<p>With a flip of a switch, the holiday season blazes to life.</p>
<p>Thousands and thousands of twinkling lights illuminate downtown Franklin in a warm, colorful glow. Carriages take revelers through the festively lit streets of Edinburgh. A synchronized light show transforms Johnson County Park into a glowing wonderland.</p>
<p>Over the next few weeks, communities throughout the county will bring people together to get in a festive spirit. From Franklin’s downtown lighting to a myriad of special shows offering handmade artisan goods to encounters with real-life reindeer, special events have been planned to make the most of the holiday season.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]
<p>Christmas is coming up quickly, with only limited time to take advantage of everything available to make the season merry and bright. Here is a rundown of what to expect so you can fit as much holiday cheer into the next few weeks:</p>
<p><strong>Christmas at the Park</strong></p>
<p>Details: 6 to 9 p.m. today, Dec. 13-15, 20-22, 24, 27 and 28, Johnson County Park, 2949 North St., Nineveh; $20 per carload</p>
<p>What: The newest holiday attraction in the county has converted a portion of the Johnson County Park into a drive-through light extravaganza. The interactive light show is set to a Christmas soundtrack, which allows you to watch the lights dance and shimmy in a choreographed show while you watch from the comfort of your own car. Your favorite holiday characters will interact with guests, pictures with Santa will be available, and free hot chocolate is included.</p>
<p><strong>Franklin Holiday Lighting</strong></p>
<p>Details: All day today, with the lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., downtown Franklin; free</p>
<p>What: A full day of seasonal fun awaits visitors to downtown Franklin today. From a live nativity scene to the Dec-A-Tree tree decorating competition to a Christmas cookie contest, organizers have crafted a celebration of community and holiday spirit. The Artcraft Theatre will feature “A Christmas Story,” families can sing along with Disney princesses and food, entertainment and children’s activities will be held throughout the day.</p>
<p>First Presbyterian Church has planned an organ concert, and Melchoir Marionettes is performing a holiday-themed puppet show. The lighted parade and ground displays at Compass Park serve as the lead-in for the big reveal — when downtown Franklin’s dazzling light show goes on at 7 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Holiday Market</strong></p>
<p>Details: 2 to 8 p.m. today, Franklin Elks Lodge 1818. 56 E. Jefferson St.; free to attend</p>
<p>What: In conjunction with the holiday lighting is a gathering of some of the area’s most creative and crafty artisans, all displaying their work in a one-stop shop to take care of your Christmas gift list. People will be able to browse through everything from homemade jams and jellies to rings made from recycled plastic to unique lamps. Jewelry, paintings, glass work and other art will be featured, while food stuffs such as fudge, goat cheese and olive oil is featured as well.</p>
<p><strong>Holiday Craft and Gift Show</strong></p>
<p>Details: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Greenwood Community High School, 615 W. Smith Valley Road; $1 admission, children 12 and under free.</p>
<p>What: The Social of Greenwood once again is organizing a community tradition, bringing more than 120 vendors together for one unique events. Shop homemade gifts, home decor, women’s and children’s boutique clothing, baked goods, jewelry, makeup and many other options. Raffles, door prizes, food and more will be featured as well. Admission fees benefit the Social of Greenwood.</p>
<p><strong>Silly Safari Reindeer Reserve</strong></p>
<p>Details: 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13, White River branch, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood; 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16, Clark-Pleasant branch, 530 Tracy Road Suite 250, New Whiteland; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Franklin branch, 401 State St.</p>
<p>What: Santa’s reindeer are hard at work getting ready for their big night, but people will have a chance to meet their cousins during a series of special events at Johnson County Public Library branches. People will be able to meet one of Santa’s elves as well as a baby reindeer, learning about these unique creatures and separating legend from fact. The events are free, but registration is required, and can be done at pageafterpage.org.</p>
<p><strong>Merry Prairie</strong></p>
<p>Details: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Johnson County Public Library Trafalgar branch, 424 S. Tower Dr.; free</p>
<p>What: One of the county’s most unique institutions gets a holiday makeover during this first-time event. Trafalgar’s library branch has its own reconstructed Indiana prairie, and the grasslands will be lit up with luminarias along the prairie walk. Guests can visit with beloved Christmas characters, pet a reindeer, make ornaments in Santa’s Workshop and listen to holiday music, among other festive activities.</p>
<p><strong>Holiday of Lights</strong></p>
<p>Details: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 14, downtown Edinburgh; free to attend</p>
<p>What: Edinburgh town officials have put together a jolly jingling celebration during their annual holiday tradition. Have breakfast with Santa, take part in a chilly 5K run and watch as the parade marches through town. The event will feature make-and-take sign painting, cookie decorating and crafts, photos with Santa and a holiday-themed vintage truck. People can watch “Elf” together at the Pixy Theatre, and take carriage rides through the expertly illuminated downtown neighborhoods.</p>
<p><strong>Kris Kringle Mingle</strong></p>
<p>Details: 9 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14, The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, 1468 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood; $35 per adult, $25 per child 16 and under</p>
<p>What: The Center Grove Choirs are hosting their own holiday soiree. Enjoy a brunch catered by Grafton Peek, pictures with Santa, a meet-and-greet with the characters from “Frozen,” two crafts and entertainment provided by the Center Grove Choral Department. Online registration is available at centergrovechoirs.org.</p>
<p><strong>Holiday Open House</strong></p>
<p>Details: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 21, Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin; free</p>
<p>What: The Johnson County Museum of History will open their doors for a special holiday concert and open house so the public can view all of the submissions of this year’s Dec-A-Tree contest. The Voices, a county-based singing group, will provide seasonal music. Cookies and refreshments will be served. The event is open to the public.</p>
<p><strong>Santa Claus Parade</strong></p>
<p>Details: 6 p.m. Dec. 22, New Whiteland Fire Station, 500 Sweetbriar Ave.; free</p>
<p>What: Follow Santa Claus as he rides through the streets of New Whiteland in style: on the back of a decorated fire truck. Santa will visit with children from 5 to 6 p.m. at the New Whiteland Fire Station, where the parade will begin and end. The parade will then start at 6.</p>
