Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Bargesville for the Santa Train and Christmas Market event on Dec. 6.
It’s finally that time of year again: Craft fairs and winter markets, visits with Santa Claus, strolls through our downtowns and parks to look at all the magical lights, and the start of holiday shopping. The holiday season is just around the corner and the team at Festival Country can’t wait to share all these festive events:
Franklin
Compass Park is hosting its winter market on Nov. 2 to kick off the holiday season in Franklin. Join them for festive handmade vendors selling crafts, gifts, and more at 690 State St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown Franklin stores and businesses are hosting their annual Holiday Open House all weekend from Nov. 8 to 10. More than 40 downtown retailers, restaurants and businesses will have special discounts, prizes and holiday-themed gifts and items. There will also be an artisan market at the Johnson County Museum, 135 N. Main St., on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Antique and Vintage Market will be at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a variety of merchandise including antiques, artwork, vintage items, collectibles and much more.
Farm Girl Mercantile, 436 E. Jefferson St. is having their fifth annual Christmas Market on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from vendors with antiques, locally made goods like candles, honey, flowers, fresh produce and more. There will also be a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Jefferson St., will be holding their 12th annual START HERE Open House on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate small local businesses in downtown Franklin. Many of the local retail businesses participating will offer giveaways, coupons, discounts and have other shopping incentives to celebrate Small Business Saturday. The Chamber will also be giving out Chamber Cash certificates to the first 100 shoppers, 18 and older, in increments of $10, $20 or $50, that are used like cash and are valid only on Small Business Saturday.
Farm Girl Mercantile, FrenChic, Upstairs Basement, Thanks for the Thyme and Salvage Sisters are hosting their third annual Candlelight Shopping and will be open late for a festive shopping experience. The event will include sidewalks lit with candles and lights, and inside treats like appetizers, specials and giveaways on Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
First Fridays will be Dec. 6. Downtown stores and restaurants will stay open late until 8 p.m. There will be live music, artists, and other fun activities.
Greenwood
The Center Grove Craft Fair is kicking off holiday shopping in Greenwood on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be more than 250 vendors with holiday items, handmade crafts, and more at 2717 S. Morgantown Rd.
Santa Claus is coming to the Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 N. U.S. 31, from Nov. 7 to Dec. 24 for pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take Root Country Store will have their Christmas Open House from Nov. 8 to 10. There will be door prizes, treats, seasonal decor, and more. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9 and noon to 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 at 202 N. Madison Ave.
Old Town Greenwood will be kicking off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House Nov. 15 and 16. Come shop, sip and create with many small local businesses and pick up a punch card to collect stamps as you shop for the chance to earn prizes.
The Greenwood Holiday Craft Fair will be on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 613 W. Smith Valley Road. There will be more than 200 vendors with holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Final Fridays will be Nov. 29. Shops and restaurants stay open late in Old Town Greenwood until 8 p.m. There will be local artisans, entertainers, and other activities scattered throughout downtown.
Bargersville
The Handmade + Heartfelt Festival will be at The Sycamore at Mallow Run Nov. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be various of artists, makers, and other creators offering their creations at 7070 W. Whiteland Road.
The Sycamore will also be hosting their holiday shopping event on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where there will be more than 50 vendors with holiday decorations, handmade gifts, treats and more.
Downtown Bargersville is having their Santa Train and Christmas Market Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the holiday season. Santa Claus will appear on a train for pictures and the market will feature craft vendors, bakers, and more.
Trafalgar
The Holiday Bazaar will be at Indian Creek High School Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m with various vendors selling holiday crafts, decorations, and more.
Whiteland
Kelsay Farms at 6848 N. County Road 250 East will be open every weekend through from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23 for The Holiday Stroll. There will be various holiday activities such as the Whoville Hunt, a visit with Santa Claus, magical holiday lights and decorations, and more. Their hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Taylor Tyndall is public relations and events manager at Festival Country Indiana. Send comments to [email protected].
