Your Ultimate Guide For Holiday Fun in Maury County & More!

Special Holiday Edition

29 Nov

Happy Holidays Y’all!

Sometimes places and dates to fun activities get lost in the shuffle of life… and with so many fun things happening, we wanted to make sure you had a handy guide to refer to for the rest of this wonderful holiday season!

*We’ll most likely be adding to this mega list of events & activities. You can refer to it at this link. Please do share this resource with your friends, so everyone knows what’s up!

Enjoy!

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🎄 Where to See the Christmas Lights…

📌 Special Holiday Events…

🎅🏻 Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town… Here’s Where You Can Meet Him!

🎶 Special Christmas Music…

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Where to See the Christmas Lights…

Franktown Festival of Lights (Franklin)
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, 5-9 PM

Hoover Christmas Lights (Chapel Hill)
Nov. 29 - Dec. 31

Holly Jolly Festival of Lights (Eagleville)
Nov. 29 - Dec. 22

Nashville Christmas Lights Tour (Nashville)
Nov. 30 - Dec. 30

Franklin Holiday Trolley Tour (Franklin)
Dec. 5 - Dec. 22

Zoolumination, Chinese Festival of Lights (Nashville)
Nov. 14 - Feb. 9

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens 10th Annual Holiday Lights (Nashville)
Nov. 22 - Jan. 5, 4:30 - 10:00 PM

Special Holiday Events…

December 17th

Join The Baker Wee for a fun night of decorating cookies. Tickets are $50 per person and include: 6 cookies, all decorating supplies needed, light refreshments, a jolly little lesson on how to decorate your Christmas cookies like a pro. Message us to reserve your spot!

December 6th - 26th

This timeless holiday tradition is filled with history and wonder and set to live music by The Nashville Symphony. Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Nashville's Nutcracker by Paul Vasterling, a cherished tradition that brings together history, magic, and dance. Winner of a 2020 Emmy Award-winning film and named the Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, this is Nashville’s can’t-miss holiday event. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city, this performance invites audiences of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom, the fierceness of the Mouse King, and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Experience the joy and wonder of this classic tale reimagined, capturing the heart and spirit of Nashville with live music by The Nashville Symphony. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and storytelling that embodies the magic of the holidays.

December 14th

Come out for a great family night! Santa selfie pics, ornament making for only $5, family board games (BYOG) and hot drinks and treats for purchase! We can't wait to see you there! 5-8 PM

December 12th

Join us for the Barn & Bale Holiday Open House - a local shopping extravaganza with Santa, hot chocolate and more! Enjoy a special reading with David Phelps, take a picture with Santa, and find unique holiday gifts from Barn & Bale. Mark your calendar and bring the family!! 2659 Culleoka Hwy, Culleoka - 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM

December 14th

Come join us for the annual Spring Hill Christmas Parade, a festive event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season! Taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM, this in-person parade promises to be a delightful experience for people of all ages Rain or Shine!

December 13th

We're back with a Christmas edition of Country Dance Night at The Mulehouse – a Columbia staple that promises a foot-stomping good time! Join us for expert instruction by the Urban Cowboy Line Dancers, friendly vibes, and a great community of dance enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, come kick up your heels and experience the joy of country line dancing! Grab your friends & we'll see y'all there! All ages welcome! Age 18 and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

December 14th & 15th

Dickens of a Christmas recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The festival is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and the Downtown Franklin Association!

December 15th

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church presents a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 15, at 3:00pm in the St. Peter’s sanctuary located at 311 West 7th Street in downtown Columbia, next door to the Polk Home.

This traditional Anglican service originated in the Church of England in the late 1800s and was later formalized as a Christmas service. After the devastation of World War I it has been broadcast by the BBC around the world ever since. The service includes scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The remainder of the service includes audience Christmas carols and choir anthems performed by the St. Peter’s Choir.

This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. A livestream will be available on Facebook at and the St. Peter’s website.

The Rebel Bar & Grill’s annual Christmas tradition is back! Join us for for FREE kids crafts, cookie decorating and of course everyone’s favorite Kids Christmas Karaoke. 307 Riverside Drive, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

December 21st

Come enjoy an evening of holiday-flavored comedy & music hosted by comedian/guitarist Paul Aldrich and featuring his very special guest, Jonnie W.!

December 21 & 22

The Building Block School for the Arts is thrilled to present A Maury Christmas Carol, a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic. Set against the backdrop of downtown Columbia in 1937, this reimagined story unfolds during the hardships of the Great Depression. Familiar characters come to life as Tennesseans of all walks of life, each navigating their own challenges during a time of adversity.

Adding a rich layer of authenticity, the gifted Murphey Ridge Band will perform live, filling the play with timeless 1930s Christmas tunes that will transport audiences to a bygone era.

This heartwarming production is directed by Sherry Johnson, founder of the Building Block School for the Arts, and features an original script adaptation by Carter Crocker, an Emmy-winning writer celebrated for his work in children’s animation.

Performance Dates:

Saturday, December 21: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 22: 2:00 PM

Location:
The Cherry Theatre, Downtown Columbia

November - December

Enjoy your favorite holiday films on the big screen at The Franklin Theatre! It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th St., Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express, and more!

December 31st

Please join Center of Hope, Experience Maury and Baxter Management for this year's New Year's Eve Mule Drop! Tuesday, Dec 31st beginning at 9 pm. There will be food trucks, a beer garden and more! Hourly countdown and toasts that lead up to the finale at midnight with FIREWORKS and confetti cannons. This is a FREE, family friendly, outdoor event.

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town… Here’s Where You Can Meet Him!

November 7th - December 24th

Bring your family to your local Bass Pro Shops store to join over two million kids and families in taking a photo with Santa. Enjoy a complimentary 4x6 photo with Santa and a shareable video of your visit. Reservations are highly recommended, so book your spot online at www.basspro.com/santa. 

December 13th

Santa will be at Grecian Friday , December 13th from 5:30 -7-30 !!! Bring your little ones to meet, and talk to Santa , take pictures, maybe even do the reindeer polka!!! It’s going to be so much fun!! Good food, great place to be for a fun evening with family!!! 2003 Wall Street, Spring Hill - 5:30 - 7:30 PM

December 14th

Join us for a Christmas themed Second Saturday and shop at some of your favorite small businesses and eateries.

11am-3pm *shops/eateries open reg. hours
11am-2pm *Santa pictures printed on site
30 + artisans, makers & bakers
free admission 

Join us at Columbia Powersports on December 14th for FREE pictures with Santa! Bring your family, friends and fur friends for a festive day of holiday fun! Bring your camera! Festive Treats & Activities for Kids. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

December 14th & 15th

Father Christmas will be at Dickens of a Christmas celebrating the Christmas season. He will be located as usual at the large Christmas tree at the Franklin square. He hopes to see everyone there to create lots of memories and to take lots of photos with everyone. 5:30 PM & onward both nights.

December 15th

Join us at BAD Bakery for Donuts with Santa on December 15th from 10-11:30 AM. Tickets are $15 per person and include either a gingerbread house or a donut, frosting, three toppings, a glass of milk, and a picture with Santa. Show your email receipt at the door. 

December 21st

Breakfast With Santa (Mount Pleasant)

We invite you to the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreations Breakfast with Santa! Santa will be coming to town a little early to double check his Naughty/Nice list, to take a few pics with the kids and OH we can't forget the PANCAKES! So, get those outfits ready, make those list for Santa and bring your appetite!

Where - Mt. Pleasant Community Center
When - December 21st 9 am - 12 pm
Who - Children of all Ages
Cost - Free for everyone

🎶 Special Christmas Music…

The Birth of a King: Live in Concert w/ Tommee Profitt

November 29th - December 21st

Multi-platinum-selling artists Amy Grant and Vince Gill have announced their return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium in 2024 for their 14th annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12-concert run at the Ryman is scheduled for Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 15, 17-18 and 20-21 and will once again feature matinee performances.

For many years, the “Christmas at the Ryman” shows have been the ultimate holiday tradition, with music fans from across the country and around the world flocking to the historic venue to hear two of Nashville’s most cherished performers. Last year, Grant and Gill celebrated their 100th “Christmas at the Ryman” show during their sold-out residency, making them the first artists to headline 100 shows at the Ryman. In years past, the duo has filled the show with Christmas favorites such as “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” “Tennessee Christmas,” and “Winter Wonderland.”

December 11th

It's a transporting night of music that will bring your family straight to the sacred soul of the season. Performing fan favorites like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "O Holy Night" it's a night you don't want to miss! Featured in tonight's performance are the outstanding proteges of the Conservatory of Annie Moses Band. Hot shot talent joined by the AMB! 7 pm show is SOLD OUT! New Matinee Performance at 5 pm. at the Packard Playhouse in Columbia.

December 11th

Expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible storytelling synonymous with TSO. The celebration continues with a high-energy second set featuring the group's greatest hits and fan favorites. *Bridgestone Arena

December 12th

Tommee Profitt is very pleased to announce the return of his Christmas spectacular, The Birth of a King LIVE, at the legendary Opry House. Hailed as The Most Epic Christmas Event in History, this incredible performance features 20 incredible artists, a 50-piece orchestra, a 100-person choir, and a full band. Artists include Tauren Wells, Jordan Smith, We The Kingdom, Colton Dixon, Terrian, Stanaj, Evvie McKinney, Tina Guo and more! The chills-inducing live manifestation of Profitt's 2020 cinematic Christmas album, The Birth of a King includes awe-inspiring reimagined renditions of popular Christmas songs, each featuring an aggressive modern orchestra combined with some of the best vocalists on the planet.

December 17th - 20th

The most wonderful time of the year is back and in a brand new way — for KING + COUNTRY is bringing ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2024 Live Residencies’ to 3 exclusive theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville this December! Step into the Christmas spirit like never before as Grammy-award winning brothers Joel + Luke Smallbone lead audiences on a sonic journey that blends the sights and sounds of the season with the musical mastery and heartwarming storytelling the duo is renowned for. With a host of original music as well as thrilling live performances from A Drummer Boy Christmas like the harmonic ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ and the soul-stirring beats of ‘Little Drummer Boy’, it’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday season. Don’t miss your only chance to catch the tour this season at the Opry House in Nashville.

December 22nd

You know “Christmas Time’s A Coming” when 15-time GRAMMY winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band Kentucky Thunder play in their refreshing acoustic style all your favorite Christmas songs in this delightful tour along with a few of their special friends. This heartwarming show features a reason to listen to the season of songs both old and new as Skaggs and his band perform their own perfect blend of tight harmony. Celebrate the beauty and majesty of this time of year with first class vocalists and musicians, singing and playing their finest for Christmastime.

Join saxophonist Cord Martin and his band of friends for a special night of festive cheer and smooth jazz on December 22nd! Get ready to groove to some of the most beloved Christmas classics reimagined in contemporary jazz style, alongside Cord's very own original compositions.

This will be a night to remember as we celebrate the season with soulful melodies and the spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss out on this enchanting evening of music!

December 23rd

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Bring your families and join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior—our greatest gift, our greatest miracle, and the reason we rejoice. From modern renditions of your Christmas favorites to powerful worship moments with The Belonging Co, let’s gather together to honor our Savior and declare the hope we have in Jesus. The Lord is with us, and He is worthy of our celebration! From our house to yours, let’s worship together! *This is a free event, and tickets are available when doors open while supplies last.

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