Illustration of a Christmas market in a town square with wooden stalls, string lights and a vendor serving cocoa (Santa Paddle at Franklin Makers Market)
Christmas Giving Opportunities

Santa Paddle at Franklin Makers Market

Participants dress in red or full Santa suits to join a festive walking strut and water paddle across Westhaven Lake. Paddlers take to the water on paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks to the sound of holiday music before finishing with a cookie break. The fundraiser takes place alongside the Franklin Makers Market and benefits the Friends of Williamson County Animal Center.

Sat, Nov 14, 2026

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Franklin

Illustration of couples dancing in a ballroom with garlands and a small band on stage Parties12 events Illustration of felt figures in red Santa hats handing wrapped gifts to one another near small snowmen and Christmas trees Giving Opportunities1 event Illustration of a snowman and small decorated trees in a snowy yard beside a red house, all glowing with warm string lights Lights14 events Illustration of a church hall bazaar with tables of jams, knitted goods and toys and volunteers serving cocoa Markets13 events Illustration of three felt snowmen in knit hats and scarves beside red stage curtains, with a small Christmas tree nearby Shows27 events Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman Unique & Unusual32 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Registration options are Basic Registration (BYO watercraft), All-Inclusive (paddleboard, canoe, or kayak provided), or Santa Strut (stay dry). All registration options include a commemorative Santa hat and cookies after the paddle. Registration fees are non-refundable if weather interferes with the paddle. No registration prices are stated.

Hours

Participants gather at 1:45; the Santa Strut begins at 2:00; the event listing gives 2:00PM–3:00PM.

Food & Drink

The accompanying Franklin Makers Market offers tasty treats, food trucks, and bubbly cocktails.

Pets

Dogs may join the Santa Strut around the lake, but participants must have a plan for their dogs once it is time to get on the water.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Westhaven Lake · 157 Front St, Franklin, TN 37064 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and festive outdoor activity seekers

Vibe

Festive, playful, charitable

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Register before the event, since every participant must be registered to take part.
  • Wear a Santa suit or all-red clothing; registered participants receive a commemorative Santa hat onsite.
  • Bring your own watercraft or select the all-inclusive option for a provided paddleboard, canoe, or kayak.
  • Wear a life vest or personal flotation device whenever you are on the water.
  • If bringing a dog, plan for its care once paddlers head onto the lake; the event is rain or shine and fees are non-refundable if weather disrupts paddling.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The concurrent Franklin Makers Market offers free admission.
  • Registration has separate options for bringing your own watercraft, using provided watercraft, or joining the Santa Strut and staying dry.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

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 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take part, and what should participants wear?

The event is described as fun for the whole family. Every participant must wear a Santa suit or all-red clothing; a commemorative Santa hat is provided.

Do I need to register, and what participation options are available?

All participants must register beforehand. Choose to bring your own watercraft, use a provided paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, or join the Santa Strut and stay dry.

What happens during the event?

Participants start with a Santa Strut around the lake, then paddlers take to the water to holiday songs. The event ends with cookies.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs may join the Santa Strut, but participants need a plan for their dogs when the water portion begins.

What should paddlers know about safety and weather?

Wear a life vest or personal flotation device whenever on the water. The event is rain or shine; weather-related changes will be sent by email or text, and registration fees are non-refundable if weather interferes with paddling.

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.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: