Santa at The Factory

Santa at The Factory

Santa Claus is coming to town, but first, he’s coming to the Skydeck on Broadway and The Factory at Franklin for one last round-up of wants and needs on the Christmas lists. If you’ve already checked in with the big guy, there’s a Winter Solstice Celebration at Warner Park on Friday evening that looks like a great chance to be outside breathing some fresh air before extended family time. Kidsville at the Parthenon offers one last chance to make a craft to pass off to the grandparents. And then there’s a couple of puppet shows at the downtown Nashville Public Library that have no Christmas crossover for those of you who are already over the holiday cheer.

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:

Skydeck Christmas Market

Skydeck on Broadway is hosting its first Christmas Market right before the holiday (Dec. 19-23). Folks can stroll through the space, which will be decked out for the holidays, and vendors will be on site. Holiday activities and entertainment will also be happening throughout the Skydeck, and the regular host of restaurants will have special drinks and food for the occasion. Santa will also be on-site on Saturday from 3-5 p.m. 

Winter Solstice Celebration

On Dec. 20, Warner Park Nature Center is inviting folks to come celebrate the beginning of winter and the longest night of the year. The annual event, which takes place from 4-7 p.m. this year, will include seasonal wreath-making, a luminary trail through the forest, campfires, s’mores, astronomy, music and more.

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 Dec. 21, where the kids can celebrate and honor the first day of winter. Guests 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.

Santa at The Factory

On Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin, your family can come meet Santa Claus in the Grand Hall. Parents and caregivers are welcome to snap a photo with Santa in front of the 20-foot live Christmas tree. The tree will be decorated with historic stoves made by manufacturers who once called The Factory home. This might be one of your last chances to meet with the big man before his big travels begin.

‘Cinderella’ Puppet Show

Tom Tichenor’s puppets will perform the classic fairytale Cinderella at the Nashville Public Library Dec. 20-21. Wishing Chair Productions will put on the musical, which will feature magical surprises in the Children’s Theater at the Nashville Public Library downtown. Performances begin at 10:30 a.m.; get there early to ensure your spot.