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Where to Find Santa in the Champaign-Urbana Area

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Where families can find Santa this holiday season

 

Drive-thru events, encounters with treats, and opportunities to get that special photo: we know where kids can find Santa this Christmas

There are a number of things that are different about this year but we can count on one thing when it comes to the holiday season… 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 child check their wish list, then pay a visit to the jolly man before he travels back to the North Pole.

Even if your Santa encounter looks different this year, we’re still excited to witness these special, magical moments. 2020 Santa is up for the challenge!

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Now, let’s find Santa!

Whether Santa is waving to families driving by in their vehicles, hanging out somewhere from a safe social distance, or making a day of it in some creative fashion, we’ve got the scoop for where to find Santa throughout Champaign-Urbana this holiday season.

We know Santa is going to be popping in all over the place this holiday season. Be sure to look at our calendar for a full list of events where Santa might show up… we don’t always know ahead of time. Always have your camera (or smartphone) charged and ready!

This list contains events where we are *pretty sure* Santa will be camera-ready and waiting for your little elves, and contains FREE or low-cost events *without* registration. Some may be free; some may be by donations. For 2020, we expect all of these to be “bring your own camera” style and also “catch him as he passes by” style.

Know of a Santa photo op not on our list?  Please submit it here.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Pixels by Emily Magical Santa Experience


Time: All Day
Check out Pixels by Emily's authentic Magical Santa Experience for children. It is like nothing you have ever seen. These sessions take place on October 16/17 and November 13/14. They merge a fully interactive experience with Santa himself for 45 minutes and iconic Norman Rockwell style Christmas portraits. The sounds…read more…

Saturday, November 20, 2021

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.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

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 - 3:30 pm
One of the largest Christmas parades in central Illinois with marching bands, holiday floats, Shriners, antique cars and tractors, and much more!

Friday, November 26, 2021

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Elf and The Polar Express

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Hot chocolate and holiday movie night is happening at Harvest Moon! Two Christmas movies to choose from and their Lighted Lane with thousands of Christmas lights decorating their entrance area, Snack Bar will be open for hot chocolate, popcorn and more. Photos with Santa and the Grinch, too!

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Visits with Santa at Big Grove Tavern

Big Grove
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Santa's coming to town early this year! Your little ones will get a chance to meet with the big guy early this year when Santa visits Downtown Champaign during the Parade of Lights on Nov. 27. Come visit by the fire at Big Grove Tavern while eating cookies and snapping…read more…

Hot Chocolate and Holiday Movie Weekend - Elf and The Polar Express

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Hot chocolate and holiday movie night is happening at Harvest Moon! Two Christmas movies to choose from and their Lighted Lane with thousands of Christmas lights decorating their entrance area, Snack Bar will be open for hot chocolate, popcorn and more. Photos with Santa and the Grinch, too!

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk

Central Park
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring the family to downtown Decatur for a festive evening of shopping and merrymaking. -- Shop in your favorite downtown stores. -- Marvel at the brightly lit downtown streets. -- Visit Santa Claus in the Transfer House. -- Ride the downtown trolley. -- Enjoy live holiday entertainment. -- Grab some…read more…

Friday, December 3, 2021

Light Up Rantoul Christmas Parade

Downtown
Time: 5:15 pm - 8:00 pm
This lighted parade begins at 6pm and has activities following the parade, like crafts, visits and pictures with Santa and more. The parade will begin on Chanute, turn left onto Sangamon Ave, and continue into Downtown Rantoul. It will end in the old Roger's parking lot, located off of Kentucky Ave. 

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Arcola's Santa Parade

Downtown Arcola
Time: All Day
Head to downtown Arcola and see the parade featuring Old Saint Nick. Let Santa know what you’d like for Christmas after the parade. More details (including time) coming soon! Parade time was 2 p.m. in 2019.  

Cookies with Santa - Pre-registration required

Curtis Orchard
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Make lasting memories at the Curtis Orchard Cookies with Santa event! The first Saturday in December, you can look forward to the following: Personalized keepsake ornament Meeting Santa Professional photographs (additional fee) Cookie decorating Letter to Santa printable $10 each child – (under 12 months – free).  Must book your…read more…

2021 Monticello Chamber Christmas Parade

Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District
Time: 11:30 am
The Monticello Chamber Christmas Parade will be on December 4, 2021, and stepping off at 11:30 AM. Come see Santa come to town! This year's theme is "A Hometown Christmas." The parade route will be the same as last year, north on Hamilton to Center, west on Center to State,…read more…

Friday, December 10, 2021

Gibson City Christmas Celebration - Drive Through Illuminated Christmas Festival

Gibson City
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Gibson City has moved from a traditional parade to an illuminated drive-through Christmas festival (including floats) at North Park and activities downtown. Downtown Gibson City is full of Christmas fun. Lights, music, floats, Santa and more!

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Gibson City Christmas Celebration

Gibson City
Time: All Day
Gibson City has moved from a traditional parade to an illuminated drive-through Christmas festival (including floats) at North Park and activities downtown. Downtown Gibson City is full of Christmas fun. Lights, music, floats, Santa and more!

Pizza and Pajamas with Santa - Registration required

Douglass Community Center
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Enjoy holiday-themed crafts, music, and a visit from Santa. Guests will enjoy pizza, cookies, and a drink while hanging out with Santa. Don’t forget to dress in your favorite holiday jammies! All participants (children and parents/guardians) must register.  $8/resident, $12/non-resident

Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

Santa will be at Market Place Shopping Center near Dick’s Sporting Goods this Christmas, from November 27 – December 23, 2020. Face coverings for both you and Santa may be required during your contactless visit based on current state regulations. Get more info and reserve a time by clicking here.

Zoom with Santa (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

The Champaign Park District has a Zoom channel direct to the big guy himself. Unfortunately, all available timeslots were reserved on Nov. 16 (the same day that reservations opened!). Check here just in case more timeslots are made available.

Looking for all kinds of info for the 2020 holiday season in Champaign-Urbana?

Click here for everything related to the winter holiday season in and around Champaign-Urbana