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Where to Find Santa Claus in the Champaign-Urbana Area

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Where families can find Santa this holiday season

 

From parade floats to pancake breakfasts, professional pics and more, we know where kids can find Santa this Christmas around Champaign-Urbana

 

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 children check their wish list before he makes his trip back to the North Pole.

Where to Find Santa Around Champaign-Urbana

Chambanamoms thanks The Lisa Rector Team: Keller Williams Realty, TREC of IL for presenting this list of places to find Santa this holiday season. 

The Lisa Rector Team at Keller Williams Realty and Rector Construction invites your family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Prairieview Landscaping (1069 County Road 900 East) in Champaign! Join them for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids crafts, donuts, hot chocolate, and more! Event info can be found here.

Visit their website or Facebook page today.

Now, let’s find Santa!

Whether Santa is arriving by fire truck, hanging out in a mall, or making a day of it in a cozy local library, we’ve got the scoop on where to get your Santa pics taken.

First things first: we know Santa is EVERYWHERE this holiday season. Be sure to look at our calendar for many events such as Santa breakfasts, parades, and other places where Santa might show up. 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. We look for FREE or low-cost events, some of which require advance registration — probably more than usual this year due to COVID-related guidance. Some of the free events may request an optional donation. Some may take photos, but most are BYOC (a.k.a. bring your own camera).

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

Saturday, November 19, 2022

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 20, 2022

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, December 2, 2022

Light Up Rantoul Christmas Parade

Downtown
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 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 3, 2022

Lunch with Santa on the Train - Tickets Required

Monticello Railway Museum
Time: 10:00 am - 2:15 pm

Santa Meet and Greet

First Baptist Church Tolono
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The American Heritage Girls Troop IL-1956 is hosting a Santa Meet & Greet fundraiser on December 3rd between 3-7pm. Come take pictures with Santa, create a fun Christmas craft, and bring home a special treat courtesy of the AHG troop! Step into a winter wonderland for the perfect photo op…read more…

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Lunch with Santa on the Train - Tickets Required

Monticello Railway Museum
Time: 10:00 am - 2:15 pm

Saturday, December 10, 2022

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. 

Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center – Reservations Recommended

Santa will be at Market Place Shopping Center Dec. 2-21, 2021. Get more info and reserve a time by clicking here. Pet times are Dec. 6, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 13, 4-7 p.m., and Dec. 20, 4-8 p.m.

Visit Santa at Lincoln Square

Visit Santa at Lincoln Square! In the past, you could do photos on your own with a donation or purchase an available package. Saturdays: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18.

Zoom with Santa (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

The Champaign Park District has a Zoom channel direct to the big guy himself. You need to register ahead of time to participate; registration forms available at any Champaign Park District facility or online beginning Nov. 15. Times are available on Dec. 7, 14 and 21.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter.  Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana

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