Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Shows, Concerts, Performances and More

The holiday season is full of great Christmas shows, concerts, and performances of all kinds

If you’re looking for a festive outing for your family this season, we have options throughout Champaign-Urbana

If you are looking for Champaign-Urbana Christmas shows, concerts, movies and holiday performances, you’re in luck. There are many Christmas performances around Champaign, Urbana, Monticello, and other locations this November and December. These holiday events — plays, musicals, concerts, and of course the ballet — range from single performance shows to those that run through the whole holiday season.

Chambanamoms thanks Champaign Urbana Ballet for presenting this guide.

The holiday magic returns with Champaign Urbana Ballet’s beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 4-7 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Nutcracker regulars and first-timers alike can ring in the holiday season with this joyous tradition featuring intricate stagecraft with expertly designed and locally inspired scenery, beautifully hand-crafted costumes, and, as always, the artistry and athleticism of CU Ballet’s extraordinary dancers.

This time-honored community tradition is a time for making memories in anticipation for the most beautiful season of the year. From the opening notes of the overture, to Clara’s farewell to her Nutcracker Prince, CU Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is an experience you’ll treasure.

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Holiday Shows, Performances, Concerts and more

The following list includes family-friendly shows with tickets generally $15 or less — and in some cases, free! Check back as more events will be added.

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Date/Time	Event
11/29/2025 1:00 pm	Elf (2003) at Virginia Theatre, Champaign IL
11/29/2025 7:30 pm	Elf (2003) at Virginia Theatre, Champaign IL

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Date/Time	Event
11/30/2025 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	The Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana present: Messiah Sing-Along at First Baptist Church at Savoy, Savoy IL

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Date/Time	Event
12/06/2025 1:00 pm	It's a Wonderful Life (1946) at Virginia Theatre, Champaign IL
12/06/2025 7:00 pm	It's a Wonderful Life (1946) at Virginia Theatre, Champaign IL

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Date/Time	Event
12/07/2025 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Holiday in Whoville at Virginia Theatre, Champaign IL
12/07/2025 5:00 pm	All-Choir Carol Concert at Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall, Urbana IL

The following shows are higher-cost ticket items. For family friendliness, be sure to look at the info to make the decision for your family.

The Champaign Urbana Ballet presents an annual tradition, The Nutcracker, at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 4-7. Hoffman’s timeless tale — complete with enchanted toys, a princely hero, and fanciful figures — comes to life in this showcase of community talent. This holiday tradition sparkles with exquisitely handcrafted costumes and magical moments. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets on sale through Krannert Center; prices are $19 for kids 12 and under and $48 for a standard ticket.
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones are coming to the historic Virginia Theatre on Dec. 1. This winter, they bring you Jingle All the Way, a reunion tour featuring the group’s beloved tunes – along with reinvented, jazz-infused holiday classics from their GRAMMY-winning album by the same name. Buy tickets here.
A Magical Cirque Christmas is coming to Champaign this December. Bursting with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic, this high-flying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. Perfect for the whole family! Buy tickets for the Dec. 10 show now.
Sinfonia da Camera presents a festive concert at the Virginia Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 13. In residence at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, this professional chamber orchestra is led by world-renowned pianist, conductor, and educator Maestro Ian Hobson. Buy tickets now.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is coming to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Nov. 29. Get tickets now. More BCPA performances during the holiday season include The Pantagraph’s Holiday Spectacular, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas and Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis Christmas.
Head out to Kirkland Fine Arts Center in Decatur for the earliest Nutcracker around on Sunday, Nov. 2. Then, return in December for Vespers on Dec. 6 and 7 and enjoy over 200 musicians in a joyous musical feast of choral selections including classical, choral modern, gospel and traditional songs. Limited seating is available, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale Nov. 4.
Good Tidings! is this year’s holiday concert from the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, at Krannert on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. CUSO is joined by the University of Illinois Meredith Chamber Singers and UI Oratorio Society to perform the Gloria of Francis Poulenc, a spectacular work for large chorus and full orchestra. The angelic voices of the Central Illinois Youth Chorus will be featured in music by John Williams from the film Home Alone. Uplifting songs of the season, a visit from Santa, and a sing-along of carols are sure to make spirits bright. Tickets available here.

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