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.
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.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Meals – Where to Eat
Take a break this Thanksgiving! We have the list on where you can find complete meals to go that you order ahead of time, as well as a comprehensive list of which restaurants are open for dining on 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.
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.
Christmas Parades a Short Drive from 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. 18-26 this year. 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
Home for the Holidays: Shopping and Eating Locally 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 check out our Home for the Holidays roundup, sharing local shopping and eating specials from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Holiday Food – Where to Pre-order Meals and Treats
Skip the kitchen work this holiday season. Find out where you can order holiday meal and treats ahead of time.
Where to Eat on Christmas Day
Here’s our list of where to eat out (or take-out) on Dec. 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
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.
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.
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.
Meals with Santa around Champaign-Urbana
Seeing Santa is one thing, but the experience of a meal with the big guy himself is one to remember. Many require registration this year; find out where they are and how to sign up ahead of time.
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.
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.
All Upcoming Holiday Season Events
We’ve made it simple for you to scroll what is happening, in upcoming order, near you.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Mansfield Winterfest
Time: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Mansfield
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Holiday Open House
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Gifford
Festival of Trees and Holiday Market
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Gibson City Christmas Parade
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Gibson City
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Gifford
Farmer City Christmas Parade
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Farmer City
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Turkey Trot – Mahomet
Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Mahomet
Urbana Annual Turkey Trot – FREE
Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Urbana
Friday, November 24, 2023
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm – Opening Night
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Christie Clinic Presents Twinkling Lights and Hot Cocoa
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Friday, December 1, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Holiday Showcase Opening Night – Tickets Required
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 2, 2023
Holiday Showcase – Tickets Required
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Make and Take Ornaments
Time: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Mahomet
3D Print Holiday Cheer | Registration Deadline 11/25
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Decatur Christmas Parade
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Decatur
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Location: Champaign
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Holiday Showcase – Tickets Required
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Holiday GLOW
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 4, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location:
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 8, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 9, 2023
Merry Market
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Paxton
Santa’s Workshop – Advance Registration Recommended
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Christmas Lights Parade
Time: 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: St. Joseph
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Holiday in Whoville
Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
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 11, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location:
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Shop
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Cookie Decorating Workshop | Registration Required
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Mahomet
Friday, December 15, 2023
Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Shop
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
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 16, 2023
Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Shop
Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday Delivery Truck build | Advance Registration Recommended
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
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 17, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 18, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location:
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Winter Solstice Celebration | Pre-Registration Required
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Winter Solstice Celebration | Pre-Registration Required
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Urbana
Holiday GLOW
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 22, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 23, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 24, 2023
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 29, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 30, 2023
Holiday GLOW
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 31, 2023
Noon Year’s Eve | Registration Required
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Champaign
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Champaign
Friday, January 5, 2024
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Friday, January 12, 2024
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello
Saturday, January 20, 2024
My First DIY Toolbox | Advance Registration Recommended
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Champaign