glitter. Members save a bit, obviously.

❄️ Winter Wonderland @ Kindred Spirits Farm | Sunday (12/07) at 1:00pm – Step into a snowy, sparkling world packed with music, lights, treats, and family-friendly fun. It’s the kind of festive afternoon where kids go wide-eyed, grown-ups feel the magic again, and no one wants to leave. A true holiday escape tucked right into Franklin.

🎨 Frist Arts Fest @ The Frist Center for the Visual Arts | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Think you know your Beatles deep cuts? The Frist hosts a hands-on bash with masquerade performances, Beatles Bingo, DIY Polaroids, and a wearable art market, all tied to New African Masquerades, Fahamu Pecou, and Paul McCartney’s photo show. Bring curiosity, not your concert voice.

🎀 Deck the Halls: Wreath Making Workshop at Belle Meade @ Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery | Sunday (12/7) at 10:00pm – Whether your wreaths usually look like the cat helped, or you’re the Martha of the cul-de-sac, this hands-on workshop at Belle Meade keeps it festive and foolproof. Apple & Dove’s pros guide, you play with fresh greenery, and you leave with a custom, great-smelling wreath.

Next week

✨ Holiday Lights at Cheekwood @ Cheekwood Botanical Gardens | Monday (12/8) at 4:30pm – Take a break from mall runs and stroll Cheekwood’s one-mile glow-up, a million lights and a 28-foot Pixel Pine greeting you like an overachieving neighbor. Sip cocoa and seasonal spirits, roast s’mores, and tour the mansion dressed by former Chief White House Florist, Laura Dowling.

♟️ Teen Chess Club @ The Teen Room | Monday (12/08) at 5:00pm – From total beginners to budding grandmasters, teens can sharpen their strategy, learn new tricks, and face off in friendly matches. It’s a low-pressure hangout where brains get a workout and bragging rights are always on the line. No registration—just show up and play.

📖 Oh Christmas Tree, Preschool Story Time @ Leiper’s Fork Branch Library | Tuesday (12/9) at 10:00am – Nothing beats holiday cheer sung slightly off-key. Bring your tiny humans to a cozy preschool story time with songs, stories, nursery rhymes, and make-and-take crafts, then ride the sugar crash home, proud of your paper tree, your patience, and your glitter tolerance.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/6 Getting to Know The Sound of Music @ Walker Memorial Baptist Church – 3 pm
• 12/8 OK Go – And The Adjacent Possible Tour 2025 @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville – 8 pm
• 12/9 The Reagan Society Christmas Party @ Stable Reserve – 6:30 pm
• 12/10 Andy Griggs @ Chief’s – 7:30 pm
• 12/11 Ashley McBryde: The Redemption Residency @ Chief’s – 6:30 pm
• 12/12 The Eaglemaniacs (Don Henley and the Eagles tribute) and more @ 3rd and Lindsley – 8 pm
• 12/13 Caryn Dixon: Holiday Showcase & Charity Concert @ Whiskey Lounge – 7 pm
• 12/14 Anthony Michael: Christmas Classics @ Westhaven Residents Club – 6:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Franklin edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Daniel Collins (Realty One Group Music City)

Custom 2024 two story with 6 beds, 5 baths, and 4,360 square feet of sun soaked space. A full attached apartment flexes for multigenerational living. The chef’s kitchen centers on a party sized island, backed by a walk in pantry and closets galore. Three fireplaces warm the living and family rooms. Bonus zones for play, media, or office, all wrapped in foam insulated efficiency and a tankless water heater.

Fully fenced lot with front and back yards, ideal for play or pups. Steps to historic downtown Franklin, with vibrant shops, restaurants, and local attractions at the ready. Owner/Agent.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →