Town of Franklin Welcomes Holiday Season with Winter Wonderland

**Editor's Note** The Annual Candlelight Service at the Nativity Scene will take place immediately after the tree lighting ceremony. 

PRESS RELEASE (11-20-2024)

TOWN OF FRANKLIN

(Franklin, NC) Welcome the holiday season with the Town of Franklin during Winter Wonderland, a two-night event held in downtown Franklin on consecutive Saturdays, November 30th and December 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 each evening.

“This year the Town staff has put together two distinctly different nights sure to be enjoyed by everyone,” said Town Manager Amie Owens. “The first night will be more traditional with the second night having a winter festival feel.”

The first night of Winter Wonderland will include free carriage rides, live sounds of the season from the group Generations with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Following will be a merchant sponsored candlelight service for those that wish to participate.

“The tree lighting ceremony is sure to be very special this year as we will have Judie Lau, surviving spouse of Deputy Jim Lau, officially lighting the tree for the town,” said Owens. “What a fitting way to honor Jim and his many years of service to the communities he served.”

On December 7^th, many new activities are in store for those attending. There will be free old-fashioned hayrides, free axe throwing that adults and kids are sure to enjoy, and beginning at 7:00 p.m. the Town will present a free movie, Elf, outdoors in the lower-level parking lot of Franklin Town Hall.

In addition, there will be many food and adult beverage vendors as the Town’s Social District will be in effect. Included are Ben's Backdraft BBQ, Thai Spice, Lazy Hiker, Slanted Window, and Red's Lemonade, just to name a few.

At Rankin Square, Macon Early College will be offering free letters to Santa, Read to Me will be handing out books and much more.

Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from the Jolly Ole Elf himself, Santa Claus! Santa will be out on the streets and visiting merchants spreading holiday cheer from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. both nights of Winter Wonderland.

Filling your holiday gift list will be easy as many downtown merchants will also be open late offering plenty of great gift ideas for the holidays.

Remember that Saturday, November 30th is also Small Business Saturday. This initiative, backed by American Express, shifts the focus from Black Friday and Cyber Monday to supporting small, local businesses. The Town of Franklin is proud to again be a Neighborhood Champion of Small Business Saturday.

“The holiday décor throughout downtown Franklin will be enhanced again this year with many different photo opportunities,” said Town Manager Amie Owens. “These holiday decorations are sure to brighten your holidays and can be enjoyed until a few days after the New Year.”

“The Town of Franklin has worked hard to create an event that celebrates not only the holidays but the spirit of our small town. This is a great family event, and we look forward to seeing familiar faces and visitors from all over the area here in Franklin, for Winter Wonderland.” said Owens.

As a reminder, Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic both nights of Winter Wonderland with parking along Main Street closing at 4:00 p.m. Plenty of free parking is located throughout the downtown area and detours will be clearly marked related to street closures.

“This event has become a favorite part of holiday traditions for both visitors and locals alike,” said Mayor Jack Horton. “The Town staff has put together a great event that truly celebrates the spirit of the season and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Winter Wonderland is presented by the Town of Franklin.