Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas – Event Highlights
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas continues to stand as one of the largest and most celebrated annual events in Rocky Mount and Franklin County. Thousands of residents, visitors, and families filled Downtown and Uptown for an evening that strengthened small businesses, supported local artists, and created a festive kickoff to the holiday season.
🎄 Community Impact
- More than 10,000 attendees
- Over 100 vendors offering food, retail, artisan products, nonprofits, and community engagement
- Increased foot traffic, new customers, and strong seasonal sales for local restaurants, retailers, breweries, and distilleries
- Widespread excitement throughout Downtown and Uptown Rocky Mount
🎶 Entertainment & Holiday Programming
This year’s celebration featured a full lineup of community performances, family-friendly attractions, and festive activity zones. We appreciate the talented groups and partners who helped bring Christmas spirit to Franklin Street, including:
- Santa & Mrs. Claus with holiday inflatables, crafts, and train rides at The North Pole
- Franklin County Community Chorus – Let There Be Christmas
- Raise the Barre Dancers – The Christmas Chronicles
- Franklin Heights Church – Christmas Trivia & Game Show Extravaganza
- The Caroling Christleys
- Jordan Spence & The Nobody’s
- Roger Handy & Company
- Town of Rocky Mount Public Works – Trail of Lights
- Community Partnership & Town Leadership – Biggest Little Parade and Opening Ceremony
Their participation energized the entire event footprint and helped create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, organizations, and public partners who invest in Rocky Mount’s downtown and community programming. We extend sincere appreciation to:
- Carter Bank
- Franklin County Parks & Recreation
- Town of Rocky Mount
- Franklin County
- Carilion Clinic
- Haywood’s Jewelers
- Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center
- B-99.9 Southern Virginia’s Country Station
- Davis Heating & Cooling
- Edward Jones – Zach Wimmer
- Pearle’s Thimble
- Linda’s Beauty Salon
Their partnership helps ensure this event remains free, accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all.
✨ A Rocky Mount Tradition
For 22 years, Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas has:
- Drawn one of the largest holiday crowds in the region
- Activated and promoted downtown small businesses
- Created signature experiences unique to Franklin County
- Attracted new and returning visitors each December
📅 Looking Ahead
Planning has already begun for Saturday, December 5, 2026, as this longstanding tradition continues to grow.