Where to Find Santa in and around Champaign-Urbana

Where families can find Santa this holiday season

From parade floats to pancake breakfasts, professional pics and more, we know where kids can find Santa this Christmas around Champaign-Urbana

Santa Claus is coming to Champaign-Urbana! We have rounded up a list of all the local places where your child can see him and ensure their spot on the nice list. So gather your cameras and have your children check their wish list before he makes his trip back to the North Pole.

Let’s find Santa!

Whether Santa is arriving by fire truck, hanging out in a mall, or making a day of it in a cozy local library, we’ve got the scoop on where to get your Santa pics taken.

First things first: we know Santa is EVERYWHERE this holiday season. Be sure to look at our calendar for many events such as Santa breakfasts, parades, and other places where Santa might show up. Always have your camera (or smartphone) charged and ready. If you are specifically looking for meals with Santa, be aware those events usually fill very quickly.

This list contains events where we are pretty sure Santa will be camera-ready and waiting for your little elves. We look for FREE or low-cost events, some of which require advance registration. Some of the free events may request an optional donation. Some may take photos, but most are BYOC (a.k.a. bring your own camera).

Know of a Santa photo op not on our list? Please submit it here.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Holiday Anniversaries

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5th Annual Holidays at the Harvest Moon Christmas events Showtime is 6:30 p.m. all three weekends Over 3 weekends November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, the Harvest Moon transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 50,000 lights, fun lighted scenes, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, popcorn, candy, Meet…

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville

Gordyville USA
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
This annual indoor Christmas Craft Show brings together over 300 vendors and thousands of shoppers! Harvest lunch, free parking and pictures with Santa! $1 donation for admission. Pictures with Santa available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Holiday Anniversaries

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville

Gordyville USA
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
This annual indoor Christmas Craft Show brings together over 300 vendors and thousands of shoppers! Harvest lunch, free parking and pictures with Santa! $1 donation for admission. Pictures with Santa available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Farmer City Christmas Parade

Downtown Farmer City
Time: 2:00 pm
One of the largest Christmas parades in central Illinois with marching bands, holiday floats, Shriners, antique cars and tractors, and much more!

Santa's House

Farmer City
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Santa will arrive in Downtown Farmer City on November 24, 2024. After the Farmer City Christmas Parade, meet Santa!

Friday, November 29, 2024

Winter Nights at Prairie Farm - Opening Night

Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21

Santa's House

Farmer City
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Come visit Santa in downtown Farmer City!

Villa Grove Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Main Street Villa Grove
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The annual Villa Grove tree lighting will be happening at 6:30 p.m.on November 30, 2024, on Main Street in Villa Grove. Events will be happening all day for the whole family! Breakfast with Santa - Lazy Day Cafe Hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, pictures with Santa and storytime and so much…

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Milford Christmas Parade

Village of Milford
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Parade begins at 6 p.m. Theme "A Veteran's Christmas" Meet & Greet with Santa 4:30-5:45 at village hall. Horse & Carriage Rides 3-5pm at city hall. $5/person

Christmas Tree Lighting

Bement Veteran’s Park
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Gather to sing Christmas Carols & enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. Sign up for you and your family to visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautifully-decorated Mezzanine Lobby. SIGN UP HERE Santa will…

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Community Christmas Party

Synergy HomeCare
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come out for this completely FREE event. They will have professional pictures with Santa taken by Chanelle Stokes Photography, a Christmas bubble house, kids crafts, and a hot cocoa bar. Sign up at http://bit.ly/4gZ0y4L to be guaranteed a photo session. Walk ins for photos are VERY welcome but will be…

Pictures with Santa

Deca Improvements
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Free pictures with Santa at Deca Improvements in Champaign. All are welcome.

Friday, December 6, 2024

A Christmas Carol Downtown Event

Downtown Sullivan
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Christmas Traditions downtown Sullivan! Visits with Santa, kids activities, food trucks, shopping carriage rides and more. Lights On Parade starts at 6pm.

German Christmas Market

Edgewood Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.

Mahomet Village Christmas

Downtown Mahomet
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa arrives downtown, Santa meet & greet, Madrigal performances, food trucks and more!

Santa at the Library

Tolono Public Library
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Santa is coming to the Tolono Public Library to meet with all the children and to take photos!

Santa Night at the Farm

No Bad Days Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa Night at No Bad Days farm in Shelbyville will be Friday evening, Dec. 6. Come see Santa & Mrs. Claus, ice carving, and some great local vendors and warm up by the fire with some hot chocolate. Learn more about No Bad Days Farm on their website, Facebook, or Instagram.…

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Christmas in Homer

Homer Village Hall
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Homer's annual Christmas event including a cookie walk, loads of venders, food trucks and a special visit from Santa!

Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop

Orpheum Theater
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Holiday Shop is designed to allow children to shop for gifts for their families and friends. Volunteers assist children - toddlers through 12 years of age, to buy quality items priced under $10. There’s something for everyone on their list!

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21

Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Join First United Methodist Church for a special visit from Santa, including breakfast! There will also be Christmas crafts for children to make. This is a FREE event but you should call the church at 217-356-9078 if you would like to attend.

Rector Team - Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

TM Horse Haven
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Save the Date! The Rector Team annual Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus event is just around the corner! Mark your calendars and get ready for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer. Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Location: TM Horse Haven, 917 County Rd…

Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas

Downtown Effingham
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Lighted Christmas parade, live reindeer, visit with Santa, Carriage rides, cookie decorating, Tractor Train Rides and so much more!

Festival of Trees and Holiday Market

I Hotel and Conference Center
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The 29th Annual Festival of Trees will be held at this year's Holiday Market. The Junior League of Champaign Urbana has joined forces with Illini Radio Group to bring you the beloved Festival of Trees while you shop local businesses. Come out for the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7…

German Christmas Market

Edgewood Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.

Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus

4EverGreen Tree Company
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus to celebrate the 2024 Season 10am to 12pm on Saturday, 12/7 Come to the Big Red Shed at 309 W. Chestnut (Route 10) in Bondville, just west of Champaign, to pick out your fresh-cut Christmas tree. Visit their facebook page for all the…

Monticello Christmas Parade

Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 7, 2024 stepping off at 11:30 AM. You are invited to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. The 2024 parade theme is: "CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND” The parade route will be the same as last year, north…

Cookies with Santa

Paxton ERS Station
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Come enjoy cookies and hot cocoa with Santa, get your picture taken and receive a free toy. Held at the Paxton ERS Station.

Weldon Village Christmas

Weldon Village Hall
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Weldon for their Annual Weldon Village Christmas!! They will kick off the holiday season with a LIGHTED Christmas Parade!

Rantoul Christmas Parade

Downtown
Time: 5:00 pm
Rantoul kicks off the Christmas season with a parade! This fun event is hosted by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce!

Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade

Tilton Fire Station
Time: 6:00 pm
Welcome Santa to Tilton!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

German Christmas Market

Edgewood Farm
Time: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Santa at Whisk

Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar
Time: 6:00 pm
Santa’s Coming to WHISK! Come out for a night of holiday cheer with the big man himself! Grab your friends, put on your favorite holiday sweaters, and get ready for a jolly good time at WHISK Coffee and Wine Bar!! Date: December 12 Time: Starting at 6pm Where: 1704 Patton…

Friday, December 13, 2024

Santa's House

Farmer City
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come visit Santa in downtown Farmer City!

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Breakfast with Santa

Crossroads Church – Bement
Time: 8:00 am - 9:45 am
Bring your little ones to enjoy a yummy breakfast of sausage links, pancakes, fresh fruit, and a drink. Have a meet & greet with Santa and get your pics taken with the one and only ahead of the crowd.

Breakfast with Santa at Miller Park Zoo | Tickets Required

Miller Park Zoo
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Breakfast with Santa December 14, 8:30AM and 10:00AM *This event is at the Miller Park Pavilion* Enjoy a continental-style breakfast at the Zoo! There will be a chance to meet with Santa and take pictures with him and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy an animal encounter, and an early-morning stroll through the…

Donuts with Santa

Industrial Donut
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Santa is coming to Industrial Donut again this year! He will be available for photos between 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. The Grinch will creep around between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This is a FREE event- DO NOT PURCHASE "TICKETS" from anyone or click links…

Breakfast with Santa!

Harvest Market
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Santa is coming to town and he's stopping by Harvest Market! Come out on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. to say hello to Santa. Entry is free. Enjoy a free kid's breakfast from the Farmhouse with the purchase of an adult's meal. The kid's breakfast will…

Photos with Santa - Santa Claus is coming to Tuscola

Howntown Grounds
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Santa’s Coming to Town! Date: December 14th Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Location: Hometown Grounds, 123 W Sale St, Tuscola, IL Free to the Public! Bring the whole family for a festive photo with Santa, $1 off all drinks, and fun crafts for all ages. It’s the perfect way…

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21

Mistletoe Market

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
You’re invited! The Mistletoe Market is back again in its 8th year to bring a unique shopping event to Champaign-Urbana! Since 2017, this event has become a cherished holiday tradition for the entire community with a great selection of locally made goods. This year, over 70 rotating artists and artisans…

Santa's Secret Star | Sensory Friendly

William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The Staerkel Planetarium offers matinée shows with sensory-friendly settings on selected Saturdays. Sensory-friendly shows have "lights up, sound down" settings and a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can come, go, and move around as needed. Sensory-friendly shows are great for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. All are welcome,…

Pathway of Lights - Santa Night

Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come out for the annual Pathway of Lights event! Every Saturday (Nov. 2 -Jan. 4) from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. *Drive-Thru gates close at 7:30* Pathway of Lights offers: Lighted walk-thru display Lighted wagon rides Museum of prehistoric life Nativity billboard story in Drive-Thru Hot food+drinks Red Barn Tours…

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Breakfast with Santa

Miller Farms Barn
Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Santa is coming to town early and making a stop at Miller Farms Barn! Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday make and take craft station, photo op with Santa, and family mini sessions available with reservation. 8:30 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - noon time slots available. Adults are…

Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1

Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!

Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1

Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!

Monday, December 16, 2024

Santa at Briks

Briks Pizzeria
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa is coming to Briks in Mahomet!

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Frosty's Holiday Wonderland

Douglass Community Center
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Get ready for a magical holiday experience! Meet Santa, craft your own festive gifts, and enjoy holiday games that bring the season to life. Special gift giveaways and a complimentary gift-wrapping station will add a personal touch to your holiday treasures. Gather your family and friends for a night filled…

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21

Pathway of Lights - Santa Night

Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center — Reservations Recommended

Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center and get ready for the holiday season; 15-minute slots available beginning Nov, 29. Reserve yours online now. Pet photos happen on select Mondays and Tuesdays.

Visit Santa at Lincoln Square

Visit Santa at Lincoln Square! In the past, you could do photos on your own with a donation or purchase an available package. Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Looking for meals with Santa?

Make sure you read the details for each event as almost all require pre-registration to secure your spot and they WILL fill up in advance. What will we include on this list? Any event a short drive from Champaign-Urbana that includes 1) Santa and 2) food. This may be donuts, peanut butter & jelly or a full-out fancy holiday meal.

Where families can find Santa this holiday season

From parade floats to pancake breakfasts, professional pics and more, we know where kids can find Santa this Christmas around Champaign-Urbana

Let’s find Santa!

Friday, November 22, 2024

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Friday, November 29, 2024

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Monday, December 16, 2024

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center — Reservations Recommended

Visit Santa at Lincoln Square

Looking for meals with Santa?

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana