7:00pm
The first night of Winter Wonderland is full of activities and a few surprises as well. Join us at the Gazebo on the Square for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be special music before the lighting and it is always an exciting event as thousands of lights illuminate the square.

The Town of Franklin, North Carolina is proud to be a Neighborhood Champion of Small Business Saturday, presented by American Express.

On Saturday, November 30th, be a part of the 10th annual holiday shopping tradition that brings together communities in support of their favorite small businesses. While the event is all day, the Town of Franklin combines Small Business Saturday with our official kick-off of the holiday season, Winter Wonderland!

SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN MERCHANTS - 7:15pm
The Merchants of Downtown Franklin sponsor a Candlelight Service following the tree lighting which features a Blessing of the Nativity on Speaker's Corner near the Macon County Courthouse. The merchants purchased this unique, near life-size nativity over 30 years ago from the House of Fontanini in Italy. Hundreds attend the event and it is a very moving service with the Reverends Vic & Janet Greene leading the service. Special music is also featured.

Back by popular demand are Winter Wonderland's free Carriage Rides. Take a tour of Downtown Franklin in an elegant vis-a-vis carriage drawn by a white Percheron that is over 18 hands tall. As with all Winter Wonderland attractions, there is no charge.

After a successful debut in 2018 the miniature train rides are back by popular demand this year for both nights of Winter Wonderland. The miniature train will take you on a tour of Downtown Franklin and is equipped with leather seats, lights and even blows smoke. The train board at the Gazebo on the Square and will accommodate both children and adults. Again, there is no charge for this activity.

Winter Wonderland features free wagon rides. It's an old-fashioned way to see Franklin from a new perspective and get in the holiday spirit. Better yet, get a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate to keep warm during the ride. As with all Winter Wonderland attractions, there is no charge.

Many Downtown Merchants feature "Living Window" displays both nights of Winter Wonderland. From Santa's helpers to live musicians, you'll never know what you'll discover during this special holiday celebration.

Yes indeed! Santa will be making an appearnace during 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!