Welcome Home for the Holidays, Champaign-Urbana
Shopping and eating in Champaign-Urbana can be fun and beneficial for all, not to mention the unique gifts and treats you can find for your loved ones
This year you are invited to shop, dine and play at “home” right here in Champaign-Urbana. If there is one thing that continues to ring true in 2023, it is that local businesses are near and dear to our hearts. We hope to help showcase some of the wonderful Champaign-Urbana area small businesses that have great gift ideas and treats for your holiday needs.
1. Check out the listings below and see how you can shop (and eat) your way around town – and beyond – for everyone on your list.
2. Be sure to check back often as businesses will be updating their information to include special holiday shopping promotions.
3. Sign up for our daily “Home for the Holidays” email to receive daily updates on fun events you can visit around Champaign-Urbana this holiday season.
Time to Sparkle with the Sparkle Squad of Champaign Jewelers.’Tis the season and the Sparkle Squad of Champaign Jewelers is here to make your holiday jewelry & gift wishes come true! They want to help make the gift-giver in your life a hero this holiday season with a touch of sparkle!
For more information: Website or Facebook
Cass Concepts Productions | Penn Station, Arthur, IL
Live professional theatre in Amish Country of Illinois! They have a partnership with Yoder’s Kitchen, so coming to a Theatre show and then enjoying the delicious Amish Buffet is a perfect holiday day trip!
For more information: Website or Facebook
Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique
Looking for a bargain to complete your holiday gift giving list? Stop by the Carle Resale Boutique. The boutique collects and sells gently-used (and sometimes new) treasurers and practical items for the entire family. Bargain prices are available on clothing for adults and children, as well as housewares, books, jewelry, linens, collectibles, antiques and so much more. Proceeds from sales help support the world-class care Carle provides and makes a difference in the lives of patients.
Location: 810 West University, Urbana
For more information: Website
There’s something enchanting about downtown Tuscola during the holiday season — come see for yourself. Find just the right gift for everyone on your list and enjoy a twinkling small-town atmosphere that is nothing short of magical. Shop Small. Shop Local. Shop Tuscola.
Location: Tuscola
For more information: Website or Facebook
Who to shop for when visiting the City of Tuscola: Shimmer and Sheek Boutique is your one-stop shop for trendy tops, shoes, and accessories. Whether you’re tackling your gift list or shopping for the perfect holiday outfit!
Shop till you drop at The Vault Art Gallery! With over 60 local artists you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Calling all antique lovers! Paddy Wagon Antiques is your premier dealers of antiques and primitives. They have two floors of antiques, home décor, and so much more!
The CU Flower House is a unique space in Champaign that houses a flower shop, bakery, private event space, event rentals, locally made gifts, and art and is also a co-op space where other small businesses can operate, sell, and work out of. A. Hunt Design offers everyday floral arrangements, wedding and events florals, sympathy florals as well as flower club subscription services. Hunny Bunny Bakes offers custom cakes and cookies, party treats, cake jars, wedding cakes and cinnamon rolls.
Location: 2006 S. Neil St., Champaign
Who to shop for at The CU Flower House: The CU Flower House has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. They offer flowers, baked goods and many other products from locally-owned businesses. They hope to CU soon, CU!
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Shop locally and globally this holiday season! Featuring handmade accessories, home decor, specialty foods, ornaments and more; Ten Thousand Villages’ nonprofit mission means your holiday shopping will positively impact fairly paid artisans around the world. Ten Thousand Villages is your destination for unique gifts this holiday season.
Location: 105 N. Walnut St., Champaign
Who to shop for at Ten Thousand Villages: From stocking stuffers to wall art, find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list!
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram
The Land Connection envisions community-based food systems in which every farmer has the opportunity to protect our environment by growing food in a sustainable manner and every person has access to local, nutritious foods. TLC provides training and support to farmers, food businesses, and eaters with the goal of growing a stronger, more resilient local food system. You may recognize TLC from the Champaign-Urbana Farmers Markets, which provide our community with year-round access to local food, while also growing the purchasing power of people receiving supplemental nutrition assistance and providing educational programming to help make eating local more convenient and achievable.
Location: Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Who to shop for at The C-U Winter Farmers Market: The C-U Winter Farmers Market at Lincoln Square Mall is a one-stop shop for all of your holiday needs. Need a ham for your holiday meal? The market has several meat vendors offering locally raised meats. Do you have a special someone that you want to purchase a unique gift for? Stop by any of the artisan or craft vendors to check out their pieces, or ask about a custom piece! The vendor lineup changes weekly, so make sure to stop by often and see what is on offer!
Open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon.
Dinosaur World Live! Coming Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 6 p.m
Discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs in this exciting interactive show for the whole family. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex! A special Meet & Greet (incl. with ticket) offers a chance to make a new dinosaur friend. Ages 3 & up.
Location: The Virginia Theatre, Champaign
For more information: Website
Common Ground is here to help make your holiday season easy. Stop in and grab local produce, bulk ingredients, local meats, award winning cheeses, homemade pies from their bakery, unique wines, and so much more! Find artisanal gifts and handmade items for the foodie in your life. They’re open every day from 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Plus, save the date for their next Owner Appreciation Days happening from Wednesday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 12. Enjoy great deals, raffles, and other specials!
Who to shop for at Common Ground: Did you know they offer various cooking classes every month? Each month they offer virtual cooking classes with a meal kit, plus in-person classes! Gift a cooking class to a friend or a loved one! See the full calendar here: https://www.commonground.coop/
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Are you interested in having your business listed in this Holiday Shopping and Eating Guide? We’d love to work with you! Complete this form and we will be in touch.
Looking 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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