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.
Chambanamoms thanks State Farm Center for presenting this article on where to find Santa.
The critically acclaimed live stage show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical comes to Champaign this winter to entertain for the holidays. Rudolph and the holly jolly cast of characters, including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster — along with the audience — will help Santa save Christmas!
Chambanamoms.com is proud to partner with State Farm Center to offer a special pre-show Holiday Kids Zone. You must be a ticket holder to attend the event and registration is required for this FREE experience. Register now, and get your tickets for Rudolph, too!
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter)
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. If you are specifically looking for meals with Santa, be aware those events usually fill very quickly.
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. 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.
No EventsVisit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center — Reservations Recommended
Visit Santa at Market Place Shopping Center and get ready for the holiday season; 15-minute slots available beginning Dec. 1. Reserve yours online now. Pet photos happen Dec. 4-5 from 4 – 7 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. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Zoom with Santa (Must Register By Dec. 1)
The Champaign Park District has a Zoom channel direct to the big guy himself. You need to register ahead of time (deadline Dec. 1) to participate; registration forms available at any Champaign Park District facility or online. Times are available on Dec. 5, 12, and 19.
Looking for meals with Santa?
Make sure you read the details for each event as almost all require pre-registration to secure your spot and they WILL fill up in advance. What will we include on this list? Any event a short drive from Champaign-Urbana that includes 1) Santa and 2) food. This may be donuts, peanut butter & jelly or a full-out fancy holiday meal.
No EventsLooking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.
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