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

The holiday season is full of great Christmas shows, concerts, and performances of all kinds

If you’re looking for a festive outing for your family this season, we have options throughout Champaign-Urbana

If you are looking for Champaign-Urbana Christmas shows, concerts, movies and holiday performances, you’re in luck. There are many Christmas performances around Champaign, Urbana, Monticello, and other locations this November and December. These holiday events — plays, musicals, concerts, and of course the ballet — range from single performance shows to those that run through the whole holiday season.

Chambanamoms thanks the Champaign Park District for presenting this resource.

Get your tickets to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 2024 by Chip Davis, happening on December 29 at 6 p.m. Keep the holiday spirit alive until the new year at this must-see holiday show at the historic Virginia Theatre! Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound.

The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tickets available for purchase at thevirginia.org.

Also make plans to visit Winter Nights at Prairie Farm Opening Night, which will be November 29, 5 – 9 p.m. Enjoy a festive lights display, hot chocolate, and Christmas carols as your children meet Santa at this free event (Santa will only be at opening night). Winter Nights continues for the season on Thursdays through Sundays, November 30 to January 5, from 5-9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.

Save the date for Holiday in Whoville, happening December 8, with showings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. at Virginia Theatre. Stop by at noon or any time listed to watch the animated short film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, take trolley rides in downtown Champaign, enjoy hot chocolate, and take pictures with Santa. Tickets for purchase at thevirginia.org.

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Holiday Shows, Performances, Concerts and more

The following list includes family-friendly shows with tickets generally $15 or less — and in some cases, free! Check back as more events will be added.

The following shows are higher-cost ticket items. For family friendliness, be sure to look at the info to make the decision for your family.

• The Champaign Urbana Ballet presents an annual tradition, The Nutcracker, at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 5-8. Hoffman’s timeless tale — complete with enchanted toys, a princely hero, and fanciful figures — comes to life in this showcase of community talent. This holiday tradition sparkles with exquisitely handcrafted costumes and magical moments. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets on sale through Krannert Center; prices are $19 for kids 12 and under and $48 for a standard ticket.
• Irving Berlin’s White Christmas takes the stage at Parkland College on December 5-15. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets range from $12-$25; purchase tickets now. 
• Head out to Kirkland Fine Arts Center in Decatur for Vespers and enjoy over 200 musicians in a joyous musical feast of choral selections including classical, choral modern, gospel and traditional songs. Limited seating is available, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale Nov. 5.
• The Hip Hop Nutcracker is coming to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, November 21. Get tickets now.
• Chrtistmas at the Movies is coming on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The Danville Symphony Orchestra will play along with holiday melodies from The Polar Express, The Snowman and more.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter.  Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

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