Olde Tyme Christmas

03/13/2026

01/27/2026

🇺🇸 America Turns 250 — Let’s Celebrate Together in Vandalia! 🇺🇸

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th Birthday (the Semiquincentennial), and the City of Vandalia wants this to be a true community-wide celebration.

📋 Pictured below is our America 250 Event Submission & Support Form — this is how businesses, organizations, non-profits, schools, and community groups can share events they’re planning or ideas they’d like to explore.

Using the form, you can:
✔ Submit event details for promotion on City websites and pages
✔ Request planning, marketing, or logistical assistance
✔ Inquire about financial or in-kind support

📅 America 250 Planning Meetings
We meet the second Monday of each month
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Vandalia City Hall

These monthly meetings are a great opportunity to coordinate events, build partnerships, and get support as we plan celebrations throughout the year.

👉 Have an idea? Already planning something?
Complete the form pictured here and join us as we work together to celebrate 250 years of America — Vandalia style 🇺🇸❤️💙

01/02/2026

Check out the Olde Tyme Christmas Presents: A Festival of Lights 2026 OTC FOL Trivia Night Fundraiser information!

12/30/2025

🇺🇸 America Turns 250 in 2026 — and Vandalia Is Getting Ready! 🇺🇸

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th Birthday — the Semiquincentennial — and Vandalia is proud to be part of this historic milestone. From community traditions and local businesses to seasonal events and family-friendly experiences, this is a year we’re excited to celebrate together.

✨ The City of Vandalia is already planning to incorporate America’s Semiquincentennial into events throughout the year, and we want this to be a true community effort. ✨

We’re eager to collaborate with local businesses, non-profits, organizations, schools, and community groups to help promote and celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in creative and meaningful ways.

What kinds of America 250–themed events or activities would you like to attend — or be involved in — here in Vandalia?

🎶 Live music or special performances
🏛️ Historic programs or living history
🌱 Community events, markets, or family activities
🎄 Seasonal celebrations with patriotic touches
🎆 Festive gatherings and downtown experiences
📚 Educational opportunities for all ages

Share your ideas in the comments below 👇

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, educator, organization leader, or visitor, your input helps shape celebrations that honor our history and look ahead to the next 250 years.

Let’s celebrate the Semiquincentennial — together, in Vandalia 🇺🇸❤️💙

12/24/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Olde Tyme Christmas! ✨🎄

As we celebrate this joyful season, we want to wish our community, visitors, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and everyone who helped make Olde Tyme Christmas so special a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays! ❤️

Thank you for sharing the magic with us — from twinkling lights and festive traditions to laughter, memories, and hometown pride. We are so grateful for the joy you bring to Vandalia and for the spirit of Christmas that continues to shine all season long. 🌟

May your holidays be filled with warmth, peace, and happiness, and may the New Year bring health, hope, and many reasons to celebrate.

🎁✨ From all of us at Olde Tyme Christmas, warmest holiday wishes to you and yours! ✨🎁

12/11/2025

🎄📬 HURRY, VANDALIA — The Letters to Santa deadline has been EXTENDED, but not for long! 🎄✨

One of the MOST magical traditions of the season is still open — but only through Sunday, December 14, 2025!

Our shiny red Letters to Santa Mailbox at the corner of Fifth & Gallatin Streets is filling up fast, and Santa is eagerly waiting to read every single letter before Christmas! 🎅🏻🤶🏻❤️

✨ Don’t miss your chance!
Kids (and kids at heart!) can still drop off their letters, drawings, and Christmas wishes — but time is running out!
And remember: include a return mailing address so Santa can write back!

Make sure your letter reaches the North Pole… before the magic window closes! 💌🎄

12/06/2025

🌟🎄 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT — THE MAGIC CONTINUES! 🎄🌟

Our unforgettable Olde Tyme Christmas weekend may be behind us, but the Christmas joy is far from over!
Tonight, the celebration continues as Olde Tyme Christmas Presents: A Festival of Lights officially opens for the season at Rogier Park — extending the wonder, warmth, and holiday spirit our community loves.

From twinkling lights to holiday treats and cheerful faces, tonight is all about keeping the spirit of Olde Tyme Christmas alive and sharing the joy with family, friends, and our entire community.

Bundle up, bring your Christmas heart, and let the magic continue — TONIGHT! ✨

12/01/2025

🎄✨ Take a Little Piece of Olde Tyme Christmas Home! ✨🎄

We’re thrilled to announce that a limited number of official Olde Tyme Christmas 2025 ornaments are now available at Vandalia City Hall — just $5 each! 🎁❤️

We only ordered 100 ornaments, and once they’re gone… that’s it!
These keepsakes are perfect for your tree, a thoughtful holiday gift, or a cherished reminder of this year’s magical celebration in Vandalia. 🎄✨

📍 Pick yours up at Vandalia City Hall
💲 $5 each — first come, first served

Don’t wait — help us spread the Vandalia holiday spirit and grab yours today! 🎅🌟

💛 A special thank you to Kim Shanks, who beautifully designed this year’s ornament. Your creativity helped capture the spirit of Olde Tyme Christmas!

Carry a piece of Olde Tyme Christmas with you into every holiday season. ❤️🎄

11/26/2025

Definitely one of the highlights of the holiday season - Letters to Santa mailbox! Located at the corner of Fifth and Gallatin Streets in downtown Vandalia, this red, shiny mailbox is accepting Letters to Santa until December 10, 2025. Please remember to include a return mailing address on those letters 🎅🏻🤶🏻❤️!

11/17/2025

🎄✨ THANK YOU, VANDALIA — What a Magical Olde Tyme Christmas Weekend! ✨🎄

From twinkling lights to carriage rides, from Santa visits to smiling faces, this past weekend was truly one to remember! ❤️🎅
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Olde Tyme Christmas - "Merry & Bright" 2025 — our local families, visitors, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and downtown businesses who helped make the celebration merry, bright, and full of community spirit. 🌟

The fun isn’t over yet! 💚
💫 Continue the magic by strolling through our Grinch Story Walk, open through January 1, and enjoy the whimsical adventure that winds through Downtown Vandalia.
🛍️ Shop local this holiday season, especially on Small Business Saturday, and show your support for the amazing shops, restaurants, and makers who make Vandalia special all year long.
🎄 And don’t miss the Olde Tyme Christmas Presents: A Festival of Lights Opening Weekend at Rogier Park on Saturday, December 6 — a sparkling kickoff to a season full of wonder and cheer!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making Vandalia shine this Christmas. 💖

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a season filled with love, joy, and hometown pride. 🎁✨