Events

THE NORTH POLE POP-UP Christmas Magic Is Popping Up in Effingham!
Featuring CEO Class of 2027

Get ready to step into a world of Christmas magic! Join us for The North Pole Pop-Up, an unforgettable Christmas experience filled with holiday fun, festive activities, magical memories, and Christmas cheer for the entire family!

For one special day, we’re transforming Sunset Event Center into a little piece of the North Pole! Families can explore multiple Christmas-themed rooms, take part in hands-on holiday activities, meet some of their favorite Christmas characters, and enjoy magical experiences around every corner.

Whether you’re decorating, crafting, sipping hot chocolate, taking pictures, or stepping inside our very own indoor snow globe, there’s something special waiting for everyone!

EXPLORE OUR MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ROOMS!
Christmas Cone Decorating Room
Let your creativity shine! Children will get to decorate their very own Christmas cone tree using festive decorations, colorful embellishments, and holiday-inspired supplies. Create a one-of-a-kind Christmas decoration to take home and display for everyone to see!!

Christmas Crafts Room
It’s time to get crafty! Our Christmas craft room will be filled with fun, hands-on holiday activities where children can create their own Christmas keepsakes. From festive creations to special handmade treasures, little artists will have the opportunity to make something of their own and take it home in a custom North Pole Pop Up tote bag!

Christmas Character Photo Room
No Christmas experience would be complete without a little North Pole magic! Meet Santa Claus and other Christmas characters for special holiday photo opportunities. Bring your biggest smiles, capture those special moments, and make memories your family will treasure!

Christmas Movie Room
Take a little break from all the excitement and get cozy in our Christmas movie room! Settle in, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take in the magic of the season with a holiday movie surrounded by Christmas decorations and cozy seating.

Hot Chocolate Bar
Warm up with a delicious cup of Christmas cheer! Stop by our festive hot chocolate bar and enjoy a cozy holiday treat. With Christmas decorations, sweet toppings, and plenty of holiday spirit, it’s the perfect place to take a little break during your North Pole adventure.

The Polar Express Experience
ALL ABOARD! Step outside into the magic of the Polar Express! Inspired by the beloved Christmas train adventure, this themed experience will bring the excitement, wonder, and nostalgia of a magical Christmas journey to life. Get ready for a little extra Christmas magic! This experience will be held outdoors.

The Indoor Snow Globe Experience
Step inside the magic! Our walk-in inflatable snow globe will be filled with colorful balloons and artificial snow, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for children and families. Step inside, play, enjoy the whimsical atmosphere, and capture some unforgettable Christmas pictures!

A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
From decorating your own Christmas tree to creating special holiday crafts, meeting Christmas characters, enjoying hot chocolate, and stepping inside a giant snow globe, The North Pole Pop Up is designed to give families an opportunity to slow down, celebrate the season, and make memories together.

Children will have the opportunity to enjoy our interactive activities and take home special handmade creations in their very own custom tote bags!

Whether this becomes your family’s new Christmas tradition or your first visit to our little North Pole, we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

EVENT DETAILS
Event: The North Pole Pop Up
Date: Sunday, December 20, 2026
Location: Sunset Event Center
City: Effingham, Illinois

Choose Your Experience Time:
Session 1: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Admission: $30 per kid, $20 per adult
1 and under are free

Purchase tickets here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Every person attending, including adults and children, must have an admission ticket.
Please select your preferred time slot when purchasing tickets.
Each session has a planned capacity of 500 guests.
Children will be able to take their handmade crafts home in custom tote bags.
Please arrive during your selected admission session.

DON’T MISS THE MAGIC!
Christmas only comes once a year, and we’re bringing a little extra magic to Effingham!

Gather your family, invite your friends, and come experience the wonder of the North Pole without traveling all the way to the North Pole!

We can’t wait to welcome you, make memories with you, and celebrate the most magical time of the year!

THE NORTH POLE POP-UP
Christmas Magic Is Popping Up!