If you’re looking for ideas for fun in December, you’ve come to the right place
December brings its unique set of holiday-related fun, and many of us find it difficult to squeeze in anything else. But rest assured, if you need a break from all things holiday, we can provide some suggestions.
Here are our top picks for December fun. (If you’re looking for more holiday fun, check out our Holiday Events and Activities.
Thanks to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting our list of top things to do in December.
Riggs Christmas Market, Thursdays-Sundays until Christmas
The Riggs market is quite a treat, featuring a variety of products in a German-style Christmas market. Enjoy offerings like homemade soap, wood-made Christmas ornaments, honey and preserves, and Christmas wreaths.
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm, Thursdays-Sundays through December
Festive light displays will showcase the farm for a perfect winter evening. Bring your hot chocolate or coffee, bundle up and stroll through the grounds.
To say that Santa Claus will be busy today is an understatement. He’s everywhere! That guy surely will be burning some calories today, eating breakfast and lunch with folks, riding in parades. In fact, he’s going to be so ubiquitous that we’ve put together a list of where you can find him.
Candlestick Lane Opening, Dec. 9
This is always one of the highlights of the holiday season in Champaign-Urbana. If you dig Christmas lights, a visit to Candlestick Lane in Urbana is a must. Then again, if you dig Christmas lights, you have to check out our posts on where to find them around C-U and where to find them in Central Illinois.
Illini women’s basketball vs. Rutgers, Dec. 10
See the Illini women take on Michigan in their Big Ten home opener. The Illini are off to another good start and appear to be able to cause more commotion in the Big Ten this season.
S’mores Social and Stroll, Dec. 10
Join your fellow park lovers at King Park in Urbana for a self-guided stroll through the walking path, enjoying s’mores and hot chocolate at the end of the line. RSVP by noon on Dec. 10 by calling (217) 367-1544. Sponsored by the Urbana Park District.
Public Skate at University of Illinois Ice Arena, Dec. 10
In case you’re not aware, the ice arena is open for public skating at various times during the week, including weekends!
Holiday Goat Photo Booth, Dec. 10
Wait, what? Yep, get your picture taken with goats dressed up in holiday attire! Visit Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery for goat milk hot chocolate and brownie-gelato sundaes while shopping for holiday gifts in the farm store. No admission but there are charges for the photo booth and food.
Noon Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve — at noon — at Champaign’s Martens Center with activities, hats, noisemakers, music, balloons and a countdown. You must register.
If our November weather was any indication — we actually got some snow in November! — then December promises some sledding conditions. If that’s indeed the case, you can prepare for the slippery fun by checking out our list of where to enjoy sledding in Champaign-Urbana.
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.
Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- How to 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
- Where to Order Holiday Meals and Treats in Champaign-Urbana
- A Beloved University of Illinois Tradition Sings On: Dial-A-Carol Goes Live Dec. 7
- Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- What You Need to Know About Chanukah
- Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop
- Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities
