Dickens of a Christmas (2025)

Welcome to the event! Browse through our application and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by completing this application, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN's 40th Annual Dickens of a Christmas is historic Downtown Franklin's annual Victorian-themed outdoor street festival. 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 celebration typically attracts 100,000+ visitors over the course of the weekend. In 2024, we had approximately 150,000 visitors.

We invite artists and craftspeople who create their own items to apply. We are particularly interested in vendors with heritage crafts, holiday items and specialty gifts. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following information is provided for vendors to submit applications for Dickens of a Christmas.  If the application is accepted, the application and the terms set forth below will constitute a binding legal contract between the vendor and the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.

Festival Dates and Times:
Saturday, December 13, 2025; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2025; 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This is a rain, shine, or snow event. Refunds will not be issued in the event of postponement or cancelation due to inclement weather. 

Acceptance and Payment

If your application is approved, your booth payment will be automatically processed on October 24th. If you decide to not participate in the festival, you must contact the festival team to request a withdrawal of your application.

Welcome to the event! Browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by applying, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically. Thank you for your interest in applying for our Main Street Festival.  

Important Dates

Dickens of a Christmas Festival | December 13-14, 2025

Food Vendor Application Deadline | October 31, 2025
Food Vendor Application Notification Date | November 7, 2025

Payment Deadline - November 28, 2025

If accepted, Food Vendors will need to complete these important requirements: 

• Completed Payment 
• A separate check for $200 which will serve as your cleaning deposit 
• Signed Food Vendor Agreement 
• Submit your Certificate of Insurance 
• Electrical Needs

To pass inspection: 

• Tents must have 40lb weights per leg 
• All vendors will need to have a fire extinguisher (exact type to be relayed in later communication) 

We already have an exclusive agreement with a kettle corn vendor so we will not be accepting applications for other kettle corn vendors.

10'x10' Space: $550

10'x15' Space: $595

10'x20' Space: $795

10'x25' Space: $995

10'x30' Space: $1,195

10'x35' and above Space: $1,300

The following are electrical options:

• 110 electric hook-up: $100 per hook-up
• 220 electric hook-up: $220

Thank you for your interest in applying for our Main Street Festivals. We’re currently looking for live entertainers/performers of all types to appear on our Main Stage, Acoustic Stage, Busker's Corner and street performers for our upcoming festivals.

As a nonprofit, entertainers donate their time, but will be promoted on event site(s) and our festival app. 

Important Dates: 
Dickens of a Christmas Festival | December 13-14, 2025
Entertainment Application Deadline | October 27, 2025
Entertainment Application Notification Date | October 31, 2025 

Thank you for your interest in being a community partner at Dickens of a Christmas. A limited amount of Community Partner booths are available for local nonprofit or community-based organizations (ie, Boy Scouts, Historical Societies, Veteran Groups, Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Foster Care Organizations, etc).