Events

Step into the glow of the season at Downtown Effingham’s Hometown Christmas — an evening filled with lights, laughter, and hometown holiday magic.

Whether you’re welcoming family home or building your own traditions, this is the night to gather downtown and celebrate together.

Hop aboard a festive tractor train ride, visit Santa, snap photos with favorite Christmas and Disney characters, and get creative inside Santa’s Workshop with hands-on holiday crafts.

Stroll through the twinkle-lit streets with hot chocolate in hand, grab a bag of warm kettle corn, and soak in the joy that only small-town Christmas can bring.

Bundle up, bring the kids, and make it a night that feels like a storybook — right here in Effingham.

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Food & Beverage | 3-5p
Macklin Kettle Corn
Joe Sippers Cafe
(costs associated with these vendors)

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Entertainment | 3-5p
Santa’s Workshop (heated tent in the City parking lot)
•Cookie Decorating – Kirby Foods-Effingham

Additional Activities
•Bubbles – Wild Foam Adventures
•Story time with Mrs. Claus 

Special Guests
•Holiday & Winter Characters – Effingham High School Drama Club

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Lighted Christmas Parade | 5p
We are bringing Santa to town in sparkling style — join us as the streets come alive with lights, laughter, and holiday magic!

See below for route details and how to sign up!

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Santa House | 5:45-8p

The big man in red is heading to his house — making his list, checking it twice, and arriving in style! 🎅

Santa’s elves at the Effingham Public Library are hard at work to make sure every child — young or old, naughty or nice — receives a personalized letter from Jolly Old St. Nick himself. This festive tradition is proudly sponsored by Tracy Willenborg, helping spread holiday cheer throughout our community.

Request your letter here by Friday, December 4.

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Live Music @ the Old Courthouse
6:15p | FACE Christmas Concert
6:45p | FACE Community Orchestra

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Lighted Parade:
Get ready to be dazzled by a magical evening of holiday cheer and twinkling lights. Watch as beautifully decorated floats, festive vehicles, and singing elves illuminate the streets, spreading warmth and joy to all.

Bring your friends and family to experience this beloved holiday tradition.
🕔 Parade begins at 5p
📍 Starting at Baseball Card Connection, heading down Jefferson Ave to The Heart Theatre, and ending at 3rd St.

Sign up will be available soon – register by Monday, November 23.

Participants:
TBD

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Become a Sponsor:
Help brighten this holiday season by supporting this years event! Hometown Christmas offers a gift to the entire community as we gather together to celebrate this free event. 

Sponsorships will be shared soon!

Sponsors:
Horse & Carriage |
Santa’s Workshop | Wabash Communications Co-Op
Caroler | HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
Santa Letters |
Candy Cane |

Contact Information:
Nicole Morrison
nmorrison@effinghamcountychamber.com
(217) 347-6282

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Follow @EffCoChamber on Facebook to stay updated on Hometown Christmas details!