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
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.
25+ Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana
Staying in town for the holidays? There are plenty of opportunities to get out and have fun in the Champaign-Urbana area — and keep kids active, too.
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.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Gifford
Christmas Tree Season Opening Day
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Shelbyville
First Day of Tree Sales at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Mistletoe Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Santa's Secret Star
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Season of Light
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Pathway of Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Holiday in Hoopeston
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Hoopeston
Light Up McFerren Park Opening Night
Time: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Hoopeston
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Holiday Anniversaries
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Gibson City
Gibson City Christmas Parade
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Gibson City
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Gifford
Farmer City Christmas Parade
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Farmer City
Santa's House
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Farmer City
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
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Santa's Secret Star
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Season of Light
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Effingham Wonderland in Lights Opening Night
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Effingham
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
Friday, November 29, 2024
Sunset Christmas Tree Farm Opens
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Mansfield
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
East Peoria's Winter Wonderland (FOLEPI) Opens
Time: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: East Peoria
German Christmas Market
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm - Opening Night
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Gibson City
Chatham Light Up the Park Opening Night
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Chatham
City of Watseka Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Watseka
Paxton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Paxton
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Urbana
FREE Santa Claus Meet & Greet at Prairie Gardens!
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Mistletoe Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Deadline to Drop off Donations for Food Drive
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Champaign Center Partnership Holiday Kick-Off
Time: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Paxton Christmas Parade
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Paxton
Holiday Maker Market
Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Santa's House
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Farmer City
Light Up Le Roy
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Le Roy
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Pathway of Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Villa Grove Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: villa grove
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Gibson City
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, December 1, 2024
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Maker Market
Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Urbana
LeRoy Christmas Parade
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: LeRoy
The Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana present: Messiah Sing-Along
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Savoy
Trinity Lutheran Church Urbana Live Nativity
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Milford Christmas Parade
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Milford
Christie Clinic Presents Twinkling Lights and Hot Cocoa
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Christmas Tree Lighting
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Bement
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
Pictures with Santa
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Card Photo Op
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Christmas in the Barn
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Potomac
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Laser Holiday Magic
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Location: Champaign
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
The Nutcracker
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Urbana
Friday, December 6, 2024
Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
A Christmas Carol Downtown Event
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Sullivan
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Christmas in the Barn
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Potomac
German Christmas Market
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Atwood
German Christmas Market
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Glow at Allerton - Tickets Required
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Holiday Showcase Opening Night - Tickets Required
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Mahomet Village Christmas
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Santa at the Library
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Tolono
Santa Night at the Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Shelbyville
Wild Lights
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Bloomington
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Danville Night of Lights Holiday Parade
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Danville
Tuscola Christmas Parade
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Tuscola
Laser Holiday Magic
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Location: Champaign
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
The Nutcracker
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Urbana
Saturday, December 7, 2024
2024 Trees and Lights from Around the World
Time: All Day
Location: Urbana
Sidney Hometown Christmas
Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 pm
Location: Sidney
Christmas in Homer
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Homer
Cookies with Santa at Curtis Orchard
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Mansfield Winterfest
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Mansfield
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Champaign
Rector Team - Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Tolono
Christmas in the Field
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: Gifford
Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Effingham
Festival of Trees and Holiday Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
German Christmas Market
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Atwood
Mahomet Kids' Shop
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Make and Take Ornaments
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Bondville
Mistletoe Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Christmas in the Barn - Sensory Sensitive Christmas - RSVP Requested
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Potomac
Monticello Christmas Parade
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Monticello
A Small Town Christmas
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Ogden
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required
Time: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Monticello
PostMark Urbana
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Laser Holiday Magic
Time: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Location: Champaign
Cookies with Santa
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Paxton
The Nutcracker
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Weldon Village Christmas
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Weldon
Christmas in the Barn
Time: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Potomac
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Pathway of Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Christmas Parade
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Sidney
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Rantoul Christmas Parade
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Wild Lights
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Bloomington
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Tilton
Laser Holiday Magic
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Location: Champaign
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
The Nutcracker
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Urbana
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Illini Union Board | Winter Market At the Illini Union
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Monticello
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday in Whoville
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Laser Holiday Magic
Time: 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Location: Champaign
German Christmas Market
Time: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Atwood
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
The Nutcracker
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Live Nativity at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Sensory Sunday Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Home for Christmas - Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Urbana
The Nutcracker
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Monday, December 9, 2024
Holiday Card Photo Op
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Uni High Fine Arts Presents: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Olympics Open House
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Santa at Whisk
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Uni High Fine Arts Presents: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Friday, December 13, 2024
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
German Christmas Market
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Live Nativity at Christ Lutheran Church
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Monticello
Wild Lights
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Bloomington
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Santa's House
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Farmer City
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Uni High Fine Arts Presents: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Season of Light
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Tolono Holiday Fun and Tree Lighting
Time: All Day
Location: Tolono
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 8:00 am - 9:45 am
Location: Bement
Breakfast with Santa at Miller Park Zoo | Tickets Required
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location: Bloomington
Donuts with Santa
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Location: Savoy
Breakfast with Santa!
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Photos with Santa - Santa Claus is coming to Tuscola
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Tuscola
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Mistletoe Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Uni High Fine Arts Presents: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Urbana
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Santa's Secret Star
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sweater Weather Skate
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Season of Light
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Santa's Secret Star | Sensory Friendly
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Champaign
The Chorale Annual Christmas Concert
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Pathway of Lights - Santa Night
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Season of Light | Sensory Friendly
Time: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Wild Lights
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Bloomington
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Lighted Christmas Parade
Time: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: St. Joseph
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Gifford
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Monticello
Rantoul's A Christmas Carol
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Rantoul
Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Lights & Joy: Carols for All
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Sensory Sunday Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Monday, December 16, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Santa at Briks
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Frosty's Holiday Wonderland
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Friday, December 20, 2024
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Winter Solstice Celebration
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
German Christmas Market
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Candles & Carols
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Grinch Chase 5K
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Monticello
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Urbana
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Pathway of Lights - Santa Night
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, December 22, 2024
German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Hunny Bunny Bakes Holiday Cookie Walk - Pre-Registration Required
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Sensory Sunday Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Monday, December 23, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Friday, December 27, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Pathway of Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Monday, December 30, 2024
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
"Noon" Year's Eve
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Friday, January 3, 2025
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Pathway of Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Arcola
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana
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- Champaign-Urbana Holiday Bucket List: 35 Things To Do Before Christmas
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- 10+ Things to Do in Indianapolis for a Holiday Getaway
- 25 Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana
- 50+ Experience Gift Ideas for Kids in Champaign-Urbana
- Live Nativity Displays in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Find Santa Claus in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- 8 Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois
- 10+ Reasons to Visit Chicago During the Holiday Season
- Zoo Lights: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Eat Dinner on Thanksgiving in Champaign-Urbana
- Celebrate the Holidays with a Local Twist: Shop, Play, and Dine around Champaign-Urbana
- How to Chop Down Your Own Christmas Tree in the Shawnee National Forest – For $5 (or Less)
- Where to Buy a Live Christmas Tree Near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Shows, Concerts, Performances and More
- Holiday Season Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities
- Where to Order Your Thanksgiving Turkey in Champaign-Urbana
- What You Need to Know About the Holiday Lights at Allerton Park