Local Sports Calendar

Join us in celebrating cherished Christmas traditions and creating unforgettable family memories at the Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas, presented by McHugh Hospitality Group!

Enjoy enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides, whimsical tractor train rides, meet 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*

12p-3p | Hair Tinsel Bar @ Humbled Soul Boutique*

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 IGA & HTC Volunteers

- Face Painting by StangARTs

- Reindeer Food by The Royal School of Cosmetology

3p-5p | Christmas & Disney Characters by Effingham Performance Center Theatre Camp and EHS Drama Club

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

4p-4:30p | Dancelife Studio LIVE Performance

5p | Lighted Christmas Parade (starting at Beanstalk Boutique, heading down Jefferson Ave & ending at Santa’s House)

5:45p-8p | Santa Arrives!  Santa House hours with cookies provided by Layna Bond & Associates, LLC – American Family Insurance

6:15p | FACE Orchestra & Christmas Choir @ Old Courthouse Museum

Details for the 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.

Santa Letters:  Request your Santa Letter by December 4 to guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Participate in the parade, Request a Santa Letter, or Become a sponsor by clicking here:  https://effinghamcountychamber.com/event/hometown-christmas-2023/

Experience the Magic:  Downtown Effingham Lighted Parade!

Get ready to embark on a dazzling journey of holiday enchantment!  Join us for the most anticipated event of the season – the spectacular Lighted Christmas Parade.  It's a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, festive floats, and the infectious spirit of the holidays. 

What to Expect:  Watch in awe as beautifully decorated floats, festive vehicles, and singing elves illuminate the streets, turning Downtown Effingham into a wonderland of warmth and joy.  Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to bask in the glow of this delightful holiday tradition that promises to captivate hearts of all ages.

Parade Route Highlights:  The enchanting route kicks off at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. & Front Street, right by Baseball Card Connection.  Witness the twinkle of lights and feel the joyous spirit in the air as the parade winds its way along Jefferson Ave., showcasing beautifully decorated floats, festive vehicles, and holiday cheer.  The parade's grand finale awaits at Santa's House, nestled on the delightful intersection of Washington Ave. & 4th Street.

Current Parade Participants Include:

City of Effingham

City of Effingham Streets Division

Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota

Dancelife Studio

Effingham County Fair Queen & Junior Miss

Effingham FAST STOP

First National Bank of Waterloo

Gabby Goat

Jacob J. Pruemer, Knights of Columbus Investment Advisor

JT’s Tree Service

Keith Bradle

Layna Bond & Associates - American Family Insurance

Millroad Thresherman's Association

Murfee & Weishaar Insurance

Pepsi Mid-America

St. Anthony Grade School Intermediate Choir

W.S. Broom Furniture

Firetruck with Santa

Let's make this year's Lighted Parade a magical experience for the entire community.  Mark your calendars, spread the word, and be part of the brilliance that is Downtown Effingham during the holidays!

Event Sponsors: This joyous event is made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors, including McHugh Hospitality Group/Hampton Inn & Suites/Home2 Suites, City of Effingham, Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cromwell Media-Effingham, Premier Broadcasting/97.9 XFM/KJ Country 102.3, Tracy Willenborg, Agracel, Inc., Effingham Asphalt, Prudential Financial-Matt Roedl, and SC3F Wealth Management.

*additional fees