Finding free things to do in December is never a difficult task, especially in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities!
From truly unique Christmas shows (chemistry holiday show, anyone?) to parades, and visits with Santa popping up at many of our favorite local gems, you can take your kids to a special Christmas experience nearly every day! However, December tends to be the month where families spend the most money of the entire year on gifts, travel, special holiday wear and more.
Knowing that you may wish to save where you can, we thought we’d put together a list of 30 great FREE activities you can visit as a family this month!
A full list of ALL the great events happening throughout the month is available on our event calendar, including even more FREE and holiday-themed events.
Note: Many of these events happen one or more times this month; however, they are only listed once in the list below. Click on the event details to see if it mentions being offered multiple times or check our event calendar to find more occurrences.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Breakfast with Santa! Hosted by the Rector Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Community Room –
2441 Village Green Pl, Champaign
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Hosted by the Rector Real Estate Team. Chelsea Grace Photography will be available for free family portraits with Santa! Saturday, Dec. 1 at Keller Williams Office, Champaign.
Make and Take Ornaments
Mahomet Public Library –
1702 E Oak Street, Mahomet
Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for one of our most popular annual programs! We'll have five different ornament designs with varying levels of difficulty. Make just one or try all five! For all ages.
To Grandmother's House We Go!
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve –
950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Visitors can make, wrap, and take home presents and decorations for their families and friends, including popcorn garland, chromolithograph ornaments, and more! We will also feature period-authentic carolers performing songs from the nineteenth century!
Christmas Concert at St. John's Catholic Newman Center - FREE
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center –
604 E Armory, Champaign
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join the choirs of St. John's Catholic Newman Center to celebrate Advent and the Christmas season with a joyful concert! The concert begins at 7:30 Saturday, December 1 in the Main Chapel at Sixth & Armory. FREE. Location: St John's Catholic Newman Center 604 E Newman, Champaign
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Mahomet Village Christmas Sunday - FREE Carriage Rides 12-2
Downtown Mahomet –
Main Street, Mahomet
Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Mahomet Village Christmas happens all weekend long, from Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2. Full schedule and details available on their Facebook event. More information: https://mahometchamberofcommerce.com/events-programs/village-christmas/# All weekend – Coat & Mitten drive and Toys for Tots drop off @ Trolley parked on Main Street Courtesy of Yo-Yo’s – Horse…read more…
"Carols and Cheers" Concert - Parkland Chamber Singers and Wind Ensemble - FREE
Harold & Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College –
2400 W Bradley Ave., Champaign
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Parkland Chamber Singers and Parkland Wind Ensemble will hold their "Carols and Cheer" joint concert in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. This is free and open to the public! Selections by the Parkland Chamber Singers will include "The World…read more…
Clark Park Tree Lighting
Clark Park –
Daniels St and McKinley Ave, Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for caroling, trolley rides around the park, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the tree at this small neighborhood event!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Center for Children's Books Galley Winter Giveaway
Center for Children’s Books, Room 24 The Graduate School of Library & Information Science –
501 East Daniel Street , Champaign
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Stop by iSchool Room 24 (The Center for Children's Books) for FREE pre-publication copies of children's, middle grade, and young adult books. Come early for the best selection! Questions? Email us at ccb@illinois.edu or visit our website at http://ccb.ischool.illinois.edu/. Location: Center for Children's Books, Room 24 The Graduate School of Library & Information…read more…
Hour of Code at Illinois Computer Science - FREE
Siebel Center for Computer Science, UIUC –
201 North Goodwin Ave., Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
In conjunction with Computer Science Education Week, and Hour of Code, Illinois Computer Science hosts an Hour of Code that is open to the public and a great outing for the whole family. We use Code.org as the guided curriculum, and support is available from several Illinois students, faculty, staff, and volunteers.…read more…
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Santa Visits at the Virginia Theatre
Virginia Theatre –
203 W Park Avenue, Champaign
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Visit Santa in December at the Virginia Theatre at 203 W. Park St. in Downtown. The jolly man will be there from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 5; Tuesday, Dec. 11; and Wednesday, Dec. 19. FREE
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Attach Student Art Show
Urbana Civic Center –
108 E. Water Street, Champaign
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join Central, Centennial, and Urbana art students for a showing of artworks inspired by works from the Krannert Art Museum.
Friday, December 7, 2018
First Fridays Puppet Show: Punch & Judy's Christmas
Urbana Free Library –
210 W. Green Street, Urbana
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Anne Newman returns with her magical puppets and captivating storytelling for this special First Fridays event. Come see a performance of the holiday favorite, Punch & Judy’s Christmas! For all ages. The Library will be open until 8:00 p.m. for this Imbibe Urbana event. Location: Urbana Free Library 210 W…read more…
Pajama Storytime and Activities Featuring The Polar Express
Barnes and Noble –
65 E. Marketview Drive, Champaign
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Head to Barnes & Noble for this beloved Christmas story featuring a young boy who is welcomed aboard on a magical trip to the North Pole where he gets to make his Christmas wish. Get free hot chocolate and a cookie from the Café, and don't forget to wear your favorite cozy pajamas.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
A Magical Day with Santa & Friends!
Dallas & Company –
101 E University Ave, Champaign
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit with Santa & his friends-Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph & Santa’s favorite Elf! Enjoy holiday carnival games and all children will receive a stocking filled with Christmas goodies from Santa himself! FREE. Happens Dec 8 and 15, 10am-6pm.
Free Sled Hockey Game and Demonstration
University of Illinois Ice Arena –
406 E. Armory, Champaign
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
This is a family friendly event and is entirely FREE! Come to the U of I Ice Arena for a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St Louis Blues sled hockey teams. Following the game, you are invited to try out the sleds yourself- please brings mitten or gloves…read more…
Teddy Bear Holiday Tea Party
Allerton Public Library –
201 N State Street, Monticello
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Kids of all ages can bring their teddy bear or other stuffed animal in for a tea party and holiday storytime with Mrs. Claus. Please register both Adults and Children who will be attending. Maximum of 6 participants per Registered Name. Please register for additional "tickets" if you have more than…read more…
Homer for the Holidays
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve2 –
2573 S. Homer Lake Road, Homer
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 2-4 p.m. There’s no place like Homer for the holidays! Join us at Homer Lake for our natural approach to creating unique holiday gifts. Stations will be set up for children to make and take home presents and decorations for their families and…read more…
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Parkland Concert Band & Orchestra - Home for the Holidays
Harold & Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College –
2400 W Bradley Ave., Champaign
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Parkland College's concert band and orchestra will perform a joint winter concert titled "Home Again for the Holidays." Their concert will be held Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. in Parkland’s Harold and Jean Miner Theatre; this event is free and open to the public. The Parkland Concert Band, directed by Larry Stoner, will perform "Alleluia! Laudamus Te" by Alfred Reed, "Sleigh Ride"…read more…
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
UIUC Oratorio Society Winter Concert
McKinley Presbyterian Church –
809 S 5th St, Champaign
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Oratorio Society of the University of Illinois presents their winter concert featuring works by Michael Haydn, Ottorino Respighi, and Benjamin Britten on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church. Conducted by Dr. Andrew Megill, Jon Arnold, Kirsten Hedegaard, and Mark Woodcock, the works will feature the choir alongside…read more…
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Holiday Magic Chemistry Show
100 Noyes Laboratory 505 S. Mathews St. Urbana, IL 61801 –
505 S. Mathews St., Urbana
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Holiday magic show reveals the science behind the 'magic' of chemistry A "snowman" is ignited while two people juggle flaming "snowballs". A silver mirror appears inside a large glass flask. Is it magic, or is it chemistry? It's ... chemistry! If you want to see why, don't miss the Holiday…read more…
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Breakfast with Santa in Rantoul
Rantoul Youth Center –
1306 Country Club Ln, Rantoul
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
No need to RSVP, all families in the community are welcome. Make sure to bring your camera, you won't want to miss an opportunity to get pictures with Santa.
A Magical Day with Santa & Friends!
Dallas & Company –
101 E University Ave, Champaign
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit with Santa & his friends-Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph & Santa’s favorite Elf! Enjoy holiday carnival games and all children will receive a stocking filled with Christmas goodies from Santa himself! FREE. Happens Dec 8 and 15, 10am-6pm.
FREE Movie: The Polar Express
Princess Theater –
300 E. Center St., LeRoy
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. These movies include free admission but do not include free concessions. FREE at the Princess Theater in LeRoy. More: https://www.chambanamoms.com/2013/11/12/best-kept-secret-the-princess-theater/
FREE Elks National Hoop Shoot
Brookens Gym –
1776 Washington, Pod 400 , Urbana
Time: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Join our FREE free throw contest! Ages 8-13 | Register at www.urbanaparks.org/register/ The Elks National Hoop Shoot is a free throw contest for youth age 8-13. Whoever makes the most baskets out of 25 attempts wins. The age groups are 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 with separate divisions for boys and girls.…read more…
Clothespin Puppets Holiday Show
Champaign Public Library –
200 W. Green Street, Champaign
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
The Picture Book Show is a fast-paced mix of holiday stories, puppets, and audience participation. Stories are lovingly adapted from favorite holiday picture books, including Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood. For kids and their families.
Illinois Chamber Music Academy Fall 2018 Performance
U of I School of Music- Music Building Auditorium –
1114 W. Nevada Street, Urbana
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Established in the fall of 2011 by U of I professor Dr. Julie Gunn, the Illinois Chamber Music Academy is a college-preparatory chamber music program for advanced pianists and string players. The program is open to wind and brass players as well, with acceptance dependent upon the feasibility of appropriate chamber…read more…
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Illini Volleyball Season Celebration
Huff Hall –
1206 S 4th St, Champaign
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
A celebration of the amazing season for the Illini volleyball program. Free and open to the public.
Santa's House
Farmer City –
Farmer City Down Town, Farmer City
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
See Santa on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 1 -3 p.m. before he goes back to the North Pole. FREE.
Spurlock Sundays: Ice and Snow
Spurlock Museum –
600 S Gregory St, Urbana
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
This fall, we’re exploring connections between nature and culture with four month-long series of programs on water, trees, rocks and minerals, and ice and snow. We’ll look at the ways different cultures have used natural resources, explained natural phenomena, and found inspiration in the world around them. Examine artifacts, hear…read more…
UFLive! presents Carl Johnson and the New Orleans Jazz Machine
Urbana Free Library –
210 W. Green Street, Urbana
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Escape the winter blues with the annual holiday concert with the amazing local Dixieland sextet, the New Orleans Jazz Machine, led by Carl Johnson on clarinet. Your spirits will be lifted and your toes will be tapping as you listen to NOJM's swinging New Orleans-style jazz. UFLive! concerts are scheduled on the third Sunday…read more…
Indoor Playdate at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center –
102 E. Michigan , Urbana
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Come celebrate our second indoor playdate of the season with us at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center. This FREE family event will allow us to share time swimming, playing, and slip-sliding into the holiday season. Back by popular demand, Jet's Pizza will be on site for purchase by the slice. A…read more…
Friday, December 21, 2018
LEGO time at Biggby
Biggby Coffee –
401 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us at Biggby (on Mattis) for some fun with LEGOs! We put out LEGOs and participating children will receive the choice of either a FREE magic milk or hot chocolate! Parents that join in the fun are given the choice or hot tea or hot coffee! Every Friday come…read more…
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Santa, Cookies, and Crafts at the Library
Willow Branch Township Library –
330 North Eldon St, Cisco
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Head to Willow Branch Township Library in Cisco and enjoy a visit with Santa. Cookies and a few craft options will make the morning a fun event for the whole family.
Light Up McFerren Park
McFerren Park –
S. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston
Time: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Come drive the mile long loop at McFerren Park and experience an unforgettable light display. Tens of thousands of lights and dozens of displays will guarantee a night you won’t soon forget. FREE. McFerren Park is in Hoopeston.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Movie Matinee at Rantoul Public Library
Rantoul Public Library –
106 W. Flessner, Rantoul
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Getting bored with Christmas Vacation? Join us for a Movie Matinee at Rantoul Public Library. This animated Action/Adventure movie takes place in NINJAGO City, where the battle calls to action young Master Builder Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, also secret ninja warriors. Led by Master Wu,…read more…
Monday, December 31, 2018
Party Like It's 1900 New Year's Eve Noon Day Celebration
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve3 –
950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the New Year on Jan 1st? Why do we make resolutions? And just what is the story behind Baby New Year and Father Time? These and other questions will be answered as we make snacks, design crafts to celebrate the New Year, while…read more…
Noon Year's Eve
Urbana Free Library –
210 W. Green Street, Urbana
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Don't want to stay up until midnight? Come to count down to Noon Year's Eve! The Urbana Free Library will have crafts and snack and countdown to noon! For children and their families. Location Urbana Free Library 210 W Green, Urbana
Know a great FREE event you’d like to share with us? Take a moment and submit your event to our event calendar!
Want more info on Champaign-Urbana holiday fun for your family? Sign up for our Ho Ho Holidays email newsletter, and you’ll get 24 days of holiday info in your inbox, starting Dec. 1.
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