Where to Find Santa in and around Champaign-Urbana

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.

Friday, December 1, 2023

A Christmas Carol Downtown Event

Downtown Sullivan
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Christmas Traditions downtown Sullivan! Visits with Santa, kids activities, food trucks, shopping carriage rides and more. Lights On Parade starts at 6pm.

Tuscola Christmastown

Tuscola Community Building
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season in Tuscola! Photos with Santa on Friday, 6-8pm

Mahomet Village Christmas

Downtown Mahomet
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa arrives downtown, horse drawn carriage rides, Santa meet & greet, Madrigal performances, food trucks and more!

Santa at the Library

Tolono Public Library
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Santa is coming to the Tolono Public Library to meet with all the children and to take photos!

Santa Night at the Farm

No Bad Days Farm
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa Night at No Bad Days farm in Shelbyville will be Friday evening, Dec. 1, 5 - 8 p.m. Come see Santa & Mrs. Claus, ice carving, and some great local vendors and warm up by the fire with some hot chocolate. Learn more about No Bad Days Farm on…read more…

Wild Lights

Miller Park Zoo
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Miller Park Zoo will host their annual Wild Lights event on two weekends in December. The event will be 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9, featuring kid activities, local vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus and concessions. Guests can also purchase s'more kits for $3. During the first weekend, Bridgestone will…read more…

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Donuts with Santa in Mahomet | Registration Required

Mahomet-Seymour High School
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
🎅Get ready to jingle all the way🎅 ✨Head to the Mahomet-Seymour High School for a morning bursting with magic and holiday spirit. The one and only Santa Claus is on his way, with a bag of donuts and a sleigh full of cheer to share with all you good girls…read more…

Tuscola Christmastown

Tuscola Community Building
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Santa Stop Drive-thru at Douglas County Museum, 8-11am. Parade starts at 11am.

Breakfast With Santa | Registration Deadline 11/27

Mansfield United Methodist Church
Time: 9:00 am
Come eat breakfast with Santa Claus.

Christmas in Homer

Homer Village Hall
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Homer's annual Christmas event including a cookie walk, loads of venders, food trucks and a special visit from Santa!

Cookies with Santa | Registration Required

Dooley Park
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and a chance to get your photo with him too.

Pictures with Santa

Fisher Community Building
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Pictures with Santa + Vendor Fair! WHEN: Saturday, December 2 from 9-11 a.m. WHERE: Fisher Community Building Pictures are FREE in exchange for a donation (canned or paper goods) for the Fisher Area Food Pantry Photos by kDarling Photography The Holiday Parade begins at 5 p.m. at the Fisher Fairgrounds.

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa!! Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23

Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas

Downtown Effingham
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Lighted Christmas parade, live reindeer, visit with Santa, Carriage rides, cookie decorating, Tractor Train Rides and so much more!

Lunch with Santa on the Train | Tickets Required

Monticello Railway Museum
Time: 10:00 am - 2:15 pm
Get tickets for December 2 and 3 for the 2023 Lunch with Santa on the Train at the Wabash Depot in Monticello, Illinois, a holiday favorite with kids of all ages. Enjoy a train ride, an individual visit with Santa, and kid-friendly sack lunch. Coach Class Tickets are $20 per…read more…

Pictures with Santa | Registration Required

Leaders for Life Martial Arts
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Come take pictures with Santa, play with the grinch, and read some stories with queen Anna from Frozen.

Sparkle with Santa

Champaign Jewelers
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Sparkle Squad is here to help spread joy, create cherished memories, and provide families with a unique holiday experience! At this first-ever 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂 event, you and your kiddos will: 📸𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮: A chance for children and families to capture heartwarming moments with Santa himself, set…read more…

Cocoa with a Cop | Registration Deadline 11/30

Y on the Fly
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Y on the Fly presents Cocoa with a Cop. December 2, 11am-1pm Decorate Cookies Photos with Santa Hot Cocoa Free event, but registration is required. Click here to register by 11/30.

Tuscola Christmastown Parade

Tuscola Community Building
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The annual Christmastown Parade will be held on December 2 at 11am! Line up will start at 10:30 am along the pool road at Ervin Park.

2023 Monticello Christmas Parade

Monticello Courthouse Square Historic District
Time: 11:30 am
The parade is in Downtown Monticello on December 2, 2023 stepping off at 11:30 AM. You are invited to participate and help make this a fun event for the entire community. The 2023 parade theme is: "A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON” The parade route will be the same as last year,…read more…

Santa's Station Opening Day

Uptown Station
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Stop in and see Santa this holiday season in Uptown Normal! Santa’s Station is located in the Mark R. Peterson Plaza, between Uptown Station and the Children’s Discovery Museum. While you wait your turn to see Santa, enjoy live music and festivities inside Uptown Station. Visits to Santa’s Station are…read more…

Weldon Village Christmas

Weldon Village Hall
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Weldon for their Annual Weldon Village Christmas!! They will kick off the holiday season with a LIGHTED Christmas Parade!

Cookies with Santa | Registration Required

Dooley Park
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and a chance to get your photo with him too.

Wild Lights

Arthur Country Lighted Christmas Parade

Downtown Arthur
Time: 5:30 pm
An evening Lighted Christmas parade brings Santa to Downtown Arthur at 5:30 p.m.

Village of Tilton Christmas "Night of Lights" Parade

Tilton Fire Station
Time: 6:00 pm
Welcome Santa to Tilton!

Santa's Secret Star

William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Grade: Pre-K to 2 How will Santa find his way home? You, too, can find Santa's secret star in the sky in this holiday show about the winter sky. Learn about the North Star and how the sky changes as we travel northward. Tickets can be purchased in the…read more…

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Lunch with Santa on the Train | Tickets Required

Santa Cares Day: A Sensory-Friendly Santa Event | Reservations Required

Marketplace Mall
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Visit Santa at the Marketplace Mall (Champaign) in a sensory-friendly environment. Celebrate Santa Magic in an inclusive atmosphere. Exclusively for children & families with special needs. Reservations are required for this private photo experience. FREE Click here to book.

Cookies with Santa | Registration Required

Dooley Park
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and a chance to get your photo with him too.

Santa Claus at Anchor Church

Anchor Church
Time: 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
On December 3rd - Santa Claus will be joining Anchor Church before their 5pm service. Come early and take pictures with your kids and Santa in the lobby!

Mansfield Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting

Downtown Mansfield
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mansfield's first lighted parade will take place before the Community Tree Lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec 3rd. Come be a part of history as they start a new tradition in Mansfield! Bring your tractors, golf carts, bikes, small vehicles or even a group of twinkling neighbors or organizations (Scouts, Boosters,…read more…

Monday, December 4, 2023

Pet Photos with Santa | Reservations Recommended

Marketplace Mall
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Reserve a time to have your family's photo taken with Santa at the Marketplace Mall in Champaign... including furry family members! Head to the Marketplace Mall website to get your time now. Make sure to select a time on Dec. 4 or 5 between 4 and 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Pet Photos with Santa | Reservations Recommended

Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Santa wanted to do something extra special this year! So he learned about Zoom and set out to spread some holiday cheer. Registration required to have a time to zoom with Santa.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Santa Claus at Prairie Gardens

Prairie Gardens
Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus will be at Prairie Gardens for FREE Meet & Greets + Photo Taking! Wednesday, December 6th 4:30pm-7pm

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 the downtown stores to find that perfect gift. -- Marvel at the brightly lit downtown streets. -- Visit Santa Claus in the Transfer House. -- Ride the downtown trolley. -- Listen to holiday music…read more…

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Pictures with Santa

Deca Improvements
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Free pictures with Santa at Deca Improvements in Champaign. Thursday December 7, 4:30-6:30pm

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Virginia Theatre
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. You and your family will get to visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautifully-decorated Mezzanine Lobby in this free event. Santa will…read more…

Friday, December 8, 2023

Wild Lights

Rantoul Christmas Parade and Santa's Workshop

Downtown
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Parade staging and route will alter slightly from years past. Santa's workshop and photos with Santa will follow the parade at approximately 6:30 p.m. Watch this space for more information! This fun event is hosted by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce!

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Holly Jolly Kids' Christmas

St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District
Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Pancake breakfast, Santa on a firetruck and The Grinch!

Breakfast with Santa in Rantoul | Registration Deadline 12/4

Rantoul Youth Center
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Register for free breakfast and photo op with Santa!

Donuts with Santa

Industrial Donut
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Santa is coming to Industrial Donut again this year! He will be available for photos between 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 9. The Grinch will pop in at 10:15 a.m. and roam the shop until 11:00 a.m. Follow the Industrial Donut Facebook page for the latest updates!

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa!! Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23

Sensory Friendly Breakfast with Santa | Pre-Registration Required

The City Center
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
You are invited to join the CU Autism Network for their Sensory Friendly Breakfast with Santa. Come have breakfast, meet Santa, crafts and check out Total Spectrum's Sensory table. They will have a silent auction and a kids raffle. All registered children will receive a sensory stocking to take home.…read more…

Sensory Friendly Santa Event | Registration Requested

Tuscola Community Building
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
To sign up for the Sensory Friendly Santa Event Saturday December 9th, please click following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9AC2CA1FBC16-45425294-sensory If anyone is interested in sponsoring or volunteering for this event please email: dcautribe@gmail.com by November 24th.

Bement Christmas Parade

Bement Municipal Hall
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
11 a.m. - Christmas Parade in Bement Breakfast with Santa and Santa visits after the parade will be held in the Village Community Building. Vendors and lunch will be in the Lion's Club building. Tickets will go on sale soon for this year's Breakfast with Santa. Check out their Facebook…read more…

Merry Market

Pueblo Lindo
Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Shop - Have Fun - BE MERRY! Blooming Moon Co. (Online boutique in Mahomet) & Pueblo Lindo (mexican restaurant & event center in Paxton, IL) are excited to host the merry market! The Merry Market will be taking place from 11am-5pm at Pueblo Lindo's Event Center! Entry is Free!…read more…

Santa's Workshop

Douglass Community Center
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Enjoy holiday-themed crafts, music, and a visit from Santa. Guests will enjoy cookies and hot cocoa while hanging out with Santa. Don’t forget to dress in your favorite holiday wear!

Magical Candyland Christmas

Blue Heron Ranch
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
3rd annual Magical Country Christmas at Blue Heron Ranch, Homer! Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the playful side of Country as you enter the barn decked out for the season. Candyland See the life-sized gingerbread house and castle, all adorned with life-sized candies. Visions of sugarplums will dance…read more…

Sensory-Friendly Matinee: Santa's Secret Star

William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Grade: Pre-K to 2 How will Santa find his way home? You, too, can find Santa's secret star in the sky in this holiday show about the winter sky. Learn about the North Star and how the sky changes as we travel northward. Tickets can be purchased in the planetarium…read more…

Wild Lights

Arcola's Santa Parade

Downtown Arcola
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Arcola's Annual Lighted Christmas Parade! The parade will start out heading west downtown Main St, starting at the Library. Expect many lighted displays and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here too! After the parade stay downtown to meet Santa, get your picture taken and enjoy snacks and hot cocoa…read more…

Santa's Secret Star

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Santa at Prairie Gardens

Prairie Gardens
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Santa is coming to Prairie Gardens & he'll be making a magical grand entrance! 10am sharp: Kids will hear the sound of reindeer bells, reindeer hooves on the roof and more as Santa lands at Prairie Gardens. Meet us by the PG Boutique to see Santa arrive. 10:15am-12:00PM: Santa will…read more…

Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required

Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!

Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required

Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!

The Gifford State Bank Christmas Parade

Emord Park
Time: 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Come out to kick off the Christmas season. Live music, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided at The Gifford State Bank beginning at 4:30 p.m. The parade will begin down Main Street at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Saturday, December 16, 2023

St. Joe Santa 5k Run/Walk

Downtown St. Joseph
Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
5th Annual Santa 5k Run/Walk, Saturday, December 16th Santa’s are coming to town for the 6th year in a row! RUNNERS/WALKERS: Watch for registration on their Facebook Event page.

Crisis Nursery's Children's Holiday Shop

Orpheum Theater
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Holiday Shop is designed to allow children to shop for gifts for their families and friends. Volunteers assist children - toddlers through 12 years of age, to buy quality items priced under $10. There’s something for everyone on their list!

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa!! Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23

Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church Champaign | Registration Required

First United Methodist Church of Champaign
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Head to First United Methodist for breakfast and a special visit from Santa! Free event but you should call the church to let them know you are coming.

Brunch with Santa

Peoria Zoo
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Enjoy brunch in the Zambezi River Lodge, a meet and greet with Mr. Claus himself and holiday activities that include cookie decorating and crafts!

Sensory-Friendly Matinee: Santa's Secret Star

Santa's Secret Star

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Meet Santa at the Mistletoe Market

The Venue CU
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership is excited to welcome St. Nick to the Mistletoe Market in downtown Champaign. Santa will take pictures with each visitor (parents/caregivers, bring your cameras!) and every child will receive a candy cane. Kids of all ages are encouraged to have…read more…

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Zoom with Santa | Registration Deadline 12/1

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Meet Santa Claus at The Virginia Theatre

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Community Christmas Party at Synergy HomeCare

Synergy HomeCare
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join Synergy HomeCare for their annual Community Christmas Party. They will have pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts to do, goody bags, plus cookies and a hot cocoa bar for all. This event is intended to be come and go so feel free to come anytime between 4-6p.…read more…

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Santa at Lincoln Square Mall

Lincoln Square Mall
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come visit Santa!! Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23

Visit 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.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Lunch with Santa on the Train | Tickets Required

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

Cookies with Santa | Registration Required

Location: Dooley Park, Downs
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required

Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required

Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Santa Breakfast at First United Methodist Church Champaign | Registration Required

Location: First United Methodist Church of Champaign, Champaign
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Brunch with Santa

Location: Peoria Zoo, Peoria
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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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