The traditional Children’s Holiday Shop won’t happen in Champaign-Urbana this year, but Crisis Nursery recently announced Santa’s Drive-Thru Workshop for its annual holiday event
The Champaign County Fairgrounds event will be FREE and features a photo opportunity with the big guy himself, while you remain in your vehicle
Each year, the Crisis Nursery puts together a special holiday shopping experience for children in the Champaign-Urbana community. They have the opportunity to shop for gifts for their family members on their own in a safe environment with their very own adult shopping partner (a Holiday Shop volunteer).
Due to COVID-19, the Holiday Shop will not be happening this year.
The Crisis Nursery announced that it has planned a new FREE, holiday experience Dec. 11-13 that will be available to the whole community and spread some holiday cheer while following appropriate precautions.
Held at the Champaign County Fairgrounds, event visitors will enter the drive-thru experience and keep their eyes open for special “golden tickets” hidden throughout the drive.
They will even have the chance to snap a picture with Santa if desired, while remaining in their vehicles, and can visit the Crisis Nursery giving tree.
Times are 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 12; and 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 13. Follow along with updates from the Crisis Nursery related to this event on Facebook.
Event organizers hope to spread an abundance of holiday cheer during a year with many traditions and festive favorites adjusting their plans to be responsive to event restrictions currently in place during the pandemic.
The Crisis Nursery Holiday Shop has been a Champaign-Urbana holiday tradition for many years, giving children a safe place to do holiday shopping for everyone on their list. Children shop with the help of a community volunteer so their gifts are a surprise for family and friends.
(Editor’s note: As we have seen time and time again throughout 2020, we know many Champaign-Urbana businesses and organizations are working hard to respond to the circumstances we’re facing today in planning for different family-friendly holiday experiences. We will be sharing other events related to the winter holidays as we find out about them for you to mark on your calendars.)
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