If downtown Franklin at Christmas ever makes you feel a little emotional this is probably why. The NOEL sign. Four glowing letters sitting on top of the Starbucks building like it’s quietly in charge of the season. Most people think it’s just a holiday decoration. But it didn’t start here. Those same letters once looked over downtown Nashville, crowning the Noel Hotel back when it was a true landmark. When the hotel closed, the sign didn’t disappear it was kept, protected, and eventually shared. Now it lives at Main and Fifth. Here’s what most people don’t know: the sign is always there. All year long it rests flat on the roof. Then right around Thanksgiving, it’s lifted, tilted upright, and lit Franklin’s quiet way of saying Christmas starts now. No ads. No sponsors. No selling. Just NOEL glowing over downtown, reminding you to slow down, look up, and really be here. Save this for the next time you’re downtown with a warm drink and a full heart. 🎄✨ #FranklinTN #downtownf...