Franklin Holiday Lighting and Winter Market
Visitors can browse seasonal vendor booths at the winter market, grab bites from food vendors, and watch the evening lighted parade. The downtown celebration features visits with Santa, a live nativity, musical performances, and lighting displays at Courthouse Square and Compass Park.
What to Expect
Features a lighted parade, courthouse illumination, and community market.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Franklin
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Festival Country Indiana
Food & Drink
Food vendors are listed on West Court Street and at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families looking for a festive day of activities
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Winter Market: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Lighted Parade: 5:30 p.m.; Compass Park Lighting: 6:30 p.m.; Courthouse Square Lighting: 7 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Start early if you want Breakfast with Santa at Compass Park, since it only runs in the morning, before most of the other activities begin.
- Stay after the lighted parade for the Compass Park lighting and then the Courthouse Square lighting, which close out the evening.
- Hop on a shuttle tour from the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater to see the Compass Park lights without walking the whole park in the cold.
- Dress warmly for the evening parade, the outdoor stage on West Court Street and the lightings, since much of the night is spent outside.
Special Events & Promotions
- Breakfast with Santa at Compass Park, morning only
- Shark Encounter with a live shark from Newport Aquarium in the early afternoon
- "A Christmas Story" showings at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, afternoon and evening
- Christmas Organ Concert at First Presbyterian Church in the afternoon
- Shuttle tours of the Compass Park lights from the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater in the evening
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Kids can have Breakfast with Santa at Compass Park in the morning, Holiday Story Time at the Library Services Center, a Visit with Santa in the afternoon, a live shark encounter from Newport Aquarium, and the Penny Lane Photo Bus.
Where is the food?
Food vendors set up on West Court Street and at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater from the afternoon into the evening.
Which streets does the lighted parade follow?
The route goes from Jackson to Jefferson to South Home streets.
How can I see the Compass Park lights?
After the Compass Park lighting, shuttle tours of the lights leave from the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater during the evening.
Is there indoor entertainment?
Yes. "A Christmas Story" shows twice at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, there's a Christmas organ concert at First Presbyterian Church, and the Dec-A-Tree Display runs all day at the Johnson County Museum of History.
More Christmas Events Near Franklin
More Christmas Events near Franklin
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.