A Hometown Exeter Christmas Experience
Come to town for an evening of Christmas shopping, visits with Santa, and time with family and friends. Explore Exeter’s local shops, find gifts for the people on your list, and take a ride on an antique fire truck.
Whether it’s a tradition you look forward to every year or your first Christmas visit to Exeter, we’d love to see you!
Thursdays, December 3, 10 & 17, 2026
5–8 p.m.
What’s happening each Thursday
December 3
Opening Night
Start your December with an evening in Exeter. Visit Santa, browse the local shops, and enjoy an antique fire truck ride with family and friends.
December 10
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
That Christmas sweater deserves a night out! Wear yours to town for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, and help choose your favorite displays in the Window Decorating Contest community vote.
December 17
Final Night & Scavenger Hunt
Join the scavenger hunt and visit participating stops around town as you finish your Christmas shopping.
Antique fire truck rides will run all three nights. Be sure to make time for a visit with Santa, too!
A Little Christmas Competition
Dress Your Windows for Christmas
Local businesses, bring your Christmas creativity to the Window Decorating Contest! Whether you paint a scene, arrange a display, or make the most of a small space, give visitors something to stop and enjoy.
Entry is free. The community will help choose the winners, with bragging rights and community recognition up for grabs!
Registration: November 27–December 8
Community voting: December 10
Winners announced: December 17
Be Part of the Christmas Open House
Have something to add to the evening? Host a booth with festive treats, crafts, or family fun. Keep your shop open late and welcome visitors with a Christmas display or holiday samples. Or become a stop on the December 17 scavenger hunt!
Contact the Chamber at chamber@exeterchamber.com or 559-592-2919 to talk about participating.
Help Make Christmas in Exeter Happen
Local support helps bring these December evenings to life. Become a Christmas Open House sponsor and help make this annual tradition possible for the families, friends, and visitors coming to town.
