While you prepare your Thanksgiving menu, you can start to shift into overall holiday spirit (however you choose) this weekend
Families can choose from a myriad of events and activities this weekend in Champaign-Urbana
Well, C-U families… it is holiday time. Many of us are making plans for Thanksgiving this weekend, others are ready to start driving through the earliest days of Christmas lights (we’re not naming any names). Whatever you choose to do, there are holiday-themed events and activities to fit your desires this weekend in Champaign-Urbana.
Sign up today for “Home for the Holidays”, our daily email for all things holidays in Champaign-Urbana, running four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You will NOT automatically receive this daily email unless you sign up, so take a moment to do that now.
chambanamoms.com thanks State Farm Center for presenting this weekend’s planner
Join in the Holiday Kids Zone before Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on December 20. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the show are on sale now and are required to attend the FREE pre-show event. The Holiday Kids Zone, presented by chambanamoms.com, will feature photos with Santa, hot chocolate and marshmallows, along with stations featuring cookie decorating, ornament making, and holiday card making. Sign up today at StateFarmCenter.com/KidsZone. Pre-registration is required in order to attend!
For more information: Website
A few events to check out this weekend
Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.
Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event.
Thank you to OSF HealthCare for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. For more information, visit OSF here.
Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.
Friday, November 17, 2023
Shelbyville Festival of Lights Opens
Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Forest Park
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Pathway Of Lights
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
No Events
CU Ballet
The holiday magic returns with Champaign Urbana Ballet’s beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker on November 30-December 3 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Nutcracker regulars and first-timers alike can ring in the holiday season with this joyous tradition featuring intricate stagecraft with expertly designed and locally inspired scenery, beautifully hand-crafted costumes, and, as always, the artistry and athleticism of CU Ballet’s extraordinary dancers. This time-honored community tradition is a time for making memories as we wait in anticipation for the most beautiful season of the year. From the opening notes of the overture, to Clara’s farewell to her Nutcracker Prince, CU Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is an experience you’ll treasure.
For more information: Website or Facebook
DICK’s House of Sport: Stuff a Truck
Come out on Sunday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the DICK’s House of Sport parking lot for a day of giving, community spirit, and interactive fun at their “Stuff A Truck” event!
Supporting the Eastern Illinois Foodbank
Partnering with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, they’re set to make a significant impact on local communities facing food insecurity. Your contributions directly benefit families in need. As a special treat, an interactive fire truck from the Champaign Fire Department will be on-site to provide a unique experience for donors.
Donate canned meats, complete meals, vegetables, fruits, boxed meals, and peanut butter – the essential items for balanced and nutritious meals. They also welcome toiletries, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and pet food to address a broader spectrum of needs.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
Explore the fire truck, meet local heroes from the Champaign Fire Department, and learn about fire safety in an engaging environment. It’s a unique opportunity for families, kids, and community members to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories.
For more information: Website
Urbana Park District
The Urbana Park District offers a wide variety of activities for kids, all year long! There are swim lessons offered at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center (during the school year) and Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center (summer). There are also a wide variety of nature programs at Anita Purves, athletic programs, language classes, performing arts and more.
Each activity has different pricing.
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram
Top Tier Lessons
About Top Tier Lessons: Top Tier Lessons offers private and small group sports lessons from University of Illinois student-athletes. They work with swimming, soccer, football and basketball and are adding more sports soon! They believe that lessons are more than just learning skills, they’re about growth. Every child deserves more than a coach, they deserve a mentor and a role model. Top Tier Lessons was created to do that by partnering with current student athletes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes. Your coach may be an All-American, national champion, or even an Olympic contender. Every time a lesson is booked through Top Tier Lessons you are helping support local college athletes. Their teaching team is composed of current student-athletes who understand the demands of college athletics and are committed to helping you in any way possible.
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
