In Franklin, Indiana, the holiday season glows with joy and generosity, thanks to the efforts of Santa’s helpers, who bring magic and goodwill to the community. From cherished visits with Santa to heartfelt acts of kindness, these local organizations and volunteers are making the season brighter for families across the area. Here’s a closer look at their unique holiday offerings.
Toodleydoo Toys: A Magical Santa Experience
One of Franklin’s most beloved holiday traditions is the private Santa experience at Toodleydoo Toys. Families from nearby towns like Plainfield and Noblesville journey to Franklin to share a special moment with Santa in a setting designed to capture the spirit of the season. Toodleydoo began its Santa visits with Jon Rogers, a larger-than-life local figure who embodied Santa’s warmth and joy, mesmerizing visitors with enchanting tales of the North Pole. Even after his passing in 2016, Toodleydoo has continued the tradition, working with Santas who each bring a unique magic to the experience.
The Santa visits take place in the Santa Shack, a charming replica of the original shack that stood in downtown Franklin years ago, rebuilt by local high school students from Central Nine Career Center. Parents treasure the attention to detail that makes each Santa visit at Toodleydoo feel authentic. Every year Toodleydoo receives heartfelt messages from parents thrilled that their children still believe in Santa. To preserve the magic of believing, Toodleydoo’s private, personalized approach makes each Santa experience a memory to be cherished. toodleydootoys.com
Johnson County Museum of History: A Holiday Tradition With Mr. and Mrs. Claus
The Johnson County Museum of History, a staple of the Franklin community, has welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Claus each December for over two decades. Portrayed by Ken and Patty Everroad, the couple creates an unforgettable Santa experience for children who come to share their Christmas wishes. Visitors can take photos with Santa, enjoy crafts in the museum’s lower level, and explore various photo ops as they wait in line. A tree-decorating contest, known as Deck-a-Tree, adds a festive touch to the museum’s second floor, which transforms into a winter wonderland filled with trees decorated by 15 local organizations.
This holiday tradition wouldn’t be possible without the support of local sponsors, including Franklin Sylvan Learning, Paul Humble’s American Family Insurance, and the Tri-Kappa sorority, which helps sponsor Santa’s presence. In addition, the museum hosts a free concert by the Matinee Musicale on December 21, adding a harmonious note to the holiday celebrations. johnsoncountymuseum.org
Compass Park: Breakfast with Santa
On the morning of December 7, Compass Park offers a delightful Breakfast with Santa event as part of downtown Franklin’s holiday lighting celebration. With a hot buffet featuring all the breakfast favorites, it’s a treat for the whole family. Children can bring letters for Santa, enjoy breakfast together and meet Santa himself. Tickets are affordable, with adults at $10, children at $7 and each additional child for $5, making it an accessible, heartwarming holiday event. The gathering is a wonderful opportunity for families to share a festive meal and experience the excitement of the holiday season together. compasspark.org
Franklin Community Schools: Good Cheer and Christmas Angels
The spirit of giving is central to the holiday season, and Franklin Community Schools brings this message to life through involvement in the Good Cheer food drive. The schools work together to collect food and donations for families in need, helping to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy a joyful holiday meal. Each individual school also “adopts” families through the Christmas Angels program, and they collect specific items for families in need. This program emphasizes the value of kindness, showing students that the season is not only about receiving, but also about giving back.
Tri-Kappa: Gifts of Books and Joy
The members of Tri-Kappa, a local women’s philanthropic organization, play an important role in spreading holiday cheer by donating and wrapping over 100 books each year for local children. This tradition has become a beloved part of the season, as the books are wrapped with care and love to bring joy to each child who receives one. Cara Broniszewski, a Tri-Kappa member, proudly notes that these small gifts carry the spirit of the holidays, creating memorable moments and sharing the magic of reading with the community’s youngest members.
Franklin Parks and Recreation: Letters to Santa
Franklin Parks and Recreation brings the magic of Santa’s letters to life with their Letters to Santa program. The Santa Shack, situated on the corner of West Court and Jefferson streets in downtown Franklin, invites children to write letters to Santa, and in return they receive a personal response from him. This simple act of kindness allows children to experience the joy of receiving a letter from Santa himself, creating a treasured holiday memory that keeps the magic alive. franklinparks.org
The Historic Artcraft Theatre: Classic Christmas at the Movies
With the help of dedicated volunteers, the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin brings holiday magic to life each year. Thousands of visitors gather to enjoy classic holiday films each year like “Elf”, “A Christmas Story”, “White Christmas” and more. Guests are treated to the best buttered popcorn, a wide selection of candies and sodas, and unique gift options including T-shirts, sweatshirts, movie posters, mugs, Christmas ornaments and gift cards. Sitting in this historic theater surrounded by an audience’s laughter and cheers makes these timeless classics feel new again, transporting viewers back to the magic of Christmases past. historicartcrafttheatre.org
Through the efforts of Toodleydoo Toys, the Johnson County Museum of History, Compass Park, Franklin Community Schools, Tri-Kappa, the Historic Artcraft Theatre, and Franklin Parks and Recreation, the holiday season in Franklin is one of joy, giving and cherished traditions. Each program offers a unique way for families to connect, celebrate and experience the magic of the season.
