Events

Join us in celebrating cherished Christmas traditions and creating unforgettable family memories at the Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas, presented by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital!

Enjoy enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides, whimsical tractor train rides, meet an adorable live reindeer, and be entertained by beloved Christmas and Disney characters.

Sip on warm and delightful hot drinks, savor kettle corn, and have a blast at Santa’s workshop filled with festive fun!

Event Times:
10a-3p | Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas Shopping*
11:30a-1:30p | Lunch with Santa @ Joe’s Pizza*
3p-5p | Santa’s Workshop (heated tent in the City parking lot)

• Bulb Planting by the University of Illinois Master Gardeners
• Christmas Activity by C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp.
• Christmas Coloring by Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS)
• Christmas Craft by Effingham County Case Managers
• Cookie Decorating by Kirby Foods Effingham
• Reindeer Food by The Royal School of Cosmetology

3p-5p | Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
3p-5p | LIVE Reindeer by Dahkne Family Farms
3p-5p | Tractor Train Rides by Bahrns Equipment, Inc., Roepke Overhead Door & Y-Yard
3p-6p | Macklin Kettle Corn*, Joe Sippers Cafe* Beverage Cart & The Fair Lady
5p | Lighted Christmas Parade (starting at Beanstalk Boutique, heading down Jefferson Ave & ending at Santa’s House)
5:45p-8p | Santa Arrives at his house!
6:15 | FACE Christmas Concert @ Old Courthouse

Lighted Parade:
Get ready to be dazzled! Join us for the spectacular Lighted Christmas Parade, 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 the enchantment of this delightful holiday tradition. 

The online form for interested participants is available here. Limited space! Deadline to sign up is Dec. 2!

Current Parade Participants include:
2024 Effingham County Fair Jr. Miss Queen-Rhylee Holland
City of Effingham x2
Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota
Dieterich Bank
Goeckner Bros.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
JT’s Tree & Crane x2
Keith Bradle – Antique Tractor
Layna Bond & Associates
Mill Road Thresherman Association
Old City Firetruck with Santa
Sacred Heart Catholic School Choir
Wabash Communications
W.S. Broom & Co. x2

Santa Letters:
Request your Santa Letter here.
Deadline is Dec 2!

Become a Volunteer:
Hometown Christmas is a celebration for all during this beautiful holiday season and we are on the search for incredible volunteers to assist with activities throughout the day. Your support is critical to the success of the event.

Volunteer needs are:
Santa’s House
Horse Drawn Carriage
Tractor Train Rides

Online form for interested volunteers will be available closer to the event date.

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

View opportunities – interested sponsors can click here to sign up. Deadline to be on print materials is Nov. 29!

Current Sponsors include:
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
City of Effingham
Evergreen Nursing & Rehab, LLC
Russ Braunecker Cadillac, Buick, GMC
Wabash Communications Co-Op
Washington Savings Bank
Brandy Kelly Counseling, PLLC
SC3F Wealth Management

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

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

*costs associated with these events