The Franklin Buzz
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🐝 Holiday Activities

🐝 Holiday Activities

New Restaurant, Christmas Parade, & More

December 11, 2025

Your guide to staying connected in Franklin, TN

Happy Thursday Franklin.

It’s been a big week for fast-food fans in Middle Tennessee. In-N-Out officially opened its first Tennessee locations yesterday in Lebanon and Antioch, and the Murfreesboro spot is set to open tomorrow. Lines were long, energy was high, and the entire event felt like a small cultural moment for Tennessee.

In-N-Out also made national headlines yesterday for removing the number 67 from its ordering system. The reason? Too many teenagers were turning it into a joke the employees were tired of hearing. If you’re not sure what the joke was… congratulations, you’re officially an adult.

Highlights
🐝 Pelato Coming to Franklin in 2026
🐝 Holiday Schedule at The Factory
🐝 Dickens of a Christmas This Weekend

Let’s get to it.

- Beau

🍝 Pelato Opening in Franklin
Franklin’s restaurant scene keeps leveling up and the latest addition is a big one. Pelato, the Brooklyn-style Italian restaurant that has exploded in popularity since opening in Nashville in 2023, is bringing a full-scale location to Cool Springs in early 2026.

If you’ve been to their Nashville spot, you already know the vibe: warm, lively, energetic, and built around small, shareable Italian plates that make the whole meal feel like an experience. Think classic Italian comfort food with a modern, neighborhood feel. The kind of place where the energy is high but never stuffy.

The new Franklin location will be at 1914 Galleria Blvd, taking over the former Party Fowl building near Cool Springs Mall. And this isn’t a small project. The buildout is 9,000 square feet with seating for around 280 guests, plus a 2,000-square-foot fully enclosed patio designed for year-round dining and big gatherings.

The menu is what made Pelato take off so quickly in Nashville: handmade pastas, crispy chicken parm bites, whipped ricotta, and a rotating list of seasonal favorites. People rave about the shareable plates because you can try more of the menu without committing to one huge entrée, perfect for groups.

But maybe the thing people love most is the atmosphere. Pelato describes itself as a “neighborhood Italian joint,” and that really is the feel. It’s welcoming, upbeat, and relaxed without losing its sense of style. It’s the type of spot that becomes a go-to for locals.

This is shaping up to be one of the more exciting restaurant openings in Franklin in recent years. Franklin’s food scene continues to grow and evolve, and Pelato is another strong win for the community.

🎄 Dickens of a Christmas
One of Franklin’s most beloved holiday traditions is back! Dickens of a Christmas returns to Main Street this weekend, bringing all the charm, character, and festive nostalgia that makes this event such a standout every year.

Downtown will transform into a Victorian Christmas village, complete with costumed characters from Charles Dickens’ classics, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, roasted chestnuts, artisan vendors, and plenty of holiday treats. Expect to run into Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Father Christmas, and maybe even the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come wandering the streets.

This is one of the Heritage Foundation’s biggest events of the year as the event brought in 150,000 people last year! It’s the perfect mix of small-town magic and big-holiday energy and is great for families, photos, shopping, or simply soaking in the Christmas spirit on Main Street.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, and as always, admission is free.

If you’re looking for a way to jump fully into the holiday season, Dickens is hard to beat. Bundle up, grab a hot cider, and enjoy one of Franklin’s most iconic weekends.

🎅 The Factory at Franklin Holiday Events
The Factory at Franklin kicks off the holiday season with an impressive lineup of family-friendly events throughout the month of December, inviting the community to enjoy timeless traditions, live entertainment, and festive experiences in one of Franklin’s most cherished historic spaces.

Photos with Santa – Every Saturday in December Leading Up to Christmas

Families are invited to meet and take photos with Santa Claus at The Factory at Franklin on December 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grand Hall. Santa will be stationed in front of The Factory’s dazzling 18-foot, vintage-inspired Christmas tree, offering the perfect backdrop for memorable holiday photos.
Children can write letters to Santa at two dedicated stations—one inside the Grand Hall and another inside The Carousel of Dreams in Building 7—until Dec. 23. Please note: while there are two writing stations, the only mailbox for dropping off letters to Santa is located at The Carousel of Dreams, where kids can also enjoy a whimsical ride on the beautiful hand-carved wooden carousel.
To keep everyone cozy and warm, Honest Coffee Roasters will operate a mobile cart inside the Grand Hall, serving free hot chocolate for children along with a selection of specialty holiday beverages available for purchase.
Guests are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary gift wrapping every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside The Factory’s newly opened Visitor Center.

Holiday Performances at The Factory – Select Dates Throughout December

Patrons of The Factory can enjoy live holiday musical performances from local schools on select dates throughout December. Performances will take place inside the Grand Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., filling the space with festive favorites and seasonal classics. See the full schedule of performances here.

A Franklin Christmas with Steven Curtis Chapman & Friends – December 15, 2025

The Circle of Giving presents the inaugural A Franklin Christmas on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, inside Liberty Hall. Franklin’s own five-time GRAMMY®-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman will bring a unique variation of his beloved The Music of Christmas Tour to his hometown as part of a limited 10-city run, making this one-night-only performance especially meaningful. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online via Eventbrite.

Thursday December 11th

Santa’s Workshop | 8am - 5pm | CoolSprings Galleria
Santa is ready to hear your little one’s wish list, capture the perfect festive photo, and help kick off your holiday season in style.

Flip It Luxury Consignment Pop-Up | 9am - 8pm | The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center
Browse designer consignment fashion, discover premium finds in the exclusive Vault, and support a meaningful cause—all at a stylish, sustainability-focused pop-up. Sellers can register now to join the event.

Aerial Adventure Course | 10am - 2pm | Southall Farm
A thrilling ropes and obstacle experience for guests meeting height and weight requirements.

Hard Candy Christmas | 11am - 9pm | Scout’s Pub
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland with a Hard Candy Christmas-themed pop-up bar! Enjoy specialty holiday cocktails, seasonal bites, festive photo opportunities, and all-day holiday music. Perfect for the whole family to soak up the holiday spirit.

Merry Little Market | 4pm - 6pm | The Factory

Escape From Dottie’s | 4pm - 7pm | Southall Farm & Inn

The Harpeth Winter Wonderland Igloo Experience | 5pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Step into a Winter Wonderland Igloo with cozy bites, festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and perfect photo spots—an unforgettable seasonal experience in Franklin.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt | 5pm - 6:30pm | Harlinsdale
Enjoy a festive Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt with treat-bag decorating, hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of holiday fun. Don’t forget your flashlight!

2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights | 5pm - 9pm | FrankTown Open Hearts
Enjoy dazzling lights, festive photos, Santa, and holiday treats at the FrankTown Festival of Lights—perfect for the whole family!

Holiday Lights Trolley Tour 2025 | 6pm - 7:30pm | Hello Trolley
Sit back and enjoy a festive Holiday Lights Tour with your favorite music, beautiful lights, and complimentary water and candy canes—featuring Franklin neighborhoods and Historic Downtown.

Studio Tenn: White Christmas | 7pm | Southall Farm
A heartwarming holiday musical full of romance, friendship, and classic songs—perfect for celebrating the season.

Glenn Miller Orchestra | 7pm | The Franklin Theatre

St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators | 7pm | Bridgestone Arena

Friday December 12th

Santa’s Workshop | 8am - 5pm | CoolSprings Galleria
Santa is ready to hear your little one’s wish list, capture the perfect festive photo, and help kick off your holiday season in style.

Flip It Luxury Consignment Pop-Up | 9am - 8pm | The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center
Browse designer consignment fashion, discover premium finds in the exclusive Vault, and support a meaningful cause—all at a stylish, sustainability-focused pop-up. Sellers can register now to join the event.

Aerial Adventure Course | 10am - 2pm | Southall Farm
A thrilling ropes and obstacle experience for guests meeting height and weight requirements.

Hard Candy Christmas | 11am - 9pm | Scout’s Pub
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland with a Hard Candy Christmas-themed pop-up bar! Enjoy specialty holiday cocktails, seasonal bites, festive photo opportunities, and all-day holiday music. Perfect for the whole family to soak up the holiday spirit.

The Harpeth Winter Wonderland Igloo Experience | 5pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Step into a Winter Wonderland Igloo with cozy bites, festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and perfect photo spots—an unforgettable seasonal experience in Franklin.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt | 5pm - 6:30pm | Harlinsdale
Enjoy a festive Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt with treat-bag decorating, hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of holiday fun. Don’t forget your flashlight!

2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights | 5pm - 9pm | FrankTown Open Hearts
Enjoy dazzling lights, festive photos, Santa, and holiday treats at the FrankTown Festival of Lights—perfect for the whole family!

Holiday Lights Trolley Tour 2025 | 6pm - 7:30pm | Hello Trolley
Sit back and enjoy a festive Holiday Lights Tour with your favorite music, beautiful lights, and complimentary water and candy canes—featuring Franklin neighborhoods and Historic Downtown.

Studio Tenn: White Christmas | 7pm | Southall Farm
A heartwarming holiday musical full of romance, friendship, and classic songs—perfect for celebrating the season.

Nate Bargatze Comedy Tour | 7pm | Bridgestone Arena

Dottie’s Speakeasy | 8pm - 11pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Saturday December 13th

Santa’s Workshop | 8am - 5pm | CoolSprings Galleria
Santa is ready to hear your little one’s wish list, capture the perfect festive photo, and help kick off your holiday season in style.

Santa’s Sensory Wonderland | 10am - 1pm | Drury Plaza Hotel

Santa | 10am - 1pm | The Factory

Santa Brunch | 10am - 2pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room

Made Market Franklin Holiday Market | 10am - 5pm | The Factory

40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas | 10am | The Heritage Foundation
Step into a Victorian holiday celebration filled with Dickens characters, live entertainment, and festive charm in historic Downtown Franklin.

Model Train Display | 10am - 5pm | WilCo Archives and Museum

Grinchmas Brunch | 10:30am - 1:30pm | The Rutledge

Hard Candy Christmas | 11am - 9pm | Scout’s Pub
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland with a Hard Candy Christmas-themed pop-up bar! Enjoy specialty holiday cocktails, seasonal bites, festive photo opportunities, and all-day holiday music. Perfect for the whole family to soak up the holiday spirit.

Tea Service | 11am - 1pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Countryside Brunch | 11am - 2pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Santa & Crafts | 1:30pm - 4:30pm | WilCo Public Library

Christmas Parade | 2pm | Leiper’s Fork

Nate Bargatze Comedy Tour | 3pm | Bridgestone Arena

Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis | 3pm - 7pm | The Franklin Theatre

Flip It Luxury Consignment Pop-Up | 5pm - 8pm | The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center
Browse designer consignment fashion, discover premium finds in the exclusive Vault, and support a meaningful cause—all at a stylish, sustainability-focused pop-up. Sellers can register now to join the event.

The Harpeth Winter Wonderland Igloo Experience | 5pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Step into a Winter Wonderland Igloo with cozy bites, festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and perfect photo spots—an unforgettable seasonal experience in Franklin.

2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights | 5pm - 9pm | FrankTown Open Hearts
Enjoy dazzling lights, festive photos, Santa, and holiday treats at the FrankTown Festival of Lights—perfect for the whole family!

Food Fables | 6pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Holiday Lights Trolley Tour 2025 | 6pm - 7:30pm | Hello Trolley
Sit back and enjoy a festive Holiday Lights Tour with your favorite music, beautiful lights, and complimentary water and candy canes—featuring Franklin neighborhoods and Historic Downtown.

Nate Bargatze Comedy Tour | 7pm | Bridgestone Arena

Dottie’s Speakeasy | 8pm - 11pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Sunday December 14th

Santa’s Workshop | 8am - 5pm | CoolSprings Galleria
Santa is ready to hear your little one’s wish list, capture the perfect festive photo, and help kick off your holiday season in style.

40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas | 10am | The Heritage Foundation
Step into a Victorian holiday celebration filled with Dickens characters, live entertainment, and festive charm in historic Downtown Franklin.

Santa Brunch | 10am - 2pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room

Aerial Adventure Course | 10am - 2pm | Southall Farm
A thrilling ropes and obstacle experience for guests meeting height and weight requirements.

Flip It Luxury Consignment Pop-Up | 10am - 4pm | The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center
Browse designer consignment fashion, discover premium finds in the exclusive Vault, and support a meaningful cause—all at a stylish, sustainability-focused pop-up. Sellers can register now to join the event.

Model Train Display | 10am - 5pm | WilCo Archives and Museum

Grinchmas Brunch | 10:30am - 1:30pm | The Rutledge

Tea Service | 11am - 1pm | Southall Farm & Inn

Hard Candy Christmas | 11am - 9pm | Scout’s Pub
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland with a Hard Candy Christmas-themed pop-up bar! Enjoy specialty holiday cocktails, seasonal bites, festive photo opportunities, and all-day holiday music. Perfect for the whole family to soak up the holiday spirit.

Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis | 3pm - 7pm | The Franklin Theatre

2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights | 5pm - 9pm | FrankTown Open Hearts
Enjoy dazzling lights, festive photos, Santa, and holiday treats at the FrankTown Festival of Lights—perfect for the whole family!

The Harpeth Winter Wonderland Igloo Experience | 5pm | 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Step into a Winter Wonderland Igloo with cozy bites, festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and perfect photo spots—an unforgettable seasonal experience in Franklin.

Holiday Lights Trolley Tour 2025 | 6pm - 7:30pm | Hello Trolley
Sit back and enjoy a festive Holiday Lights Tour with your favorite music, beautiful lights, and complimentary water and candy canes—featuring Franklin neighborhoods and Historic Downtown.

Studio Tenn: White Christmas | 7pm | Southall Farm
A heartwarming holiday musical full of romance, friendship, and classic songs—perfect for celebrating the season.

6128 Chateau Soleil Lookaway Circle | 5 Beds, 8 Baths | 6,109 Sq Ft

Price: $4,999,000

Days on Market: 2

Listed by: Charles and Barbara Ann Jeter

Details:

🏡 Ultra-private 2-acre Franklin estate approved for a gated entrance, featuring 5 ensuite bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with Miele appliances, custom pantry, soaring 20-ft ceilings, and multiple bonus spaces including a potential in-law suite with its own entrance.

🏡 Resort-level outdoor living with seamless indoor/outdoor flow: 4-panel sliders open to a treelined sanctuary with a saltwater pool, tanning ledge, spa, cold plunge, smoker, grill, pizza oven, fireplaces, and expansive covered/travertine patio.

🏡 Every luxury detail included—theater room, 5 wine fridges, custom closets, beautiful built-ins, high-end fixtures, and room to add a tennis court or guest house. Zoned for top-rated Ravenwood, Clovercroft & Woodland schools and recently appraised at $5.1M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📩 Not working with an agent and want to see a home? Shoot me an email — my wife Ashley or I would be happy to give you a tour.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks for reading The Buzz today. If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone else.

Make it a great weekend!

Beau

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