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.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages
See more Christmas markets near Franklin
Plan Your Visit
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.
Neighborhood
Downtown Franklin
Food & Drink
Food vendors are listed on West Court Street and at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater.
Location
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
Links & Contact
Run by Festival Country Indiana
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
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.
Browse Christmas in 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.