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There are a variety of events coming up in Franklin and Southampton County to help usher area residents into the Christmas season.

Following is a listing of a few of those events drawing near on the calendar.

FRANKLIN CHRISTMAS PARADE

The city’s annual parade, presented by the Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation, will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, and it will run along 4th Avenue and Main Street with the theme of Gingerbread Land.

ELF PARADE & HOLIDAY MARKET

These events will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Franklin Director of Tourism Carson S. Blythe said, “Elves will meet at Barrett’s Landing Park from 9:30-10 a.m. and then will march our downtown streets, led by Santa Claus, to the Holiday Market. We encourage you to stay and shop our vendors, enjoy the food trucks and music, and participate in the various children’s activities.”

The Holiday Market will take place at Franklin’s Market on Main pavilion, located at 210 S. Main St.

POLAR EXPRESS NOSTALGIC CHRISTMAS

Hosted by the Southampton Heritage Village/Agriculture & Forestry Museum, this event is set for Saturday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m.

Describing the event, organizer Lynda T. Updike said, “It is a step back in time, with Christmas tree decorating, stringing popcorn and cranberries, Christmas caroling, singing around a campfire, free hot cocoa and cookies as well as a nativity scene with a couple of very friendly sheep. 

“Always a big hit will be the model trains inside, along with the outside train that kids can ride in around the building,” she added. “Santa will be there for conversations and photo opportunities.”

Admission will require either a small fee or a non-perishable food item. 

Call Updike at 757-654-6785 for more information.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

The Franklin Experience Inc. is presenting this Christmas tree light show that will be a free, “drive-in” experience at Franklin’s Market on Main, located at 210 S. Main St.

Shows will be at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 19-24.

For more information, call 757-641-8341.

TOWN OF IVOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The celebration will run through the afternoon Sunday, Dec. 4.

The Christmas Market will be open from 12:30-5 p.m., featuring local vendors, food trucks and the Trooper Hill Toy Drive.

From 12:30-2:30 p.m., special guests will include Santa and the Grinch and Blackwater Regional Library, and a special feature will be the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office rock wall.

At 3 p.m., there will be a parade, the lineup for which will begin at 2 p.m. in “The Pines of Ivor.” The parade route will come by the market.

At 5 p.m. will be the Cody Stallard Memorial Tree Lighting.

For more information, send an email to office@townofivor.com or call 757-859-6397.

BOYKINS CIRCLE OF TREES

Presented by the Boykins Parks & Recreation Committee, the third edition of this annual Boykins-based event will involve the community gathering at 2 p.m. for decorating, and the official tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Buck Lassiter Mini Park, with a dedication ceremony by Boykins Mayor Jackie Robertson.

Refreshments, including hot chocolate, will be provided by Coldwell Banker – Franklin.

BOYKINS CHRISTMAS PARADE

The town’s 47th annual Christmas parade is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.

MINGLE WITH KRIS KRINGLE

Immediately following the 3 p.m. Boykins Christmas Parade on Dec. 11, children can mingle with Santa Claus for a storytime event among the Circle of Trees at the Buck Lassiter Mini Park on the corner of Main Street and Virginia Avenue. The Farm Fed food truck will be serving food on Busy Street, across from the Mini Park.

BOYKINS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. CHRISTMAS EVENT

Santa will be stopping by the Boykins Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1-4 p.m. 

Boykins Town Clerk Victoria Edwards said, “There will be an opportunity to tell Santa what you want for Christmas (and to get) a free photo with Santa, light refreshments and a ride on the fire truck.”