The Town of Franklin, North Carolina officially kicks off the holiday season with the first night of Winter Wonderland. Our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 29th. The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin.
Winter Wonderland 2026
presented by the Town of Franklin
Saturdays • November 28th & December 5th
5:00pm to 8:00pm • Downtown Franklin, North Carolina
Join with the Town of Franklin as we ring in the holidays with Winter Wonderland. These annual events are held on the two Saturdays after Thanksgiving from 5:00 pm to 8:00 each evening.
Plus, you'll be able to enjoy enhanced holiday decor throughout the season with many great photo opportunities throughout the downtown area.
We will be providing more information on 2026's festivities in the coming months, so be sure check back with us. You can also follow us on our Facebook Page for all the latest news on both nights of Winter Wonderland.
Please scroll below for this year's schedule and a description of activities that are planned so far.
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.
* Schedules subject to change / Weather Permitting
A small sampling of events is listed below and we will be posting more information in the coming months.
tree lighting ceremony • November 29th • 7:00 PM
visit with jolly ole st. nick both nights!
Yes indeed! Santa will be making appearances both nights of Winter Wonderland! His visit is always a special time as he takes to the streets to spread cheer and speak with the young ones about their holiday wishes. You'll find him along the streets of Downtown Franklin and inside our local merchants visiting with both young and young at heart!
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY™ • November 28th
The Town of Franklin encourages you to support Franklin's many merchants on Small Business Saturday.
Shop Small & Shop Local all season long!
Free Hay Rides • Night Two
Night two of Winter Wonderland will featured old fashioned "Hay Rides". The rides are absolutely free and will run from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Every member of the family is sure to enjoy!
Merchant Sponsored Candlelight Ceremony • Nov. 29th • 7:15 PM
Immediately following the Town of Franklin's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, merchants will present the Annual Candlelight Service on the Speaker's Corner at the Macon County Courthouse. The event will be led by Rev. Dr. Vic Greene & Rev. Janet Greene.
Expanded Holiday Decor • Throughout the Season!
There will be photo ops galore during Winter Wonderland and anytime you visit Downtown Franklin, NC. It is a great time for family photos or a reminder of your special visit to Franklin!
You can also enjoy Franklin's holiday decor throughout the season from late November until just after the New Year.