EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville will host a summertime “Saturday with Santa” on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, with Santa Claus scheduled to make appearances downtown beginning about 11 a.m. at the Land of Goshen Community Market and later along North Main Street near the Wildey Theatre.
The event will also feature “Jingle Stops” at participating shops, restaurants and organizations throughout the day, along with a temporary exhibit at the future home of the Edwardsville Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa is expected to arrive about 11 a.m. at the Land of Goshen Community Market near City Park, 101 S. Buchanan St., where he will greet visitors and attend a brief caroling concert on the City Park bandstand by performers from Tessitura Music.
At about 11:30 a.m., Santa is scheduled to leave the market and ride north on Main Street toward the Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St. Carolers from Tessitura Music are expected to mark his arrival. Weather permitting, he then will leave the vehicle and walk south on North Main Street, greeting people along the way.
Organizers said Santa is expected to depart by 1 p.m.
No ticket is required for the event. Organizers said visitors can take part by stopping at designated Jingle Stops, where participating businesses will offer holiday-inspired goods, specials, foods and beverages. Hours will vary by business, and visitors are encouraged to check individual websites or social media pages for details. Organizers said official “Jingle Stop” signs will identify participating locations.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, visitors also can stop by the temporary exhibit space at the soon-to-be home of the Edwardsville Arts Center, 246 N. Main St., next to the Wildey Theatre. The space will feature a Route 66-themed exhibit and a free “Saturday with Santa” coloring sheet created by the center’s 2026 intern, Jo Schmidt.
