EIU hosts Holiday Party in Old Main for local kids, families
Dec-11-2025
(Charleston, IL) -- Eastern Illinois University hosted a community Holiday Party Wednesday evening, December 10, where everyone was welcome to visit and to get a picture with "Santa Billy" while enjoying refreshments, holiday music and trees decorated by local students from Ashmore, Carl Sandburg, Jefferson, Lake Crest and Mark Twain Elementary Schools.
The event, held in the Cougill Foyer of EIU's historic Old Main castle, also provided an opportunity for local children to find decorative ornaments they created in their schools on an assortment of holiday trees currently on display in the castle. Families who were unable to make it to the Wednesday evening celebration will have an opportunity to collect their children's ornaments at any time during Old Main's regular business hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays when classes are in session, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays when classes are not in session.
EIU hosted its annual community Holiday Party Wednesday night. Local families and children enjoyed snacks, music, and camaraderie in the Cougill Foyer of EIU's historic Old Main castle, and attendees had an opportunity to take photos with "Santa Billy."
