'Tis the season for holiday shopping! Craft fairs, holiday open houses and winter markets abound just south of Indy, where everything is a little more festive.
The largest craft fair in Festival Country boasts nearly 400 vendors with items ranging from jewelry to handmade signs to unique maple syrup. This event is happening Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center Grove High School. They’ll also have seven different food trucks offering breakfast and lunch throughout the day. Parking is free and admission is $5.
The Sycamore at Mallow Run will be welcoming more than 40 local makers, artists and creators for a day of festive holiday shopping on Nov. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. The Sycamore bar will be open to sip as you shop, or you can head next door to the tasting room for a complimentary wine tasting when you're done. Also, there will be another holiday shopping event at The Sycamore on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Franklin Holiday Open House
The downtown Franklin Holiday Open House from Nov. 8 to 10 has been a fan favorite for years. When you visit participating businesses and collect punches on the punch cards (located at each business), you’ll earn the chance to win $1,250 worth of prizes. Plus, you’ll find exclusive discounts and be among the first to shop from new holiday products. Don’t forget to turn in your completed punch card to any of the participating businesses when you finish shopping. The winners will be drawn the following week.
Every month on the second Saturday, the Johnson County Fairgrounds hosts the Antique & Vintage Market featuring furniture, vintage toys, jewelry, glassware, quilts, art and more. This season’s markets will be on Nov. 9 and Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $2 and breakfast and lunch can be purchased.
On Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Indian Creek High School will be hosting a variety of local vendors selling handmade items. Food and drink will also be available for purchase. Entry is $3 and the proceeds support the Indian Creek Education Foundation.
The Discover Old Town Greenwood Holiday Open House is another beloved holiday event, happening Nov. 15 and 16. Shops, businesses and restaurants kick off the holiday season with exclusive deals, giveaways and kids activities. There will be a girls night out on Friday night and a kids day on Saturday with visits from Santa and the Grinch. There will also be lighted parade at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and a tree lighting at Folktake Greenwood to follow. Open house hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
On Nov. 23 at Greenwood Community High School, more than 200 local vendors will set up booths for a festive day of holiday shopping and family fun. Entry is $3 for people 10 years old and up. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to take free pictures with kids, so bring your camera and snap some great pictures inside their holiday village.
Mark your calendars for Nov. 30 because Small Business Saturday is another great opportunity to cross all the holiday gifts off your list.
Holiday Lighting and Winter Market
See downtown Franklin turn into a Hallmark movie on Dec. 7 during the annual Holiday Lighting & Winter Market. Shop from both indoor and outdoor vendors selling handmade and home-grown products from 2 to 8 p.m., then stay downtown for the lighted parade at 5:30 p.m., the lighting of the courthouse at 7 p.m. and a fun fireworks show to follow. This magical holiday event is a must-see.
The Hoosier Handmade Craft Fair & Winter Market
The Hoosier Handmade Craft Fair & Winter Market is heading to the Johnson County Fairgrounds on Dec. 21. Enjoy holiday music as you shop from a unique selection of leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, personalized charcuterie boards and much more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and kids 10 and younger can play the free scavenger hunt game. Local food trucks will also be there serving lunch.
More events:
Final Fridays and First Fridays are two monthly events where local businesses stay open late and fun entertainment like live music and live art take place on city streets. Final Fridays takes place in Old Town Greenwood and First Fridays takes place in downtown Franklin.
Individual stores are also hosting fun holiday shopping events. First up is Take Root Country Store’s Christmas Open House with lots of décor for sale, prizes and more. This event will be from Nov. 8 to 10.
Next, on Nov. 23, Farm Girl Mercantile will host their Christmas Market at the Mercantile with outdoor vendors and special surprises inside.
Finally, five Franklin shops are teaming up for a candlelight shopping experience on Dec. 6.
Find more festive events like the Whiteland Winter Holiday Market, Franklin Middle School Craft Show, outdoor ice skating, breakfasts with Santa and more at the link here.
