Five Free and Cheap Family Things To Do in Middle Tennessee

It’s still the holidays in Nashville throughout December, and the events reflect the demand for fun and magical happenings for the family. Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Franklin is a classic and includes so much bang for your buck. It’s free and the kids can meet and see all kinds of characters. In Murfreesboro, Patterson Park is hosting a special holiday celebration. While there, you might check out Photos with the Grinch as well. Kidsville has special events throughout the month. And in Brentwood, Concord Community Church is hosting a drive-through nativity scene. 

As part of our series on free cheap things to do with the family, here is our weekly roundup of places to spend time together over the next week:

Dickens of a Christmas

Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Franklin is as authentic old-time Christmas as it gets. The free two-day event on Dec. 14-15 turns the downtown area into a Charles Dickens novel. Musicians, dancers and several Dickens characters will be on site: Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. The festival also features arts and craft vendors, food and beverage, entertainment, a Victorian village, a whiskey lounge, a beer garden and more. 

Christmas at Patterson Park Murfreesboro

Patterson Park in Murfreesboro will also be celebrating Christmas and “all the magic of the holiday" on Dec. 14 from 5-8 p.m. Santa, along with his sleigh, will be on deck for free family pictures. Christmas trees, refreshments, crafts, and story time with Mrs. Claus will also be included in the fun.

Kidsville at the Parthenon

Kidsville at the Parthenon is hosting special celebrations throughout December on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Register ahead of time to join on Dec. 14 and 21. Dec. 21 will celebrate the first day of winter and kids will make their own coin art based on the book Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money. Register ahead of time here.

Photos with the Grinch

Middle Ground Brewing Company in Murfreesboro is offering the chance to sit down, relax and get the family photo taken with the Grinch while sipping on some local craft beer. Sessions take place Dec. 14 and 21-22 from noon to 3 p.m. 

Live Nativity Drive-Through

On Dec. 14-15, Concord Community Church in Brentwood is hosting a live nativity drive through. The event will offer views of actors and animals and will tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The church will also offer hot cocoa and candy canes. The event is from 5-8 p.m. each day.