Published on November 25, 2025 8:21 am
Last Updated on November 25, 2025 8:23 am
You’re invited to an enchanting Visit Effingham experience! Walking Through Wonderland will host its 5th annual walk-thru event Wednesday, November 26th from 5 – 8:00 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 larger-than-life light displays. This event is free to the public, but donations are welcome.
View the displays at your own leisure, listen and sing along to your favorite Christmas music with ‘Frosty and Friends.’ Wave hello to Santa Claus and his surprise guest (also keep an eye out for The Effingham Grinch!) when you reach the end of the walk. Complimentary refreshments, including hot cocoa and cookies, will be available fireside, while supplies last, courtesy of Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota and Joe Sippers Café. Hometown Pretzels, Blazed & Glazed Pizza Co., Macklin Meadow Kettle Corn, Market Street Treats and Marj’s Macaroons will be available for purchase, as well.
Don’t forget to stop by Visit Effingham’s Holiday Headquarters, at the park’s pavilion, to pick up your free holiday souvenir, make a Christmas craft, courtesy of the Effingham County 4H, and decorate a cookie with Effingham County Connections! You can even get your face painted by Make on Main while you wait (these activities are free to the public). Custom Visit Effingham mugs by Tazza & Co. will also be for sale at this location – the perfect holiday gift!
This year, the Effingham Police Department returns with the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) Toy Express! This nonprofit toy distribution program delivers toys to 150,000 children in nearly 150 communities across the country, and Effingham is one of its first stops! Children will receive a golden ticket (while supplies last) at the beginning of the walk, starting at 5 p.m., and can redeem the ticket once they reach the end.
Parking will be limited at Community Park, so please consider using the free shuttles, operated by Wad It Up Transportation. The shuttle will run continuously, from 5 to 8:00 p.m., and will pick up and drop off at the Courthouse Museum parking lot.
Extend your evening of holiday cheer at ‘Light up the Lawn’ – where larger-than-life, 3-D holiday light displays glimmer and shimmer in Downtown Effingham. Drive by the Effingham County Courthouse Museum lawn to see the ‘Royal Present,’ the ‘Heart of Christmas’ walk-thru ornament, ‘Santa’s Sleigh and His Reindeer,’ the walk-thru ‘Gingerbread House,’ the ‘Teddy Bear,’ the walk-thru ‘Hot Cocoa Mug,’ ‘Santa and his favorite reindeer,’ and, the star of the show, the 34-foot ‘Christmas Tree.’ Get out of the car to see the lights up close and pose with the ‘Reindeer Family’ and ‘Polar Bear Family,’ as well!
The Wonderland in Lights will be open to vehicles — excluding the evening of the walk — seven days a week.
The official season runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, from 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays.
For more information, call the Effingham Tourism Office at 217.342.5310.
