Downtown Effingham's Hometown Christmas

Downtown will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, December 2 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and will be packed full of activities for the young and young at heart.

The Mistletoe Market will return to this year's event. Many vendors and artisans will be in the Holiday Tent offering a variety of gift and food items on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Hot chocolate, coffee, kettle corn, along with food, treats and drinks will be available for sale as well.

Before Santa's arrival on Saturday, attendees can Sip n’ Shop at the XCHNG from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. then head over to the Old Courthouse Lawn to enjoy a photo op with live reindeer from Dahnke Farms and special holiday characters. There will be music, horse drawn carriage rides, Christmas cookie decorating, children's tractor pulled train rides and other family friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

The Centenary United Methodist Church will also host a live nativity display from 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you love parades (and who doesn't!) and are in the holiday spirit, be sure to welcome Santa as he joins our Lighted Christmas Parade beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Lighted Christmas Parade is new to this year's event and will travel down Jefferson St., bringing Santa to his house on the Old Courthouse Square. Effingham County businesses are welcome and encouraged to participate in the parade – limited spots!

The official City of Effingham Community Christmas Tree Lighting will also be held on Saturday evening and will take place on the Old Courthouse Lawn, The St. Anthony Intermediate Choir will be performing at 5:30 pm with the official lighting of the tree taking place immediately after.

Visit us downtown for merrymaking, outdoor fun, and guaranteed smiles!