Santa is making multiple appearances in Chambana this weekend. Credit: Matti Mattila, Flick
This is the weekend to get your holiday groove on. We have some cost-effective ways (read: free) to get you in the mood. And if you’re not feeling festive, there’s something for everyone. In this issue: Parade of Lights; LEGO tournament; To Grandmother’s House We Go; Winter Lights Festival.
What: Parade of Lights
Where: Downtown Champaign; parade begins on Main Street (see web site for map)
When: Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: All Ages
Why You Should Go: This parade features floats covered in lights. There will be lots of music — and free hot chocolate! And there will be a special visit from a man in a big red suit. At the parade’s conclusion, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony in front of One Main.
What: University of Illinois Regional LEGO Tournament
Where: Illini Union Ballroom, Urbana
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: All Ages
Why You Should Go: If a Nobel Prize laureate is a part of the opening ceremonies, you know it will be cool. The public is invited as teams of kids ages 9-14 compete in FIRST LEGO League’s Regional Tournament. FLL is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology.
What: To Grandmother’s House We Go
When: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Saturday, December 5th 2009
Where: Early American Museum, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, Mahomet
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: Something for everyone
Why You Should Go: Your kids will love making Christmas tree ornaments or presents for family members. There will have a puppet show and singing of a carol or two.
What: Winter Lights Festival
Where: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana; Lobby
When: Sunday, Dec. 6; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: All Ages
Why You Should Go: This celebration of winter is inclusive of many different cultures and traditions from all over the world. Live music, food, crafts and more.
For more fun things to do this weekend, visit our Events Calendar. Where is your family headed?
Related posts:
Polar Express in Monticello! Tickets are sold out for this year but we’ve gone twice now and it is fabulous.
Santa Saturday at Andrae’s Harley-Davidson (Urbana) on Saturday, 11 am -1 pm. Santa will arrive on a Harley (weather dependent) and then kids can get their picture with him in the sidecar. Website says that gift bags will be handed out too.