Events

Back for its 6th year, Walking Through Wonderland has become a cherished holiday tradition for families and visitors alike.

Join us for this magical, family-friendly walk-thru experience on Wednesday, November 25th, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m.

For one night only, Wonderland in Lights will close to all vehicles and offer visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with our larger-than-life light displays. This event is free to the public, but donations are welcome. The event will go on, rain or shine.

View the displays at your own leisure, listen and sing along to your favorite Christmas music, visit with Santa Claus and his reindeer (and keep an eye out for The Grinch and other holiday characters – cast by EHS Drama) when you reach the end of the walk.

Enjoy complimentary refreshments, fireside, provided by Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota as well as food and drink available for purchase. The additional vendors are: Mac Daddy, Joe Sippers Cafe, Macklin Meadow Kettlecorn, Market Street Sweets and Marj’s Macarons.

Don’t forget to stop by Visit Effingham’s Holiday Headquarters to pick up free holiday souvenirs, color a holiday postcard, write a letter to Santa, decorate a cookie with Kiwanis and get your face painted by the Dieterich Art Program (these activities are free to the public).

Parking will be limited at Community Park, so please consider using our free shuttles, operated by Wad It Up Transportation. The shuttle will run continuously, from 5 to 8 p.m., and will pick up and drop off at the Courthouse Museum parking lot. To extend your festivities, visit Light up the Lawn in Downtown Effingham to view our larger-than-life, 3-D holiday light displays.

* A heartfelt thank-you to the First Responders Children’s Foundation and the Effingham Police Department for five wonderful years of the Toy Express. While it won’t be rolling through this year, we’re grateful for all the holiday magic it brought to Wonderland in Lights.

The Wonderland in Lights will be open to vehicles – excluding the evening of the walk – seven days a week, and staffed by volunteers 5 to 9 p.m. The official season runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. For more information, call the Effingham Tourism Office at 217.342.5310.

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