'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.
Downtown Franklin Holiday Open House
The downtown Franklin Holiday Open House from Nov. 3 to 5 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.
The largest craft fair in Festival Country boasts nearly 400 vendors with items ranging from handmade signs to unique maple syrup. This event is happening Nov. 4 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.
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. 11 and Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $2 and breakfast and lunch can be purchased.
On Nov. 11 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. 17 and 18. Shops, businesses and restaurants kick off the holiday season with exclusive deals, giveaways and kids activities. There will be a kids day on Saturday with Santa and the Grinch. There will also be lighted parade at 5:30 on Saturday. Open house hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
This festival, located at the Sycamore at Mallow Run, celebrates local artists, makers and creators. The Sycamore bar will be open to sip as you shop. Check it out on Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Nov. 25 because Small Business Saturday is another great opportunity to cross all the holiday gifts off your list. Head to the Franklin Chamber from 10 a.m. to noon for information, shopping bags and refreshments, then head out for a day of shopping small.
Holiday Lighting and Winter Market
Shop from both indoor and outdoor vendors selling handmade and home-grown products from 2 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, then stay downtown for the lighted parade at 5:30 p.m. and the lighting of the courthouse at 7 p.m. 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. 16. 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:
Individual stores are also hosting fun holiday shopping events. First up is Take Root Country Store’s Christmas Gathering with lots of décor for sale, a draw for instant prizes, and sample snacks. This event will be from Nov. 10 to 12. Next, on Nov. 18, Farm Girl Mercantile will host their Christmas Market at the Mercantile with outdoor vendors and special surprises inside. Finally, three Franklin shops are teaming up for a candlelight shopping experience on Dec. 9.
Find even more events like the Greenwood Christian School Craft Fair, the Ray Crowe Elementary Craft Fair, Shop the Blocks and more at the link here.
