Content provided by Festival Country
Experience a real-life Hallmark movie with family, friends and neighbors during the first weekend of December, right here in Franklin.
Franklin’s 67th Holiday Lighting and Winter Market starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, and features a winter market, a lighted parade, the courthouse lighting and more.
Discover Downtown Franklin, the event host, recognizes the holiday lighting as one of Franklin’s most beloved events of the year with nearly 13,000 in attendance just last season. Danny Causey, director of Discover Downtown Franklin, is looking forward to seeing the community gather to celebrate one of his traditional favorites.
“Tradition is super important and popular because it’s what connects you to your family, it’s the memories you have as a child, and a ton of these people who started coming as kids are now bringing their grandkids,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite days.”
Discover Downtown Franklin relies on generous donors to bring the holiday tradition to life.
“When you see the holiday lighting posters around town and our posts on social media, those are the businesses that are really putting their money where their mouth is and supporting the community,” Causey said. “We’re so thankful for them.”
Discover Downtown Franklin gives special thanks to the donors who make the events that they host throughout the calendar year possible. Families and businesses are
encouraged to sponsor a tree sign and donate throughout the year, as any amount can help make a difference.
In addition to the main events happening Saturday, people can listen to live music, shop locally at downtown businesses, and visit local restaurants or food vendors for hot food on a winter day.
“There’s a ton of free, super affordable activities for families and kids,” Causey said. “There’s no cost barrier of entry. It’s a free event for everyone. It’s the epitome of our community coming together and everyone having a great time.”
The winter market operates from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with more than 100 vendors, which is a huge expansion from last year. People can find handmade and hand-grown products outside on North Main Street and inside at the Elks Lodge on Jefferson Street during market hours.
After the parade, event-goers gather around the Johnson County Courthouse each year to count down the anticipated presentation of colorful lights atop the historical landmark. The lights are visible on each side of the building where the public can gather before 7 p.m. when the lights are turned on.
