Where families can find Santa this holiday season
From parade floats to pancake breakfasts, professional pics and more, we know where kids can find Santa this Christmas around Champaign-Urbana
Santa Claus is coming to Champaign-Urbana! We have rounded up a list of all the local places where your child can see him and ensure their spot on the nice list. So gather your cameras and have your children check their wish list before he makes his trip back to the North Pole.
Let’s find Santa!
Whether Santa is arriving by fire truck, hanging out in a mall, or making a day of it in a cozy local library, we’ve got the scoop on where to get your Santa pics taken.
First things first: we know Santa is EVERYWHERE this holiday season. Be sure to look at our calendar for many events such as Santa breakfasts, parades, and other places where Santa might show up. Always have your camera (or smartphone) charged and ready. If you are specifically looking for meals with Santa, be aware those events usually fill very quickly.
This list contains events where we are pretty sure Santa will be camera-ready and waiting for your little elves. We look for FREE or low-cost events, some of which require advance registration. Some of the free events may request an optional donation. Some may take photos, but most are BYOC (a.k.a. bring your own camera).
Know of a Santa photo op not on our list? Please submit it here.
Friday, November 22, 2024
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Holiday Anniversaries
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5th Annual Holidays at the Harvest Moon Christmas events Showtime is 6:30 p.m. all three weekends Over 3 weekends November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, the Harvest Moon transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 50,000 lights, fun lighted scenes, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, popcorn, candy, Meet…
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Gordyville USA
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
This annual indoor Christmas Craft Show brings together over 300 vendors and thousands of shoppers! Harvest lunch, free parking and pictures with Santa! $1 donation for admission. Pictures with Santa available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Holiday Anniversaries
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5th Annual Holidays at the Harvest Moon Christmas events Showtime is 6:30 p.m. all three weekends Over 3 weekends November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, the Harvest Moon transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 50,000 lights, fun lighted scenes, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, popcorn, candy, Meet…
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Gordyville USA
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
This annual indoor Christmas Craft Show brings together over 300 vendors and thousands of shoppers! Harvest lunch, free parking and pictures with Santa! $1 donation for admission. Pictures with Santa available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Farmer City Christmas Parade
Downtown Farmer City
Time: 2:00 pm
One of the largest Christmas parades in central Illinois with marching bands, holiday floats, Shriners, antique cars and tractors, and much more!
Santa's House
Farmer City
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Santa will arrive in Downtown Farmer City on November 24, 2024. After the Farmer City Christmas Parade, meet Santa!
Friday, November 29, 2024
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm - Opening Night
Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5th Annual Holidays at the Harvest Moon Christmas events Showtime is 6:30 p.m. all three weekends Over 3 weekends November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, the Harvest Moon transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 50,000 lights, fun lighted scenes, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, popcorn, candy, Meet…
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21
Santa's House
Farmer City
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Come visit Santa in downtown Farmer City!
Villa Grove Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Main Street Villa Grove
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The annual Villa Grove tree lighting will be happening at 6:30 p.m.on November 30, 2024, on Main Street in Villa Grove. Events will be happening all day for the whole family! Breakfast with Santa - Lazy Day Cafe Hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, pictures with Santa and storytime and so much…
Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Fan Favorite Holiday Classics
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5th Annual Holidays at the Harvest Moon Christmas events Showtime is 6:30 p.m. all three weekends Over 3 weekends November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, the Harvest Moon transforms into a winter wonderland. Over 50,000 lights, fun lighted scenes, photo spots, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, popcorn, candy, Meet…
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Milford Christmas Parade
Village of Milford
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Parade begins at 6 p.m. Theme "A Veteran's Christmas" Meet & Greet with Santa 4:30-5:45 at village hall. Horse & Carriage Rides 3-5pm at city hall. $5/person
Christmas Tree Lighting
Bement Veteran’s Park
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Gather to sing Christmas Carols & enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre
Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. Sign up for you and your family to visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautifully-decorated Mezzanine Lobby. SIGN UP HERE Santa will…
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Community Christmas Party
Synergy HomeCare
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come out for this completely FREE event. They will have professional pictures with Santa taken by Chanelle Stokes Photography, a Christmas bubble house, kids crafts, and a hot cocoa bar. Sign up at http://bit.ly/4gZ0y4L to be guaranteed a photo session. Walk ins for photos are VERY welcome but will be…
Pictures with Santa
Deca Improvements
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Free pictures with Santa at Deca Improvements in Champaign. All are welcome.
Friday, December 6, 2024
A Christmas Carol Downtown Event
Downtown Sullivan
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Christmas Traditions downtown Sullivan! Visits with Santa, kids activities, food trucks, shopping carriage rides and more. Lights On Parade starts at 6pm.
German Christmas Market
Edgewood Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.
Mahomet Village Christmas
Downtown Mahomet
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa arrives downtown, Santa meet & greet, Madrigal performances, food trucks and more!
Santa at the Library
Tolono Public Library
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Santa is coming to the Tolono Public Library to meet with all the children and to take photos!
Santa Night at the Farm
No Bad Days Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa Night at No Bad Days farm in Shelbyville will be Friday evening, Dec. 6. Come see Santa & Mrs. Claus, ice carving, and some great local vendors and warm up by the fire with some hot chocolate. Learn more about No Bad Days Farm on their website, Facebook, or Instagram.…
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Christmas in Homer
Homer Village Hall
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Homer's annual Christmas event including a cookie walk, loads of venders, food trucks and a special visit from Santa!
Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop
Orpheum Theater
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Holiday Shop is designed to allow children to shop for gifts for their families and friends. Volunteers assist children - toddlers through 12 years of age, to buy quality items priced under $10. There’s something for everyone on their list!
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21
Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Join First United Methodist Church for a special visit from Santa, including breakfast! There will also be Christmas crafts for children to make. This is a FREE event but you should call the church at 217-356-9078 if you would like to attend.
Rector Team - Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
TM Horse Haven
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Save the Date! The Rector Team annual Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus event is just around the corner! Mark your calendars and get ready for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer. Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Location: TM Horse Haven, 917 County Rd…
Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas
Downtown Effingham
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Lighted Christmas parade, live reindeer, visit with Santa, Carriage rides, cookie decorating, Tractor Train Rides and so much more!
Festival of Trees and Holiday Market
I Hotel and Conference Center
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The 29th Annual Festival of Trees will be held at this year's Holiday Market. The Junior League of Champaign Urbana has joined forces with Illini Radio Group to bring you the beloved Festival of Trees while you shop local businesses. Come out for the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7…
German Christmas Market
Edgewood Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.
Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus
4EverGreen Tree Company
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet & Greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus to celebrate the 2024 Season 10am to 12pm on Saturday, 12/7 Come to the Big Red Shed at 309 W. Chestnut (Route 10) in Bondville, just west of Champaign, to pick out your fresh-cut Christmas tree. Visit their facebook page for all the…
Monticello Christmas Parade
Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 7, 2024 stepping off at 11:30 AM. You are invited to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. The 2024 parade theme is: "CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND” The parade route will be the same as last year, north…
Cookies with Santa
Paxton ERS Station
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Come enjoy cookies and hot cocoa with Santa, get your picture taken and receive a free toy. Held at the Paxton ERS Station.
Weldon Village Christmas
Weldon Village Hall
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Weldon for their Annual Weldon Village Christmas!! They will kick off the holiday season with a LIGHTED Christmas Parade!
Rantoul Christmas Parade
Downtown
Time: 5:00 pm
Rantoul kicks off the Christmas season with a parade! This fun event is hosted by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce!
Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade
Tilton Fire Station
Time: 6:00 pm
Welcome Santa to Tilton!
Sunday, December 8, 2024
German Christmas Market
Edgewood Farm
Time: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
3 Day Christmas Market including craft vendors, holiday gifts, live music, German food, kids activities, photo scenes, Santa & Mrs Claus, a live nativity and more! Follow the event on Facebook.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre
Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. Sign up for you and your family to visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautifully-decorated Mezzanine Lobby. SIGN UP HERE Santa will…
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Santa at Whisk
Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar
Time: 6:00 pm
Santa’s Coming to WHISK! Come out for a night of holiday cheer with the big man himself! Grab your friends, put on your favorite holiday sweaters, and get ready for a jolly good time at WHISK Coffee and Wine Bar!! Date: December 12 Time: Starting at 6pm Where: 1704 Patton…
Friday, December 13, 2024
Santa's House
Farmer City
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come visit Santa in downtown Farmer City!
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Crossroads Church – Bement
Time: 8:00 am - 9:45 am
Bring your little ones to enjoy a yummy breakfast of sausage links, pancakes, fresh fruit, and a drink. Have a meet & greet with Santa and get your pics taken with the one and only ahead of the crowd.
Breakfast with Santa at Miller Park Zoo | Tickets Required
Miller Park Zoo
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Breakfast with Santa December 14, 8:30AM and 10:00AM *This event is at the Miller Park Pavilion* Enjoy a continental-style breakfast at the Zoo! There will be a chance to meet with Santa and take pictures with him and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy an animal encounter, and an early-morning stroll through the…
Donuts with Santa
Industrial Donut
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Santa is coming to Industrial Donut again this year! He will be available for photos between 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. The Grinch will creep around between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This is a FREE event- DO NOT PURCHASE "TICKETS" from anyone or click links…
Breakfast with Santa!
Harvest Market
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Santa is coming to town and he's stopping by Harvest Market! Come out on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. to say hello to Santa. Entry is free. Enjoy a free kid's breakfast from the Farmhouse with the purchase of an adult's meal. The kid's breakfast will…
Photos with Santa - Santa Claus is coming to Tuscola
Howntown Grounds
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Santa’s Coming to Town! Date: December 14th Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Location: Hometown Grounds, 123 W Sale St, Tuscola, IL Free to the Public! Bring the whole family for a festive photo with Santa, $1 off all drinks, and fun crafts for all ages. It’s the perfect way…
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21
Mistletoe Market
Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
You’re invited! The Mistletoe Market is back again in its 8th year to bring a unique shopping event to Champaign-Urbana! Since 2017, this event has become a cherished holiday tradition for the entire community with a great selection of locally made goods. This year, over 70 rotating artists and artisans…
Santa's Secret Star | Sensory Friendly
William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The Staerkel Planetarium offers matinée shows with sensory-friendly settings on selected Saturdays. Sensory-friendly shows have "lights up, sound down" settings and a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can come, go, and move around as needed. Sensory-friendly shows are great for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. All are welcome,…
Pathway of Lights - Santa Night
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come out for the annual Pathway of Lights event! Every Saturday (Nov. 2 -Jan. 4) from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. *Drive-Thru gates close at 7:30* Pathway of Lights offers: Lighted walk-thru display Lighted wagon rides Museum of prehistoric life Nativity billboard story in Drive-Thru Hot food+drinks Red Barn Tours…
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Miller Farms Barn
Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Santa is coming to town early and making a stop at Miller Farms Barn! Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday make and take craft station, photo op with Santa, and family mini sessions available with reservation. 8:30 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - noon time slots available. Adults are…
Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
Monday, December 16, 2024
Santa at Briks
Briks Pizzeria
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa is coming to Briks in Mahomet!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre
Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. Sign up for you and your family to visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautifully-decorated Mezzanine Lobby. SIGN UP HERE Santa will…
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Frosty's Holiday Wonderland
Douglass Community Center
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Get ready for a magical holiday experience! Meet Santa, craft your own festive gifts, and enjoy holiday games that bring the season to life. Special gift giveaways and a complimentary gift-wrapping station will add a personal touch to your holiday treasures. Gather your family and friends for a night filled…
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Santa at Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa! Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21
Pathway of Lights - Santa Night
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come out for the annual Pathway of Lights event! Every Saturday (Nov. 2 -Jan. 4) from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. *Drive-Thru gates close at 7:30* Pathway of Lights offers: Lighted walk-thru display Lighted wagon rides Museum of prehistoric life Nativity billboard story in Drive-Thru Hot food+drinks Red Barn Tours…
Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center — Reservations Recommended
Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center and get ready for the holiday season; 15-minute slots available beginning Nov, 29. Reserve yours online now. Pet photos happen on select Mondays and Tuesdays.
Visit Santa at Lincoln Square
Visit Santa at Lincoln Square! In the past, you could do photos on your own with a donation or purchase an available package. Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Looking for meals with Santa?
Make sure you read the details for each event as almost all require pre-registration to secure your spot and they WILL fill up in advance. What will we include on this list? Any event a short drive from Champaign-Urbana that includes 1) Santa and 2) food. This may be donuts, peanut butter & jelly or a full-out fancy holiday meal.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Location: Crossroads Church – Bement, Bement
Time: 8:00 am - 9:45 am
Breakfast with Santa at Miller Park Zoo | Tickets Required
Location: Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Donuts with Santa
Location: Industrial Donut, Savoy
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Breakfast with Santa!
Location: Harvest Market, Champaign
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Location: Miller Farms Barn, Gifford
Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1
Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1
Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
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