One-stop shopping for Christmas is a dream come true for those tried and true holiday buyers as well as those that are looking for a way to avoid the after Thanksgiving Day rush.  This year during the Murphysboro Hometown Christmas, December 5 & 6, shoppers will have the opportunity to stop by the One-Stop Holiday Shop. This year it has expanded due to last year's success.
The venue is located in the Davis McCann Center like last year but the Senior Center next-door has been added. Both buildings are located on North 14th Street in Murphysboro. Shoppers will by able to peruse and purchase products from dozens of home-based businesses.
"This is a fantastic convenience for shoppers that come to the Hometown Christmas in Murphysboro." says Leslie McComb, organizer of the event. "We plan on having businesses with a wide array of products that will put a smile on the face of any Christmas shopper." The businesses include every kind of products from toys to jewelry, makeup to treats. She went on to say that the event was so well received last year that they had to expand the area to accommodate all of the requests for space.
The Murphysboro Hometown Christmas takes place throughout various locations of the community and surrounding area, including the historic Logan Neighborhood, a renovated and restored district on and around Edith Street between 16th and 17th Streets.
Returning will be the successful Festival of Trees where visitors will be able to bid on uniquely decorated trees to benefit local charities.  This year wreaths and holiday greenery will also be back for silent bids.  The location has changed to the General John A. Logan Museum in the Logan Neighborhood. The displays will brighten the museum with twinkling lights, and beautiful ornaments.
The always-popular home tour will be part of the Christmas celebration again this year. Five decorated homes in Murphysboro will open their doors for tours.  There also will be several venues available for holiday shoppers with a gallery in the Logan Neighborhood open for display and sale of unique creations by local artisans.
The Hometown Christmas is scheduled for December 5th and 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Hours for bidding on the Festival of Trees items has been expanded to November 24 - 28 and December 1-4 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. For more information please contact Sharon Johnson or the Murphysboro Tourism Commission.