MURPHYSBORO - One-stop shopping for Christmas is a dream come true for holiday buyers as well as those that are looking for a way to avoid the after-Thanksgiving rush. This year the Murphysboro Hometown Christmas will take place on Dec. 5 and 6, and once again shoppers will have the opportunity to stop by the One-Stop Holiday Shop.

Due to last year's success, this year's shop has been expanded. Just like last year, the venue is located in Davis McCann Center, but this year the Senior Center next door has been added. Both buildings are on North 14th Street in Murphysboro. Shoppers will be 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," said 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 Christ-mas shopper."

The businesses include every kind of products from toys to jewelry, makeup to treats. McComb 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.

Murphysboro Hometown Christmas takes place throughout 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. This year the location for the Festival of Trees has changed to the General John A. Logan Museum in the Logan Neighborhood. There you will find displays brightening 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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5, and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Hours for bidding on the Festival of Trees items have been expanded to Tuesday to Nov. 28, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 to 4.

For more information, contact Sharon Johnson or Murphysboro Tourism Commission.

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