Published on December 4, 2025 3:23 pm
Last Updated on December 4, 2025 3:23 pm
After last weekend’s lousy weather, Effingham will try again this Saturday to celebrate the Christmas season.
Downtown Effingham’s Hometown Christmas is sponsored by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. Climb aboard for whimsical tractor train rides, make memories visiting Santa, snapping photos with favorite Christmas and Disney characters, and creating festive crafts in Santa’s Workshop. As you stroll through the holiday magic, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy the sweet crunch of kettle corn, and soak in the sparkle and joy of the season.
Here’s the rundown:
Food & Beverage | 3-5p
Macklin Kettle Corn
Joe Sippers Cafe
(costs associated with these vendors)
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Entertainment | 3-5p
Santa’s Workshop (heated tent in the City parking lot)
•Bulb Planting – University of Illinois Master Gardeners
•Christmas Activity – C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp.
•Christmas Coloring Pages & Pet Treats – Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS)
•Christmas Craft – Effingham County Case Managers
•Cookie Decorating – Kirby Foods-Effingham
•Punch a Cup – Lakeland Rehab & Health Center
•Reindeer Food – The Royal School of Cosmetology
Additional Activities
•Bubbles – Wild Foam Adventures
•Story time with Mrs. Claus – Layna Bond & Associates | American Family Insurance office
•Tractor Train Rides – Bahrns Equipment, Inc., Roepke Overhead Door & Y-Yard
Special Guests
•2025 Miss and Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen – Krista Phillips & Leah Ring
•Holiday & Winter Characters – Effingham High School Drama Club and Clint Holkenbrink & Brittany Blank (Wabash Communications)
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Lighted Christmas Parade | 5p
We are bringing Santa to town in sparkling style — join us as the streets come alive with lights, laughter, and holiday magic!
See below for route details and how to sign up!
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Santa House | 5:45-8p
The big man in red is heading to his house — making his list, checking it twice, and arriving in style! 
Santa’s elves at the Effingham Public Library are hard at work to make sure every child — young or old, naughty or nice — receives a personalized letter from Jolly Old St. Nick himself. This festive tradition is proudly sponsored by Tracy Willenborg, helping spread holiday cheer throughout our community.
Request your letter here by Friday, December 5.
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Live Music @ the Old Courthouse
6:15p | FACE Christmas Concert
6:45p | FACE Community Orchestra
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Lighted Parade:
Get ready to be dazzled by 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 this beloved holiday tradition.
Parade begins at 5p
Starting at Baseball Card Connection, heading down Jefferson Ave to The Heart Theatre, and ending at 3rd St.
Sign up by Tuesday, December 2.
Participants:
2025 Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen | Leah Ring
2025 Miss Effingham County Fair Queen | Krista Phillips
Bobcat of Effingham
City of Effingham
City of Effingham Caledonia Fire Truck
City of Effingham Fire Department
City of Effingham Police Department
Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota
DanceLife Center
Dieterich Bank
Eco-Trim 217
Fatso’s Famous Pizza
First National Bank of Waterloo
Goeckner Bros, Inc.
Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Lucky Dog Grooming Salon
Mill Road Thresherman Association
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC
South Central FS
The Heart Theatre
The Wellness Loft
TriPower Towing
W.S. Broom & Co. Furniture
Wabash Communications Co-Op
