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You are here: Home / Business / Champaign-Urbana Weekend Planner – Happy Thanksgiving

Champaign-Urbana Weekend Planner – Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 2025 By From The Editors

Holiday season is off and running and this weekend may have more holiday-themed events than we have ever seen in one weekend in Champaign-Urbana (but just wait until next weekend)

 

Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

Happy Thanksgiving! Looking for things to do in Champaign-Urbana this week… check out this Thanksgiving break post for 25+ ideas. Still don’t have plans for food the day of Thanksgiving? We have a list of places you can head out to eat, too.

We were blown away when we saw all the places jolly old Santa Claus was going to be showing up this weekend! Not just that, but parades, lights around C-U and literally everything holiday-themed is happening in Champaign-Urbana this weekend. Choose wisely and pick whatever fits your budget and preferences.


Chambanamoms thanks Countryside School for presenting this weekend’s planner. 

Countryside School

Join Countryside for these virtual information meetings:

  • Elementary Admissions Webinar (entering grades K-5)
    Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m.
  • Middle School Admissions Webinar (entering grades 6-8)
    Tuesday, January 27 at 7 p.m.

Virtually visit their classrooms, hear from faculty (and students at the Middle School night), learn about how to apply & about financial aid, and submit questions.

For more information and to register in advance: https://www.countrysideschool.org/webinar

Countryside School is the area’s first and only ISACS-accredited, independent, K-8th grade school. They offer an accelerated, hands-on curriculum – including world languages (Spanish, Chinese, and Latin), visual and performing arts, and music. Their mission is simple: “Joy in Learning, Excellence in Education.” They are non-profit, and they offer financial aid.

For more information, visit: www.countrysideschool.org.

If you cannot attend a webinar, call Larry Simmons, the Director of Admissions, for your personal in-person tour at 217.355.1253.


A few events to check out this weekend

Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.

Friday, November 28, 2025

University of Illinois Ice Arena Turkey Skate
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
UI Ice Arena

Night Lights
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve

Winter Nights at Prairie Farm - Opening Night
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prairie Farm

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Champaign WinterFest
Time: 10:00 am - 7:30 pm
Downtown Champaign

Mistletoe Market
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Orpheum Theater

Champaign Center Parade of Lights - CANCELED
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Downtown Champaign

Sunday, November 30, 2025

German Christmas Market
Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Riggs Beer Company

Music at the Library: MSHS Madrigals
Time: 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Mahomet Public Library

The Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana present: Messiah Sing-Along
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church at Savoy

Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event. 


Featured Event – United Way & Christie Clinic Presents Twinkling Lights and Hot Cocoa

Sunday, November 30, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a special evening of lights, family-friendly fun, and free cocoa at Prairie Farm (2202 W. Kirby Ave, Champaign) on November 30 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Prairie Farm will be lighting up the farm this holiday season and we are so excited to be a part of the fun again!

Grab your mittens, warm coats, and hats and join us on a stroll through the twinkling lights. Enjoy photo opportunities, free cocoa, swag, and more at this event that is sure to be fun for all ages.

Hot cocoa will be free for all ages at this event!

A special thank you to our friends at Christie Clinic and United Way of Champaign County for sponsoring this event. We would also like to thank our friends at the Champaign Park District for hosting us.

For more information: Facebook

Twinkling Lights and Cocoa 2025


OpenCase

This Black Friday, give yourself (or someone else) the gift of convenience. OpenCase keeps your iPhone and MagSafe accessories from slipping or sliding around. Plus, it’s thinner and lighter too. Shop now and save on the ultimate everyday upgrade at theopencase.com.

For more information: Website or Instagram


Carle

For more information: Website


Shop Local this Holiday Season

This year, you are invited to shop, play and dine right here in Champaign-Urbana. When you support our sponsors, you are supporting our small business, too!

This season, we will showcase some of the wonderful Champaign-Urbana area small businesses that have great gift ideas and treats for your holiday needs. Click on each image to learn more about our partners!

Shop Local Winter Market

Shop Local Mistletoe Market

Shop Local Champaign Jewelers

Dandy Hound

flowerhouse holidays

 


Filed Under: Business, Educational Fun, Fall Activities, Halloween, Holidays, Indoor Fun, Outdoor Fun, Winter Activities Tagged With: champaign, families, family fun, summer fun, urbana

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