Christmas Stroll and Holiday Market Happening Saturday, December 13th

The Village of Franklin invites you, your family and friends to come celebrate the holidays with us! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13^th for the day-long festivities.

Christmas Stroll House Tour

The traditional Christmas Stroll House Tour is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your neighbors, see homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, learn about the history of the homes and get ideas for renovations and décor!  The Stroll will take place on Saturday, December 13^th  from 1 pm to 5 pm. Tickets are $10 per person or $15 per couple. Tickets will be sold at the Holiday Market from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, December 13th. After expenses, proceeds from the Stroll House Tour will be donated to the Franklin Improvement Society, a 501c3 organization that contributes to a number of other Franklin community organizations.

Thanks to the terrific holiday spirit of our Franklin friends and neighbors, we are happy to report that we have 8 houses lined up for the Stroll!

Don’t Miss the Franklin Railroad and Community Museum

The popular Trees and Trains for Christmas exhibit at the museum is a must-see! Take a step back in time as you enjoy the beautifully decorated trees and The Warwick dining car at the museum. There is a wealth of history about Franklin and surrounding towns in the area, and much more! The museum will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

Shop Local at the Holiday Market

Ruth Snow, Jeneane Howard and Hanna VanDeusen are coordinating this year’s Holiday Market, which will happen at the Franklin Firehouse garage at 351 Main Street from 10am to 3 pm.  Many vendors from the local area will be on hand with holiday wares, home décor, handmade gifts, food and much more!

Church Happenings

No time for cookie baking? The Open Doors Methodist Church will have trays of beautifully decorated Christmas cookies ready for you at their annual sale. While you are there stay for some hot soup and buttered rolls. The Community Bible Church will have sing-along carols and cocoa – all voices welcome!  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will have seasonal music during part of the day. You won’t want to miss the beautifully restored antique organ!

Franklin Eateries and Businesses Are Open

Enjoy a light breakfast or lunch at the local Kings Café on Main Street. Full breakfast items and lunch are available at The Tulip and The Rose Restaurant, also on Main Street. The Tulip and the Rose will be open for dinner.  Jonesing for some wine and cheese?  Good Taste Epicurean Market and Liquor Store will have wine and gourmet cheese tastings throughout the day.  Shop for an assortment of gourmet goodies and a great selection of wine and liquor to grace your holiday table while you taste! Shop for designer clothing and antiques at Gary Graham 422 and Kabinett & Kammer. Home décor, art and antique treasures are also featured at LAVA Interiors. Head a couple of doors down Main Street for more great finds at Blue Farm Antiques.  As you walk along Main Street, enjoy the festive lighted holiday trees decorated by Franklin Rotary Club members.

Visits from Santa and Tree Lighting in the Park

Santa is everywhere this year! The kiddos will meet him while enjoying Story Time at the Free Franklin Library and home baked goodies.  Santa will also be on hand in Memorial Park for Franklin’s first Tree Lighting in several years!  After the tree is lit, bring your children to the Franklin Firehouse garage beginning at 6 pm for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The jolly old elf and his better half will have a small gift for each child, and hot chocolate and cookies will be served.  Parents, grandparents and caregivers should bring their smartphones to take photos of the kids with Santa and make great memories!

If you have questions about the Christmas Stroll House Tour or other festivities around town, contact Connie Martin at.candjmartin@fastmail.com, If you are a vendor interested in participating in the Holiday Market, contact Ruth Snow at snowy13775@hotmail.com or Jeneane Howard at franklinholidaymarket@gmail.com. Watch Facebook for updates as happenings take shape!