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The Best Places for Holiday Photos Around Champaign-Urbana

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Are you looking for an Instagram-worthy holiday photo location? Are you looking for that perfect Champaign-Urbana shot to finish your holiday cards?

We tend to spend a lot of time driving around Champaign-Urbana (and Central Illinois!) admiring the beautiful lights and holiday decorations. Sometimes we do it wearing pajamas and drinking hot cocoa, but we have to admit that on more than a few occasions we have coordinated outfits in search of that perfect holiday photo stop or selfie — and we may have taken a few more pictures than we’d like to admit.

In case you are still searching for a festive photo backdrop for a holiday card — or you just want some fun family snapshots — we’ve picked out a few of our favorite photo backdrops to ponder for your next adventure out and about.

Editor’s Note: The ideas in this post are available seasonally and decor varies from year to year. Always make sure to confirm dates and hours of operation before planning your family’s photo-worthy expedition.

Holiday Photo Opportunities Around Champaign-Urbana

Allerton Park, 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello: Check out Holiday GLOW, presented by the U of I Community Credit Union. It is open most nights in December with bonus nights in early January. This walk features many fun photo opportunities (below) including the gardens, a large lit tunnel, and other lit structures. Find out more about visiting Holiday GLOW at Allerton Park here.

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, 1356 County Road 2900 N, Rantoul: Take a family picture with the reindeer or snap an Instagram-worthy selfie. There’s a herd of authentic Alaskan reindeer for you and your family to interact with. Note that to get up close and personal with the reindeer may require a spot on a paid tour. Find out more about visiting Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch here.

Lake of the Woods, 109 S. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet: The crew at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District worked hard again this holiday season to create picturesque spaces for your family to enjoy. You can choose between backdrops best viewed during daytime, and the “Night Lights” illumination in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden on weekend evenings. Find out more about Night Lights at Lake of the Woods here.

Christmas photo backdrop with wagon at Lake of the Woods

CCFPD Lights in the Garden

Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign: The folks at the Champaign Park District transform the mezzanine lobby of the Virginia Theatre for the holidays. Each year this space hosts visits with Santa, and on specific days and times is open to any members of the public who wish to take holiday pictures. We hear families show up dressed in everything from their best holiday finery to matching pajamas. For information on holiday happenings in this beautiful space, check their social media or our Event Calendar.

Virginia Theatre mezzanine lobby decorated for Christmas

Prairie Farm, 2202 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign: Our friends at the Champaign Park District illuminate a beautiful holiday display at Prairie Farm (adjacent to Sholem Aquatic Center) most Thursday through Sunday nights between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This relaxing and accessible-for-all stroll through Prairie Farm is free to enter. Bring a letter for the man in red himself, Santa, to drop off in a mailbox along your walk. Find out more about Winter Nights at Prairie Farm here.

Winter Nights at Prairie Farm Petting Zoo

Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Road, Urbana: The German Christmas Market hosted at Riggs has become a highlight of the holiday season. It is open for four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, from Thursday to Sunday. There is no admission charge — families can enjoy traditional foods such as sweet and savory crepes, bratwurst, candied roasted nuts, and hot spiced wine, while shopping local craft vendors. Find out more about the Christmas Market here.

Riggs German Christmas Market

Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, 4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign: Take a family picture or snap a selfie with a festive holiday goat. Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery often hosts farm visits and farm store shopping during the holiday season. On some special days, for only a small fee you can visit the Santa Goat Photo Booth. Come out to see the goats, check out the great cheese and accompaniments in the farm store, and maybe even enjoy a cup of gelato or warm spiced cider. Look for details on its social media or visit our Event Calendar.

Santa Goat at Prairie Fruits Farm

Prairie Gardens, 3000 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign: If vintage red trucks, giant Santas, or large stuffed reindeer are your jam, you won’t want to miss the fantastic displays at Prairie Gardens. Experience the magic of the season with a store decorated head-to-toe in unique, inspiring Christmas décor.

Winter Realms, Lake Geneva, Wis.: You’ll notice that none of these local holiday photo suggestions require snow, or even cold weather. This final suggestion is the exception, and it is usually not an option until after the holiday season has ended. It requires travel, time, money, and a bit of luck. But if you are able to secure tickets for a timeslot at Winter Realms (formerly Ice Castles) — in Wisconsin or one of their other U.S. locations — your family photos are going to be EPIC.

Shadow family photo at Ice Castles
Photo from Ice Castles Facebook page

Know of another spiffy holiday photo location? Email us and let us know.  

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