Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities

Gigantic roundup of holiday season fun for families

Make holiday memories kids won’t forget with lights, hot chocolate and all kinds of magic in Champaign-Urbana and beyond

There’s something magical about the holiday season in Champaign-Urbana, for kids and parents alike. The twinkling lights, the fresh snow (if we’re lucky), and the excitement in the air all make this a memorable time of year.

Chambanamoms thanks Allerton Park & Retreat Center for presenting this comprehensive guide.

Take some time to slow down and make memories at Allerton this holiday season! Shop, dine, or take a tour in the decorated Mansion, stroll through the illuminated gardens of Holiday Glow, treat the kids to Sweets with Santa or celebrate the season at the Winter Solstice Bonfire! A variety of workshops are also planned (family crafting or girls’ night, anyone?!): wreath making, candle making, cookie decorating, and pasta making. (Note: Space is limited for some events.)

For more information: Website or Facebook

Allerton glow — Visitors take in Holiday GLOW with winding pathways and the garden landscape lit up with holiday lights at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello. The holiday tradition also features original creative artist’s light designs as a new feature.
Photo taken at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
(Photo by Fred Zwicky / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

This is our complete guide to all things holiday-season in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities. We will keep adding posts, events and updates as they are announced, so check back often; all events are also listed on our events calendar.

Everything Holiday for Champaign-Urbana

Pin this page, post this to Facebook, save the link to your homescreen, or bookmark this link because this is one page you’re going to want to come back to over and over again for the holidays. Click on each link below to read what we’ve taken the time to put together for your family. Some topics do not have links yet as the information has not been finalized. We do our best to include links for specific events so that you can follow along with them on social media and make sure there are no last-minute cancellations or changes.

Holiday Events – A Complete List

If you are trying to make each day count this holiday season, this section is for you — click here. The holiday season gets busy, so we have done the planning for you! Be sure to check out our calendar to see a different activity each day that your family will enjoy.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving – Where to Get a Local Turkey

If you’d like to order a turkey from a local farmer or a local dining establishment, we’ll have a list for you. Don’t delay on these: many sell out completely well in advance of the big day.

Thanksgiving Meals – Where to Eat

Take a break this Thanksgiving! We have the details for where you can order complete meals to go ahead of time, where you can pre-order special sides or desserts, as well as a comprehensive list of which restaurants are open for dining on Thanksgiving.

Kicking Off the Holiday Season

Make Family Memories at Christmas Tree Farms Near Champaign-Urbana

There is nothing quite like heading to a Champaign-Urbana area Christmas tree farm to pick the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you want to head out to the field and cut your own tree or you prefer to choose from a selection of fresh cut trees, our handy guide will help you find the best Christmas tree farms near you. And many of the area farms offer unique experiences to make your visit even more memorable.

Holiday Parades in and around Champaign-Urbana

We love parades! Find a list of all of the holiday parades happening a short drive from Champaign-Urbana, and mark your calendars for our very own Parade of Lights.

Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Shows, Concerts, Performances and More

Champaign-Urbana Christmas holiday performances range from single performance shows to those that run through the whole season such as plays, musicals, concerts, and of course the ballet.

Chanukah – How to Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights in Champaign-Urbana

Chanukah happens Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 in 2024 (and 2025!). Learn more and find out how to celebrate.

What you Need to Know about Chanukah

Learn all about the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Shopping for Gifts and Supporting Local Restaurants

Shop, Play, and Dine Locally this Holiday Season in Champaign-Urbana

You might not think about fun when you think about shopping. For some, it’s a chore. For others, it’s an enjoyable part of the season, as is enjoying festive food you don’t have to cook. Be sure to support Champaign-Urbana’s businesses, and read about local shopping and eating specials from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Holiday Food – Where to Pre-order Meals and Treats

Skip the kitchen work this holiday season. Find out where you can order holiday meal and treats ahead of time.

Where to Eat on Christmas Day

Here’s our list of where to eat out (or take-out) on Dec. 25 in Champaign-Urbana (not including fast food or coffee shops).

Holiday Bucket List

Here is our list of holiday “bucket list” to-dos, customized for Champaign-Urbana area families. Pick one, do all 35, or something in between, but whatever you do, have a wonderful holiday season making festive memories with your crew.

Make Memories, Not Clutter: 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids

Create memories, not clutter, with the gift of an experience this holiday season. We’ve got pro tips if you’d like to focus more on memories and less on STUFF this year.

Christmas Lights

Eight Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois

Are you willing to drive all over Central Illinois for good holiday lights shows? Don’t worry, so are we! We’ve put together a list of the top Christmas light shows across the Central Illinois region, including Peoria, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Urbana, and more. Most of these are permanent, annual fixtures in their communities.

Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond

Looking for houses with the best Christmas light displays in the Champaign-Urbana metro area? Check out our list to help you plan a night with your family that’s fun, festive and free. So pack some snacks, fill up a thermos with hot cocoa — or a sippy cup with chocolate milk for the toddler crowd — and head out on a mission to find the best decorated houses.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Go Within Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana

We’ve found holiday zoo lights at most of the zoos, large and small, within a reasonable driving distance of Champaign-Urbana.

Traditions and Memories

Where to Find Santa in Champaign-Urbana

Where to find Santa this year — and maybe even get your picture taken — in Champaign-Urbana and beyond.

Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana

From donating toys or clothing to volunteering in some way, there are plenty of opportunities to give back this holiday season in Champaign-Urbana.

Polar Express Fun in Champaign-Urbana

There’s more to the Polar Express than the famous Monticello train rides. We list ways to experience the magic of Polar Express in Champaign-Urbana, in ways that won’t break your budget.

Chicago Fun for Families during the Holiday Season

Chicago dials it up to 11 for the holidays. We set out to discover some big-city holiday highlights with the help of our readers.

10 Ideas for a Holiday Getaway to Indianapolis with Kids

Indianapolis comes alive during the holidays! We’ve listed some of our favorite attractions in and around the city, many of which have special events during the holiday season.

How will you be celebrating the holidays? No matter how you choose to spend the season, we hope it is full of love, light, laughter, and joy.

All Upcoming Holiday Season Events

We’ve made it simple for you to scroll what is happening, in upcoming order, near you.

Monday, November 25, 2024

Tate's Trees Opens

Time: 8:00 am
Location: Champaign

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Holiday Card Photo Op

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Turkey Trot - Mahomet

Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Mahomet

Urbana Annual Turkey Trot - FREE

Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Urbana

Monday, December 2, 2024

Holiday Card Photo Op

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Community Christmas Party

Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Champaign