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
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.
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.
Where to Eat or Pre-order Meals and Treats on Christmas Day
Here’s our list of where to eat out (or order ahead…or take-out) on Dec. 24 & 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
All Upcoming Holiday Season Events
We’ve made it simple for you to scroll what is happening, in upcoming order, near you.
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
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
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
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
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
Dreidel Texas Hold 'em
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Tolono
A Small Town Christmas
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Ogden
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
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
A Small Town Christmas
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Ogden
Dreidel Game
Time: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Tolono
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
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
"Noon" Year's Eve
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Noon Year's Eve
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Glow at Allerton
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Celebrate Chanukah
Time: All Day
Location:
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
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.
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
- Have a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve in Champaign-Urbana
- 5 Things to Do on Christmas Day in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Eat on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana
- A Beloved University of Illinois Tradition Sings On: Dial-A-Carol Goes Live Dec. 12
- The Best Places for Holiday Photos Around Champaign-Urbana
- Gift Ideas for Champaign-Urbana Adults
- Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop
- What You Need to Know About Chanukah
- Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Holiday Bucket List: 35 Things To Do Before Christmas
- All Aboard: Polar Express Fun (Beyond the Train) in Champaign-Urbana
- 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