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 Willow Creek Farm for presenting this list.

Willow Creek Farm is a rustic chic event venue in Urbana, known for hosting weddings, fundraisers, company parties, family gatherings, and community events in a warm, welcoming setting. This year marks the return of its beloved holiday programming, offering families a chance to reconnect with the magic of the season.

The 2025 lineup includes two Breakfast with Santa mornings and a cozy Storytime with Santa evening. Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, treat decorating, cookies and milk, and meaningful time with Santa inside a beautifully decorated indoor space. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal, creating a relaxed and memorable holiday experience. These events are designed to help families slow down, celebrate together, and make lasting seasonal memories in a festive, joyful setting.

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

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 Events

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. 5. Reserve yours online now. Pet photos happen on select Mondays and Tuesdays.

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. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit Santa at Festival of Trees

In the past, photos with Santa have been available during the Junior League Festival of Trees, this year held on Saturday, November 22 . More info coming soon.

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.